during the 1991-92 soccer season may have cost the Alabama A&M University sophomore his athletic scholarship as well as any remaining athletic eligibility The Royal Gazette has learned.

The action taken by Parish where they brought in Hill to aid them in an FA Cup semifinal tie against PHC -- a match they lost -- was in direct contravention of NCAA rules, which state that a student-athlete cannot participate in any outside competition during the school year unless it involves representing one's country.

Further guidelines do not permit the receiving of gifts in any form from persons other than family. And if not for the relative low profile of the sport in the US compared to basketball and football, Hill's acceptance of such a gift -- the airline ticket -- could have brought in the NCAA `watch-dogs' to investigate the entire programme.

Ironically it is believed that Hill's own head coach Dr. Salah Yousif may have himself blown the whistle on the young forward in a bid to avoid receiving any possible backlash in the event that the situation escalated.

However, when contacted, Dr. Yousif, who doubles as an economics professor, remained tightlipped concerning the matter but did say that the university had petitioned Hill's case to the NCAA.

"The NCAA rules are clearly stated in the book and it doesn't matter if the competition is amateur or not,'' he said. "We have sent a circular to the club stating the rules...you can talk to them about it.'' Parish president Allan Smith similarly had little comment about the matter although he acknowledged receipt of a letter from the school.

Hill has continued training with the squad since his return to the US last month pending a response. Joining him at the Division I school this semester on partial scholarships are PHC's Stanton Lewis and Richard Todd, who played for Devonshire Cougars last season.

The Island has always seen a stream of college players return during Christmas and Spring breaks to take up with various club affiliates and this should not be affected as school is not in session at those times.

Dandy Town player Paul Cann was also imported by his club for this year's FA Cup final, but in that instance the rule did not apply as his four years of eligibility had already expired.

Clubs would be well advised to refrain from flirting with the long-reaching arm of the NCAA, especially in times when many schools face probation and the dreaded `death penalty' -- cancellation of the athletics programme -- due to outside subsidisation of student-athletes, which often leaves individuals unable to gain what they were supposed to be attending school for...an education.

COREY HILL -- In action for Hamilton Parish against PHC in last season's FA Cup Semifinal loss at St. John's field.