Case Number:

ON/73/21

Joe Greenwood #15, Huddersfield

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Huddersfield v Catalans

Match Date:

2021-04-03

Incident:

High tackle in the 76th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (b)
High Tackle - Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome
Grade C

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

3 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty, but challenges the grading

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 5th April 2021, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(b) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 76th minute of the above Match. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion when in attempting to tackle an opponent you made reckless contact with your opponent’s head/neck area. 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 C offence (High Tackle - Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome). The normal suspension range for such offence is from a 2 – 3 match suspension.

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

Player in attendance alongside Head Coach Ian Watson and Rugby Manager Andy Kelly. Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading of the charge.

IW addressed the tribunal and explained he thought the challenge was careless rather than reckless. He explained the player was trying to force an error and at the last moment realises he is not going to make contact as planned. The player has a split second to react and pulls out so full force is not used on impact. The player did his best to try and avoid causing an injury to his opponent. He was in control and his feet were on the ground.

AK informed the panel that the player was travelling from the inside and his line of travel was almost from behind his opponent. He explained the player adjusted so as to soften the impact.

IW added that the players arm is not raised and is aiming down. The opponent is not injured and that the player and his team mates are always working on their discipline.

JG then talked through the incident. He explained he pulled away when he realised he could not perform the tackle as planned. The referee at the time thought initial contact had been made to the shoulder and that he also felt the tackle was careless rather than reckless. He had apologised to his opponent after the game.

AK concluded that he understood the responsibility that players had to each other and that on this instance excessive force was not used and this resulted in no injury. He also though that the player turned his shoulder and there was no intent intended.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thanked both sides for their submissions. They have watched the footage carefully and have come to the following conclusion.

They feel that the grading of the charge is correct. Whilst they believe that it was not an intentional act they believe that full contact to the opponents head was made and this was before the player attempted to rotate his shoulder. The footage shows the impact moves the opponents head and agree that it fits the definition of reckless as laid out in the sentencing guidelines.

They Tribunal believe that this kind of incident poses a risk to players and that players have a duty of care towards each other.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• MRP reviewed an incident which took place in approx. 75th minute
• Player was dismissed following the incident
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Greenwood completes this tackle.
• Player comes out of the defensive line at speed and approaches contact in a reckless manner
• Attacker does not change his line nor drop in height prior to contact
• The player does not make adaptations to approach or allow any time to adapt
• The players arm is moving in an upward trajectory prior to contact
• There is no attempt to dislodge the ball as the attacker is carrying the ball in his left arm
• Player makes no attempt to wrap the ball or make a legitimate tackle
• Player makes direct contact with the neck and head area of the opponent with upper arm
• The contact is forceful
• An injury has occurred to the opponent
• MRP not suggestion this is an intentional or malicious act.
• This contact was extremely reckless and dangerous.
• Direct contact from upper arm of Player direct to the head of opponent
• Graded C due to;
- High force and speed of contact
- Technique was reckless
- Direct contact with the head/neck

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

AK felt that the clubs challenge to the grading of the charge was not frivolous. They understand the seriousness of the charge and believe that they have presented their case well. As mentioned previously they believe this was a careless act rather than reckless.

They have also admitted the players guilt and again stated that there was no intent from the player and that the impact possibly resulted due to a lack of technique.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal are of the opinion that the challenge to the grading of the charge was not frivolous.

They acknowledge that the player and club have accepted their guilt and agree that a lack of technique contributed to the outcome.

They therefore feel the suspension should remain at 3 matches, with the player also fined £500. The club will also lose their £500 bond for bringing the challenge.

Suspension:

3 matches