Case Number:

ON/1825/22

Emmerson Whittel #13, Oldham RLFC

Competition:

League 1

Match:

Rochdale Hornets v Oldham

Match Date:

2022-09-10

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:

£75

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Guilty

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 12th September 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 01:26:40 SharePoint time of the above match. You were sin binned following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you made unnecessary contact with the passer after the ball has been released causing flexion to the head and neck. 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 - 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 3-5 matches.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the League 1 match between Rochdale and Oldham
• Opposing player is hit late with extreme force.
• Flexion to head/neck.
• Vulnerability of opponent due to how late the contact was.
• Player has failed in his duty of care owed to his opponent.
• Actions are unnecessary and against the spirit of the game.
• Graded at D – the highest bracket for this offence.

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

The player was not in attendance but represented by Chris Hamilton (Chairman). Player pleads guilty.

CH informed the panel that due to work commitments the player would not be able to attend.

The club felt that contact with the opponent was shoulder to shoulder and there was no head contact involved. They believe the player reacted in this way having received verbal abuse previously during the game and also following being the victim of a “tip tackle” earlier in the contest.

The opponent was not injured following the incident and was able to carry on playing. The club feel emotions may have got the better of EW on this occasion as it was a big play-off game against their local rivals.

The club feel that any suspension should be towards the lower end of the grading.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Grade D due to:
- Reckless contact.
- Vulnerability of opponent – contact was extremely late.
- No duty of care shown towards opponent.
- Potential for serious injury.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions. They have watched the footage of the incident and taking into account submissions from both sides.

The panel believe that this is a premeditated late hit by a player who was frustrated following earlier exchanges with his opponents, and his actions did result in his opponent suffering whiplash like actions due to the force used. The panel believe the player did have time to pull out of making contact but chose not to.

To his credit the player has a good previous disciplinary record and has also admitted his guilty. Taking all of the above into account the panel feel the player should be suspended for 4-matches and fined £75.

Suspension:

4 matches