FREEPORT, IL –Highland Community College recently received notice from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) regarding a violation of bylaws involving the College's baseball program. The NJCAA determined that a housing-related infraction occurred and has issued sanctions following its review.

In June, Highland submitted a report to the NJCAA after engaging the outside law firm Husch Blackwell, a firm that regularly reviews compliance matters for NCAA and NJCAA institutions, to conduct an independent investigation. The NJCAA found that "Baseball Head Coach Chance Sharp and former Athletic Director Pete Norman, assisted former Highland Community College – IL student- athletes by paying an outstanding housing balance. This is a violation of NJCAA Bylaws Article VI, Section 1.C.4.b." 

As a result, the NJCAA assigned Highland Community College a Tier I Sanction of 5 compliance points. Head Coach Chance Sharp will serve a two-game suspension at the start of the upcoming baseball season.

Highland's Response and Commitment to Compliance

Highland Community College is taking the ruling seriously, will not appeal the ruling, and has already implemented corrective actions to ensure future compliance. The College has reviewed its internal policies and procedures and will increase training around NJCAA rules for all athletic staff.

"We have a young coaching staff who are passionate about their work and eager to learn. This is an important opportunity for our department to learn and improve as we grow," said Michael Broskowski, Highland's new Athletic Director.

Highland is home to nine different sports programs that span three divisions. While the NJCAA ruling arrived the same week Broskowski stepped into the role of Highland's Athletic Director, one of his priorities will be establishing a clear roadmap on how coaches can support their athletes while understanding and adhering to NJCAA rules for their program.

"I'll be working closely with our coaching staff to provide concise guidance and training on NJCAA regulations. Our programs have grown so much in recent history, so my job is to take the guesswork out of that growth, anticipating and addressing issues before they arise. As we move forward, we are all committed to building trust in our program."