Ruling: MRU Hockey - Replay of Game 5 |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2010-11 SeasonMarch 29, 2011 Facts I have been advised from Marc Dobell, MRU Athlete Services Coordinator that one of the MRU men’s hockey goaltenders on the game sheet on Sunday March 27th (Game 5 Championship Game) was not a full-time student, and for that matter MRU could not meet the requirements of our ‘supplemental eligibility form’ that was to be submitted Monday March 28th. Although MRU had with the best of intentions attempted to enact the ‘special rule for goalkeepers’, they failed to dress a goaltender that met the ‘full-time’ academic standard for such an emergency back-up intervention. 11. Special Rule for Goalkeepers 11.1. 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. Providing 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 4 day eligibility certificate submission deadline. (Amended March 2010) Background Having gone through a history of such efforts of ACAC coaches that chose to enact Article 1 Section 13 Item 11.1, the waiving of the 4 day eligibility requirement in this particular case is not at issue (see BC & NAIT MHKY 2008/9 as well as NAIT & MRU 2010/11). What does provide grounds for my ruling is that in the BC case of Oct 2 2008/9, the Acting Commissioner clearly stated the use of a part-time student in the role of emergency back-up goaltender was specific to the exhibition season only. Having read through a history of such efforts to address emergency back-up goaltender participation, I believe that it is a reasonable expectation that all Directors, Administrators, Coaches, and Students of ACAC Hockey understand that our competitions, and the privilege of participation, is reserved for full-time students. Having concluded that an ineligible player was on the game sheet Sunday March 27th I have no choice but to proceed towards Article 1 Section 5 Item 10. 10. Sanctions for Violation of the Rules of Eligibility 10.1. Where it has been determined that a member college is in violation of the rules of eligibility and has used an ineligible athlete, the college will forfeit the results of all those contests, competitions or matches in which the athlete has been recorded as an eligible player on a game sheet or registration form. The forfeit will be recorded as per the rules governing each sport. (Added September 2006) 10.2. As a result of any administrative errors by the member institutions regarding student athlete eligibility, the ACAC Commissioner will issue a fine of $1500 per occurrence. (Amended February 2010) Unique to this situation, the game in question is the Championship Game and the fact that this late in the season actual ice time to replay the game is problematic. Most importantly, awarding of a Championship based on forfeiture would not be considered as in the best interests of the students and schools that make up the ACAC. Ruling
As this is the 3rd incidence this season where upon an ACAC member institution and coaching staff made use of an ineligible player, the point the results of competitions have impacted the validity and reputational capital of our Conference, I cannot help but send to the ACAC Executive Committee of 2011-12 a recommendation to explore further sanctions for these type of actions, that albeit may be inadvertent, but impact the integrity of our contests. Respectfully submitted, Post-Script: March 30, 2011 Re: APPEAL OF COMMISSIONER’S RULING REGARDING THE OUTCOME OF A MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP HOCKEY GAME PLAYED ON MARCH 27TH, 2011 BETWEEN MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY AND SAIT The Appeal Tribunal that was formed to consider this matter, met on Thursday, March 31, 2011. The case manager, Alan Rogan, determined the format for the hearing which included a written submission from the appellant (Mount Royal University), the Interim ACAC Commissioner’s ruling, a written affidavit from R. Day, ACAC General Manager, letter from M. Dobell of MRU on behalf of Head Coach Jean LaForest and a registration confirmation letter for Steve Houghton from MRU. With respect to the initial task of the Appeal Committee, (Article III, Section 4), the Appeal Tribunal found there was grounds for an appeal to be considered. With respect to the original ruling by the Interim Commissioner, the tribunal felt that the decision was an attempt to find a compromise in what is an exceptional circumstance. In reaching a decision, the Appeal Tribunal unanimously felt that it must focus on the ACAC’s foundational core value of being a student-centered organization. The ACAC’s core values also speak to accountability and integrity. The tribunal wants to acknowledge and commend Mount Royal University for self-disclosing this information in what must have been an extremely difficult decision to make. These two teams have battled hard all season long and had a very tight 5 game playoff series. It would be extremely unfortunate to decide this championship based on a technicality such as this. Common sense and the spirit of sport need to prevail. Mr. Houghton only served as an emergency back-up goaltender for one game and did not factor into the result of this championship game or series. Based on the extraordinary circumstances of this situation whereby a backup goalie was required on such short notice, the information that was given to Coach LaForest by General Manager R.Day that he could file the paperwork on Monday; the tribunal feels that MRU should not be fined the $1500 for an administrative error. In addition, the Appeal Tribunal has serious concerns for the safety of the players and the high probability of injures that could result should a replay of game five occur. The tribunal is also concerned about the player’s ability to concentrate on their academic success. The academic calendar is coming to an end and this season has already been extended by one week. These student-athletes require time to catch up on their studies and focus on their upcoming final exams. Therefore, the Appeal Tribunal, by unanimous decision, has determined that the final result of game #5 of the ACAC Men’s Hockey Championships shall stand and that the Mount Royal University Cougars be crowned the 2010-11 Men’s Hockey Champions. The decision of the tribunal is final and binding upon the parties and upon all members of the ACAC. Respectfully submitted Kelly Almer (Medicine Hat College) – Chair |