GARDNER (AP) — The governing body of high school sports in Massachusetts has barred Gardner High’s winter teams from participating in postseason tournaments because of the school’s “defiance” in failing to comply with punishments handed out over its girls swim team.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s directors voted 13-0 on the measure on Wednesday. Gardner’s mayor called the move “disgusting.”
The MIAA in October stripped the school of its state swimming title over participation issues, ordering the return of the championship trophy.
The additional punishments came because the school has failed to return to trophy.
Mayor Mark Hawke tells The Gardner News he will hand over the trophy, but the MIAA says the punishment will stand.
Coaches of Gardner’s winter sports teams question why their players are being punished for the swim team’s infractions.
