Case Number:

ON/600/23

Jacob Bateman #12, Bradford

Competition:

Academy

Match:

Bradford Bulls v London Broncos

Match Date:

2023-05-06

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Running in and punching - makes contact with the Head of an opponent.

Grade F

Fine:

£25

Sanctions:

6+

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 11th May 2023, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(a) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 1 10 50 Sharepoint footage time of the above match. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you have run in and have thrown punches to an opponent some of which connected to the head of your opponent. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary, had the potential to cause injury and are against the true spirit of the game.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade F offence – Running in and punching - makes contact with the Head of an opponent.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 6 matches plus.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the above match where Mr Bateman was dismissed following his actions.

• Following a confrontation between the opponent and Mr Bateman’s teammate. Mr Bateman comes into the incident and throws a punch connecting with the head at opponent who is not focused on Mr Bateman.

• Mr Bateman then throws several punches which connect with the opponent with some connecting to the head.

• As the opponent becomes engaged with another of Mr Bateman’s teammates, Mr Bateman throws another punch connecting with the head of the opponent who is completely unsighted.

• The MRP believe it to be an aggravating factor that Mr Bateman has come into an incident.

• Grade F due to:
- Multiple punches thrown, with a number which connect with the head area.
- Not involved in initial incident. Time to consider what he is doing.
- Player throws 2 punches at the head of an opponent who is not prepared.
- Potential for injury to the head. Area of concern for the game.
- Violent act which brings the sport into disrepute and portrays the game in a negative light.

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

Player not in attendance, but represented by Ryan Hunkin (Head of Youth). Player pleads guilty to the charge.

The case was heard alongside two other Bradford players who had been charged following the same incident.

RH explained that the players had expressed their remorse, had apologised to both the playing group and the staff and will learn from the situation.

RH explained that it had been a physical game against a strong London side, however, the players should have been better in their actions. They do not dispute the Grading at Grade F but did feel the suspension should be towards the lower end of the grade. A larger suspension could effectively be season ending for the players and by not playing they are missing out of their development as they try and make a future in the game.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Aggravating Factors:

08/05/22 – Trips, Kicks, Strikes (4 matches)
03/10/21 – Trips, Kicks, Strikes (3 matches)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have watched the footage several times and listened to the submissions from both sides.

The Tribunal feel that the player runs into melee and punches an opponent (who cannot see him coming) to the head. He then repeatedly throws other punches and then as the melee breaks up throws a “blindside” punch to the head of an opponent which was unprovoked and sees him leave his feet in order to do so.

Whilst credit can be given for entering a guilty plea the Tribunal note the players has two previous disciplinary charges on his record.

The Tribunal feel that the grading is correct at Grade F. This is a serious issue that has seen the player throw several unprovoked blows to an unguarded opponent. They therefore feel he should be suspended for 9-matches. He will also be fined £25.

Suspension:

9 matches