Tourney travel money banned for Ohio high school athletes

Written by Kevin Goheen Enquirer contributor

The Ohio High School Athletic Association ruled Tuesday that Ohio athletes may not accept travel, hotel and meal expenditures from out-of-season competitions if those athletes wish to maintain their amateur status.

La Salle cross country and track coach Frank Russo, St. Xavier cross country coach Mike Dehring and Mason girls’ cross country and boys’ track coach Chip Dobson all confirmed the rules interpretation decision by Associate Commissioner Dr. Deborah Moore.

The ruling directly affects the St. Xavier boys’ cross country team and Mason senior runner Lauren Wood for this Saturday’s Nike Cross Nationals meet in Portland, Ore., but it also has ramifications for athletes in all sports who compete in postseason all-star games and other such events.

OHSAA Bylaw 4-10 defines an athlete’s amateur status. Tuesday’s ruling by Dr. Moore changes a previous interpretation of the bylaw.

Bylaw 4-10-2(a) states athletes may not compete for money or any remuneration. Travel, meals and lodging expenses may be accepted provided those expenses are not conditioned on the individual’s or team’s place finish or performance or given on an incentive basis.

Bylaw 4-10-2(c) states athletes will lose amateur status should they receive from a...