Case Number:

ON/014/20

Jordan Turner #4, Huddersfield

Competition:

Warm Up Matches

Match:

Wakefield v Huddersfield

Match Date:

2020-01-22

Incident:

Dangerous Contact in the 58th minute (Walker)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(i)
Detail – Dangerous Contact - Defender uses any part of his body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player
Grade – C

Fine:

No fine imposed. Challenge to grading successful

Sanctions:

1

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty but challenge grading

Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 27th January you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 58th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion during making a tackle you applied unnecessary pressure to the limb of an opponent (Walker). The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and caused your opponent injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade C offence (Dangerous Contact - Defender uses any part of his body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.) The normal suspension range for such offence is from a 2 – 3 match suspension.

Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Player accompanied by Rugby Manager Andy Kelly. Player pleads guilty but challenges the level of the grading.

Information received from opponents medical staff indicate player may be out for 4 to 6 weeks. Having consulted with the Huddersfield Medical Staff with the information that is available they suggest an injury of this type would result on a 1 or 2 week absence from playing.

The player and his representative want to the Tribunal to take into account the speed of the tackle and the considerable rotation of the opponent upon contact. On contact the opponent and ball carrier rotates his body at speed with force and the tackling player has no opportunity to correct his tackling position.

It is accepted that the tackling player takes both feet off the ground during the course of the tackle and contact is made with opponents knee and ankle but because of the speed and momentum involved the tackling player was unable to adjust and prevent this contact.

This was careless more than reckless and there was no intent to cause injury to the opponent. The tackling player indicated that due to the speed of the tackle that he was not aware his legs were between the opponents legs. He immediately showed concern for the opponent and had no intent to cause an injury.

The players representative introduced a comparable clip of a similar tackle involving players from Warrington and Hull KR where contact was made with the opponents legs. In this instance it is argued that there was a break in play during the course of the tackle and the tackling player had the opportunity not to make contact.

Dangerous contact was made with the opponents legs and injury resulted and this was graded at a Grade B. It is argued that in this instance this player had no opportunity to pull out of the tackle and prevent this contact and that this offence was careless rather than reckless and should be graded similar at a Grade B.

Decision:

Guilty but challenge the grading

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have carefully considered the submissions made on behalf of the player and have looked at the footage of the incident and the comparable clip in support of the application to down grade this offence from a C to a B.

The footage clearly shows this player tackling his opponent Walker close to the Huddersfield line. Whilst effecting the tackle the player has both feet off the ground and during this swinging motion made at speed and with momentum dangerous contact is made to the opponents knee and ankle joints.

This type of contact has the risk of serious injury to an opponent. This Tribunal have to decide if this was a reckless or careless act. This tackle was made at speed with a considerable amount of momentum. The tackled player forcefully turns his body at point of contact which increases the momentum of the tackling player and him little opportunity for him to adjust.

The Tribunal believe the player could have approached the tackle in a different way and feel that his actions were more careless than reckless and down grade the offence to a Grade B. In deciding the appropriate sanction the Tribunal take into account the players excellent playing record. His acceptance of guilt of dangerous contact and the immediate remorse and concern shown towards his opponent.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Grade C due to:

• Reckless contact to lower left limb of opponent hooked in vulnerable position
• Pressure applied through driving body weight through and against joints natural range of movement
• Involves an unacceptable risk of injury to opponent
Lack of duty of care demonstrated towards opponent

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Player accepts his guilt to Dangerous Contact but argues was a careless act rather than reckless and requests grading to be downgraded to a B from a C.

Has a professional career of 15yrs and has never appeared before a Tribunal.

Showed immediate and considerable remorse towards his opponent.

Aggravating Factors:

17.03.14. Caution-Tripping

Suspension:

1 match