Innocent Query Led to Forfeitures

Newbury Park High’s forfeiture of five basketball games this week was prompted by the well-intentioned inquiry by the father of the ineligible player. The case underscores the complexity of the rules governing high school transfers.

The father of junior Matt Cummings recently called the Southern Section office to inquire about any problems that could arise with his son’s transfer back to Ventura High, where he attended school as a sophomore.

While attending Ventura, Cummings lived with his mother. Last summer Cummings transferred and moved in with his father in Newbury Park, a residency violation, they were told, because Cummings’ mother was the original guardian of record. Although Cummings’ parents are divorced and have joint custody, his mother should have changed residences for Matt to have gained eligibility at Newbury Park.

“As they discussed it (with the Southern Section), they realized that he was ineligible here,” said Bill Manzer, Newbury Park’s athletic director.

Newbury Park forfeited five of its seven victories--every win in which Cummings played--but might end up keeping Cummings in the process. According to Southern Section administrator Dean Crowley, Cummings would be ineligible if he transferred back to Ventura for the same reason he is now ineligible at Newbury Park--no parental change of residence.

However, because Cummings has now technically sat out this season, he would be eligible to play for Newbury Park next season. Student-athletes who transfer without a change of residence lose eligibility for one calendar year.

“My advice to the family is for him to stay put with his father,” said Crowley, who conceded that the Southern Section probably would not have so much as heard of Cummings had his father not initiated contact.

It seems that in this case, ignorance was bliss.

“That’s basically what it all boils down to,” Manzer said. “They tried to do the right thing and blew the whistle on themselves.”

One more time: As if Quartz Hill’s Chris Young has not provided enough thrilling finishes for the Rebels, he delivered again Tuesday at Canyon. Quartz Hill needed a win to clinch its first outright league title.

With the Cowboys trailing, 88-85, Reggie Haggans nailed a three-point shot to tie the score with only nine seconds left.

Young, however, found himself with the ball along the left baseline and he made a three-point shot at the buzzer to give Quartz Hill a 91-88 Golden League win.

Staff writers Steve Elling and Brian Murphy contributed to this notebook.