Case Number:

ON/757/21

Ryan Hampshire #29, Wakefield

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Wakefield v St Helens

Match Date:

2021-07-09

Incident:

Dangerous Contact in the 37th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)
Dangerous Contact - A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes excessive flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses 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 12th July 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 37th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion you made unnecessary contact with your opponent which caused flexion with the head/neck area. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary, had the potential to cause injury and against the spirit of the game.

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 makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes excessive flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player. The normal suspension range for such offence is from 1 to a 2 Match Suspension.

In response to the comparison clip presented by the club (Matty Gee – Leeds v Leigh – Grade A) the CM explained that the MRP that there were a number of significant differences, including the speed in which the player is moving into contact, the contact itself is more of a bump and that the opponent in this instance straightens his line of run and continues to move forward into the defensive line.

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

Player in attendance alongside Chris Chester (Head Coach) and Andy Last (Assistant Coach). Player pleads guilty to the offence but challenges the grading.

CC explained that the incident happened close the Wakefield try line with the side down to 12 men. He felt the player could not see that the ball had been passed by the opponent and that there is just two seconds from the opponent releasing the ball and contact.

The club admit there is no wrapping motion used by the player, however, he was simple trying to apply pressure to the ball carrier and that any force used was not excessive. They club feel the opponent ends up on the ground partly due to falling over another player. There was no on-field penalty following the incident and that unlike the comparison clip this incident is just a one pass play.

The club feel that the charge should be downgraded to a Grade A charge and they used a comparison clip (Matty Gee – Leeds v Leigh – Grade A) as evidence.

RH addressed the panel and talked them through the incident. He explained due to been a man down he was defending in the line as well as in his usual position of full-back. He added there was no intent to hurt his opponent and that he was simply putting pressure on the ball carrier.

With regard to the comparison clip (Hughes – Warrington v Catalans – Grade B) which was introduced by the Compliance Manager, CC explained this incident sees the player having four seconds thinking time before making contact with the opponent. He also sees that the ball has been passed and that the tackle is two passes after the play the ball.

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. 37th minute
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Hampshire makes contact with his opponent.
• Opponent Mr Lomax takes ball forward then moves laterally before releasing the ball
• Mr Hampshire can clearly see opponent has released the ball however carries on into contact
• Player makes no attempt to wrap the ball. There is no attempt to make a tackle
• The contact is forceful. There is significant flexion of the head/neck area
• This contact was reckless and dangerous.
• Graded B due to:
- Late contact
- No attempt to tackle
- Significant force

Reasons for Decision:

This late contact is rightly assessed as a Grade B offence.

The contact was late and, although the Tribunal recognises the speedy nature of the event, the fact that the player had released the ball and did not have his attention on the tackler whilst the tackler had him in clear view means in our judgement that the tackler should/could have ameliorated what he was doing and avoided or lessened the contact that was made with the upper body.

Although this incident was not as reckless as the comparative clip shown to the Tribunal by the RFL tonight, it was nevertheless sufficiently serious and reckless to mean that a Grade B assessment is correct.

Similarly, although one can envisage incidents where the force used and the adverse consequences for the contacted player are worse, the force used here, and the lateness of the contact are nevertheless to be properly regarded as a Grade B event. The one match suspension therefore follows, and the fine is imposed. The bond is forfeited.

Suspension:

1 match