Summerville 10U Team Disqualified After Eligibility Ruling Based on 2022 Lease

The Summerville 10U All-Star basketball team was disqualified from the District 5 championship prior to the title game following a player eligibility ruling, ending the team’s opportunity to advance to the state tournament.

The disqualification followed a protest by Gordon County after a 38-20 loss to Summerville Tuesday night during the District 5 Tournament regarding the eligibility of a Summerville player.

Basis for the Ruling

In a written statement, GRPA District 5 Athletics determined the player was ineligible based on confirmation of a lease at a Calhoun address dating back to 2022, as well as school records reflecting that same address.

GRPA 2026 SAC Chair Thad Ferguson stated:

“My decision is based on two things: the confirmation of the current lease agreement stating their residency at ************, Calhoun GA and the confirmation from the school system that shows the same address on file.”

GRPA committee member and Dalton Parks and Recreation Director Steve Roberts confirmed that during the investigation, he was shown, via FaceTime, a lease from 2022 while a Gordon County representative was present at an apartment manager’s office.

Roberts stated he does not have a physical copy of that lease.

When Summerville Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson requested a copy of the lease referenced in the ruling, he was informed that only a FaceTime viewing had occurred and that no physical copy was available to produce.

Documentation Submitted in Appeal

Wilson sent an appeal which stated: “Summerville is respectfully asking you to consider this formal appeal on behalf of the 10U Summerville All-Star players, coaches and parents based on all the documents provided to the District 5 protest committee.”

According to Summerville officials, multiple forms of documentation were submitted to the District 5 protest committee to establish residency in Summerville, including:

•A valid Georgia driver’s license (Summerville address)

•Medical records (Summerville address)

•Bank statements (Summerville address)

•Pay stubs (Summerville address)

Summerville officials state that while they were able to provide emailed copies of acceptable proof of residency demonstrating that the player’s mother resides in Summerville, the appeal board was unable to produce or submit a physical copy of the 2022 lease that formed the basis of the eligibility ruling.

Summerville officials also note that leases are not a required document when registering a child for recreation sports. Acceptable proof of residency typically includes government-issued identification and official documentation reflecting a current address, all of which, they state, showed a Summerville residence.

The player’s family indicated they are in the process of relocating and have been temporarily staying in Gordon County due to employment circumstances. The child attends school in Gordon County because his parent works in that county, according to the family, not because of permanent residency there.

According to the GRPA manual “Eligibility involving local participation is left to the integrity of the agency director. The Director shall be prepared to make available substantial proof of local participation through such means as scorebooks, registration materials, agency records, news releases, or such other evidence requested by the State Athletic Committee Chair or the District Commissioner from the agency’s district.” Adam Wilson, the Summerville Director, verified the documentation of this players residency during registration and provided documentation to the appeal board.

Broader Questions Raised

The situation has raised broader questions within the community about how residency rules are applied in youth athletics, particularly when families experience life changes such as new jobs, housing transitions, or relationship changes that may temporarily affect school or living arrangements.

At issue for some parents and coaches is how adult life decisions intersect with youth sports eligibility — and at what point such circumstances impact not only one player, but an entire team that participated together throughout the season.

Outcome

Following the protest and appeal, the District 5 decision was upheld, and Summerville was removed from the 10U Boys District 5 tournament, then entire team. Gordon County advanced to the championship game.

The Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) State Athletic Committee serves as the governing body for GRPA athletic rules and rulings. It is understood the protest and appeal were ruled upon at the district level.

With the ruling upheld, the Summerville 10U team did not have the opportunity to compete for a district championship or advance to state competition.