Case Number:

ON/898/22

Billy Gaylor #14, Keighley

Competition:

League 1

Match:

Keighley Cougars v Rochdale Hornets

Match Date:

2022-05-15

Incident:

Use of legs by ball carrier

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)

Other Contrary Behaviour

Grade B

Fine:

£75

Sanctions:

1 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 19 May 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 00:36:21 SharePoint time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you used your legs in an unnecessary manner and the Panel believed that your actions 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 – under Law 15.1 (i) Other Contrary Behaviour (Use of legs by ball carrier).

The normal suspension range for such offence is from 1 to 2 match suspension.

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

Player in attendance alongside Andrew Henderson (Head of Rugby). Player pleads Guilty but challenges the grading.

AH talked the Tribunal through the incident. He explained that the player was attempting to free himself from an opponent who was laid on top of him in the tackle. He was trying to regain his feet in order to achieve a quick play the ball.

The player could not see the other opponent approaching and although contact is made it is initially with the chest area. The club felt that the force generated was due to the opponent coming in and that this forces the players leg up towards the chin area.

The player does not extend his leg to strike the opponent, however, the club accept that he was careless in his actions of lifting the leg.

The player reiterated the above when the addressed the panel.

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 at 36 21 of the footage time.
• The footage shows Mr Gaylor has been tackled by a Rochdale player and he is on his back
• Another Rochdale player Mr McNally it can be seen on the footage enters the tackle area
• Mr Gaylor’s leg can be seen to low at this stage.
• As Mr McNally looks to drop on Mr Gaylor, Mr Gaylor raises his boot high in a reckless manner and catches the opponent in the head
• MRP argue that the footage shows Mr Gaylor can see his opponent coming into the area.
• The leg is extended in an unnatural manner.
• Player cannot use any means to protect themselves.
• There is potential for such incidents to cause serious injuries to opponents.
• Graded B due to;
- Vulnerability of the opponent. Does not suspect such a contact.
- Reckless, not careless. Player did not need to lift their leg into that position
- Players have a duty of care to their opponents.

Aggravating Factors:

25/05/17 – Dangerous Contact (Grade A – 0 matches)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions.

They accept the submissions made by the club and player and are in agreement that the players actions were careless rather than reckless.

The Tribunal therefore feel the charge should be downgraded to a Grade A offence.

The player will therefore receive 0 matches and a £75 fine.

Suspension:

0 matches