Video Review: NAIT Basketball-Cluysen

2019-20 Season 

January 22, 2020 

Facts:

UAA has requested a supplemental ruling based on video footage of an incident that took place during a January 17, 2020 game against NAIT involving the conduct of NAIT’s Hugo Cluysen (#25).

As a result of the play, Mr. Cluysen was assessed a C2 foul. UAA submits that the penalty should have been more severe.

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)

UAA has undertaken to pay the requisite fee of $250 outlined in Rule 1.2 and has also provided the attached video footage of the incident in question. I have also had the opportunity to seek input regarding this incident from the ACAC Basketball Convenor, the ACAC CEO and from Matt Kallio of the ABOA.

The video footage does not support the call made by the referee. It is clear that Mr. Cluysen not only makes no attempt to avoid contact with his UAA opponent but, in fact, does so deliberately, putting his shoulder squarely into the hit. Mr. Kallio’s opinion is that this was a non-basketball play and that the proper call should have been a disqualifying foul and an ejection. While I am reluctant to substitute my own call in place of that made by an on court official, in my opinion it is appropriate to do so in this case.

Based on the above, Mr. Cluysen’s C2 foul is revoked and is to be replaced by a disqualifying foul. Further, Mr. Cluysen is suspended for one (1) game, to be served on January 24, 2020 vs. CUE. A further disqualifying foul by Mr. Cluysen will result in an automatic suspension pending review by the Commissioner as per Rule 8.2.3.1.

Sincerely,

Bill Hendsbee 
ACAC Commissioner