Suspension-RDP Basketball-Bernal

2022-23 Season

October 25, 2022

Facts:

During the 4th quarter of an October 21, 2022, Men’s Basketball game hosted by RDP vs St. Mary’s University, a spectator was singled out by the officials for projecting audible profanity and engaging in disruptive behavior directed towards the officials on the floor. During a stoppage in play the fan was asked to leave the premises. She initially resisted and the game was delayed while RDP staff removed her from the facility. The spectator was later identified as RDP women’s basketball player Sandra Garcia Bernal.

Ruling:

Article 1 Section 3 Rule 4 of the ACAC Operating Code reads as follows:

4. Guidelines for Student-Athletes

4.1 Student-athletes are expected to conform to a higher standard of behavior by exhibiting the following qualities while involved in competitive situations.

4.1.1. Integrity - respect the rights of other athletes, coaches, and the public.

4.1.2. Competence - strive to perform to the best of your abilities.

4.1.3. Respect for the Rules - play fair and display respect for your sport.

4.1.4. Respect for Officials - exhibit respect for referees’ and officials’ judgements and decisions.

Reading through the officials report the profanity used by Ms. Garcia Bernal was loud enough to be heard by the officials on the floor and undoubtedly by other spectators seated around her in the stands. Her behavior reached the point where the officials determined it was necessary to request that she leave the RDP facility and she reacted by refusing to leave, when asked which impeded the continuation of the game.

The ACAC Code of Ethics section in the Operating Code references that athletes are held to a higher standard and does not distinguish whether this applies to competition or as a spectator. I have been consistently reminded that the ACAC aspires to create a positive experience for all involved whether that is student athletes, coaches, institutional staff, spectators, or officials. Ms. Garcia Bernal’s actions represent an absence of respect and decorum for others involved in or attending this game, and the ACAC.

In determining the length of Ms. Garcia Bernal’s suspension, the following factors were taken into consideration:

1. The ACAC has made it clear with online training, protocols, and information that student athletes are expected to project a positive image of respect for others involved in the game. Whether competing or on the sidelines. ACAC student-athletes are expected to serve as positive role models of sport.

2. The officials report including further elaboration about this incident in a follow-up email.

3. The input received from the ACAC CEO.

4. The length of suspension must be consistent with previous suspensions involving similar actions

Based on the above, Ms. Garcia Bernal is hereby suspended for a total of two (2) games, to be served as follows:

• October 22, 2022, vs STMU – served (RDP suspended Ms. Garcia Bernal internally for this game which will count towards her suspension total)

• October 28, 2022, vs. MHC

The suspension imposed because of this incident will be considered should Ms. Garcia Bernal commit future offences.

Sincerely,

Alan Rogan 
Acting ACAC Commissioner