Criteria for induction into the Sports Hall of Fame will not be changed.

Chairman of the Board of directors Rick Richardson announced yesterday that, despite the furore and questions triggered by Clarence Hill?s exclusion from the inaugural induction last year, the Olympic bronze medallist and other nominees would have to undergo similar scrutiny this year.

?We have not tinkered with the criteria nor have we lowered our standards. At a time when our society seems to be lamenting the fact that standards have been lowered in many areas that we have decided to stick by those standards laid down in our constitution,? declared Richardson at a Press conference at Cabinet Office.

?That?s important because we had some controversy (last year) and many people were asking, after the fact, if we were going to change the criteria.

?We had deliberations over that point and we?ve stuck by the criteria because we believe it?s appropriate for a Sports Hall of Fame.?

The chairman disclosed that he met with Hill and other nominees to gather additional information to assist the Board in their deliberations. Information submitted by the public was also considered.

Hill, the Island?s lone Olympic medallist, was overlooked last year because of his criminal history subsequent to his success in the 1976 Games in Montreal, Canada.

?We interviewed and spoke to Mr. Hill as we did many other people...I?m not at liberty to disclose what deliberations took place after that. Mr. Hill is aware of the criteria and...it states here (nominees must) ?be persons of integrity and good character at the time they are being considered for induction into the Hall of Fame? and that?s very straightforward,? elaborated Richardson.

Hundreds of nominations have been whittled down to 25 including: Dr. Gerard Bean, Randy Benjamin, Jim Butterfield, Kirk Cooper, Donald (Dick) Dane, Troy Darrell, Charles Dalton, Carlton (Pepe) Dill, Dudley Eve, Joe Ferreira, Hattieann Morrisette, Nigel (Chopper) Hazel, Charles Marshall, Leroy (Nibs) Lewis, the 1967 Pan Am soccer team, Sheridan Raynor, Dennis Wainwright, Ed Sherlock, Eldon Raynor and Earl (Townsey) Russell

Tickets for the August 27 black-tie affair at the Fairmont Southampton Resort are available at $100 each at the Department of Youth and Sport on Church Street.