CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Students who lie about where they live to play on preferred prep sports teams will face tougher penalties under changes approved by North Carolina athletic officials.

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The Charlotte Observer reports that the N.C. High School Athletic Association decided Wednesday that students found guilty of the offense will be suspended for a calendar year.

 

Before, violators sat out for the same number of games in which they illegally participated.

 

The group's board also will clarify what it expects schools to do to double-check eligibility. Officials will also send schools a checklist of measures the board expects them to take.