| Name: | Tom Hazel 331819 |
Occurance: | 03/29/2008 12:00AM |
| Team: | Boston Irish Wolfhounds |
Referee: | Fred Greenaway |
| Infraction: | Foul play - foot to head |
| Description: | Shortly into the second (30-min) half, there was a pile up on the ground with the ball towards the Hartford side. Hazel, from an on-side position, stretched his leg over players on the ground and placed it on the head of a Hartford player lying on the ground. I immediately blew the whistle and no injury resulted. The incident seemed to be more thoughtlessness than deliberate but since it involved a boot to the head I had no hesitation in awarding a red card. |
| Ruling: | Due to the assertion by both referee and coach that the act was not intentional the Committee has determined this to be:
1. Unfair play: non-violent offenses such as obstruction, holding, interference, delay of game, repeated infringements, conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.
Mr Hazel is suspended for 9 days and may resume play on Tuesday, April 8th.
| Suspension: | 03/30/2008 to 04/08/2008 |
|
| Name: | Steve Stewart 364956 |
Occurance: | 10/27/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Portland |
Referee: | Don Jennings |
| Infraction: | Law 10.4.k -- Foul Play |
| Description: | A closely contested match, with a few off-the-ball incidents. At the time, with
Newport leading, Newport drove into the Portland half. From an infringement at
the tackle, the offending player was getting up and stepped backward on the head
of the Newport second row who was laying on the ground, prompting an unwarranted
reply from the Newport second row, who got up and began swinging punches at
anything and everything that moved. During the brawl which ensued, which
included players from both sides coming on to the field from the sidelines, the
Newport second row was seen kneeing a Portland player in the head which left him
unconscious for several minutes. After the brawl subsided, I called over both
captains and issued a red card to the Portland flanker for play contrary to good
sportsmanship and to the Newport second row for retaliation. In the final two
minutes of the match, no further incidents occurred. |
| Ruling: | The Committee has determined this to be
"3. Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
Repeat Offense (within one year): - 4 - 10 weeks."
Mr. Stewart is suspended for the first four (4) weeks of the 2008 Spring Season. Portland RFC is requested to send the Committee their schedule so the actual dates can be determined. | Suspension: | 10/28/2007 to 05/01/2008 |
|
| Name: | Tim Leisge 373229 |
Occurance: | 10/27/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | |
Referee: | Don Jennings |
| Infraction: | Law 10.4.j -- Foul Play |
| Description: | A closely contested match, with a few off-the-ball incidents. At the time, with
Newport leading, Newport drove into the Portland half. From an infringement at
the tackle, the Portland flanker was getting up and stepped backward on the head
of the offending player (Newport second row) who was laying on the ground,
prompting an unwarranted reply, who got up and began swinging punches at
anything and everything that moved. During the brawl which ensued, which
included players from both sides coming on to the field from the sidelines, the
offending player was also seen kneeing a Portland player in the head which left
him unconscious for several minutes. After the brawl subsided, I called over
both captains and issued a red card to the Portland flanker for play contrary to
good sportsmanship and to the Newport second row for retaliation (the first of
his offences during the brawl). In the final two minutes of the match, no
further incidents occurred. |
| Ruling: | The Committee has determined the incident to be
"3. Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks.
a) If these strikes were directed to the head or groin:
First Offense: - 3 - 12 weeks.
b) If this type of offense is directed at a player who is in a defenseless
position, or situation, and/or in the referee's opinion were delivered with
the intent to injure, the suspensions shall be increased as follows:
First Offense: - increase by additional 6 - 8 weeks."
Since the blows were delivered to the head of a player in a defenseless position, Mr. Leisge is suspended for 12 matches (6 for strikes to the head plus 6 for defenseless position). Newport RFC is requested to submit their 2008 schedule to the Committee so the actual dates can be determined. | Suspension: | 10/28/2007 to 10/01/2008 |
|
| Name: | Cloud Richards 373495 |
Occurance: | 09/29/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Amoskeag |
Referee: | Richard Parker |
| Infraction: | kneeing opponent in head |
| Description: | Within a maul Mr Richards was witnessed ,in my opinion, deliberately driving his knee towards the head of a yankees player |
| Ruling: | The Committee viewed this as
Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks
Mr. Richards is suspended for 3 weeks. | Suspension: | 09/30/2007 to 10/21/2007 |
|
| Name: | Thasha Blanc 131258 |
Occurance: | 09/22/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Hartford Wild Roses |
Referee: | Don Freedman |
| Infraction: | Punching opponent in the face |
| Description: | A player from North Shore was on the ground near the ball when I saw the offending player standing over her and repeatedly punched her in the face and head (when she protected her face). The captain of North Shore had said earlier that this player was punching, but I hadn't seen any previous incident and couldn't call anything before this. It was shockingly violent, compounded by the fact that the offending player was much bigger (probably at least 70 or 80 pounds heavier) than the victim. I immediatley sent the player off with a red card. There were no other incidents for the rest of the game. |
| Ruling: | The NERFU Disciplinary Committee has ruled on the send-off of Thasha Blanc of Hartford Wild Rose for throwing punches in a match vs. North Shore on 9/22/07.
