MIAA RESCINDS PENALTY IMPOSED

MIAA RESCINDS PENALTY IMPOSED

ON LYNN ENGLISH BASKETBALL COACH

Franklin, MA June 24, 2010 - A three member sub-committee of the Board of Directors has voted unanimously to rescind the 10 game suspension imposed on Lynn English Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach Buzzy Barton for recruiting violations.

Following is the sub-committee report on the hearing held on June 23rd and its decision:

In the matter of Lynn English High School appeal of the 10 game suspension of Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach Buzzy Barton.

The Rules and Regulations of the MIAA (MIAA Handbook rule 88.2) provide member schools an opportunity to appeal a District Committee decision. Such an appeal to a Sub-Committee of the MIAA Board of Directors (BOD) was made by Dr. Catherine Latham, Lynn Superintendent of Schools.

Attending the appeal held on June 23, 2010 at the MIAA Office were: Dr. Latham; Gary Molea (Lynn English Athletic Director); Thomas Iarrobino (Secretary to the Lynn School Committee); and Buzzy Barton. James Peters (Monson High School Principal) served as BOD Sub-Committee Chair, joined by Board Members Charles Lyons (Shawsheen RVT Superintendent/Director) and Francis Whitten (Algonquin Regional HS Athletic Director). Also participating were Dana Brown (District B Chairman and Malden High School Principal) who was Chair of the Committee which conducted the original hearing, and Dick Baker (MIAA Executive Staff Liaison to the Sub-Committee).

Dr. Latham testified first and apologized again for the previous actions of Lynn English representatives. Dr. Latham acknowledged that Lynn has no defense, and that the original penalty was a justified response to the admitted violation of the MIAA Recruiting Rule 44. She appreciated that the District decision did not penalize the team and expressed thanks to Mike Rubin, East Boston HS Principal, for his comments made at the District hearing, urging the Committee to penalize adults, and not the student participant.

Dr. Latham then outlined what she has done since the District hearing:

1. Suspended the Lynn English Principal for one (1) week without pay.

2. Assumed, with the Assistance of Gary Molea, the supervision/operation and management of the entire athletic program at Lynn English High School.

3. Met with all three (3) Lynn City Athletic Directors (Lynn English, Lynn Classical, & Lynn Tech) to inform them that she would not tolerate any violations of MIAA rules.

4. Met separately with each school Athletic Director and their coaches and provided each with an MIAA Handbook and stated all rules must be followed.

5. Has assigned Dennis Thompson, Health & Physical Education Director, and Thomas Iarrobino to work with her on overseeing any and all athletic issues in the city of Lynn.

Dr. Latham then stated her singular appeal was of the penalties assessed by the District Athletic Committee requiring a 10 game suspension of Buzzy Barton for the 2010-2011 season. She also reported that he had accepted his 2010 tournament penalty with dignity and class. Coach Barton will attend an MIAA Coaches’ Education Program prior to his return to coaching.

After hearing testimony from other attendees and posing questions, the BOD Sub-Committee voted the following:

1. Lynn English is to notify the MIAA (Dick Baker) upon the completion by Coach Barton of the MIAA Coaches’ Education Class.

2. Because of the actions and follow through of Lynn Superintendent, Dr. Latham, the Sub-Committee voted 3-0 to then lift the 10 game suspension of the Boys’ Head Basketball Coach.
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