Staff Reports

The varsity girls’ basketball team had to forfeit two games due to an ineligible player. The players found out about the forfeits before the December 2 game against Los Gatos and received official word at practice on December 6.

The player used an address within Alisal’s attendance area but does not live at that address. A school employee visited the residence Monday, December 5 and confirmed that the family does not live at the address.

While the news was disappointing to the team, they took it in stride. “It’s better that we found out after two games instead of at the end of the season,” said coach Mick Battaglini. “It’s a shame that the family didn’t do the school choice paperwork because this could have been avoided,” said Battaglini.

Unlike Salinas High, which is a closed school and does not accept school choice applications, Alisal is an open school and does accept school choice.

Rachel Torres, Alisal’s community liaison, holds parent meetings every Wednesday and she has encouraged the parents to fill out the school choice paperwork, especially since the news of Salinas High’s forfeiting their football season. Torres said after breaking the news about Salinas High several parents went immediately to the registrar for the paperwork.

While the paper screening process is a big part of the eligibility process for athletics, it’s the athletes and their parents who have the biggest responsibility. “Parents have to realize that it’s not just about their child,” said Battaglini. “By not providing accurate information they can negatively affect the other players and cause a lot of hard work to go for naught. While it’s been a tough lesson for players at both schools (Salinas and Alisal) I’m hoping all the publicity raises awareness and we put an end to it.”