Case Number:

ON/1616/23

Luke Yates #13, Huddersfield

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Huddersfield Giants v Hull KR

Match Date:

2023-09-08

Incident:

Late contact 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 B

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

1 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty, but challenge the grading

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

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

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 56 25 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have contacted your opponent after the ball has been released causing flexion to the head and neck. The Panel believed your actions were unnecessary, had the potential for injury and are against the spirit of the game.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade B offence – 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 from a fine to a 1-Match suspension.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the above match.

• Mr Yates lines up directly in front of his opponent.

• Mr Schneider takes the ball off the ruck and comes towards Mr Yates.

• Mr Yates keeps himself in the defensive line and waits for the opponent to engage.

• Mr Yates has an unobstructed view of the ball.

• His opponent engages Mr Yates and passes the ball.

• Mr Yates contacts his opponent after the ball has been released.

• There is significant flexion of the opponent’s head/neck area.

• The MRP accept that some form of contact between the players is inevitable.

• The MRP submit that the Mr Yates has used unnecessary force within his contact towards the opponent. This is evidenced by the significant flexion of the opponent’s head and neck.

Grade B due to:
- Contact is late.
- Player does not attempt to moderate contact at all.
- The forceful contact is demonstrated by the movement of opponent’s head.
- Potential for injury.

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

Player in attendance alongside Ian Watson (Head Coach). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

IW opened the club’s submissions and explained that LY was a good character who had played 23 games in Super League this season and was the competitions top tackler. He then talked through the tackle which saw him defend in a 3 v 3 situation with the opponent changing his pace and tempo before contact was made. LY had a split second to react and as stated by the MRP contact was inevitable.

LY tries to “map off” and does moderate his actions when he realises the ball has gone, whilst it is the opponent’s momentum that takes his into contact with LY. This causes a “body check” and LY then remains on his feet to join the next tackle. LY does not wrap his arms around the opponent when he realises the ball has gone and tried to adapt as best he could and did so with a duty of care to his opponent. He does not follow through with the “hit” and there is no significant flexion to the head/neck of the opponent. There is no re-action from the match officials and the opponent regains his feet and takes part in the next play. This was a coming together and the club feel this should be downgraded to a Caution.

LY then addressed the panel. He said that he did show a duty of care to his opponent. He is an aggressive tackler but in this instance he had just body checked his opponent before moving straight on to the next tackle. He had moderated the contact as much as possible and it was inevitable that contact would be made between himself and the opponent.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions. They have watched the footage several times and they are satisfied that the challenge is reckless.

They agree that contact is late and there is some flexion to the opponent. This has potential to cause injury. The charge is therefore correctly graded at Grade B.

The 1-match penalty notice therefore remains in place and the player is also fined the standard £500. The club will also forfeit the £500 bond lodged to bring the challenge.

Suspension:

1 match