ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Both, the head coach from Heritage High School and Rockdale County High School, have been suspended from their teams’ next scheduled football game after an on-field pregame brawl that broke out on Aug. 28. 

The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) issued the disciplinary actions against the two coaches following its investigation. Additionally, 11 student-athletes from Heritage High and 28 student-athletes from Rockdale County High also have been suspended from their next scheduled game and the schools also will face fines.  

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) said the GHSA determined the teams demonstrated unsportsmanlike conduct during the pregame activities. The Friday night game was canceled due to the fight, and as a result, the match will be counted as a loss for both teams in the GHSA Power Ranking System, officials said. 

Officials have not stated what prompted the fight between the two teams but say the fines are intended to reinforce good sportsmanship.  

In accordance with GHSA bylaws, the suspended student athletes also must complete the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Sportsmanship Course and submit proof of completion to the GHSA before returning to competition, the school district stated in a news release on Thursday(Sept. 3.)

The GHSA cited provisions of its 2026-2027 Constitution and Bylaws related to sportsmanship expectations, conduct unbecoming of coaches or school personnel, and prohibitions against fighting, taunting, and other unsportsmanlike behavior occurring before, during, or after athletic contests.

It is important to note that these consequences were imposed by the Georgia High School Association, the governing body for interscholastic athletics in Georgia. The disciplinary actions and competitive penalties are not decisions of Rockdale County Public Schools. As a member of the GHSA, RCPS is required to adhere to the association's rules, procedures, and enforcement decisions, the district stated.

"Rockdale County Public Schools holds all student-athletes, coaches, employees, and spectators to the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and personal conduct," said Superintendent Stephanie Johnson. "We are deeply disappointed by the events that occurred. We respect the role of the GHSA as the governing authority for high school athletics. Our focus remains on accountability, learning from this incident, and ensuring that our athletic programs reflect the values of our school district and community."

The district emphasizes that athletics are an extension of the educational experience. Participation in extracurricular activities carries the responsibility of demonstrating character, discipline, respect for opponents, and adherence to established rules and expectations. RCPS expects all student-athletes and coaches to represent their schools and community with integrity both on and off the field.

In response to the incident, RCPS has conducted an internal review and is implementing several corrective actions designed to strengthen oversight and promote student safety and sportsmanship. These actions include but are not limited to: adjusting start times of intercounty games; enhanced safety meetings attended by all administrators, athletic directors, coaches, school safety personnel, and law enforcement; strict pregame supervision protocols; both teams sharing the financial responsibility associated with the cancellation of game officials. 

The GHSA has advised that schools retain the option to appeal the ruling through the process outlined in the GHSA Constitution. Any financial penalties associated with the incident have not been finalized pending the appeal process. 

RCPS remains committed to fostering safe, respectful, and positive environments for all students and will continue working closely with school administrators, athletic leaders, coaches, student-athletes, and community partners to  ensure those standards are upheld, the district stated.