Case Number:

ON/1488/19

Lameck Juma #4, London Skolars

Competition:

League 1

Match:

Doncaster v Skolars

Match Date:

2019-08-11

Incident:

Dangerous Contact in the 39th minute (Hedges)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(i)
Detail – Defender uses any part of his body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.
Grade – D

Fine:

£75

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 15th August, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 39th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion during making a tackle you applied unnecessary pressure to the limb of an opponent. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and had the potential to cause your opponent injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence (Defender uses any part of his body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player). In accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is 3 – 5 matches.

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

The players sent in a statement via his club for the Tribunal to consider.

He apologises for the tackle which resulted in the charge and informed the panel it was not in his nature. He had the intention to tackle his opponent and his initial contact was good, however, he slipped of the tackle and fell off as he attempted to pull the player down.

In no way did he complete the tackle whilst looking to cause injury to his opponent.

Decision:

Guilty

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Incident occurs in the 39th minute of the match
• Incident cited by Doncaster RLFC
• Player approaches opponent from the side following being bumped off initial contact
• Player adopts a grip with both arms around the upper body of opponent
• Player jumps up off the floor and promotes the groin towards the lower knee area of opponent
• Player drops full bodyweight onto lower, right limb of opponent.
• Player loses control of bodyweight
• Player has other options in which to safely complete the tackle
• Opponent is held in a vulnerable position by other defender
• Grade D due to:
- Reckless contact is made to the lower limb of opponent held in vulnerable position
- Pressure applied through driving bodyweight through contact against joints natural range of movement
- Involves an unacceptable risk of injury to opponent
- No duty of care demonstrated towards opponent

Aggravating Factors:

04/07/2019 – Dangerous Contact (Grade A, N/A)
13/07/2017 – Punching (Grade B, 1 match, £75)
08/06/2017 – Dangerous Throw (Grade B, 1 match)
15/03/2018 – Dangerous Contact (Caution)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have watched the footage, read the statement from the player and listened to the submissions from the MRP.

They note the player has not attempted to deny the charge, however, it is clear that whilst the opponent is held by a couple of teammates he jumps off the floor and wraps his legs around the opponents right leg. This can of act is reckless and carries a very real risk of injury.

The Tribunal feel there was no real duty of care to the opponent and having heard the players previous record are disappointed that he has similar charges of his record, including one from only last month.

Taking all things into consideration they therefore feel a 5 match suspension and £75 fine should be handed down.

Suspension:

5 matches