January 20, 2021
MPA Interscholastic Management Committee Approves BHS Football Waiver
Maine Principals Association (MPA) Interscholastic Management Committee approved an appeal for a waiver filed in December by the Brunswick School Department to reinstate its high school football program in Fall 2022. The football program was suspended this season following an incident of hazing that occurred during the pre-season football retreat.
“Following the incident last August and subsequent results of the investigation, we were compelled to suspend play for the balance of the 2021 season for the safety of our student-athletes,” said Dr. Phillip J. Potenziano Brunswick School Department Superintendent.
“Today, we are pleased that the committee understood these extenuating circumstances and saw fit to approve our request to resume games as a sanctioned team for the 2022 season, which means we are able to compete with other high schools in varsity competition as well as postseason playoffs,” he added.
In addition to putting the varsity football team back on the field this fall, Potenziano said the school department is implementing an anonymous student reporting system and is discussions with Dr. Elizabeth Allan, a University of Maine Professor and Director of the nonprofit organization, Stop Hazing – a group that provides research, training, and resources to schools and organizations interested in strengthening hazing prevention.
“Of course, we are happy to get our student-athletes back to playing a sport that supports their physical health, well-being, and social development. But of equal importance, if not more so, is putting into action specific measures to help ensure incidents of hazing don’t occur in the first place, and our schools are supportive, safe, and welcoming for all students and staff,” Potenziano said.