A high school football coach in New York has been suspended because his team won a game by too much.

Key points: Coach Rob Shaver was said to be in breach of the "lopsided scores policy" as Plainedge beat South Side 61-13

Coach Rob Shaver was said to be in breach of the "lopsided scores policy" as Plainedge beat South Side 61-13 The South Side coach said he had "no issue" with Shaver and Plainedge's conduct

The South Side coach said he had "no issue" with Shaver and Plainedge's conduct The policy prohibits teams from winning by more than 42 points in an effort to avoid demoralising blowouts

Rob Shaver from Plainedge High School in Long Island will have to sit out one match after allegedly breaching the league's "lopsided scores policy" as his side beat South Side High School 61-13.

Plainedge led the game by 35 after three quarters but kept some of their best players on the field in the last period.

The policy prohibits teams from winning games by more than 42 points, and if they do, the coach has to provide an explanation to a committee as to why that happened.

According to Shaver, his explanation was not accepted.

"They thought it was a mismanaged game, which my opinion is, that isn't the rule," Shaver told Newsday.

"It should be 'you ran up the score on purpose'. That's what the intent of the rule is for.

"The spirit of the rule is to prevent better teams from running up on lesser programs and sportsmanship and dignity and all that stuff. I get it. That didn't happen."

Interestingly, the coach of the opposing side — which was also undefeated before the game — had no problem with Shaver and Plainedge's conduct.

"I had no issue with how the game went," South Side coach Phil Onesto said.

"I had spoken to coach Shaver, I told him I had no issues."

In an open letter, Plainedge's superintendent Ed Salina voiced his disapproval at the suspension but said the school would not appeal it, because that would risk Shaver being ruled out for the finals.

"Who said they are experts on sportsmanship? Who appointed these people to run this kangaroo court, being the judge, jury, and executioners?" Mr Salina wrote.

"What are you teaching children by saying play fairly but now you are playing too well, don't play anymore for the rest of the game. Where's the life lessons?

"Of course we don't want to embarrass others and we do that by moderating the players in the game.

"I've seen it numerous times over the years, by all our coaches, but especially by Coach Shaver."