Panama City, FL--The Bay County School Board's just wrapped up a investigation into some accusations made against the Arnold football program.

Those accusations were brought before Superintendent Bill Husfelt concerning Arnold coaches allegedly giving impermissible benefits to student athletes.

So Mr. Husfelt asked former St. Joe coach Vern Epinette to investiage and consult in the matter. His report shows some players given food cards and rides from time to time in the cars of two Arnold volunteer assistants.

Accusations of providing students living arrangements and recruiting by Arnold says Dr. Haley, were not proven.

Epinette's recommedations are these, make it clear coaches can't drive kids around unless in emergencies.

The State required school choice option the report states lends itself to the root of the problem, it recommends kids not be allowed to move out of zone to play sports, and to eliminate the current appeals committe at the school board level.

And the report questions why husband and wife are employed as head football coach, and A.D. respectively, suggesting that should be looked into.

Of the two unnamed volunteer assistants in the report, neither of whom were teachers at Arnold, one has already left town for another job, the other will will likely has his role in the athletic department changed.

Bay County's acting A.D. Dr. John Haley says he believes Arnold Head football coach James Hale was unaware of any benefits being given out by his volunteer assistants, but Haley says he can't say that definitely. He says he believes the district should do a better job of clearly defining the difference between a teach or coach simply helping a student out of their own pocket, and what is an impermissible benefit.

A synopsis of Mr. Epinette's report to the School Board is below, as submitted to Newschannel 7 Sports by Dr. Haley:

CONCERNS
1. Student receiving gift cards from coaches
2. Students being transported from Panama City to Panama City Beach by Coaches in their private vehicles
3. Transportation and living arrangements for students participating in Arnold football program.
4. Recruiting practices by several Arnold coaches

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. A policy should be implemented that prohibits coaches, except in emergency situations, from transporting students in their private vehicles.
2. The state required school choice option lends itself to the root of many problems in athletics in Bay County. Students should attend the school they are zoned for. If they decide to transfer, they would have to sit out for one year. Many problems would be solved before they occur. In order for this to work, there should be no appeals. committee.
3. The fact that a husband and wife are employed as head football coach and athletic director respectively is questionable. How can the athletic director who is on an instructional salary oversee a football coach on an administrative salary schedule? This needs looking into.