Middletown Football was fined and placed on probation for using an ineligible player, but will not have to forfeit their 2024 DIAA 3A Football Championship.

That was the ruling by the DIAA Board of Directors following a nearly 5-hour hearing held in executive session, due to the private details of athletes, such as their addresses, being discussed.

Once back in public session, board member Dr. Bradley Bley announced the penalties, which include a $200 fine for the school, and a 1-year conditional probation, pending a 30-day action plan to prevent future violations.

He also announced that the board chose to waive the forfeiture penalty, meaning Middletown would be allowed to keep their state title.

It’s the latest battle between the DIAA and Middletown Football, who was placed on 1-year probation in 2022 for also using a player who was academically ineligible. 

They were allowed to keep that title as well.

Thursday’s hearing was the first major test for the revamped DIAA Board of Directors, under Salesianum Principal Rev. Christian Beretta, who abstained from voting.

The only no vote came from Smyrna Athletic Director William Schultz.

Lawyers for both the DIAA and the Appoquinimink School District were present at the Executive Session.