York (Pa.) accepts NCAA sanctions
YORK, PA - The Spartan Men's Soccer team received
disappointing news on Oct. 19 when a rules decision from the NCAA
Soccer Secretary/Rules Editor came with a penalty of three
forfeited games and a suspension of two coaches.
Rule 12.11 of the NCAA soccer rule book states that a
suspended coach is prohibited from any communication with the team,
coaches and/or bench personnel from the start of a contest to its
completion. On Sept. 29, first-year Assistant Coach Andrew Marshall
watched the entire Salisbury game from the stands while he served a
suspension that resulted from the issuance of a red card at the
conclusion of the Spartans' previous game (at Messiah). However, at
halftime, Coach Marshall was observed in brief contact with the
team. The penalty for the violation was not discovered until after
Marshall and Head Coach Mark Ludwig had participated in two more
games. Ultimately, NCAA officials have determined that all three
games must be forfeited and that suspensions for both coaches must
be extended. York College and the Athletic Department have accepted
the sanctions and have addressed the rules violation on an internal
level.
Despite the impact of the forfeits on the Spartans' record,
the team continued its solid play and secured the third seed in the
upcoming CAC tournament by virtue of their win at Mary Washington
on Oct. 20. Coach Marshall returned to the bench during Saturday's
win at Mary Washington. Coach Ludwig will be back on the sidelines
on Wednesday afternoon in the regular season finale against
Manhattanville at Graham Field. The Spartans open up the CAC
Tournament against St. Mary's on October 28 in York.
York College Sports Information
