Eligibility: SAIT Indoor Track-Fitzgerald

2022-23 Season

March 4, 2023 

Facts:

Makenna Fitzgerald is a member of the SAIT Women’s Indoor Track team.

During the current semester, Ms. Fitzgerald is completing a practicum in diagnostic medical sonography in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. As a result, Ms. Fitzgerald has been training in Saskatoon and she recently competed in a sanctioned Saskatchewan Athletics event from January 26-28, 2023. Ms. Fitzgerald had hoped to return to Alberta to compete in this weekend’s Athletics Alberta Club Provincials; however, she is now scheduled to work in Saskatoon. In addition, both ACAC Grand Prix events conflict with Ms. Fitzgerald’s practicum schedule.

SAIT seeks a ruling that Ms. Fitzgerald be deemed eligible to compete at the 2022-23 ACAC Indoor Track Championships.

Ruling:

Article I Section 13 Rule 3.2.1 of the ACAC Operating Code is worded as follows:

3.2.1 A student-athlete must be listed on the original certificate of eligibility or on a supplemental certificate of eligibility to be eligible for ACAC Championships and must start in at least one Grand Prix race or AA sanctioned race. A runner who starts in a Grand Prix race but does not finish will be eligible to compete in the championships. If any participating institution would like to enter a student-athlete in the ACAC Indoor Track Championships who started in a Grand Prix race or races but did not finish, they must notify the ACAC Office in writing in advance and indicate which Grand Prix race(s) or AA sanctioned race(s) the student athlete started but did not finish and provide a copy of the start list if requested.
(Added July, 2016/Amended April, 2022)(emphasis added)

Although Ms. Fitzgerald’s participation in a Saskatchewan Athletics sanctioned race does not technically satisfy the provisions of the Operating Code, SAIT takes the position that allowing her to compete at the ACAC Championships is consistent with the spirit of inclusivity. I agree.

One of the Conference’s core principles of eligibility is “to encourage inclusiveness of student participation in athletic opportunities.” In my view, allowing Ms. Fitzgerald to compete is consistent with this principle, particularly since her participation in a Saskatchewan Athletics event is analogous to having competed in an Alberta Athletics event. In addition, I have taken note that Ms. Fitzgerald’s inability to compete at one of the ACAC qualifying events is for practicum related reasons.

Based on the above, provided that Ms. Fitzgerald satisfies all other eligibility requirements, she is eligible to compete at the 2022-23 ACAC Indoor Track Championships.

Sincerely,

Bill Hendsbee 
ACAC Commissioner