Administrative Ineligibility: CUE Soccer-Bannard |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2017-18 SeasonNovember 10, 2017
Facts:CUE has self-reported that it inadvertently used an ineligible player during the 2017-18 ACAC Men’s Soccer Championships. Goalkeeper Aaron Bannard sustained a concussion at the beginning of the season. He was not medically cleared to play until September 21, 2017, at which point he was added to CUE’s eligibility list. However, as it turned out, Mr. Bannard did not dress for a regular season game. Due to an injury to CUE’s starting goalkeeper, Mr. Bannard dressed, but did not play, during the ACAC Championships semi-final against KC, a match CUE lost to KC. However, Mr. Bannard was the starter for the bronze medal match against SAIT, a match CUE lost to SAIT. Ruling:Article I Section 5 Rule 4.1 of the ACAC Operating Code reads as follows: A student-athlete must be listed on the original certificate of eligibility (fall semester) or on a supplemental certificate of eligibility and have appeared on an ACAC regular season game sheet (on or before January 30, soccer excepted) in order to be eligible for play-offs. (Amended April, 2012) 4.1. In the case of soccer, supplementary eligibility forms must be in the ACAC office by October 15th each year and all athletes must appear on one or more league game sheets to be eligible for the play-offs. In addition, Article I Section 5 Rule 11.1 of the ACAC Operating Code reads as follows: 11.1 Use of an Ineligible Student-Athlete CUE Head Coach Ian Skitch has indicated that he was under the impression that Mr. Bannard was eligible to compete during the Championships. While ignorance of ACAC eligibility rules is no excuse, I have no reason to disbelieve Mr. Skitch. I also appreciate that Mr. Mrak has brought this incident to our attention and I am particularly thankful that CUE did not win either of the games in question, which would have seriously impacted the ACAC Championships. In this case, CUE is hereby fined $500, payable forthwith to the ACAC Office. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee
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