Helias self-reports improper practice by boys basketball program

Helias Catholic High School logo
Helias Catholic High School logo

Helias High School has self-reported a violation to the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

The violation deals with an improper practice by the boys basketball program, MSHSAA communications director Jason West said Tuesday afternoon. West said that is the only violation in the report submitted by the school.

Helias reported the violation within the last week to the association, which is the governing body for high school sports in the state. Schools are members of the association.

"It is my understanding that many schools across the state of Missouri self-report violations to MSHSAA for many things, even those committed unknowingly," Helias president Stephen Jones wrote in an email Tuesday evening. "It is the right thing to do when a mistake has been made.

"In that vein, Helias self-reported a preseason workout violation - a player-led preseason practice - one in which Coach (Josh) Buffington was not present. Helias fully desires to stay in full compliance with MSHSAA and its policies."

Normally in self-reporting, the school details what MSHSAA by-law was violated and what has been done to correct the issue. In addition, schools can report a self-imposed penalty.

MSHSAA cannot reveal specific details of the self-report, only that one has been submitted.

The MSHSAA Board of Directors review cases of violations by member schools. The board can accept the self-imposed penalty for violations or add additional penalties if it sees fit to do so. The next board of directors meeting is in late November.