Ruling-GMU Hockey-Arneson |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2014-15 SeasonFebruary 20, 2015Facts: On February 14, 2015, MacEwan Men’s Hockey player Bryan Arneson (#12) received a cross checking penalty with one second left in the game. Keyano has asked for a supplemental ruling based on video evidence which it suggests establishes that Mr. Arneson should have instead received a penalty for checking from behind. Ruling: Article III Section 1 Rule 1.4 of the Operating Code reads, in part, as follows: An athletic director may submit videotape to the ACAC Commissioner to receive an extraordinary ruling. An infraction must have been called by the game official, a serious act of misconduct have occurred, or a major injury have resulted from the incident. Keyano has submitted the attached video footage of the incident, which I have had the chance to review. In past rulings I have been extremely reluctant to overturn calls made by on ice officials, who usually have a much better sightlines and a better contextual feel for the incident in question. It is not the Commissioner’s role to act as an ACAC official, particularly in situations where officials are expected to exercise their experience and judgment in determining the appropriate response to an on ice incident. Schools should only resort to Rule 1.4 in the most severe of cases. In this case, having reviewed the video footage, I am not in a position to interfere with the call made by the referee. In my opinion, he was in perfect position and had an unobstructed view of the incident and elected to exercise his judgment by deeming the offence a cross check rather than a check from behind. As such, the request by Keyano is denied. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |