Eligibility - KC Futsal - Harris |
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Eligibility Ruling
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2013-14 SeasonJanuary 15, 2014Facts:
Keyano College has asked for a ruling on the eligibility of Men’s Futsal player, Harris, who is currently enrolled in an academic upgrading program. This is the second occasion where Mr. Harris has been enrolled in such a program, having previously done so during the Fall of 2012 while a member of the Keyano Men’s Soccer team. Mr. Harris then did not compete during the Winter of 2013 or the Fall of 2013. Keyano suggests that since Mr. Harris has not competed since the Fall of 2012, this would, in fact, be his second consecutive semester of upgrading, notwithstanding that it is taking place in a different academic year. Ruling:
Article I Section 5 Rule 1.1.1.4 of the ACAC Operating Code states as follows: The ACAC recognizes that some students may not be fully prepared to enter a postsecondary program and member institutions offer academic upgrading programs to assist in this transition. A student-athlete enrolled in 9 or more credits in an academic upgrading program, in a single semester, are considered eligible. A student-athlete may be enrolled in two consecutive semesters of 9 or more credits in an academic upgrading program in the same academic year. A student-athlete who is partially enrolled in an academic upgrading program in a single semester must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 or more credits of post-secondary level courses to be considered eligible. A student-athlete is permitted to compete for only one academic year within their five years of eligibility while enrolled in an academic upgrading program. (emphasis added) I am afraid that I cannot agree with Keyano’s interpretation of Rule 1.1.1.4. Where possible, the ordinary meaning of the wording used in the Operating Code should be utilized. The highlighted portions of the rule in question clearly refer to “two consecutive semesters,” the “same academic year” and “one academic year.” There is no reference to two consecutive semesters meaning the two most recent semesters that the student attended the institution and/or competed. To interpret the meaning of those words otherwise would not be consistent with the rule’s requirement that the academic upgrading take place during the same academic year and that the student-athlete is only allowed to compete for one academic year while enrolled in an academic upgrading program. Based on the above, it is my ruling that Mr. Harris is not eligible to compete while enrolled in an academic upgrading program.
Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee
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