Booker High School's football program reprimanded by FHSAA

Booker High football was reprimanded by the Florida High School Athletic Association after the association found the program permitted eighth graders to participate in varsity practice in the spring.

The program, according to a sanction letter sent to Booker Assistant Principal Greg Rumph on Aug. 7, violated FHSAA Policy 18.2.5.9, which states “The students may not participate in practice or have physical contact in any manner with student-athletes in the 9th, 10th or 11th grades who are members of the high school team.”

The Tornadoes will be on administrative probation until May 25, 2027, and have been fined $500. The probation means additional violations during this time will result in increased penalties. Carlos Woods, Booker’s former athletic director and football coach, was also slated to serve a one-game suspension during the previously scheduled kickoff classic on Friday, Aug. 14 against Manatee.

Booker did not immediately respond to request for comment Wednesday. Sarasota County Schools responded to a request but did not comment by deadline.

Woods was dismissed as the school’s athletic director and football coach last month. The school and district did not give a reason for his dismissal. Following his exit, at least 20 players transferred to other high school football programs.

The Observer reported July 29 that Woods was involved in an active criminal investigation by the Sarasota Police Department, which the department said does not involve any harm or wrongdoings to students and was still active as of Monday. Woods has denied any criminal wrongdoing.

Booker named Lance Hoeltke its new football coach on July 29 and has since canceled the aforementioned Friday, Aug. 14 preseason contest and its season opener against Venice, which was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at home.

The team’s schedule is currently undecided, but it must play every team in its district once this season, per FHSAA rules.