USSSA Wakiso Ball Games II: Buddo SS takes on St. Mary's Kitende in heated players' age cheating petition

A round of 16 tie between Wakiso District newcomers Kisozi High School and St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School-Kitende has been put on hold, pending a crucial ruling from the USSSA Wakiso organizing committee.

The decision follows a petition filed by Buddo SS against Kitende, alleging ineligibility and impersonation of two players.

Allegations of Ineligible Players

The players in question are Ryekoboth Joan, a mid-court player, and Nandawula Esther, who are allegedly overaged.

According to the petition, Ryekoboth Joan’s date of birth makes her overaged for the competition, and she is also accused of impersonating Kalyango Tonny by using his index number.

Nandawula Esther’s date of birth, as per the EMIS, also makes her ineligible to participate.

USSSA Rules and Regulations

The petition cites USSSA Rule 6.2 (H), which states that a player must be within the specified age for the competition.

The rule also clarifies that in cases of conflicting dates of birth, the earlier date will be considered official.

Buddo SS has requested the committee to investigate the matter thoroughly and take necessary actions as outlined in USSSA rules.

Committee’s Decision

After a short sitting involving the complainant and defendant, the committee has ordered St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School-Kitende to produce the original documents of the players in question before a verdict is given.

The outcome of this decision will determine whether Kitende will be allowed to proceed with their match against Kisozi High School.

Tension and Uncertainty

As tension and panic escalate between the camps, the fate of the match remains uncertain.

The committee’s decision, expected to be announced after reviewing the documents, will have significant implications for the tournament.

If Kitende is found guilty, they may face penalties, including nullification of their match results or even disqualification from the tournament and a two year ban.

The situation is being closely watched, and all parties involved are eagerly awaiting the committee’s ruling.

The petition/document written by Buddo SS seen by this website reads as follows;

“Buddo SS respectively submit this petition regarding the ongoing USSSA Wakiso Ball Games II. We have concerns about St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School-Kitende participating with ineligible players and impersonation players violating USSSA rules and regulations.

According to USSSA rules, Rule 6.2 (H) states that a player to participate should be within the specified age for the competition as specified in the invitation letter. And in case of conflicting dates of birth in pass slip, NIRA, EMIS, USSSA Registration system or federation player’s license, the earlier date will be considered as official.

We believe St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School-Kitende has breached this rule, compromising fair competition.

Specifically, we bring to your attention the cases of:

1. Ryekoboth Joan registered with St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School-Kitende, with date of birth of 11/09/2004, making her over aged for the competition. Further, she is using the index number 008233/050/2019 which belongs to Kalyango Tonny, an act of impersonation.

2. Nandawula Esther with index number 130402/052/2019 whose date of birth is 04th November 2004 as provided by the EMIS, making her over aged for the competition.

We kindly request the committee to:

1. Investigate this matter thoroughly in accordance with USSSA Rule 6.2, section H, and consider grounds for nullification as outlined in Rule R6.3.

2. Take necessary actions as outlined in USSSA Rule R6.4 (Effects of fielding ineligible players) and Rule R8.5 (Impersonation) to address the breach and ensure compliance”. Partly reads the petition by Buddo SS.