CASE: Financial Hardship

June, 1997 - Commissioner's Casebook

(O.C. Art I, Sec 5, 1.1.2, 1.1.6)
A student athlete was attending a weekend college program and working at the same time. His work commitments caused him to miss so many classes that he was forced to withdraw from school. He was returning to school in the second semester and wished to participate with his athletic team again.

RULING: 

The student was on the roster of the team and did participate in the first semester. By withdrawing from college he is deemed to have not established academic credibility and thus is ineligible to participate.

This decision was appealed on the basis of financial hardship. The appeal was denied and it was suggested the athlete focus on his academics rather than athletics at the time.
(1996-97, Meadus)