Ashwin will miss today's Highlanders First XV final against Waitaki Boys' High School and, if his school qualifies, the South Island final (August 25) and the national semifinal (September 8).
The Metropolitan Judicial Committee found Ashwin guilty of allowing Eti Slater to play for Otago Boys' in a First XV interschool game against Christchurch Boys' High School on July 17 despite being ineligible.
Slater was awaiting a judicial hearing after being cited for a dangerous tackle in a game against Dunedin rival King's High School on June 28.
King's complained when it noticed the player had been picked for the game against Christchurch Boys'. Slater was subsequently cleared of his charge.
Ashwin, in charge of rugby at Otago Boys', was charged with misconduct by the Otago Rugby Football Union's judicial committee.
It found Ashwin had "deliberately ignored" the player's eligibility and his action was "at the mid-range of seriousness". It recorded its "concern and disappointment" at his actions, and said the deliberateness of his actions were "an aggravating factor".
The complaint was against Ashwin, so the committee could not take any action against Otago Boys' rugby.
Ashwin, a respected administrator, coach, volunteer and employee for 30 years, had offered a "sincere apology" and accepted full responsibility for his actions.
He told the committee he made the decision to play the ineligible player based on what he thought was best for the player, the team and the competition. There were no flag points at stake in the game, as it was not part of a structured competition.
The committee adopted a starting point of six weeks when it considered its punishment.
Taking into account mitigating and aggravating factors, it excluded him from all games (Otago Boys' or not) for four weeks.
Ashwin told the Otago Daily Times yesterday he had the right to appeal, but at this stage that was not his intention. He had no further comment to make.