The committed viewed this as
"Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks."
Ms. Blanc is suspended for 4 playing weeks. Based on the schedule, Ms. Blanc's season ends on 10/13. The suspension is for the balance of the season as well as the first week of the playoffs or the 1st week of the spring season should Hartford not reach the playoffs. | Suspension: | 09/22/2007 to 10/21/2007 |
|
| Name: | 315522 Carpentier, Cristen |
Occurance: | 09/22/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Portland Women |
Referee: | Michael Maher |
| Infraction: | Stomping |
| Description: | In the 55th minute #12 of Portland, Cristen Pentier, attempted to violently stomp the Captain of Gr. Northern. I saw 2, firm and with purpose stomps.
Note: Although she was directly over her intended target, she missed and actually stuck her own player.
After a conference, play continued and great rugby ensued. I commend the Captain of Portland for her handling of this incident. And the Captain of Great Northern for finding the humor in having been missed.
|
| Ruling: | vs. Great Northern on 9/22/07.
The Committee views this as
"Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks."
Ms. Carpentier is suspended for a period of 2 playing weeks. Ms. Carpentier may resume play on October 7, 2007. | Suspension: | 09/22/2007 to 10/07/2007 |
|
| Name: | 329582 Berdichevsky, Sebastian |
Occurance: | 09/22/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Connecticut Yankees |
Referee: | Fred Greenaway. Rob Perle |
| Infraction: | consecutive yellow cards |
| Description: | 9/22/07 -- SB was running with the ball and "fended" off a player in the face with, however, a backward motion of the arm before making contact so that it was in fact a hit with the open hand.
9/15/07 -- After a dust-up, #6 came flying in at top running speed right in front of me for a beautiful wrap tackle chest-to-chest hit of a BIW player. The hit was made after several long whistles, and he must have traveled 20 meters to join in the melee. |
| Ruling: | The Committee has suspended Mr. Berdichevsky for 1 week. He may resume play on September 30, 2007. | Suspension: | 09/22/2007 to 09/30/2007 |
|
| Name: | John Worthington 295803 |
Occurance: | 09/08/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Burlington |
Referee: | Michael DuPont |
| Infraction: | Referee Abuse |
| Description: | Mr. Worthington was penalized for foul play earlier in the match and he and a Charles River player were advised by the referee to cool down -both agreed.
Within a few minutes Mr. Worthington was penalized for offsides and he began to
loudly contest the call and was pulled away from the referee by his teammates.
Thereafter, throughout the game, he could be heard questioning the referee's calls with profanity although the referee could not hear clearly and exactly what was being said. At the start of the second half, after a few minutes of
play, the referee instructed Mr. Worthington that he did not want to hear another word from him for the remainder of the match: to which he responded by "waiving off" the referee with "f-you, Mike". He was then issued a red card and
ejected from the match. |
| Ruling: | The Committee viewed the incident as:
"a) Persistent criticism/disputing of calls:
First Offense: - 1 - 3 matches.
b) Verbal abuse and/or threatening a Referee or Touch Judge:
First Offense: - 3 - 5 matches." | Suspension: | 09/09/2007 to 09/23/2099 |
|
| Name: | Eric Wilson, 332023 |
Occurance: | 09/08/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Boston Irish Wolfhounds |
Referee: | Mark Colebrook |
| Infraction: | Kick to head, dangerous play |
| Description: | New Haven was attcking into Irish territory when the New Haven #10 was tackled at the 30 during open back play. As the ensuing ruck was occuring Mr. Wilson came in from his position and kicked the New Haven #10 in the head. I stopped play, called Eric over and issued the red card. In Erics defense he did apologize to both #10 and myself at half time. The Wolfhounds captain also expressed his displeasure at what happened. |
| Ruling: | The Committee viewed this as
" 3. Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
a) If these strikes were directed to the head or groin:
First Offense: - 3 - 12 weeks."
