Video Review: NAIT Hockey-Wing

2019-20 Season 

January 30, 2020 

Facts:

GMU has requested a supplemental ruling based on video footage of an incident that took place during a January 25, 2020 game against NAIT.

As a result of the play, NAIT’s Julia Wing (#7) was assessed a double minor penalty for head contact. GMU has asked for a supplemental review of the incident.

Ruling:

Article I Section 12 Rule 9.4 of the ACAC Operating Code reads as follows:

9.4.5. Any incident where injury was done to the player’s head can be requested for review by that institution for further suspension without fee regardless of whether it was called or not. If not called, the institution must provide a doctor’s note with diagnosis of injury. That institution is required to provide the league with video evidence of the incident.

GMU has provided the attached video footage of the incident in question. I have also had the opportunity to seek input regarding this incident from the Referee who made the call, as well as from the Hockey Alberta Referee in Chief, Craig DeCoursey.

GMU has also provided substantiation that GMU’s Jordyn Reimer (#9) is suffering from whiplash as a result of the hit.

Upon reviewing the video footage of the incident, which she also recalled in detail, the Referee is of the view was that she was in the proper position to observe the incident and that she made the correct call in assessing a double minor penalty. She has spoken with both linesman, who also stand by the call, as does Mr. DeCoursey.

The explanation by the Referee for the call is as follows: officials must exercise their judgment in determining whether the degree of impact or violence is sufficient to warrant calling a major penalty. Despite the unfortunate result of Ms. Reimer sustaining an injury, the Referee remains of the opinion that the hit did not rise to the level of a major penalty.

This is not a situation where the offence took place out of the view of the Referee or where her positioning was poor. Accordingly, it is appropriate in this case to defer to the discretion exercised by the Referee in determining the appropriate penalty.

Based on the above, GMU’s request is denied.

Sincerely,

Bill Hendsbee 
ACAC Commissioner