NMAA announces disciplinary action after Mayfield/Organ Mountain incident

The New Mexico Activities Association has completed its review of the fighting incident that took place during the second quarter of Friday night's football game between Mayfield and Organ Mountain. It announced disciplinary action today. The is the official NMAA statement:

Following a comprehensive review of written reports, game video, and information obtained from school and district administrators and the officiating crew, the New Mexico Activities Association has determined that the Mayfield High School varsity football program will receive its first strike under the NMAA’s sportsmanship policies. 

In addition to the strike, the NMAA has imposed multiple sanctions to Mayfield, including student-athlete suspensions, corrective action requirements, and mandatory educational courses addressing sportsmanship for all team personnel (coaches and players). The NMAA fully supports any additional disciplinary or corrective action taken by the school and/or school district. 

The Organ Mountain High School varsity football program has also been sanctioned as a result of its involvement in the incident, including multiple student-athlete suspensions. Following its review, however, the NMAA determined that Organ Mountain’s involvement did not rise to the level warranting a strike under the Association’s sportsmanship policies.

 The NMAA takes sportsmanship, accountability, and appropriate conduct by student-athletes and team personnel seriously. The sanctions imposed in this matter reflect the Association’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of interscholastic athletics and ensuring that such standards are upheld.

 The NMAA will have no further public comment regarding the incident.

According to Las Cruces Public Schools, this week's Mayfield game against Las Cruces will still be played. While all of player suspensions for both Mayfield and Organ Mountain will be served this week, Mayfield will have enough available players to field a team Friday night.

LCPS also supports the prerogative given to Mayfield and Organ Mountain High Schools to take additional measures beyond the NMAA-imposed sanctions.

In its official statement, LCPS wrote:

Las Cruces Public Schools respects the findings of the New Mexico Activities Association following its review of the altercation that occurred during the Aug. 28 football game between Mayfield High School and Organ Mountain High School and will comply with all sanctions and corrective actions issued by the Association. The district is also addressing the incident in accordance with LCPS policies and expectations for student behavior, athletics participation and sportsmanship.

Participation in interscholastic athletics carries an expectation that student-athletes, coaches and spectators represent their schools with respect, accountability and appropriate conduct. The behavior displayed during this incident did not meet those expectations.

Because this matter involves students, LCPS cannot comment on individual disciplinary actions beyond information made public by the NMAA. The district will continue working with both schools to reinforce expectations for sportsmanship and ensure our athletic events remain safe and respectful environments for students, families and the community.