Suspension: MacEwan Volleyball - Coach Brad Bell |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2007-08 SeasonJanuary 17, 2008 Facts: During the weekend of January 2-4, 2008 the MacEwan men’s volleyball team competed in a tournament at Malaspina College in Nanaimo, British Columbia. During the bronze medal game on January 4, 2008 Coach Brad Bell was ejected for his conduct towards the referee. Mr. Bell’s failure to sit out MacEwan’s next scheduled game, as required by the ACAC Operating Code, was the subject of a previous ruling. This ruling deals with Mr. Bell’s behavior towards the referee. In investigating this incident, I have received input from the referee, from Mr. Bell and have also had the opportunity to review the game tape of the incident. According to referee Gary McWilliam, the incident in question started with Mr. Bell receiving a verbal warning for disagreeing with Mr. McWilliam. A few plays later he did so again and was given a yellow card. After Mr. Bell then disagreed with a further call, Mr. Bell picked up the ball, which had happened to bounce to him, and threw it forcefully at Mr. McWilliam on the referee’s stand. Fortunately, the ball did not hit Mr. McWilliam, instead bouncing off the wall behind him. Mr. Bell was then disqualified from the match. Mr. Bell concedes throwing the ball towards the referee stand. He says he had absolutely no intention of hitting the referee with the ball. He has expressed his remorse for the incident in a letter to the referee. I believe that Mr. Bell’s remorse is genuine. Nonetheless, it his his actions in throwing the ball that must be addressed. As indicated above, I have had the opportunity to review the game tape. In the tape, Mr. Bell is seen throwing the ball forcefully across the court towards the location of the referee. The ball appears to have come close to the referee’s stand. It also appeared to be thrown with enough force that it could have potentially caused injury had it struck the referee. In addition, following his disqualification Mr. Bell is clearly heard on tape making the following comment towards the referee: “You’re a fucking idiot. You’re an idiot.” He then appears to have left the gym without further incident. Ruling: I find Mr. Bell to be in violation of the Article I, Section 3, Rule 3.1 of the ACAC Operating Code, which is worded as follows: Coaches have a responsibility to: 3.1.3 Consistently display high personal standards and project a favourable image of their sport and of coaching. In determining the appropriate sanction for Mr. Bell’s actions, I have referred to the Canadian Volleyball Association rulebook. Although not technically binding on my decision, the seriousness with which the CVA treats such incidents is helpful. The CVA imposes a penalty of a two week to one year suspension for swearing at an official. It also imposes a suspension of three months to life for violent acts towards an official. The definition of violent act in the CVA rulebook includes throwing a ball at an official. In light of previous incidents involving abuse of ACAC officials, the Commissioner’s rulings have stressed that such incidents will not be tolerated. In my opinion, Mr. Bell’s use of profane language towards the referee within earshot of the entire Malispina gym represents a serious breach of acceptable standards. However, of much greater concern are his actions in throwing the ball towards the referee. Although Mr. Bell is fortunate that the ball missed the referee, his assertion that he did not intend to hit the official with the ball rings hollow in light of my review of the game tape. His actions represent an act of attempted physical intimidation and utter disrespect for the referee that must be sanctioned severely. At the present time, MacEwan has six (6) matches left in the regular season. It is my ruling that Mr. Bell is suspended for the remainder of the season, including playoffs, should MacEwan qualify. It is my hope that this ruling will make it clear to Mr. Bell as well as all other ACAC member institutions that these sorts of acts towards ACAC officials will be treated with the utmost severity. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |