Case Number:

ON/1618/22

Liam Hood #9, Wakefield

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Hull FC v Wakefield Trinity

Match Date:

2022-08-19

Incident:

High

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (k)

Shoulder Charge – initial contact with the head

Grade D

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

Refer to Tribunal

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty but challenging grade

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

• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Hood makes contact with his opponent.
• The opponent is contacted by Mr Hood’s team mate before losing the ball in contact.
• Mr Hood is coming across to seemingly complete the tackle.
• The player comes in with a tucked arm and makes initial contact with the head of his opponent which forces the opponents head into his team mates head.
• Mr Hood is off his feet at the point of contact.
• The player is using an illegal technique in this instance.
• The blow is forceful enough that the opponent receives medical attention for a period of time.
• Players have a duty of care to their opponents.
• Head injuries are a serious point of concern for all involved in contact sports and players have to be deterred from making contact with the heads of opponents.
• MRP felt that this was not a legitimate attempt to complete the tackle and was a highly reckless act.
• The MRP believed that this should be charged at Grade D Shoulder charge – initial contact with the head for the following reasons:
- Highly reckless act – player is off feet at point of contact.
- Use of illegal technique.
- Forceful contact with the head of the opponent.
- Potential for serious injury.

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

Accepted guilt but challenged grading - got the tackle horribly wrong and will accept his punishment. Had been a pro for 12 years and first time at ORT.
Saw the ball carrier falling and tried to pirouette out of the tackle but concedes contact was made but was not intentional, is not that type of player.

Decision:

Grade confirmed

Reasons for Decision:

Player accepted it was a reckless tackle and there was a high degree of force although it was accepted there was no intent to injure but there was the potential for serious injury.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Accepted there incident was not intentional but was highly reckless

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Lower end of the scale requested due to previous record and acceptance of the charge.

Mitigating Factors:

Player's history plus refreshing frankness from the player and his coach

Suspension:

3 matches