Case Number:

ON/737/22

Tommy Porter #9, London Broncos

Competition:

Academy

Match:

Warrington Wolves Academy v London Broncos Academy

Match Date:

2022-04-16

Incident:

Dangerous Throw

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (d)

Dangerous Throw – throwing player into the ground

Grade D

Fine:

£25

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 21 April 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 1:16:30 SharePoint time of the above match. You were sin binned following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you threw a player into the ground. The Panel believe that your actions were unnecessary, against the spirit of the game and had the potential to injure your opponent.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence in breach of Law 15.1 (d) – Dangerous Throw – throwing player into the ground.

The normal suspension range for such offence is a 3 - 5 match suspension.

• MRP reviewed an incident which took place in approx. 66th minute
• Mr Porter was sin binned following the incident
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which both players complete the tackle.
• Mr Parke enters the tackle with another team mate and can be seen to be struggling with the tackle
• Mr Parke’s team mate then drops off the tackle and is joined by Mr Porter
• Mr Porter takes a hold of a leg and is pushing the opponent in conjunction with Mr Parke
• Each player has hold of the opponents leg.
• Mr Parke then regrips and both players begin to lift their opponent together
• Player extends legs from crouched to straight position
• Opponent is twisted and his hips are above his head
• Both of the players can be seen to throw upon releasing their grip of the opponents legs
• Opponent lands in a dangerous position. Opponent lands on his upper back and neck.
• Serious risk of injury, due to this dangerous action.
• MRP not suggestion this is an intentional or malicious act.
• This was extremely reckless and dangerous.

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

Player in attendance alongside Chris Baxter (Head Coach). Player pleads Guilty.

CB talked the panel through the incident and explained that the match was coming to the end and the players involved were fatigued by this point and had not talked to each other as they made the tackle.

He apologised on the players behalf and admitted the technique had not been right on this occasion. The informed the panel that the player was of impeccable character and realised the seriousness of the situation.

He felt that this situation would not happen again and knows that it was unacceptable.

TP echoed the above points and added his apologies.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Grade D due to:
- Unnecessary nature of the upwards lifting motion
- Attacker lands in a very dangerous position
- Unsure of extent of each players involvement. MRP were not certain who was most culpable. If they were this may have led to a higher grading.
- Potential for serious injury

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both side for their submissions.

They take into account the players guilty plea and remorse that has been shown.

However, this type of tackle is totally unacceptable and could have resulted in serious injury to the opponent.

The player is therefore suspended for 3 matches and fined £25.

Suspension:

3 matches