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Independent disciplinary update: Scott Barrett (New Zealand)

Independent disciplinary update: Scott Barrett (New Zealand)

New Zealand's Scott Barrett appeared before an independent Judicial Committee on Monday, 28 August having received a red card in New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup 2023 warm-up match against South Africa on 25 August 2023. The red card was awarded following the receipt of two yellow cards.

The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Sir James Dingemans (England), joined by former international player Olly Kohn (Wales) and former referee Valeriu Toma (Romania).

The Committee found that Appendix 4 of Regulation 17 requires the Judicial Committee to apply a sanction for the offence of persistent offending, not for the substantive offences relating to each yellow card (see Regulation 17, Appendix 4, at B.1).

The full written decision can be found here.

Appendix 4 at B 2(c) provides that: “The … judicial committee may decide that sending off was sufficient … in the following circumstances … (c) any of the temporary suspensions were awarded for so-called technical offences (including following a team warning) not involving a breach of laws 9.11 to 9.28 inclusive.”

The independent Judicial Committee found that sending off was a sufficient sanction in this case because the player was sent off for two yellow cards (referred to as temporary suspensions in the appendix), and the first  of those yellow cards was for a technical offence following a team warning.

The player has the right of appeal within 48 hours of the issuing of the full written decision, which will appear here once published.

Click here to watch the video that explains how rugby’s disciplinary process works.

Visit World Rugby’s dedicated disciplinary process education and information page here.

Disciplinary Update: Owen Farrell

England fly-half Owen Farrell appeared before an independent judicial committee via video link having received a red card for an act of foul play, contrary to Law 9.13, in the Summer Nations Series match between England and Wales on Saturday 12th August 2023.  

Law 9.13 - A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.

The independent Judicial Committee consisting of Adam Casselden SC – Chair, John Langford and David Croft, all from Australia, heard the case, considering all the available evidence and submissions from the player and his representative.

The player acknowledged that whilst he had committed an act of foul play, he denied that the act was worthy of a red card. After reviewing all the evidence, questioning the player in detail and hearing submissions from the player’s representative, the Committee concluded that the Foul Play Review Officer was wrong, on the balance of probabilities, to upgrade the yellow card issued to the player to a red card.  

The Committee determined, when applying World Rugby’s Head Contact Process, that mitigation should be applied to the high degree of danger found by the Foul Play Review Officer. The Committee found that a late change in dynamics due to England #2’s interaction in the contact area brought about a sudden and significant change in direction from the ball carrier. In the Committee’s opinion, this mitigation was sufficient to bring the player’s act of foul play below the red card threshold. 

The Committee believe it is important to record, that no criticism is made of the Foul Play Review Officer nor, would any be warranted. Unlike the Foul Play Review Officer the Committee had the luxury of time to deliberate and consider, in private, the incident and the proper application of the Head Contact Process. 

The Committee believe this is in contrast to the Foul Play Review Officer, who was required to make his decision in a matter of minutes without the benefit of all the additional material including hearing from the player and his legal representative. On that basis, the Committee did not uphold the red card and the player is free to play again immediately.

Disciplinary | Match Review Panel

Disciplinary | Match Review Panel

Following the Betfred Challenge Cup Final and latest Betfred Super League fixture, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

  • Elliott Minchella (Hull KR) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice
  • Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade A High Tackle – Not Applicable
  • Matty Lees (St Helens) – Grade C High Tackle – 2 Match Penalty Notice
  • Joe Greenwood (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade B Striking - £250 Fine
  • Olly Russell (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade B Dangerous Contact - £250 Fine 

The following player was handed a caution: 

  • Matty English (Huddersfield Giants) – Dangerous Contact

Statement on the Reduction of Mark Dry’s Ban from Sport

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A UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) spokesperson said today: “We note the decision following Mark Dry’s appeal. We are pleased that the independent appeal tribunal unanimously endorsed UKAD’s Issued Decision dated 7 May 2021, which reduces Mr Dry’s ban from four years to 28 months.

