Case Number:

ON/015/24

Jack Sykes #12, Stanningley

Competition:

Challenge Cup

Match:

South Wales Jets v Stanningley

Match Date:

2024-01-13

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Strikes – Punching - sustained and/ or violent

Grade F

Sanctions:

6+

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 18th January 2024, 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 approx. 70 minutes time of the above match. The referees report states the following, “South Wales Jets made a tackle - on completion a Jets player swung a punch towards the head area of the tackled player whilst both players were on the ground. The incident escalated by both teams coming together and a lot of pushing etc. Punches were thrown by both sides however Mr Sykes joined after the initial incident and threw several punches at opposition players. I calmed the situation down and sent Mr Sykes from the field for foul play.” The Panel believe your actions were unnecessary and had the potential for serious injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade F offence – Strikes – Punching - sustained and/ or violent.

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

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

• Mr Sykes was dismissed because of his actions.

• There is no footage available for this match.

• The referees report stated that, “Punches were thrown by both sides however Mr Sykes joined after the initial incident and threw several punches at opposition players.”

• Given there is no footage the Match Review Panel have no reason to doubt the referees report.

• The referee stated he was in proximity and was able to clearly identify the actions of Mr Sykes.

• Grade F due to:
- Violent, unnecessary actions.
- Potential for injury. 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 in attendance, alongside Paul Townend (Team Manager). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

JS admitted throwing two punches after which he was dragged to the ground.

PT explained that JS had entered the situation to try separate and break-up the fighting. He admitted JS did throw some punches but this was self-defence as he sought to defend both himself and his teammates.

PT felt that the charge should be amended to one of “Punching – self-defence – makes contact with head of opponent” which is graded between grades B to C. He added the player had a clean previous record and only reacted following provocation. JS accepted his red card and left the field accordingly.

JS apologised and said he reacted after his teammate was being punched. He agreed with his dismissal.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

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

They are of the opinion that the player did not need to get involved in the situation that had arisen. As well as reading the Referees Report they also heard submission from Referee who was positive the player had thrown several punches as the situation escalated.

The Tribunal feel that these punches were both sustained and violent and therefore fit within the charge that has been given. The grading is also correct. They take into account the players good previous record and therefore suspend him for 6 matches.

Suspension:

6 matches