| Suspension: | 09/09/2007 to 09/30/2007 |
|
| Name: | Katie Jenkins, 107655 |
Occurance: | 09/03/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | |
Referee: | Peter Lloyd-Evans |
| Infraction: | Dangerous High Tackle & Punch |
| Description: | In the 20th minute, ball-carrier Beantown #8, Mel Dunham, was tackled around the
head and neck by BW #11, Katie Jenkins. They were just inside Beantown's half of
the field about 15 meters from touch. Both player went to ground, and I blew
the whistle immediately to signal a penalty for a high tackle. Beantown #8 was
the first to get to her feet, and she swung her foot at BW#11 who was still on
the ground, making contact with her lower body. Beantown # 8 then turned and
moved away. BW #11 got to her feet, then ran after Beantown #8, and proceded to
punch and club with her forearms her opponent from behind around her head and
shoulders. Beantown #8 did not return any punches. Other players then moved in
to separate the two, and did so effectively without creating further incidents.
I then called the two players and their captains over to me. I stated that I
was giving BW #11 a yellow card for the original high tackle. I stated that I
was also giving a yellow card to Beantown #8 for retaliating after the whistle.
I then told BW #11 that I was giving her a red card for her subsequent punches.
I gave the cards and BW #11 left the field without further incident. There were
no further incidents of foul play during the game.
Following the game, it was brought to my attention that there had been an
earlier incident in the game where Beantown #8 had pushed down BW#11 after a
tackle after the ball was away, but I did not see and was unaware of its
occurrance prior to the 20th minute incident. |
| Ruling: | The NERFU Disciplinary Committee has ruled on the send-off of Katie Jenkins (CIPP 107655) for a dangerours tackle and throwing punches during a match with Beantown on September 1, 2007.
The Committee viewed this as
"Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks.
a) If these strikes were directed to the head or groin:
First Offense: - 3 - 12 weeks"
Ms. Jenkins is suspended for a period of 3 weeks. Ms. Jenkins may resume play on September 23, 2007. | Suspension: | 09/03/2007 to 09/23/9999 |
|
| Name: | Will Townsend |
Occurance: | 07/07/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Mystic River |
Referee: | Brad Kleiner |
| Infraction: | Law 10.4.m Late charge on kick |
| Description: | LI player had chip kicked ahead and Mr. Townsend jumped in attempt to block the kick. The ball was clearly away and Mr. Townsend was in the air when he swung his arm into the face of the LI player. With his weight in the air and arm now wrapped aroun the LI player's head, Mr. Townsend continued to throw the LI player to the ground. The LI player was injured with a dislocated ankle and bloody nose and had to be replaced due to the serious ankle injury. |
| Ruling: | After due and careful deliberation the Northeast RFU Ad-Hoc Disciplinary Committee has determined that Mr. Will Townsend be suspended from play for a period of eight weeks for the infraction of major physical offence with contact to the head committed on a player in a defenseless position.
This suspension is to be served over a period of actual game time. Weeks in which Mystic RFC has not scheduled a match are not counted as suspension weeks.
Upon appeal the suspension was reduced to 6 weeks.
| Suspension: | 07/08/2007 to 08/16/2007 |
|
| Name: | Scott Harlow |
Occurance: | 06/10/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Springfield Rifles |
Referee: | Bob Sproull |
| Infraction: | Foul play, Stamping/Trampling |
| Description: | During loose play a ruck had formed and a Portland player was caught at the
bottom of the ruck on the Springfield side of the ruck. Harlow raked the head
of the opposing Portland player one time. Harlow stopped immediately upon
hearing the whistle. Harlow advised me that he knew he what he did was wrong
and that he expected to be ejected from the match. Harlow apologized to the
Portland player, who had not suffered any injury. |
| Ruling: | The NERFU Disciplinary Committee has ruled on the send off of Scott Harlow (CIPP 291363) of the Rugby Club of Springfield for stamping during a match at the Bull Moose tournament on June 10.
This is Mr. Harlow's second send off for foul play this season.
The Committee determined the incident fell within the following suspension guidelines:
"3. Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks.
Repeat Offense (within one year): - 4 - 10 weeks.
a) If these strikes were directed to the head or groin:
First Offense: - 3 - 12 weeks.
Repeat Offense (within one year): - 6 - 12 months."
