LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB/WAVE) — The football programs at Atherton High School and Central High School were issued multiple sanctions by Jefferson County Public Schools Athletics and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association after participating in an unauthorized July scrimmage.
According to JCPS officials, the scrimmage took place before the teams fulfilled mandatory heat acclimatization protocols. JCPS said it "instituted swift corrective sanctions" and reported the self-imposed penalties to the KHSAA.
The programs were issued the following sanctions:
- Scrimmage cancellation: Cancellation of the first of two allowable preseason scrimmages against outside opponents across all levels of the program — varsity, junior varsity and freshman — with no rescheduling permitted.
- Practice reduction: Cancellation of two full-gear practice sessions originally scheduled between Aug. 1 and Aug. 7, with makeup sessions prohibited on weekends.
- Financial penalty: A $250 fine assessed to each football program by the KHSAA.
- 2026 season probation: Placement of both football programs on probation for the 2026 season. Any additional violations during this period may result in coaching staff suspensions or game cancellations.
- Acclimatization training: Completion of mandatory administrative training covering athlete acclimation and acclimatization protocols for all coaches.
Officials said both coaching staffs have already completed the mandatory training requirements.
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