TSSAA Overturns Team Ejection for Ridgeway High
The Tennessee athletic association sanctions ten players while clearing the team for the remainder of the season.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Administration
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The TSSAA has officially overturned a team-wide ejection of the Ridgeway football squad following an altercation during a game against Fayette-Ware. While the team remains eligible for playoffs, ten individual players were hit with one-game suspensions.
Why it matters
The ruling ensures Ridgeway can continue its season, though the disciplinary action serves as a strict enforcement of rules regarding bench conduct. The school will move forward under one-year probation following the incident.
The school program received a $750 fine, consisting of $250 for bench violations and $500 for the one-year probation status. Ridgeway currently holds a 0-7 win-loss record heading into the next phase of its season.
The players
TSSAA
The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association is the governing body for high school sports in the state.
Ridgeway High School
Ridgeway is a Memphis-area secondary school with a competitive football program currently competing in the 2026 season.
The details
TSSAA officials reviewed game film to confirm that ten players left the restricted 25-yard-line bench area during the second quarter fight. The incident occurred during a game where the score was 14-7 at the time of the ejections.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: The fight occurred during the game against Fayette-Ware.
October 12, 2026: Officials obtained the report on the altercation.
October 16, 2026: The TSSAA overturned the team ejection as Ridgeway played Craigmont.
Culture Shift
This disciplinary action reflects the growing emphasis on bench conduct and player safety in high school athletics. Modern regulations under TSSAA Article III, Section 7 ensure that teams are held collectively responsible for maintaining order during on-field altercations.
Families and fans can expect the suspended players to miss the scheduled October 16 game against Craigmont. The school maintains its eligibility for the postseason, preventing a complete cancellation of the team's remaining season.
The takeaway
Maintaining discipline on the sidelines is a critical requirement for keeping a high school football program eligible for postseason play. Coaches and players are encouraged to strictly adhere to bench-conduct rules to avoid costly fines and player absences.
Further reading
For more on local school athletic policy, visit Memphis Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Commercial Appeal.
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