Ruling: GPRC Use of Ineligible Player for Playoffs |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2014-15June 5, 2015Facts: Kyle Erickson was listed on GPRC’s eligibility list throughout the 2014-15 Men’s Volleyball season. However, he was not listed on a game sheet until the ACAC playoffs, at which point his name appeared on three game sheets, as follows:
According to GPRC, Mr. Erickson was listed on their eligibility list, knowing that he was unlikely to play for the team and only practiced with the team during the season, not appearing in a single game. Further, although listed on all three game sheets, GPRC asserts that Mr. Erickson did not play at all during the playoffs. Ruling: The following sections of the ACAC Operating Code apply to this situation: Article I Section 5 Rule 4: 4. Eligibility for Playdowns A student-athlete must be listed on the original certificate of eligibility (fall semester)….and have appeared on an ACAC regular season game sheet (on or before January 30, soccer excepted) in order to be eligible for playoffs. Article I Section 5 Rule 1.4.4: 1.4.4 Minimum Participation for Use of One Year of Eligibility A student shall be considered to have used one year of ACAC eligibility if he/she has participated in one scheduled ACAC contest. The appearance of the student on a game report shall be interpreted as indicating participation in that game. Article I Section 5 Rule 10.1: 10.1. Use of an Ineligible Student-Athlete Where it has been determined that a member institution is in violation of the rules of eligibility and has used an ineligible student-athlete, other than as identified in Article 10.2, the Commissioner shall exercise his or her discretion to determine an appropriate sanction. (Amended October, 2011) I have reviewed the regular season game sheets. In most cases, Mr. Erickson was listed as either an assistant coach or under the medical heading. He was not listed as a player in a single match. It is clear that Rule 4 above was not intended for this specific set of circumstances. Rather, the rule is intended to prevent a “ringer” from joining a team late in the season. That said, by not appearing on a game sheet (as an athlete) prior to January 30, Mr. Erickson was not eligible for the playoffs. I also have no reason to doubt GPRC in their assertion that Mr. Erickson did not play at all during the playoffs. However, even if Mr. Erickson did not step foot on the court, he is deemed to have participated in all three playoff games by virtue of Rule 1.4.4 above. There is no suggestion that GPRC acted in bad faith. However, it violated the ACAC Operating Code by allowing an ineligible student-athlete to compete in three ACAC matches, including the two victories referenced above. As a result, it is my ruling that GPRC shall forfeit the results of both playoff victories listed above and I hereby direct the ACAC Office to revise the results of those matches. GPRC finished in 5th following playoffs. As a result of this ruling, GPRC will be deemed to have finished 8th, with the schools below GPRC each moving up one position in the final playoff standings. In addition, to take into account the use of an ineligible player during GPRC’s loss to MHC, the school is hereby fined $500, payable forthwith to the ACAC Office. Sincerely, ACAC Commissioner |