CASTINE (AP) — The NCAA is placing Maine Maritime’s football team on probation for two years and vacating its participation in the 2009 Division III tournament because of scholarship violations.

The NCAA Division III Committee on Infractions says Maine Maritime failed to properly monitor creation and awarding of four scholarships that improperly included athletics participation as criteria.

Two of the scholarships gave preference to students-athletes, while the other two required participation in athletics for eligibility. All told, nine student-athletes received more than $5,000 between 2007 and 2012. During that period, Maine Maritime played in the first round of the 2009 tournament but failed to advance.

The NCAA, school and individuals agreed to the summary disposition. Additional education on NCAA rules is part of the settlement. There was no immediate comment from Maine Maritime.

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