The Portland player has stated that contact was not made to the head, but rather in the area of the shoulders.
Mr. Harlow is suspended for 5 playing weeks. Based on Springfield's summer & fall schedule, Mr. Harlow may resume play on September 24, 2007. | Suspension: | 06/11/2007 to 09/24/2007 |
|
| Name: | Ismael Garcia |
Occurance: | 05/12/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Boston Ironsides |
Referee: | Tom Zanarini |
| Infraction: | punching |
| Description: | Izzy punched a MIT player coming out of a maul. After the whistle was blown and some back and forth between the two clubs, Izzy went after the player again. A red card was distributed for punching and foul play.
|
| Ruling: | The Disciplinary Committee considers this a
"Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks."
Mr. Garcia is suspended for 3 matches. Based on the Boston Ironsides' schedule, the suspension will be served the first three weeks of the fall league schedule. | Suspension: | 05/13/2007 to 09/16/2007 |
|
| Name: | Steve Stewart |
Occurance: | 04/21/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Portland |
Referee: | Chris Schuyler |
| Infraction: | Verbal abuse of the referee |
| Description: | Flanker was called over to be presented with his yellow card for punching, he & his captain maintained Amoskeag initiated the punch up and he was defending himself. Flanker was told he was receiving a yellow card for the punch thrown, at that point his objections turned towards the referee's ability. I thought it was best that Mr. Stewart ended his day on the field. No further incidents followed. |
| Ruling: | The NERFU Disciplinary Committee has ruled on the send off of Steve Stewart (CIPP 364956) of Portland for referee abuse.
The offense was considered to come under the following guideline:
"1. Because of the seriousness of these offenses these sanctions must be strictly adhered to:
a) Persistent criticism/disputing of calls:
First Offense: - 1 - 3 matches."
Mr. Stewart is suspended for the period of April 22 to April 28, 2007.
| Suspension: | 04/22/2007 to 04/28/2007 |
|
| Name: | Timothy Flynn |
Occurance: | 04/21/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Hartford Wanderers |
Referee: | Robert Famiglietti |
| Infraction: | Punch |
| Description: | 37:48. Hartford in possession at mid-field and tackle occurs - ruck is formed, which Hartford clearly wins - ball is coming, it is settled as Hartford #9 places ONE hand on the ball. At that instant, the opposing Old Gold #9 unbinds from the ruck, jumps offside and tackles the Hartford scrumhalf from behind as he was waiting to make a pass from a ruck. Penalty, advantage to Green was immediately called. At that same moment, the Old Gold #9 had rolled (or been rolled) to his back, and while on top of him, the Hartford #9 struck him in the face repeatedly with a closed fist. Whistle was blown hard. Time stopped. Captains were called to conference at midfield. Old Gold captain, John was instructed to inquire whether his #9 was ok. Old Gold #9 was ok. Hartford captain, Jerry, and Hartford #9, Timothy Flynn were invited to midfield. The following was explained to Mr. Flynn in the presence of his captain: although it was clear, that the Old Gold #9 had jumped offside, and had tackled him, and it was clear that a penalty advantage had been called, Mr. Flynn had no right to retaliate and certainly no right to strike (a then defenseless) opponent, with a closed fist, in the face, vigorously and intentionally, 3-4 times. A red card was issued to Mr. Flynn, who left the playing area without incident. Play resumed. Mr. Flynn offered the following unsolicited explanation by e-mail later that day, which I feel duty-bound to pass along:
"I understand that there is never an excuse for striking another player. I am not a violent or malign(nant) person by nature and I have never been given a card before, I was simply trying to defend myself as a defenseless player and individual to what I saw as a malicious attack. I understand the severity of my actions and regret the decision that I made, and I will accept the consequences. I hope you take this into consideration when reporting to the NERFU Disciplinary Committee."
|
| Ruling: | The NERFU Disciplinary Committee has ruled on the attached send off report concerning Timothy Flynn of Hartford (CIPP 103083).
Mr. Flynn's actions were determined to fall in the category of
"Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks.
a) If these strikes were directed to the head or groin:
First Offense: - 3 - 12 weeks."
There was some debate as to whether or not the following should also apply:
"b) If this type of offense is directed at a player who is in a defenseless position, or situation,
and/or in the referee’s opinion were delivered with the intent to injure, the suspensions shall be
increased as follows:
First Offense: - increase by additional 6 - 8 weeks."
