The Friday call that resulted in the ejection of the Dysart High School football player was overruled Tuesday morning by an appeals committee of the Arizona Interscholastic Association.

The player will be allowed to participate in the first round Division IV state playoff game against Snowflake. Below is the statement the AIA just released. 

STATEMENT AND APPEAL DECISION REGARDING DYSART PLAYER

PHOENIX, AZ (Nov. 3, 2015) – After review of the video and meeting with the school, player and his family, the call that resulted in the ejection of the Dysart High School player on 10/30/2015 has been overruled.

After receiving an earlier penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and several verbal warnings from the officials for taunting the opposing team, the player was called for violating the excessive celebration rule (AIA, Rule 9.5.1.A & C Penalty – The second unsportsmanlike foul results in disqualification).  

“Within the context of the game, we understand the mindset of the officials. It was a cumulative effect and the student-players gesture precipitated an additional flag for what they perceived as taunting, not as a faith gesture,” said Gary Whelchel, State Commissioner of Officials.

However, after reviewing the entire game video and meeting with the student-player, the Appeal Committee has decided to give the student the benefit of the doubt and overturn the call. The Committee stated that they did not find that specific action met the “excessive” or “prolonged” rule. This decision, negates the ejection and will allow the Dysart player eligibility to participate in upcoming games and tournaments. 

About the Arizona Interscholastic Association:

The AIA, is voluntary association of public and private Arizona high schools. Since 1913, the organization has created and sustained interscholastic activities that encourage maximum student participation by providing AIA member schools with an even playing field to ensure fair and equitable competition.  The AIA believes that providing interscholastic activities for Arizona high school students creates personal development opportunities with a balanced focus on academics and extracurricular activities. 

Through its 272 member schools, the AIA reaches more than 100,000 participants in high school activity programs.  The organization hosts 5,000 championship contests and maintains officiating for more than 45,000 regular season games.   For more information, visit www.aiaonline.org and http://www.azpreps365.com

AIA Media Contact: Brian Bolitho; Director of Business Media; bbolitho@aiaonline.org; 602-385-3822