The following is the result of the investigation by the NCFA into Wright State University club football using an ineligible player due to the player providing false information during the completion of his online player registration.
Investigation:
After James Neyhouse of Wright State was named NCFA Defensive players of the week, the NCFA was contacted by a former participant on October 5th expressing concern that Mr. Neyhouse previously played 2 seasons of intercollegiate football at Wittenburg University and 3 seasons of club football at Wright State University thus making him no longer eligible to compete in the NCFA in 2016.
NCFA Rule Number 6.08.0:
6.08.0 Student-athletes are limited to no more than 5 seasons of intercollegiate football competition whether it is at the Collegiate Club, Collegiate Varsity, or Collegiate JV level to be eligible to compete in any NCFA Sanctioned Football Game.
After reviewing Mr. Neyhouse’s NCFA player registration, he neglected to mention that he previously attended or played for Wittenburg University. A joint investigation between the NCFA and Wright State Club Sports confirmed that Mr. Neyhouse was listed on the Wittenburg Football Roster in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 however he only competed in intercollegiate games in 2010 (3 games JV) and 2011 (9 games Varsity).
Additionally, it was brought to the attention of the NCFA during the investigation that not only did Mr. Neyhouse neglect to report his prior intercollegiate football participation at Wittenburg University, but that he suspected since the spring that he no longer had NCFA eligibility remaining. However, he never brought his suspicions to the attention of his team’s officers, coaches, administration, or the NCFA for clarification.
Thus in accordance with NCFA Rule 6.08.0, Mr. Neyhouse ran out of NCFA eligibility at the conclusion of the 2015 NCFA season.
6.02.0 Any team found playing an ineligible player will be penalized by forfeiting all games that that ineligible player participated in while holding an ineligible status.
It has been confirmed that Mr. Neyhouse competed in Wright State’s Week 1 win versus Wilmington JV and their Week 3 win versus Loyola, thus both of those games have been changed to forfeit losses. Additionally Mr. Neyhouse’s Week 3 NCFA Defensive Player of the week award has been rescinded.
Note:
Not only it is the responsibility of each player to complete their online player registration thoroughly and accurately, but it is also the responsibility of each team to make sure the players they are playing meet the eligibility requirements to compete in the NCFA. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action against the player in question, the team as a whole, and those leaders responsible for the day to day operations of the team.
Sandy Sanderson
National Club Football Association
Commissioner