The Committee has determined that Mr. Flynn will serve a 3 week suspension as the result of his actions. Mr. Flynn is eligible to resume play on May 20, 2007. | Suspension: | 04/22/2007 to 05/19/2007 |
|
| Name: | Scott Harlow |
Occurance: | 04/14/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Springfield Rifles |
Referee: | Peter Benjamin |
| Infraction: | punching |
| Description: | There was some extracurricular activity away from the play, the details of which I did not see. I watched to see that it was breaking up, and just when it appeared to be all over, a UMASS called Harlow a "fat bastard", to which Harlow responded with a flurry of punches to the head. |
| Ruling: | The NERFU Disciplinary Committee has reached a decision on the send off of Scott Harlow (CIPP 291363) of the Rugby Club of Springfield for throwing punches during a game against the University of Massachusetts, Amherst on April 14, 2007.
The incident was classified as:
"3. Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks.
a) If these strikes were directed to the head or groin:
First Offense: - 3 - 12 weeks.
Since the punches were directed at the head of the opponent, Mr. Harlow is suspended for 3 weeks. He may resume play on May 6, 2007.
The officers of the UMass Amherst club are also asked to reinforce to their players that taunting has no place in the game of rugby.
| Suspension: | 04/15/2007 to 05/06/2007 |
|
| Name: | Siose Muliumu |
Occurance: | 04/07/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | New Haven |
Referee: | Paul Bethe |
| Infraction: | Late shoulder charge on kicker |
| Description: | Late in the match with the New Haven victory secured, Hartford had the ball deep in their own territory, and the ball went from scrumhalf to flyhalf (#3), and the flyhalf kicked for territory. Mr. Muliumu playing in the New Haven centers came from an onside position to charge the kick. After the kick was clear, Mr. Muliumu did not waver but completed his tackle. Unfortunately he did not wrap, and as he was in the air from an attempted charge down, his shoulder smacked into the Harford #3s head. (although I did not think the 'to the head' was intentional) As this tackle was both late and without wrap, I deemed a Red Card necessary. Upon request this player showed no remorse, disrespect to the referee, and provided a false name of 'John Holmes'. However later requests from the New Haven coaching staff provided the correct name. |
| Ruling: | The NERFU Disciplinary Committee has ruled on the send off of Siose Muliumu in a match on 4/7 vs. Hartford (details below).
Mr. Muliumu's actions that precipitated the red card and his subsequent actions after being issued the card were determined to fall under the following guidelines:
Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks.
D. Player Sent Off - Offenses against a Referee or Touch Judge, or a game related offense reported by a
Referee or Touch Judge:
1. Because of the seriousness of these offenses these sanctions must be strictly adhered to:
a) Persistent criticism/disputing of calls:
First Offense: - 1 - 3 matches.
This was considered a major physical offense as the contact intiated by Mr. Muliumu resulted in the player losing conciousness. The refusal to supply a correct name to the referee and disrespectful conduct towards the referee after the red card was considered to be an offense against the referee.
Mr. Muliumu is hereby suspended for 3 weeks -- April 8, 2007 to April 28, 2007.
| Suspension: | 04/08/2007 to 04/28/2007 |
|
| Name: | Kris van Naerssen |
Occurance: | 03/24/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Mystic River |
Referee: | Mike Howard |
| Infraction: | Foul Play -- pushing opponent |
| Description: | Due to significant difference in level of play between the two teams, as well as
being the first match for one team, and 2nd for other, frustration was beginning
to become evident with minor shoving after the whislte. 35 minutes in whistle
was blown for Old Gold infraction (penalty kick- slowing of ball availablity at
ruck), frustration was shown when Mystic prop shoved Old Gold #8 (penalized
player- Toili Laty) from behind. #8 turned and retalliated. Both players were
issued red cards and sent-off for the duration. Typically I would have only
issued a yellow card to each player for such infractions; however, given the
existing frustration level, I felt it warranted red to prevent any further
incident. |
| Ruling: | Pending. Mr. van Naerssen is not CIPP registered and is not eligible to play. Sanction will be assessed once he is registered. | Suspension: | 03/25/2007 to 03/25/9999 |
|
| Name: | Tolli Latu |
Occurance: | 03/24/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | Old Gold |
Referee: | Mike Howard |
| Infraction: | Foul Play -- pushing opponent |
| Description: | Due to significant difference in level of play between the two teams, as well as
being the first match for one team, and 2nd for other, frustration was beginning
to become evident with minor shoving after the whislte. 35 minutes in whistle
was blown for Old Gold infraction (penalty kick- slowing of ball availablity at
ruck), frustration was shown when Mystic prop shoved Old Gold #8 (penalized
player- Toili Laty) from behind. #8 turned and retalliated. Both players were
issued red cards and sent-off for the duration. Typically I would have only
issued a yellow card to each player for such infractions; however, given the
existing frustration level, I felt it warranted red to prevent any further
incident. |
| Ruling: | This was viewed as a minor physical offense and Mr. Latu is suspended for the period 3/25/07 to 4/1/07. | Suspension: | 03/25/2007 to 04/01/2007 |
|
| Name: | David Fischer |
Occurance: | 03/03/2007 12:00AM |
| Team: | New Haven |
Referee: | |
| Infraction: | 10.3 Repeated Infringements |
| Description: | Incident: The second half was contentious and physical, but survived 33 minutes before this incident. Navy's fullback entered the backline as the ball was being passed out to the left inside the New Haven 22.
