On July 10, the Western Lacrosse Association received a formal protest from the Maple Ridge Burrards following their 12-11 loss to the New Westminster Salmonbellies at Queen’s Park Arena on July 9. The protest was reviewed by WLA commissioner Ernie Truant, who ruled that New Westminster was in violation of Rule 8.02.5 of the WLA Operating Policy for dressing a player who was currently on their holdout list. Upon the ruling, the two points earned by the Salmonbellies were awarded to the Burrards as outlined in the operating policy.
July 13, 2015
The WLA Operating Policy in question (8.02.5) states that any player who is on a WLA team’s player holdout list is not eligible to play for any WLA club. The Salmonbellies notified commissioner Ernie Truant that they were appealing the ruling.
July 15, 2015
The New Westminster Salmonbellies submitted a formal reasoning for appeal on the ruling that was made for the game played on July 9 at Queen’s Park Arena. The appeal was held on July 22 before an appeals board for final ruling.
July 22, 2015
No decision was reached during the Appeals Board meeting and further information was to follow on Friday July 24.
July 24, 2015
“In the matter of this appeal, the Appeal Board finds that the commissioner’s decision is a fair and reasonable interpretation of the WLA Operating Policy,” stated the board ruling. The two points awarded to the Maple Ridge Burrards stands. The current listing of the WLA standings is correct and up-to-date and reflects the Appeals Board’s decision to uphold the commissioner’s ruling.
