Eligibility - NAIT - Apprenticeship Similar Program |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2011-12January 25, 2012Facts: NAIT has asked for an eligibility ruling for one of its students. The athlete in question played on the Men’s Soccer team earlier this year and is presently a member of the Badminton team. He is a full time student in the Welding Certification program, which runs from August 29, 2011 to January 27, 2012. The course is apparently quite intensive, involving 33 credit hours.
Of note, this is not an apprentice program although NAIT has queried whether there is a parallel when it comes to determining eligibility.
The student wishes to remain eligible to complete the Badminton season after his program ends on January 27, 2012.
Ruling:
Article I Section 5 Rule 1.1.1.2 is worded as follows:
Apprenticeship Students: In the case of apprenticeship students who are enrolled and attending full-time classes, they will be eligible to compete during their time in class as well as to the end of that semester. (emphasis added)
The Operating Code confirms that the ACAC should encourage inclusiveness of student participation in athletic opportunities. That being said, however, I am also bound by the wording of the relevant portions of the Operating Code.
Rule 1.1.1.2 makes a very clear reference to apprenticeship students. It does not make allowance for other programs which may be somewhat similar in substance and duration to apprenticeship programs. Presumably, Council was aware at the time Rule 1.1.1.2 was passed that other programs existed at ACAC member schools that shared similarities with apprenticeship programs yet the exception was limited to students in apprenticeship programs only. In my opinion, I do not have the authority under the Operating Code to extend the application of the above rule to include non apprenticeship students. As a result, the student in question will cease to be eligible upon the completion of his program on January 27, 2012. I would invite you to take this issue to the Governance and Finance Committee should you wish to propose a change to the Operating Code. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee
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