Fisher came across to cover, and, as in the yellow card in the first half, tackled dangerously about the head. In my opinion, it was coincidence that the same player was on the receiving end of both illegal challenges, but the Navy sideline (the play was close to them) erupted.
Fisher knew what was coming; I barely had time to pull the card out of my pocket before he turned and left. I thought about ending the game then, but with Navy close to the New Haven line, it would have been unfair to them to end the game early because of New Haven\'s indiscretions. From the tapped penalty Navy did score a try and convert it. |
| Ruling: | With regard to the red card issued to Mr. Fischer, the USA Rugby Disciplinary Committee has determined that A two week suspension is appropriate under the provision of our guidelines relating to minor physical offenses. That being said, the suspension is to run from March 9, 2007 and to continue for two weeks or two games, whichever is longer. (Mr. Fischer was not CIPP registered unti March 9, 2007.) While New Haven did have matches scheduled for the weekends of March 10 and March 17, both matches were cancelled due to the weather. USA Rugby does not apply cancelled matches to satisfy suspensions. Therefore, Mr. Fischer has not yet sat out either of the two matches required by the sanction. Assuming that New Haven has matches that proceed over the next two weekends, Mr. Fischer will be eligible to participate again on April 2, 2007.
Edward J. Hughes, Jr.
Chair, USA Rugby Disciplinary Committee | Suspension: | 03/04/2007 to 04/02/2007 |
|
| Name: | Matt Libby |
Occurance: | 10/21/2006 12:00AM |
| Team: | Boston RFC |
Referee: | Mike Howard |
| Infraction: | Foul Play- use of boots |
| Description: | In the 59th minute of play at a tackle a Boston prop was seen using the boots (to the head) of the Mystic River tackler. Play was stopped for the infringement, when the Mystic River #8, reached over the tackle and punched the offending Prop (Matt Libby, Boston #1), who in turn tried climbing the pile (stepping on players on the ground)to get at the retalliating player.
Both captains were called over once the melee had broken up and explained that boots to the head were not going to be tolerated and the player responsible was going to be sent off. It was also explained that although it was in defense of a teammate, retailation was not going to be allowed, and the Mystic #8 was going to receive a yellow card. The offending players were called over, shown the respective cards and sent to the respective areas.
|
| Ruling: | Based on the information received from all parties, the Committee has determined that this infraction falls under the following USARFU Disciplinary Guideline:
"Major Physical Offense (kicking, punching, dangerous rucking):
First Offense: - 2 - 6 weeks.
Repeat Offense (within one year): - 4 - 10 weeks.
a) If these strikes were directed to the head or groin:
First Offense: - 3 - 12 weeks.
Repeat Offense (within one year): - 6 - 12 months.
b) If this type of offense is directed at a player who is in a defenseless position, or situation,
and/or in the referee’s opinion were delivered with the intent to injure, the suspensions shall be
increased as follows:
First Offense: - increase by additional 6 - 8 weeks.
Repeat Offense (within one year): - increase by an additional 3 - 6 months."
This is Mr. Libby's first offense and reports that there was contact with the head of a player on the ground were not able to be verified. Therefore the Committee ruled to suspend Mr. Libby for a period of 3 weeks.
| Suspension: | 03/03/2007 to 03/18/2007 |
|
| Name: | Sean McNamara |
Occurance: | 10/14/2006 12:00AM |
| Team: | Boston Irish Wolfhounds |
Referee: | Judah Boulet |
|
| |