LEXINGTON, Ky. -- An NCAA infractions appeals committee on Tuesday upheld a one-year postseason ban placed on Kentucky's football program.

The ban was one of several sanctions levied against the school in January after internal and NCAA investigations unearthed dozens of recruiting violations.

Kentucky appealed the ban in February, claiming that the penalty was too harsh because the violations did not give the school a clear competitive advantage.

The Committee on Infractions stated in its report that the penalty was based primarily on Kentucky having obtained a "significant and protracted recruiting advantage'' as a result of the violations.

In its report, the committee said, '''Recruiting advantage' also encompasses obtaining an enhanced reputation for the institution based on favorable communications between recruited prospects and future recruits.

"We conclude Kentucky construes the term 'recruiting advantage' too narrowly in its argument.''

School officials, including President Lee Todd, argued their case in front of the appeals committee last month in Chicago.

"I'm very disappointed with this ruling,'' Todd said. "The prospect of postseason play in any sport is what drives the hope and optimism for all of us.

"I'm disappointed for our fans. I'm disappointed for our coaches. And most of all I'm disappointed for the student athletes and this team who are giving their all to restore this program. For them, I feel the process has let them down.''

At the time, the bowl ban did not seem to be a significant penalty as Kentucky was coming off consecutive 2-9 seasons.

A surprising 3-0 start this year has made the possibility of a bowl game more realistic.

"It is extremely difficult to express the disappointment that our football players and coaching staff are feeling after this decision,'' said Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart. "They now have to pay the price for the infractions that others have created.

"But this team has displayed great heart and courage in the face of adversity, and I truly believe that they will remain focused on the upcoming schedule and continue what could be a storybook season for Kentucky football.''

In addition to the postseason ban, the school was placed on three years' probation, forced to reduce its total number of football scholarships to 80 instead of the permitted 85 over the same period and cited for a lack of institutional control over the program.

The violations were committed during the four-year tenure of former coach Hal Mumme, who resigned in the wake of the NCAA's investigation.

Mumme was not personally sanctioned by the NCAA and was hired in June as the coach of Southeastern Louisiana's newly restored football program, which will begin play in 2003.

"I have a real problem with programs that get a sanction of lack of institutional control and the head coach of that program walks away free and clear and moves on to coach at another school while the students are left to pay the price,'' Todd said.

"I believe it is prudent for us -- and I include in that us, UK and every other university, every athletic conference and the NCAA itself -- to now look beyond any single case and reassess how full accountability of a college athletic program can be attained.''