Case Number:

ON/1136/23

Sam Wellings #12, London Skolars

Competition:

League One

Match:

London Skolars v Cornwall

Match Date:

2023-07-08

Incident:

Late contact on passer

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Strikes - Strikes with hand, arm or shoulder – intentional.

Grade E

Fine:

£112.50

Sanctions:

4-6

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 13th July 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 9 00 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have intentionally struck an opponent off the ball. The Panel believe your actions were unnecessary, had the potential for 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 E offence – Strikes - Strikes with hand, arm or shoulder – intentional.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 4 to 6 matches.

• MRP reviewed an incident which took place in the above match.
• Player was temporarily dismissed following the incident.
• MRP were concerned at the way Mr Wellings makes contact with his opponent.
• Mr Wellings is a significant distance away from his opponent who has released the ball.
• Mr Wellings does not seek to divert his attention from his opponent.
• Mr Wellings speeds up prior to contacting the opponent.
• The case is an Intentional Strike as opposed to Dangerous Contact as Mr Wellings simply does not have to make contact in anyway with his opponent.
• There is significant flexion to the head/neck area of the opponent.
• An injury has occurred to the opponent who stays down for a significant period of time.
• This contact was intentional and dangerous.
• Players have a duty of care to their opponents.
• Graded E due to;
- Contact was not inevitable. There was no need to undertake this action.
- Forceful contact to a vulnerable opponent
- No consideration for the welfare of the opponent

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

Player not in attendance, however, he pleaded guilty via e-mail.

The statement provided explains that the tackle was entirely unintentional and he did not aim cause harm to the opponent or go against the spirit of the game.

He felt the opponent had possession of the ball when contact was made and this was an accident which occurred die to the fast nature of the game, in which he had a split-second decision to make. There was malice involved and he did not disregard the safety of the opponent. Fortunately, no injury was suffered by the opponent and he was able to continue to play.

He added that he understands the importance of player safety and his obligations to ensure that the game is played in a manner that respects the welfare of all participants.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have watched the footage several times and have listened to the submissions made by the Compliance Manager. They have also read the statement provided by the player.

They are in agreement that the opponent has released the ball before the player makes contact and that the player does move forward at force into contact. Contact is made via the shoulder to the back or side of the opponent and it is late and forceful.

Whilst the opponent does eventually get up after the incident the Tribunal agree that the charge is correctly graded at Grade E.

The player can be given credit for his clean disciplinary record so therefore the suspension should be at the bottom end of the grading. The player is therefore suspended for 4 matches and will be fined £112.50.

Suspension:

4 matches