Case Number:

ON/234/21

Jake Connor #1, Hull FC

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Wigan v Hull FC

Match Date:

2021-04-29

Incident:

High tackle in the 32nd minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (b)
High tackle – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome
Grade B

Fine:

£500

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 3rd May 2021, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(b) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 32nd minute of the above Match. You were sin binned following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion when tackling your opponent you made direct contact with the head of your opponent. The Panel believed that your actions were entirely 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 B offence (High tackle – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome). The normal suspension range for such offence is from 1 to 2 matches.

In response to the comparison clip (Addy – Salford v Castleford) the CM explained that whilst there was contact the opponent drops/dips and the players arm is low at all times. The MRP are not saying that this act was intentional, however, it has been graded on its merits. The CM also feels that the tackle was clearly reckless and recommend that an extra match should be added as the challenge was frivolous.

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

Player in attendance alongside James Clark (Chief Executive) and Brett Hodgson (Head Coach).

JC informed the tribunal they believed the player was “playing catch up” as he attempted to get back following a kick through by the opposition. He was trying to stop a try and the club believe that this was a careless act rather than reckless. The player had been sin-binned following the incident and has a good previous disciplinary record.

The player had two players in his eye line and his side were in survival mode and that he had lots to consider in a very short space of time. The opponent is dropping after catching the ball and indeed his arm hits the players chest and is the first point of contact between the two. The club believe initial contact is not direct to the neck/head of the opponent and that the player has his arm down and attempts to complete the tackle properly.

BH explained the player had a split second to attempt the tackle as his opponent had been in the air and was looking to wrap up the ball. The player had a lot of decisions to make in very little time. He believed this was careless rather reckless.

JC addressed the tribunal. He explained that his head was to the side and although the tackle could have been better he felt that he had just misjudged it. He was surprised by the decision to be sin-binned and subsequently charged.

The club then introduced a comparison clip (Addy – Salford v Castleford) which had been graded at Grade A. They believe this incident was more reckless due to a variety of reasons, including the player can see the ball carrier at all times and has a clear line of sight. Whilst the opponent does dip slightly contact is made straight to the face.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions. They are in agreement though that this was a reckless incident.

Initial contact was with the head of the opponent and as such means there is a risk of a head injury. They believe the grading is correct at Grade B.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• MRP reviewed an incident which took place in approx. 32nd minute
• Player was temporarily dismissed following the incident
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Connor completes this tackle.
• Attacker drops to ground after taking a kick and is stood up straight when contact is made
• The players swings his arm from the hip and is moving in an upward trajectory prior to contact
• Player makes no attempt to wrap the ball
• Player makes direct contact with the neck and head area of the opponent with upper arm
• The contact is forceful
• An injury has occurred to the opponent
• MRP not suggestion this is an intentional or malicious act.
• This contact was reckless and dangerous.
• Direct contact from upper arm of Player direct to the head of opponent
• Graded B due to;
- Technique was reckless
- Significant force
- Direct contact with the head/neck

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

The player has sin-binned following the incident. He has a good previous record. Whilst obviously disappointed that their challenge has failed they do not believe the challenge was frivolous and an additional match should not be added.

They have spent a lot of time preparing their case and feel that a two match suspension would be extremely harsh.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal agree that the club has spent time and effort in preparing their case. They feel in this instance that this was not a frivolous challenge to the penalty notice and therefore find that the player should be suspended for 1 match and fined £500.

Suspension:

1 match