Overview
- Ipswich High School forfeited its MIAA Division 4 boys lacrosse semifinal after local administrators ruled multiple recently graduated players ineligible, leaving the team too short to compete.
- The decision followed a graduation photo that appeared to show students with cigars, but parents and players say the cigars were tobacco‑free props and that they brought one to school as proof.
- The MIAA says it was informed of the situation but did not make the eligibility ruling, underscoring that investigations and discipline are handled at the local district level.
- Police body‑camera footage and a police report show a tense meeting between parents and Principal Jonathan Mitchell in which administrators said they had reviewed evidence before reaching the determination.
- The case highlights disputes over evidence and due process under the MIAA chemical‑health bylaw, which can trigger loss of eligibility and leaves open questions about district transparency and how similar incidents will be handled going forward.