Case Number:

ON/1258/22

Matthew Gee #18, Halifax

Competition:

Championship

Match:

Halifax Panthers v York City Knights

Match Date:

2022-07-11

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 14 July 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 01:05:38 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.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident at 01:05:38 SharePoint time.
• Player approaches opponent following a pass.
• Player has an unobstructed view of opponent and the ball
• Player does not make any adaptations after the opponent has released the ball
• Player makes contact as opponent is in a relaxed, unsighted, vulnerable position
• Player demonstrates no attempt to tackle opponent – no moderation or cushioning whatsoever.
• Player approaches at speed, generating high force to the contact – player actually promotes contact.
• Opponent’s head, neck, spinal column demonstrates severe whiplash action.
• Opponent falls to the floor and lands forcefully and vulnerably.
• Complete disregard for everything the sport is doing in relation to unnecessary and avoidable concussion/sub-concussion injuries.

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

Player not in attendance but represented by Simon Grix (Head Coach). Player pleads guilty.

SG explained that the incident was reckless and was probably lazy by MG, however, it probably looks worse when watched in slow motion.

He explained the MG was not a dirty player and that the opponent possibly stayed down. MG is a good character who has suffered a lot with injury over the last year. This has resulted in him missing a lot of rugby.

MG was sorry for the incident and is aware that he needs to work on his technique. He takes full responsibility for his actions.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Grade D (highest Grade for this offence) due to:

- Highly reckless contact as player sees the ball is passed and still proceeds to plough into contact with opponent
- High degree of force and vulnerability of opponent
- Unnecessary and avoidable degree of contact. Contact is promoted.
- Involves an unacceptable risk of injury to opponent
- Lack of duty of care demonstrated towards opponent.

Aggravating Factors:

14/07/22 – Dangerous Contact (Grade B – 1 match)
03/07/21 – Dangerous Contact (Grade A – 0 matches)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions and they have watched the footage several times. They are in agreement that the grading is correct at Grade D.

They note the players guilty plea and give credit for that, however, they are also aware of his previous disciplinary record.

They therefore feel a suspension of 4-matches is appropriate in this instance. The player will also be fined £250.

Suspension:

4 matches