Case Number:

ON/024/25

Josh Thompson #4, York Acorn

Competition:

Challenge Cup

Match:

GB Police v York Acorn

Match Date:

2025-01-19

Incident:

Unnecessary contact with medical staff

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)

Other Contrary Behaviour

Grade E

Sanctions:

4+

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 27th January 2025, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 01 29 55 match time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you unnecessarily contacted the opposition medical personnel when they entered the field of play. The Panel believe your actions were serious misconduct and against the spirit of the game.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade E offence – Other Contrary Behaviour.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 4 matches plus.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident in the above match.

• The incident was placed on report by the match referee.

• The referees report stated that, “The game was stopped for an injured player. As players were in close proximity of each other the GB Police physio (Bianca Nixon) ran onto the field. As she did, I heard her shout “don’t push me” towards #4 York Acorn. She then come straight to me as the referee and said she had just been pushed. When appropriate to do so I spoke with Bianca who expressed she wanted to put a report in against York Acorn #4 (Josh Parker as per the team sheet). I hadn’t seen the push myself so placed the incident on report in the presence of Bianca, both captains and York #4. When speaking to the players York #4 said “yes I did push her, she ran into me so I pushed her away” Note: York Acorn #4 is Josh Parker as per the team sheet however, after the game I was confirming players names and numbers for my report and York Acorn Head Coach informed me #4 was in fact Josh Thompson and that the shirt numbers on the team sheet were wrong..”

• The footage in the Match Review Panel’s opinion shows that the physio does not run into the player.

• The Match Review Panel are firmly of the view that did not need to be any physical contact, let alone a push.

• The Operational Rules, the Respect Policy and the Medical Standards aim to provide support to all Medical personnel to ensure that they can provide the best care possible for all players and officials involved within the sport.

• Medical personnel should not be party to this type of physical contact. They are there for the welfare of the players and should always feel safe when entering the field of play.

• Grade E due to:
- Unnecessary actions.
- Potential for injury as off field personnel do not expect to be contacted in such a way.
- The sport struggles to attract medical personnel into the sport and instances such as these do not promote a culture where such persons would wish to be a part of.

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

Player represented by Josh Mortimer (Team Manager). Player pleads guilty.

JM explained that JT would be pleading guilty to the charge. Whilst contact was made with the Physio JT was trying to “guide” her away from making contact.

The Physio had entered the field and verbal exchanges were taking place. There was a gap of about a yard in between a group of players, however, contact was minimal.

JT was of good character and was playing in his first game for a number of years following sustaining a workplace injury.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions.

It is clear to the panel that the players – including Mr Thompson – were aware that the Physio had entered the field as words were exchanged. They did nothing to get out of her way and Mr Thompson is particular, sought instead to give her a “nudge” as she went past, and sadly, that is accepted.

There can be no excuse for making contact with medical personnel and it was Mr Thompson’s responsibility to clear the way so medical treatment could be provided.

Suspension:

4 matches