Case Number:

ON/1234/22

Dean Hadley #11, Hull KR

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Hull KR v Hull FC

Match Date:

2022-07-10

Incident:

Late Hit on Kicker

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 – B

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 11 July 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 00:31:52 Opta 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 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 – Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game (includes Dangerous Contact) - 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 from 1 to 2 matches.

• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Hadley makes contact with his opponent.
• Opponent Mr Gale takes the ball from the ruck and is shaping to kick the ball.
• Mr Hadley starts to sprint from the defensive line towards Mr Gale.
• Mr Gale can be seen to release the ball off his foot.
• At the point of release the MRP submit that Mr Hadley is approx. 2 metres away from his opponent.
• Mr Hadley contacts Mr Gale and there is clear flexion on the footage of Mr Gale’s head and neck.
• Mr Hadley has entered the tackle in an uncontrolled manner given his speed of approach.
• The player fails to moderate his behaviour.
• The nature and type of contact on Mr Gale is unnecessary and avoidable.
• There was an obvious risk that acting or failing to act in a particular manner will bring about the result of making contact with the opponent after the ball has been released.
• The MRP submit that Mr Hadley’s actions given the above points were of a reckless nature.
• Clubs have been issued with a guidance note which is titled as Late Hits on Passers however the same principles apply as it refers to contact after the ball has been released.
• Head injuries are a serious point of concern for all involved in contact sports and players have to be deterred from making contact with the heads of opponents. The RFL have sent communications in this regard both at the start of the 2021 season and now again for the 2022 season.

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

Player in attendance alongside Neil Hudgell (Owner) and James Deighton (Analyst). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

DH talked through the incident and explained he was putting kick pressure on the opponent. He felt that the opponent turned as he approached and this caused his body angle to change. DH felt that the contact made was light and that the opponent was off balance at the moment of contact. He explained that there was no malice involved.

NH felt that the footage was of a poor quality as it was from one angle and panned out. He felt the opponent carried on with his momentum and that the Match Official had a clear view of the incident and took no action.

He felt that DH had an outstretched arm and that the opponent was off balance. There was no injury caused and no flexion of the head or neck. He explained that RL is a high impact collision sport and that DH had a split second to adapt as he applied kick pressure. The club felt that the charge should be downgraded to a Grade A charge. DH has a good disciplinary record and was not the type of player to commit such an offence.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• MRP felt that this necessitated a Grade B charge for the following reasons:
- Reckless act.
- Player fails to moderate behaviour.
- Nature of contact is unnecessary.
- Speed of approach leaves player unable to adapt to the ball being released.

Reasons for Decision:

The footage of this incident reviewed by the ORT was of poor quality. The Tribunal felt it was difficult to see if there was flexion of the head, neck or spine.

The player has pleaded guilty to a breach of Rule 15.1(i) Dangerous Contact. The MRP graded this at Grade B.

As we cannot determine so that we are satisfied there was flexion we conclude that this was Dangerous Contact but substitute the charge as Other Contrary Behaviour and re-grade in at Grade A. There is therefore no suspension.

Suspension:

0 matches