Case Detail
Case Number:
ON/185/22
Jamie Tracey #12, Thatto Heath
Competition:
Warm Up Matches
Match:
Thatto Heath v Salford Reserves
Match Date:
2022-02-12
Incident:
Punching at 46 00
Decision:
Charge
Charge Detail:
Law 15.1(a)
Strikes – Punching – Reaction to opponent – lashing out – makes contact with Head of opponent
Grade D
Sanctions:
3-5
Decision On Charge
Player plea:
Not Guilty
Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 14th February 2022, 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 Sharepoint time 46:00 of the above Match. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you threw a punch which made contact with the head of your opponent. The Panel believed that your actions had the potential to cause your opponent injury and were against the true spirit of the game.
In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence – Strikes – punching – Reaction to opponent – lashing out – makes contact with Head of opponent.
The normal suspension range for such offence is from 3 to 5 matches.
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Tracey makes contact with his opponent.
• The player was dismissed following the incident
• Player becomes involved in an incident which he is not initially involved in
• Player swings his arm towards his opponent
• The referees report states that the player has swung a punch at the opponents head
• The footage in the MRP’s opinion shows the head of the opponent move
• The punch is not forceful however has connected.
• Potential for injury with intentional acts.
• Graded D due to;
- Only one punch thrown
- Minimal force in the blow
- Contact is with the opponent head
- Potential for injury
- Has no place within the game
Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Player in attendance alongside Mike Denning (Chairman). Player pleads not guilty.
MD explained to the panel that the player did lash out, however, they do not agree with the charge that he threw a punch. There is no movement of the opponent’s head and no re-action following the incident. whilst the Referee may have felt there was contact from his position they believe that this was not the case.
JT talked through the incident. He explained the opponent regained his feet following the tackle and pushed a teammate. JT then did the same to the opponent as he went towards him to de-escalate the situation. He said the game had been played in good spirits and perhaps if there had also been Touch Judges present then they would have been able to assist the Referee.
Decision:
Not Guilty
Reasons for Decision:
The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions. They have watched footage of the incident from two different angles and are not reasonable satisfied that contact was made to the head of the opponent. They therefore find the player Not Guilty.