Case Number:

ON/1242/24

Olivia Wood #8, York

Competition:

Womens Super League

Match:

York Valkyrie v Wigan Warriors

Match Date:

2024-07-21

Incident:

Late contact on passer

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)

Dangerous Contact – 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 C

Fine:

£50

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 25th July 2024, 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 01 36 24 footage time of the above match. In the Panels opinion you have contacted your opponent after the ball has been released causing flexion to the head and neck. In the Panel’s opinion they believed your actions to be misconduct and 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 C 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 1 to a 2-Match suspension.

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

• It is misconduct as soon as a player has contacted an opponent who does not have the ball.

• In this case Miss Wood, it is clear on the footage, has contacted the opponent after the ball has been released causing flexion to the head and neck of the opponent.

• The Match Review Panel apply the guidance note for late contacts on passers and kickers in this instance.

• The Match Review Panel opinion is that the following:

- Defending player approaches the tackle in an uncontrolled manner – e.g., enters the tackle at speed
- The defending player fails to moderate his behaviour
- The nature and type of the contact is unnecessary and/or avoidable
- Considerable flexion of head, neck or spinal column to opponent

• Therefore, the MRP are of the opinion that this is a reckless contact which carries a Grade ranging from B to D.

• Assessing all those factors present within this incident, the Match Review Panel are of the opinion that this necessitated a Grade C charge.

• Grade C because of the following factors:

- Speed of approach. Player is clearly ahead of the defensive line.
- No moderation of contact. Player contacts opponent with upper body and moves on.
- Nature of contact. Player contacts opponent in the back. Player has no opportunity to prepare and ready herself for the contact.
- Considerable flexion of the head and neck can be seen as contact is made.

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

Player in attendance alongside Lindsay Anfield (Head Coach). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

The club feel that there are sufficient evidence and mitigating circumstances to regrade the tackle as Grade B offence. They think that OW did not act reckless and that the tackle was careless.

OW is very close proximity to the opponent when she releases the ball, and that it is not conclusive that contact is made before, after or simultaneously with the ball being released.

OW moderates her behaviour on impact by reducing her hip flexion, thereby reducing the force in the tackle. This is the best way possible to avoid unnecessary and avoidable flexion of head, neck, spinal column.

The club believe there is minimal flexion of the head, neck or spinal column immediately after impact.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal find that the ball had left the ball carrier when the contact was made.

Again, having reviewed the footage, the Tribunal find that this is reckless contact because the ball had gone and the player entered the tackle at speed.

There was no attempt to avoid the contact, and the contact took place to the back and to the neck.

There was some flexion of the neck. Importantly, though, the tackle was late and the ball carrier had no opportunity to prepare herself since she was hit from behind.

In summary, therefore, this was a reckless contact with a player that was not expecting to be hit after the ball had gone. In those circumstances, our conclusion is that the grading assessment is a Grade C.

When looking at the penalty, we take account of your character, of your guilty plea, of your remorse and of your apology. In those circumstances, the penalty will be a one match suspension, together with a £50 fine.

Suspension:

1 match