Bernard Childress, executive director of the TSSAA.The Brainerd High School football program has been penalized for a violation of the TSSAA's summer practice rules.
According to TSSAA executive director Bernard Childress, the Panthers participated in a 7-on-7 passing league at Ringgold High School on June 15 and 18. TSSAA rules do not permit football teams to scrimmage or practice with other teams during June.
The violation resulted in Brainerd having five of its allotted 10 days of team-on-team competition in July taken away. Childress noted that the penalty was lessened by the fact that the Brainerd administration self-reported the violation.
"Our typical penalty is to double the number of days the violation occurred," Childress said. "We encourage administrators to set their penalty, and that's what Brainerd did. They will only be allowed to practice in team-on-team competitions like further 7-on-7 leagues for five days in July instead of the 10 that is allowed.
"We consider the matter closed now."
Attempts to contact Brainerd coaches were not returned.
Brainerd is the third Chattanooga-area program to be punished by the TSSAA since the spring, joining Bradley Central and Cleveland. They were hit with penalties earlier for recruiting violations.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.