Case Number:

ON/965/22

Ciaran Walker #28, Workington

Competition:

Championship

Match:

Leigh Centurions v Workington Town

Match Date:

2022-05-22

Incident:

Late Hit on Passer

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 flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.

Grade D

Fine:

£250

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 27 May 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) Dangerous Contact during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 01:16:46 SharePoint time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you hit your opponent late without the ball causing flexion to the neck/spinal area. The Panel believe that your actions were unnecessary, against the spirit of the game and had the potential to injure your opponent.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence in breach of Law 15.1(i) – Dangerous Contact – Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game (includes 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 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 3 to 5 matches suspension.

• Incident occurs at 1 16 46 Sharepoint footage time
• Player is placed on report following the incident
• Player approaches opponent following a pass
• Player has an unobstructed view of opponent and the ball
• Player steps into contact following a pass
• Player does not make reasonable adaptations after the opponent has released the ball indeed the Match Review Panel
• Player makes contact as opponent is in a relaxed, unsighted, vulnerable position
• Player demonstrates no attempt to tackle opponent
• Player approaches at speed generating high force to the contact
• Tucks arm to increase force
• Opponent’s body demonstrates whiplash action
• Opponent lands forcefully

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

The player did not make an appearance and the club did not send any representation.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Grade D due to:
- Highly reckless contact as player sees the ball is passed and still proceeds into contact
- High force
- Unnecessary contact
- Involves an unacceptable risk of injury to opponent
- Lack of duty of care demonstrated towards opponent

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank the CM for his submissions and note that there no appearance made by the player or any representatives.

Having watched the footage and listened to the submissions the panel are in agreement that the grading if correct at Grade D. They therefore suspend the player for 4 matches and he also receives a £250 fine.

Suspension:

4 matches