Case Number:

ON/017/24

Dafydd Hellard #4, South Wales Jets

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

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 Hellard threw several punches at an opposition players head area knocking him to the ground. I calmed the situation down and sent Mr Hellard 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.

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 Hellard threw several punches at an opposition players head area knocking him to the ground. I calmed the situation down and sent Mr Hellard 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.

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

The player was unable to attend, however he was represented by Liam Price (Secretary). The player pleaded guilty.

LP explained that the melee was caused by an opposition spectator throwing beer on a South Wales player.

It is admitted – as shown in the footage – that DH did run in and join in the confrontation and also threw several punches during the course of the incident.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal watched the footage several times and this clearly shows the player running from a distance away and joining a brawl which escalated between players from both sides.

They note the players admittance of guilt, and are in agreement with the grading of the offence at Grade F. They therefore feel a 6-match suspension is appropriate.

Suspension:

6 matches