Case Number:

ON/066/20

Joseph Shorrocks #13, Wigan

Competition:

Reserves Championship

Match:

Widnes v Wigan

Match Date:

2020-02-01

Incident:

Dangerous Contact in the 73rd minute (Case)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(i)
Detail – A defending player, in effecting a tackle, makes dangerous contact (either direct or indirect), or uses a technique which is likely to make dangerous contact (either direct or indirect), with the supporting leg or legs of an attacking player who is being held in the tackle by a defender(s), and who is deemed to be in a vulnerable position, in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player
Grade – D

Fine:

£50

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 6th February, 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 73rd minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion during making a tackle you made dangerous contact on an opponent (Case) who was held in a vulnerable position. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and had the potential to cause your opponent injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence (Dangerous Contact - A defending player, in effecting a tackle, makes dangerous contact (either direct or indirect), or uses a technique which is likely to make dangerous contact (either direct or indirect), with the supporting leg or legs of an attacking player who is being held in the tackle by a defender(s), and who is deemed to be in a vulnerable position, in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player). In accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is 3 - 5 matches.

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

The player has submitted a letter via the club. In the letter he accepts that the tackle was not acceptable or safe.

The player confirmed that after discussions with his Head Coach the clip was shown to the entire playing group where they were informed that this type of tackle was not acceptable within the club.

The player said that he would learn from this incident going forward and although he was fatigued there was no excuse for his actions and that he took full responsibility.

He added his apologises and was grateful that his actions had not caused his opponent any serious injury.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

The panel deemed this as a Grade D offence because
- Considered approach
- Victim held in vulnerable position – player aware
- Player could wrap both feet and safely assist in bringing player to ground
- Victims knee joints buckle against natural range of movement under pressure from tackler.
- Use of body weight
- Risk of injury – dangerous contact attacking standing leg of a vulnerable opponent
- Outcome of actions is to be reasonably expected

Aggravating Factors:

09/05/19 – Punching – Grade B – 1 match
15/04/19 – Dangerous Contact – Grade A – n/a

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal give praise to the player for accepting the offence and for showing remorse for his actions.

However, this type of tackle is very dangerous and has the potential to cause very serious injury. The Tribunal note that the player had a charge from last season for exactly the same offence and in this instance the opponent’s leg was forced against its normal range of movement.

They therefore feel that the grading at Grade D is correct and that they should go to the top end of the range an impose a 5-match suspension, plus the standard £50 fine.

Suspension:

5 matches