| Player plea |
Not guilty |
| Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence |
Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 11 February 2013, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(a) during the above Match.
The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 63rd minute of the Match. In the Panel’s opinion when attempting a tackle you made contact with the head of your opponent (Hardaker) with your shoulder/arm. The Panel believed that this contact was reckless, against the spirit of the game and that your conduct had the potential to cause serious injury to your opponent.
In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade B offence (Strikes – Strikes with hand, arm or shoulder – Reckless). If found to have committed the offence, again in accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is from a 1 to a 2 match suspension. In addition the Tribunal has the power to impose such fine as it considers reasonable.
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| Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence |
Head coach, Ian Millward speaking on behalf of the player states that the Leeds player, Zak Hardaker has broken the defensive line and Rangi Chase becomes almost the last line of defence. Mr Chase’s team mate does not like he is going to affect the tackle meaning Mr Chase becomes the last line of defence and has to move at speed to prevent Mr Hardaker from moving clear. Mr Chase does not jump into the tackle. Mr Chase’s teammate who does appear to have been beaten, does manage to affect a tackle from behind causing the Mr Hardaker to dip towards Mr Chase. The feet are planted at all times and never leave the floor and are set to affect a tackle. Mr Millward provides the Tribunal with a photo which Mr Millward states shows his arms are down by his side and this was merely a clash of heads which occurs in numerous tackles in Rugby League. Mr Chase concurs that his feet never left the floor in the tackle and he does not lift his arm in the tackle. The referee Mr Millward notes has a great view of the incident and does not put the incident on report and Mr Millward states the referee said it was a clash of heads. |
| Decision |
Guilty |
| Reasons for Decision |
The committee have viewed this incident carefully, taking into account the still photo provided and the DVD and given this a great deal of consideration. The committee are satisfied that although there may have been a clash of heads there was certainly contact with Mr Hardaker’s head and Mr Chase’s shoulder. The committee feel that the arm is raised after the contact with the head. Mr Chase’s body is certainly moving in an upward trajectory the committee find and although the player is entitled to move at speed but contact is certainly made with the head of Mr Hardaker by Mr Chase’s shoulder. The committee therefore find that the case against Mr Chase is proved. |
| Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction |
No further submissions |
| Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction |
Player has previous disciplinary record for a similar offence, less than 12 months ago although Mr Millward feels that the player openly admits he got that wrong. The player has a record for other unrelated offences. The referee in charge of the match where the offence occurred did not see anything untoward with the incident. |
| Aggravating Factors |
Potential for serious injury |
| Mitigating Factors |
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| Reasons for Decision |
The committee in finding Mr Chase guilty are satisfied that there was no intention to injure but do feel that the tackle was certainly reckless, with the potential for serious injury, although in this case it did not result. The act was certainly not malicious the committee feel.The committee take into account the player’s record and feel that a 2 match suspension and a £300 fine is appropriate in this instance. |
| Suspension |
2 matches |
| Fine |
£300 |
| Warning |
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