Ineligibility Ruling Against Swimmer Vela Is Upheld by State

A California Interscholastic Federation appeals committee Thursday upheld a Southern Section ruling that declared swimmer Ernie Vela of Mission Viejo High School ineligible because he competed in an international meet without first seeking permission.

The committee didn’t think there was enough merit to warrant a hearing to decide whether Vela should be reinstated in time for Thursday’s Southern Section 4-A preliminaries, said Tom Byrnes, state commissioner.

Vela and Amy Shaw of Capistrano Valley were ruled ineligible April 21 by Southern Section Commissioner Stan Thomas for competing in the Canadian Dolphin International meet April 15-17. Athletes are not allowed to compete in international events while the high school season is in progress unless they seek permission 30 days in advance.