The behavior which occurred was not consistent with the Mission of Catholic Education and was unacceptable. The Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is taking the necessary steps to ensure that such actions do not happen in the future. Letters of reprimand have been sent to Ss. John Neumann-Maria Goretti High School and Roman Catholic High School and the following sanctions are announced:

All boys basketball games between Roman Catholic and Ss. John Neumann - Maria Goretti High Schools during the '06-'07 regular season will be played without fans / spectators / parents present.

Roman Catholic and Ss. John Neumann - Maria Goretti High Schools will be placed on probation for the remainder of the 2005 - 2006 school year, as well as, the 2006 - 2007 school year. Any further negative actions by the fans or players of either school could / would result in further punitive action, up to and including, restriction from any post season playoff competition in the respective sport.

The Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Ss. John Neumann - Maria Goretti HS will be suspended from the first four (4) games of the Philadelphia Catholic League regular season.

Students, whether players or fans, who are identified as being involved in behavior that was inappropriate, will be penalized in accord with their respective school codes. This includes behavior on the court or in the stands. The penalties may include demerits, detentions, community service and other sanctions up to and including suspension.

The Office of Catholic Education is also recommending the following revisions to the Philadelphia Catholic League's Code of Conduct:

Only positive cheering is permitted by spectators for a Philadelphia Catholic League event.

All signs and posters must be pre-approved by the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs of the local school.

Inappropriate dress or conduct will not be permitted during a Philadelphia Catholic League event.

If any of the above mentioned violations are encountered during a Philadelphia Catholic League event, the officials have the authority to penalize the individual team and the school's administration has the authority to stop the game and remove all spectators from the event, if the spectators do not comply with the administration's request.

The Office of Catholic Education will continue to review the supervision and management of all sporting events within the Philadelphia Catholic League as well as all Championship events held by the Philadelphia Catholic League.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747