Case Number:

ON/033/24

Daniel Halmshaw #9, West Bowling

Competition:

Challenge Cup

Match:

Hammersmith Hill Hoists v West Bowling

Match Date:

2024-01-27

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Punching

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 1st February 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 10 30 footage time of the above match. The assistant referees report states the following, “Hammersmith were on their last tackle when the ball was passed to their hooker to kick downfield. The West bowling hooker came towards the Hammersmith player at speed and tackled the player late whilst the Hammersmith player was on one leg after kicking downfield on the 5th tackle. The hammersmith player got up and began scuffling with the West Bowling hooker. The players then came together rushing in and lots of pushing and shoving of each other. I spotted the number 9 of West Bowling lashing out with a closed fist at a number of players as it was ending and connected with a player's face once, with a couple of missed punches. He then walked away as the melee calmed down”.

In the Panel’s opinion your actions were serious misconduct, 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 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 Halmshaw was dismissed because of his actions.

• There is no footage available of this incident.

• The referees report stated that, “Hammersmith were on their last tackle when the ball was passed to their hooker to kick downfield. The West bowling hooker came towards the Hammersmith player at speed and tackled the player late whilst the Hammersmith player was on one leg after kicking downfield on the 5th tackle. The hammersmith player got up and began scuffling with the West Bowling hooker. The players then came together rushing in and lots of pushing and shoving of each other. I spotted the number 9 of West Bowling lashing out with a closed fist at a number of players as it was ending and connected with a player's face once, with a couple of missed punches. He then walked away as the melee calmed down.”

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

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

• 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 Dave Brook (Secretary). Player pleads guilty.

DH talked the panel through the incident.

He explained he had tried to pressure an opponent as he was getting a kick away and made contact fractionally late. After contact he ended up on the floor on his back. Shortly afterward two opposing players attacked him and punches were thrown. DH added that none of the punches made contact.

DB felt that there were inconsistencies with the Match Official Reports and was surprised that the incident was not caught on camera.

He added that DH was acting in self-defence after been set upon by two opponents. DH was not the aggressor in this incident.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

Whilst there was no footage of this incident the player did attend and did plead guilty.

The Match Officials Reports of the incident was relied on by the RFL in which it appears that the opposition may well have started a scuffle in which this player lashed out punching on a number of occasions.

In the circumstances, due to the nature of the allegation, the Match Review Panel felt that this was a Grade F offence as multiple punches were thrown, it was a violent and aggressive act, the punches were thrown to the face and head area which is an area of concern for the game with a clear risk of potential for injury.

The RFL suggested in the circumstances that there ought to be a 7-match suspension. With credit for the players guilty plea, the Tribunal felt that a suspension of 6-match was justified.

Suspension:

6 matches