Eligibility-NAIT Men's Hockey-Gudmandson |
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Eligibility Ruling
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2012-13 SeasonFebruary 28, 2017Facts:During the 2012-13 season, goaltender Michael Gudmandson was listed on NAIT’s eligibility form and appeared on one NAIT gamesheet. Mr. Gudmandson insists that this was an “emergency backup” goaltender situation and that he dressed but did not play in the game. Mr. Gudmandson indicates that the NAIT coach assured him that appearing in the game in question would not count against his eligibility. At the time he was contacted by NAIT, Mr. Gudmandson had been released by the Battleford Northstars of the SJHL and he had returned home to Edmonton to await being signed by another Junior A team. The NAIT coach at the time has no specific recall of the incident. Notwithstanding Mr. Gudmandson’s assertion that he was under the impression that he was appearing for NAIT as an emergency backup goaltender, which I have no reason to disbelieve, NAIT did not make an application to the Commissioner to have Mr. Gudmandson declared an emergency backup goaltender for eligibility purposes. Mr. Gudmandson only briefly attended NAIT (taking online courses only). Shortly after the game in question, he joined the Humboldt Broncos of the SJHL. Subsequently, Mr. Gudmandson enrolled at Marian University, a NCAA school, where he is currently in his third season with the team. Having become aware that Mr. Gudmandson’s brief appearance with NAIT consumed a year of eligibility, NAIT is seeking a ruling on behalf of Mr. Gudmandson to have a year of eligibility returned in relation to the 2012-13 season, thus allowing him to compete for Marian University during his Senior year. Ruling:Article I Section 13 Rule 9 of the ACAC Operating Code states as follows: 9. Special Rule for Goalkeepers 9.1. On an emergency basis, such as for back up purposes when regular goalkeepers have been lost due to injury or for academic reasons, it shall be permissible to use a goaltender who is a full-time student at the ACAC member institution in question even though the athlete may be playing concurrently with another team. Provided that the emergency back-up goaltender is listed on the game sheet fewer than 5 games, he/she will not be considered to have used a year of eligibility. A supplemental eligibility form must be completed by the institution prior to the student-athlete competing. An appeal can be made to the Commissioner to waive the 24 hour eligibility certificate submission deadline. (Amended March, 2010) In this case, since NAIT did not make an application to the Commissioner to have Mr. Gudmandson designated as an emergency backup goaltender, Article I Section 5 Rule 1.4.4 of the ACAC Operating Code applies: 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-athlete’s name on a game report * shall be interpreted as indicating participation in that game (* Not to include pre-season contests). Under the circumstances, I am extremely sympathetic to Mr. Gudmandson’s situation. However, the Operating Code does not provide me with any discretion in this matter. Therefore, I am forced to deny NAIT’s request. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |