Eligibility: AMB Soccer-Jacob Goosen

2021-22 Season

October 13, 2022 

Facts:

Jacob Goosen attended Ambrose University during the 2021-22 academic year. He sustained a season-ending injury during the pre-season and did not participate in any matches. Unfortunately, his name was mistakenly placed on a game sheet during the 2021-22 season.

AMB seeks a ruling that Mr. Goosen did not consume eligibility during the 2021-22 season due to an eligibility-use error on its part.

Ruling:

Article I Section 5 Rule 1.4.4.2 of the ACAC Operating Code is worded as follows:

1.4.4.2. Correcting an Eligibility-Use Error
Institutions requesting a correction to eligibility records due to an eligibility-use error must submit a request to the Commissioner and adhere to the following requirements. (i.e. erroneously leaving a non-participating student-athlete’s name on a game sheet). (Added April, 2017)

1.4.4.2.2. When the error is detected after the completion of the relevant season and/or semester, the offending institution must submit a written request with all relevant details through the ACAC office to correct the record, as well as provide irrefutable evidence to support the request, and submit a $500 fee to the ACAC office. The Commissioner will review the submission and determine whether the request will be granted. If approved, the institution must submit corrected game sheet(s) to the ACAC office within one week. (Added April, 2017)

As referenced in Rule 1.4.4.2.1, the evidence required to reinstate an athlete’s eligibility must be irrefutable.

In this case, AMB has provided medical evidence that confirms that Mr. Goosen sustained a complete tear of his ACL on August 23, 2021, which required surgery.

Under the circumstances, I am convinced that the evidence provided by AMB is irrefutable and Mr. Goosen is deemed not to have used eligibility in relation to the 2021-22 season.

As per Rule 1.4.4.2.2, AMB is to submit the requisite $500 fee to the ACAC Office forthwith.

Sincerely,

Bill Hendsbee 
ACAC Commissioner