A decision has been made regarding the cap controversy which took place at last week’s Greater Middlesex Conference Championships in New Jersey.
As a refresher on the situation, Latvian-born Rich Fortels, a senior at Monroe High School in Monroe Township, NJ, competed in the conference meet as an independent swimmer, as was permitted under league rules since Monroe does not have an official swim team.
However, what was not permitted under league rules, was the fact that Fortels wore a swim cap bearing his club team’s name, Peddie Aquatics, as opposed to a high school. This violates the National Federation of State High School Association rules, thus rendering the cap illegal, even though the piece of gear offers no competitive advantage.
At the meet, Fortels was called out for the disqualification in one event, but not another. Swimming in his club cap, Fortels scored a first-place finish in the men’s 100 freestyle (46.73), with no one apparently noticing his cap displayed his club team’s monniker.
The senior then raced the 100 backstroke, where he also took first place (51.30), clearing a new meet record. In that race, however, while wearing the exact same cap, Fortels was called out for a disqualification due to the cap not bearing a high school name.
On behalf of Fortels, the Monroe High School initiated an appeal with the Greater Middlesex Conference Executive Committee. Just yesterday it was announced that the Conference who rejected the appeal. Thus, Fortels’ disqualification in the 100 backstroke and subsequent meet record remain null and void.
In the rendering of its decision, Conference President Carl Bufalino indicated that while officials were ‘sympathetic’ to the senior swimmer, they were required to uphold the referee’s disqualification ruling, as the wearing of the club cap was in violation of the National Federation of State High School Association rules.
“I certainly got the sentiment that we all thought which cap he wore had absolutely nothing to do with his performance,” Buffalino said of Thursday’s executive committee meeting, where members voted 7-2 with two abstentions to deny Monroe’s appeal. “The kid accomplished everything he did because of his ability, not because of his cap. But because this is a national federation rule, we have no right or rhyme or reason, for that matter, to overturn it. We don’t like it, but we have no authority to overturn it.”
In response, Monroe Township Schools Superintendent Micheal Kozak states, “Obviously, I’m disappointed in the ruling, but I understand the difficult situation that the committee was put in trying to uphold the rules. While I understand that, I honestly have to say I’m still disappointed because our student certainly deserves the recognition for his outstanding accomplishment.”
Greg Beyer, Monroe Athletics Director, said that Fortels himself is ‘disappointed’ with the ruling.
“He didn’t understand the decision,” Beyer said. “To be honest, I thought this was going to be overturned.”
Not sure if I can post a link, but the swimmer who was declared the winner after the DQ (Michael Spark) visited the other swimmer’s school and gave him his first place medal. Very well done, Michael Spark.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/swimming/2016/02/08/gmc-athletes-absolutely-incredible-act-sportsmanship/79888760/
The referee or official had the responsibility to notice the swimmer’s cap before the race and notify him that the cap was not permitted and either give him time to replace it or just ask him to remove it. If the swimmer refused, then he should be disqualified before the race was swum. If the official didn’t do this, he/she essentially gave the swimmer permission to wear the cap while racing, and the disqualification should be nullified. If an official noticed the cap during the race, it’s too late because the referee/starter allowed the race to occur with the swimmer wearing the cap. If the official noticed the cap after the race, the swimmer shouldn’t be disqualified because the race… Read more »
Maybe it’s just me, but he ought to be pleased with his time. The performance, not the place. He knows the time he achieved. In fact, we all know the time he achieved, and thousands more know about his skills because of this controversy. I’ve been DQd before, and the first question I have is “what was my time?”. Unless this is his last chance in life to swim the 100 backstroke, I’m just not torn up about this. Sure, officials who were on the lookout could have stopped him in advance, warned him to change caps, averting the problem. But really — what difference would it make if they reverse the disqualification? His time won’t be faster. (I know,… Read more »
The benefit of the doubt goes to the rule book.
I feel bad for the swimmer, but there really shouldn’t be any controversies on this one. The rule is written clearly. Keep in mind that high school swimming is not all about speed, team spirit is a big part.
The rule book also states that if an official notices the violation before the race they should notify the swimmer. Especially in a men’s event; he could have just taken the cap off or turned it inside-out(if he didn’t have another in his bag which most swimmers do).
Seems like a lot of adults were in a position to help this kid out and avoid this situation but failed to do so. It’s a shame that the kid is the one who bears the punishment for that….
How sad. Great sportsmanship on the other teams part for not warning the swimmer or the officials not warning him! Or his schools rep. I hate it when the swimmer gets hurt for adults ignorance of rules or incompetences.