Eligibility-SAIT Soccer-Mann |
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Eligibility Ruling
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2015-16 SeasonSeptember 7, 2015Facts: SAIT student athlete Emily Mann competed for the women’s soccer program at SAIT in the fall of the 2014 – 15 season. In the fall semester Ms. Mann successfully completed 3 credits which deemed her ineligible to compete the subsequent season unless she was able to successfully complete an additional 15 credits to total 18 prior to August 31, 2015. SAIT indicated that Ms. Mann returned to school in the winter semester of the 2014 – 15 season but only successfully completed an additional 3 credits, giving her a total of 6 credits for the 2014 – 15 academic season. Ms. Mann is currently enrolled in a full time academic program commencing this fall 2015. When she was informed by the SAIT women’s soccer coach she was ineligible to compete this fall for SAIT due to her not meeting the ACAC academic standard required, she approached SAIT Athletic Director Mark Pretzlaff. Ms. Mann mentioned to Mr. Pretzlaff that she was not informed of her academic status until just recently. Mr. Pretzlaff indicated to Ms. Mann that eligibility requirements were discussed at the student athlete orientation that occurred in September as well as the specific eligibility meeting that he had in the fall with the women’s soccer program. Mr.Pretzlaff indicated that the SAIT department of athletics was aware of Ms. Mann’s academic status and did communicate to the coaching staff of the soccer program in January 2015 Ms. Mann’s status. In subsequent conversations with the coaching staff, Mr. Pretzlaff indicated that his coaches could not recall any conversations with Ms. Mann after the fall semester in regards to her eligibility status nor could they recover any email communication. SAIT is requesting, that due to a communication breakdown between SAIT and Ms. Mann in regards to her eligibility status that a special dispensation occur for Ms. Mann in regard to Article 1 Section 5 Rule 1.1.4.4 of the ACAC operating code. Ruling: Article 1 Section 5 Rule 1.1.4.4 is stated as follows: 1.1.4.4. One Semester Participation A studentâathlete who begins play for a CCAA team in September (and only participates for one semester), must pass a minimum of either: a) 9 credits in the semester of participation; or A student athlete, who starts participating for the first time in an academic year in January, must pass 9 credits in that semester of participation or 18 credits before the start of the next academic year. Academic eligibility for a one semester participant is assessed at the conclusion of the academic year August 31st. If the student athlete fails to earn the 18 credits over the academic year or 9 credits in the semester of participation, the Reinstatement Rule is applied on August 31st and participation in the subsequent fall semester is denied.
The one semester rule is clear in the ACAC operating code. SAIT does state that they were aware of the one semester rule and applied the rule correctly, that Ms. Mann did not the meet requirements to compete the fall of 2015. SAIT also confirms the fact that they did review the eligibility requirements at the student athlete orientation and had a subsequent eligibility meeting specifically with the women’s soccer program to review eligibility standards. The ACAC cannot make exceptions to rules due to errors in communication between a student athlete and the institution. It is the responsibility of all institutions to be knowledgeable of the ACAC rules and to communicate the relevant rules to their student athletes. Student athletes also have to be accountable for listening during orientations and if not understanding statements asking questions. There appears to be a communication breakdown between SAIT and Ms. Mann in regards to communicating her competitive status at the end of the fall semester. However it does not change the fact that Ms. Mann did not achieve the standard required for participation prior to the end of the athletic season. This standard is clear in the ACAC operating code, and in SAITs request they indicate the requirements and standards were discussed with all student athletes at the SAIT orientation sessions. In conclusion the request for special dispensation for Ms. Emily Mann regarding Article 1 Section 5 Rule 1.1.4.4 is denied. Sincerely, Alan Rogan |