Case Number:

ON 482/21

Fenton Rogers #13, Huddersfield

Competition:

Academy

Match:

Huddersfield v Bradford

Match Date:

2021-05-29

Incident:

Dangerous Throw in the 6th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Dangerous Throw – throwing player into the ground

Fine:

£50

Sanctions:

D

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 3rd June 2021, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(d) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 6th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion you lifted your opponent and then threw your opponent to the ground. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and had the potential to cause your opponent serious injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence (Dangerous Throw – throwing player into the ground). The normal suspension range for such offence is from 3 to 5 matches.

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

Player in attendance alongside Player Development Manager Kim Williams.

KM addressed the tribunal and explained the issues that contributed to the way the tackle ended.

The player was the third man into the tackle and couldn’t see the actions of his teammate who it was felt also contributed to the incident. The players initial contact was good and around the leg and they believe the actions of his teammate exaggerated the lifting motion.

The club don’t dispute that this was a dangerous incident, but they felt that it wasn’t the usual type of tackle and one that was rarely seen. There was no intent and perhaps a lack of experience from the player explained how he could not get out of it. They explained the player was a youth representative and an ambassador for the clubs Academy side. He would learn from this experience, and he did not drive the opponent into the ground and reiterated his teammates actions caused the “flipping” movement.

Decision:

Guilty plea

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. 6th minute
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Rogers completes this tackle.
• Player enters the contact third man in a considered manner
• Mr Rogers goes low in contact and grips attacker behind the opponents right thigh and begins to lift right leg initially
• At this same point Mr Rogers team mate also begins to lift the opponents left leg
• Mr Rogers continues with his actions after his teammate lets go and drives the opponent’s leg upwards and throws his leg as his opponent feet are pointing skywards
• Attacker taken into a dangerous position and twisted over in mid-air.
• Players left elbow is pointed to the sky
• Player extends legs from crouched to straight position
• Opponent’s hips are above his head
• Both of the players feet come up off the ground as a result of the height of the lift
• Attacker’s lands on his back.
• Serious risk of injury, due to this dangerous action.
• MRP not suggestion this is an intentional or malicious act.
• This was extremely reckless and dangerous.
• Grade D due to:
- Unnecessary nature of the upwards lifting motion
- Attacker placed in very dangerous position
- Potential for serious injury

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions. They are concerned about the tackle and that the player continued his actions after his teammate had let go. This left his opponent in a very dangerous position and had the potential to cause serious injury. They feel there was alternative ways to complete the tackle and that the actions of the player were highly reckless.

The acknowledge the club have admitted this was a dangerous tackle, that there was no intent to cause injury and that the player has shown genuine remorse. They also note the plea of guilt and that the player has no previous record.

The Tribunal feel that the grading at Grade D is correct and that players have a duty of care to each other. This was a dangerous incident which could have had caused life changing injuries.

The panel feel that the player should be suspended for 4 matches and fined £50.

Suspension:

4 matches