Suspension: CUCA Hockey - Kemp |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2010-11 SeasonFacts: On October 13, 2010, with less than two minutes remaining in the third period, CUCA’s Matthew Kemp was assessed a major and a game misconduct for a check to the head of an Augustana player. Although Mr. Kemp’s position is that he made contact with his opponent’s shoulder before impacting his head, the referee is adamant that the contact by Mr. Kemp was directly to the head and that no contact was made with the Augustana player’s shoulder. I am advised by Augustana that their player sustained a concussion as a result of the hit and was not scheduled to play on October 15, Augustana’s next scheduled game. Under the circumstances, I am inclined to accept the referee’s version of events. Ruling: The appropriate section of the ACAC Operating Code is Article I Section 13 Rule 9.4.4, which requires an investigation when a major penalty results in injury. I have no reason to believe that Mr. Kemp intended to injure the Augustana player. However, for the reasons expressed in my recent Weasel Moccasin decision, the Conference is concerned that head shots do not become accepted practice in our league. For that reason, Mr. Kemp will receive a two (2) game suspension for this incident, which is consistent with the Weasel Moccasin case. However, in addition, since the incident took place during the last ten minutes of the third period, I must also assess a further automatic one (1) game suspension. Mr. Kemp’s three (3) game suspension is to be served as follows: October 15 vs. Augustana (served) Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |