Eligibility - PC Hockey - Matt Gray |
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Eligibility Ruling
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2011-12 SeasonSeptember 23, 2011 Facts: Matt Gray is registered in Portage’s Business Administration Certificate and Business Administration Diploma programs. Portage seeks a ruling on Mr. Gray’s eligibility to play for its Men’s Hockey team. According to Portage Registrar Bev Moghrabi, the Diploma program is a Portage program delivered in collaboration with Northern Lakes College, as noted in the ACAC collaborative declaration form. Courses are split equally between both colleges. At the current time, the Portage calendar does not list courses offered in collaboration with other colleges. However, Ms. Moghrabi has confirmed that the two colleges in this instance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to the effect that Portage is the institution designated to grant parchment for the Diploma program. Ruling: Article I Section 5 Rule 1.1.2 of the ACAC Operating Code states that in order for a collaborative program of study to be recognized by the ACAC for athlete participation purposes, the following criteria must be met: a. The ACAC member institution must publish the program of study in its academic calendar as collaborative with an individual partner institution; b. At least 50% of the collaborative program must be delivered on the ACAC member institution’s campus; and c. A copy of an agreement outlining the collaborative nature of the program between the two partner institutions is available if requested by the ACAC office. In this instance, Portage is able to comply with items b and c above but cannot comply with item a. Although I am not aware of the ACAC Council’s intent in drafting item a above, it was likely intended to ensure the legitimacy of these collaborative programs. Notwithstanding Portage’s failure to comply with item a, I am convinced by Ms. Moghrabi that the Diploma program is a legitimate collaborative program that complies with the requirements of the ACAC. In my opinion, to rule that Mr. Gray is not eligible based on the failure of Portage to publish the details of Mr. Gray’s program in its calendar, is at odds with the spirit of inclusiveness expressed in the Operating Code. Therefore, it is my ruling that Mr. Gray is eligible to play for the Portage Men’s hockey team during the 2011-12 season. It is my recommendation that Council consider amending Rule 1.1.2 to eliminate the calendar requirement provided that a member school is able to comply with the remainder of the requirements outlined in Rule 1.1.2. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |