Suspension: STMU Basketball-Coach Shoults |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2022-23 SeasonNovember 15, 2022
Facts: On November 4, 2022 the STMU Women’s Basketball team played at Keyano College. The game was closely contested, resulting in a 3-point overtime victory by KC, following an unsuccessful shot attempt at the buzzer by STMU to tie the game . At the conclusion of the game, an incident took place involving STMU Coach Steve Shoults, who felt that a foul should have been called on the last play of the game. The incident is outlined in the Basketball Officials Game Report. The game took place during the well-publicized WestJet system-wide computer disruption, which created numerous flight delays and cancellations. As a result, the scheduled officiating crew was unable to make its way to Fort McMurray, as scheduled, in time to officiate the game. On short notice, the Alberta Basketball Officials Association (ABOA), the ACAC and KC scrambled to find a solution, eventually finding two local officials to work with one locally qualified ACAC official to call the game so that STMU’s trip to Fort McMurray was not in vain. At approximately 4:30 PM, when the problem was first identified by KC and the ABOA, other alternatives were explored to manage the situation. It was eventually determined that the appropriate course of action was to proceed with the officials on hand given the considerable distance between the campuses of STMU and KC. Prior to the game, ACAC CEO Mark Kosak reached out by text message to the Athletic Directors whose teams were competing in Fort McMurray over the weekend to specifically request that they discuss with their coaches the need to demonstrate tolerance, patience and leadership given that less experienced officiating crews would be calling the games. As part of my investigation, I have watched video footage of the incident. I have also received reports from a number of witnesses who directly observed the incident in question, which are summarized below: Adem Campbell, Crew Chief Following the end of the game, Coach Shoults advanced to half-court, towards the officiating crew, yelling profanities towards them. He then threw his marker against the gym wall as the KC game day manager was walking by. Coach Shoults had to be held back by one of his players. Mr. Campbell’s wife was observing her first ACAC game and it ruined her first experience with the Conference. Jonathan Lambert, KC Athletic Director At the buzzer, Coach Shoults advanced onto the court, toward the officiating crew, yelling that the non-call was “bullshit.” He then turned back toward his team bench and threw his white board marker toward the wall, narrowly missing the KC game day manager. He then attempted to move toward the officiating crew again, while continuing to swear at them, this time held back by one of his players. He moved in the direction of the team bench before turning toward the officiating crew once more, still pointing and cursing at them. This behaviour was observed by spectators, other student-athletes and members of the public also using the facility. Niels Slotboom, KC Game Day Manager At the buzzer, Coach Shoults yelled and screamed profanities at the game officials. He then threw his marker against the wall aggressively and recklessly as Mr. Slotboom was walking by. Steve Shoults, STMU Head Coach In his submissions, Coach Shoults confirms that he was in agreement with the game proceeding with the use of local officials. While he indicates that he is prepared to issue a written apology, the rest of his remarks were focused on the quality of the officiating crew. Nathan Ruff, STMU Athletic Director The bulk of Mr. Ruff’s submissions involve providing “context,” which includes criticism of the circumstances leading to the use of the local officials and the timing and quality of the ACAC’s communications with STMU in that regard. He also brought up specific instances of poor calls made by the officiating crew. Mr. Ruff indicates that Coach Shoults was rightfully furious about the non-call at the end of the game although he does concede that Coach Shoults did not handle the situation correctly. He confirms the sequence of events described by the other witnesses and says that he has asked Coach Shoults to write a letter of apology to KC and its Athletic Director. Notably, there is no reference to such a letter being addressed to the officiating crew. Although it does not contain sound, the video footage of the incident is consistent with the descriptions provided by Mr. Campbell, Mr. Lambert and Mr. Slotboom. Ruling: Article I Section 3 Rule 3.1 of the ACAC Operating Code reads, in part, as follows: 3.1. Coaches have a responsibility to: 3.1.3. Consistently display high personal standards and project a favourable image of their sport and of coaching. 3.1.3.3. Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language in the conduct of his/her duties. I did not find the submissions of Mr. Ruff or Coach Shoults to be helpful in preparing this ruling. Both responses disproportionally focused on the circumstances surrounding the incident rather than the specific actions of Coach Shoults, which fell far short of the conduct the Conference expects of its coaches. While I appreciate that the use of local officials was not ideal, it in no way excuses the behaviour of Coach Shoults. In fact, I view it as an aggravating factor that Coach Shoults acted in such a manner given Mr. Kosak’s request that our coaches act as leaders under difficult circumstances. Instead, the conduct of Mr. Shoults embarrassed the Conference and placed it in a negative light vis-a-vis our student-athletes and members of the public. This type of behaviour cannot be condoned. Based on the above, Coach Shoults is hereby suspended for three (3) games, to be served as follows:
In addition, prior to being reinstated, Coach Shoults is required to provide a written apology to the officiating crew in relation to this incident. The apology letter is to be provided to the ACAC Office c/o Mark Kosak. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee
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