Video Review: RDC Hockey-Coach Keeper

2019-20 Season 

January 29, 2020 

Facts:

RDC has requested a supplemental ruling based on video footage of an incident that took place immediately following a January 25, 2020 Men’s Hockey game against NAIT in which Coach Trevor Keeper was assessed a game misconduct for failing to control his bench pursuant to Hockey Canada Rule 9.5(i).

The game ended with the play on the RDC side of centre, closest to the RDC players’ bench. As the final horn sounded, the RDC team started to leave the bench to celebrate a hard fought 1-0 victory. At the time, one or more NAIT players were skating back toward their team bench and an altercation ensued that led to a penalty being called against a NAIT player.

RDC submits that the game misconduct was issued in error.

Ruling:

Article III Section 5 Rule 1.2 of the ACAC Operating Code reads as follows:

1.2. Request for Supplemental Ruling/Videotape: An athletic director may submit videotape to the ACAC Commissioner to receive an extraordinary ruling. An infraction must have been called by the game official, a serious act of misconduct have occurred, or a major injury have resulted from the incident. The request including a videotape of the incident, or additional information pertinent to the incident, must be submitted to the ACAC Office within 72 hours of the incident and a $250.00 non-refundable fee is to be paid. (Amended Oct, 2013)

RDC has undertaken to pay the requisite fee of $250 outlined in Rule 1.2 and has also provided video footage of the incident in question. For the reasons outlined below, the video footage was not relevant in reaching my decision. I have also had the opportunity to seek input regarding this incident from Chris Rebus, who was the on ice official who made the call.

Hockey Canada Rule 9.5(i) states as follows:

At the end of each period, all players must remain on their respective players’ or penalty bench until directed off by the Referee…..

A Game Misconduct penalty shall be assessed to the coach of any team that fails to comply with this rule at the end of the game if an altercation that results in penalties of any kind is either in progress as the game ends or begins after the game has ended. (emphasis added)

In speaking with Mr. Rebus, he confirmed that he had not yet directed the RDC team to leave its bench given the proximity of the NAIT and RDC players to each other. Mr. Rebus confirmed that although players occasionally leave the bench before being directed by the Referee, usually without incident, if an incident does break out that leads to penalties, it is automatic that the coach of the offending team receive a game misconduct pursuant to Rule 9.5(i), as was assessed in this instance.

Based on the above, the call on the ice stands. Therefore, pursuant to Rule 8.9.3 of the ACAC Operating Code, Mr. Keeper is hereby suspended for two (2) games, to be served as follows:

February 7, 2020 vs. CUE 
February 8, 2020 vs. CUE

Sincerely,

Bill Hendsbee 
ACAC Commissioner