Franklin County Schools have formally outlined a process for reporting suspected athletic rule violations within the district, emphasizing the importance of handling concerns at the local level before escalating them to governing bodies.
The guidance, issued by District Athletic Director Bob Robertson, comes in the wake of a recent situation in which a coach within the district reported another school to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA), prompting a state-level review.
According to the statement from the Franklin County Board of Education, anyone who suspects a violation of TSSAA or TMSAA rules is encouraged to report that information directly to their school’s athletic director and principal.
From there, the information will be forwarded to the District Athletic Director and the Director of Schools for further review. The district will then conduct an internal investigation to determine whether a violation has occurred. If a violation is confirmed, the school will be expected to self-report the issue to the TSSAA or TMSAA.
District officials say the process is designed to improve accuracy, reduce unnecessary escalation, and ensure fairness across all programs.
“We can eliminate a lot of negative information by investigating all potential rule violations at the county level before reporting it to the TSSAA/TMSAA,” the statement reads.
The directive also encourages communication and transparency among coaches and administrators, asking that the information be shared across athletic programs throughout the county.
The timing of the policy highlights growing attention around recruiting, transfers, and athletic integrity—not just in Franklin County, but across the region. By reinforcing a clear reporting structure, district leadership aims to ensure that concerns are handled appropriately while maintaining accountability at every level.
For those with concerns, the district’s message is clear: follow the process, provide accurate information, and allow the proper channels to investigate before escalating issues to the state level.
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