RIPCOA Optional Re-Running of Cross Country State Championship
Saturday 10/28/23 Beginning Promptly at 3:00 PM

RIPCOA STATEMENT/DECISION:

On Sunday, 10/22/23, The RIPCOA Cross Country Championship Meet took place at Ponaganset High School. During the girls championship race, there was a dispute that some female athletes became lost in the woods due to a lack of a spotter in a specific location. The organizers of the race did not release the results of the girls championship race until they conducted an investigation.  An appeal was submitted to RIPCOA by two athletic directors because of the “technicality” of a spotter not being in a pivotal position for the girls championship race which was in place for the boys championship race. The RIPCOA appeals committee convened and voted to re-run the race on Saturday, 10/28/23, after the high school Class Championship and the timed results from the 10/22/23 championship race would be stricken.

There has been a number of communications to the RIPCOA Board from Athletic Directors, coaches, and parents expressing their concern about the board’s decision and the personal impact on their child(ren). 

The RIPCOA Board reflected on the addressed concerns and will make the following adjustment to the decision:

• We will keep the standings from the 10/22/23 championship girls race. 

• For any female athlete that optionally participates in the 10/28/23 race, your score from the 10/22/23 race will be replaced with your new time on 10/28/23. 

• Times and scores will be merged and calculated. This process takes time. 

• There will be no awards after the race. 

• The final results will be communicated via email by early next week.