Sylmar Again in Hot Water With City

The Sylmar High football team, already on probation for committing a City Section violation last fall, might have broken additional rules by participating in a passing competition Tuesday against players from Pierce College.

By participating, Sylmar might have violated several California Interscholastic Federation and City rules, City Commissioner Barbara Fiege said.

Backs and receivers from Sylmar and Pierce played in a non-contact exercise comparable to passing-league competition, Pierce Coach Bill Norton said.

City teams began preseason conditioning Aug. 1, signaling the official beginning of the season of sport. Interaction with other teams during the conditioning period is not permitted, Fiege said.

Sylmar also might have violated a rule regarding contact with players who exceed the CIF maximum age limit.

Additionally, a City rule prohibits athletic interaction of any kind with college athletes, including during the off-season summer months. Fiege said she will begin investigating today.

Sylmar Coach Jeff Engilman said he misunderstood what was prohibited during conditioning and was unaware that contact with college players also was barred.

“I thought as long as it wasn’t full-contact stuff, it was OK,” Engilman said. “The last thing I want to do is get these kids in trouble. I know I’m already on probation.”

Last fall, Sylmar was placed on one year of probation for holding a team meeting over the Labor Day weekend, a violation of City rules. The violation, widely publicized, was captured on videotape by an assistant coach from a rival school.

Sylmar, which annually ranks among the area’s best programs, could face stiff penalties if the violations prove true.

“Violations of probation are treated very harshly,” Fiege said.

Norton invited Engilman to participate in the workout approximately three weeks ago during an all-star high school football game.

“I don’t know the City rules,” Norton said. “I’m in shock.”