CLINTON — Citing a lack of institutional control and otherviolations, the Mississippi High School Activities Association hasfined Prentiss High School $5,000. In a Notice of Penalty, datedOct. 4, 2004, the MHSAA noted improper inducements offered to astudent athlete who transferred from Lawrence County to Prentisslast summer.

The MHSAA’s Executive Committee noted that Prentiss High School”is in complete disarray at this time.” The student athlete wasgiven inducements to attend Prentiss High School to play football.Because the student athlete never played in a game for Prentiss,none of the games would be forfeited.

The committee determined that free or reduced rent was offeredto the parents of the student athlete. The mother would pay $200 ofthe $400 total rent.

Noting page 7 of the MHSAA Handbook, Article X-Responsibility,”The school administration has a responsibility to educate studentathletes, coaches and other appropriate persons on stateassociation legislation that could affect them.”

Discrepancies in eligibility, physical exams, residencyrequirements, and a lack of permission slips signed by parents ofplayers were discovered by the committee which stated, “Theprincipal of the school is the athletic director and does notappear to carry out his duties.”

The committee recommended that because of these violations, thatPrentiss High School, the principal, the head football coach, theassistant football coaches and any others involved, be dealt withby the Superintendent and the Jefferson Davis County SchoolBoard.