The Florida High School Athletic Association denied Brandon's appeal of a $250 fine and a two-year administrative probation, the latest decision in an investigation that began with recruiting charges in December.
At an FHSAA sectional committee meeting in Bartow on Thursday, Brandon administrators were given 20-minute window to appeal the fine and probation, which the school received April 1. The committee turned down the appeal but did not cite a specific FHSAA rule violation, Brandon athletic director Sonny Hester said.
"They basically told us to go to the source, which is (FHSAA compliance officer) Dan Boyd," who was not at Thursday's meeting, Hester said. Hester said Brandon administrators have not decided if they will make a final appeal by next Thursday's deadline.
The investigation began when a parent filed a complaint accusing Brandon basketball coach Mark Hermann of recruiting. The FHSAA did not find Brandon guilty of recruiting but penalized the school for a special assignment indiscretion.
The fine and probation was for not seeking approval from the FHSAA for the athletic participation of five basketball players who lived outside of the school's district. Generally, student athletes need approval from the Hillsborough County School Board to attend schools outside of their districts, but do not require approval from the FHSAA.
"We were fully compliant with our school district's policy in regards to these students' eligibility," Hester said. "Can you imagine if we had to have each student who applies for special assignment list their camp history?"
