Case Number:

ON/601/23

Sam Ackroyd #7, 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. 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.

• Following a confrontation between the opponent and Mr Ackroyd’s teammate. Mr Ackroyd runs in from a significant distance and throws a punch connecting to the head of the opponent who is not prepared for contact from Mr Ackroyd.

• Mr Ackroyd then comes out of the brawl as his teammates become involved but then throws 2 more punches which one of connects to the head of the opponent.

• Mr Ackroyd is then removed from the melee but continues to stay around in an aggressive manner.

• The MRP believe it to be an aggravating factor that Mr Ackroyd 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 to the head at 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)

Reasons for Decision:

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

The Tribunal feel the player throws a punch which connects to the head of an opponent, before throwing another which they cannot say for certain connects with the head. After this he is dragged out of the melee by an opponent.

Whilst the blows are not landed with the same ferocity as a teammate who has also been charged, these actions are serious and the grading at Grade F is therefore agreed.

The player has no previous disciplinary record and has entered a guilty plea. The Tribunal therefore feel a £25 and 7-match suspension are appropriate.

Suspension:

7 matches