Case Number:

ON/235/21

Brad Fash #17, Hull FC

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Wigan v Hull FC

Match Date:

2021-04-29

Incident:

Dangerous contact in the 49th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)
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.
Grade B

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

1 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty, but challenge the grading

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 3rd May 2021, 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 49th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion when completing the tackle, you dropped your legs then turned them into your opponent’s legs placing pressure on the legs of your opponent. The Panel believed that your actions were entirely 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 B 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) The normal suspension range for such offence is from 1 to 2 matches.

In response to the comparison clip (Edwards – Catalans v Salford) the CM informed the Tribunal that the player does not follow through in applying pressure on the limb of the opponent. He believes his rolls of the back of the opponents foot/ankle and his team mates push the opponent through to avoid contact.

The CM introduced a comparison clip of his own (Taylor – Hull FC v Castleford). This was a Grade B incident that saw the player promote his hips into contact like the case being discussed this evening.

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

Player in attendance alongside James Clark (Chief Executive) and Brett Hodgson (Head Coach).

JC told the Tribunal that the player did not lose his feet and any momentum was due to the other tacklers. The opponent was not distressed after the incident and played on. The players body weight was away from his opponent and he doesn’t swing or drop. If this had of happened they believe the grading would have been higher.

There was no intent and the player does not apply further pressure, although they do admit that the opponents boot does get caught for a brief moment. The Referee was well placed and did not give a penalty and whilst it is accepted is was a “scruffy” tackle it was only careless.

BH reiterated the player did not lose his feet and that he does not coach his players to drop their hips. The opponent was backing so it was not a traditional way of entering a tackle, but there is no intent and no weight is added to the opponents legs.

The club then introduced a comparison clip (Edwards – Catalans v Salford). This incident was given a Caution. The club believe that the player in this clip lifts and drops on his opponent is out of control. His hips land on the lower legs of the opponent who is put in a very bad position. The players momentum goes into the opponent and this is a dangerous tackle.

BF talked the panel through the incident. He explained he was trying to complete the tackle by throwing his opponent over his body. He didn’t drop or sit and tried to roll the opponent and spin him over.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal believe that whilst this was not intentional it was reckless.

The player entered the tackle as the third man in and his hips dropped to the ground as he tried to pull the opponent backwards. They feel that the grading is correct.

With regards to Edwards comparison clip the Tribunal felt that this was significantly worse and are of the opinion that it was graded incorrectly.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Player enters tackle in a considered manner and adopts grip around the waist of opponent
• Player removes both feet off the ground
• Player then promotes his hip forward towards back of opponents leg
• By taking such action the Player now has no control of bodyweight, whilst maintaining this grip.
• Player drops bodyweight through the back of the opponent’s ankle from players hip and pressured is maintained for a period of time.
• There is an injury to opponent
• Player has other options in which to safely complete the tackle.
• Grade B due to:
- Promotion of hip creates force and positioning of body to cause direct contact
- Contact is unnecessary
- Contact is made with the left ankle of opponent
- Pressure applied through promoting bodyweight on opponent

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal are in agreement that this was correctly graded at Grade B.

However, they do not feel that this was a frivolous challenge and therefore feel that the 1 match suspension remains in place, along with a £500.

Suspension:

1 match