Suspension-Soccer-Small Good

2014-15 Season 

October 1, 2014 

Facts:

On September 28, 2014, RDC goalkeeper Lauren Good and Olds College’s Jessica Small (#10) both received red cards for violent conduct.

During the 90th minute, Ms. Small took a shot on Ms. Good. After the save was made, Ms. Small followed up by sliding into Ms. Good with her cleats up. She then threw a punch at Ms. Good, eventually throwing two more punches. In response to Ms. Small’s actions, Ms. Good drove her elbow into Ms. Small before punching Ms. Small twice.

Ruling:

Article I Section 13 Rule 9.5.3 of the Operating Code reads as follows:

9.5.3 Four Match Suspension 
Red Card offences resulting in an immediate match ejection plus a four (4) game suspension.

9.5.3.1 Fighting, violent conduct, serious foul play

In addition, Rule 9.9.10 reads as follows:

9.9.10 Review of Red Card Offences: 
The Commissioner, upon the review of red card offences, will be granted the discretion to either increase or decrease the length of the suspension, depending on the circumstances.

There is no instigator penalty in soccer. However, if that were the case, it is clear that Ms. Small’s actions were greatly responsible for the escalation of this incident. Not only did she deliberately slide into Ms. Good with her cleats up, she also threw the first punch. That said, while I certainly do not condone Ms. Good’s retaliatory response, I feel that a straight application of a four (4) game suspension to each player would unfairly favour Ms. Small. Therefore, I am exercising my discretion in Rule 9.9.10 as follows:

Ms. Small is hereby suspended for four (4) games, to be served as follows:

• October 4, 2014 vs. Lakeland College  
• October 5, 2014 vs. RDC
• October 18, 2014 vs. MHC
• October 19, 2014 vs. Lethbridge College

Ms. Good is hereby suspended for three (3) games, to be served as follows:

• October 4, 2014 vs. SAIT 
• October 5, 2014 vs. Olds College
• October 18, 2014 vs. Lakeland College

Sincerely, 

Bill Hendsbee 
ACAC Commissioner