Pam Sly - Rule (D)28, fast-tracked

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£200 fine - A breach of Rule (D)28 of the Rules of Racing in that when DARK SPEC ran at Beverly on 19 July 2021 she had not informed the Racing Calendar Office that the horse had been gelded before the deadline as required

BHA Disciplinary - Cam Hardie

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The independent Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority convened on Thursday 8 July 2021 to hear an Appeal brought by Cam Hardie, a licensed jockey, against the finding of the Stewards at Newcastle racecourse finding him in breach of the Rules of Racing prohibiting Improper Riding and imposing a penalty of a suspension of 4 days.

Public Statement on Disciplinary Action Against Participant Flynn “Deluxe” Smith

Public Statement on Disciplinary Action Against Participant Flynn “Deluxe” Smith

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and fair play within the esports industry. In the interest of transparency and public confidence, we are issuing this statement to inform the public about a recent disciplinary action taken against a participant in an esports event.

Overview of the Case

During the a match played on 24th February, esports participant Flynn “Deluxe” Smith was alleged to have engaged in corrupt behavior, which contravened the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code. As part of our commitment to ensuring integrity in esports, ESIC initiated an investigation into the matter. Due to intervening factors, ESIC could not make a public statement on the matter until this point in time.

Investigation and Charges

Our comprehensive investigation into the matter involved examining match footage, reviewing betting patterns, and conducting interviews with relevant parties. While we must maintain confidentiality to protect the integrity of the investigation, we can share that the evidence collected pointed to Mr. Smith’s involvement in activities that contravened articles 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 of the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code. These activities include improper influence on match outcomes and involvement in corrupt betting practices. The gathered information was subsequently presented to Mr. Smith in a Notice of Charge.

Resolution and Sanction

After reviewing the charges and evidence, Flynn “Deluxe” Smith accepted the charges and agreed to a plea bargain arrangement. Consequently, he is subject to a two-year ban from participating in any capacity in events organized by ESIC Members. The ban is effective from 4th April 2023 until midnight 3rd April 2025.

ESIC’s Commitment to Integrity

ESIC remains steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in esports. We will continue to conduct investigations and impose sanctions when necessary to protect the integrity of the industry. We also encourage the esports community to actively participate in promoting fair play and integrity in esports.

Conclusion

We appreciate the esports industry’s support in maintaining the integrity of the industry and fostering a fair, competitive environment for all participants. If you have any inquiries or concerns related to this statement, please feel free to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee opens disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish FA

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee opens disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish FA

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee informed Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on 20 August 2023.

The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter.

FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.

Disciplinary | Operational Rules Tribunal

Disciplinary | Operational Rules Tribunal

Jorge Taufua of Bradford Bulls has been suspended for six matches and fined £375 after being found guilty of a Grade E charge of contrary behaviour in the Betfred Championship match against Barrow Raiders.

Taufua had been charged with a Grade F offence by the Match Review Panel, with the Operational Rules Tribunal delayed for logistical reasons.

The Tribunal found him guilty, but of a Grade E rather than Grade F offence.

IIHF Council meeting concludes

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The IIHF Council came together for a three-day meeting in Zurich, Switzerland from 31 October-2nd November. 

It was the first Council meeting to be held under newly-elected IIHF President Luc Tardif, who took over the IIHF Presidency from René Fasel following the Council elections held in St. Petersburg on 25 September. 

Disciplinary | Match Review Panel

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Following the latest round of Betfred Championship and League 1 fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

BHA Disciplinary - Keith Dalgleish - Rule (D)28, fast-tracked

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£100 fine - A breach of Rule (D)28 of the Rules of Racing in that when LOOSE LIPS ran at Newcastle on 24 June 2021 he had not informed the Racing Calendar Office that the horse had been gelded before the deadline as required. The Chairman noted that notification had been given but not until after declarations.

Ronald Harris - Rule (J)24, fast-tracked

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£750 fine - A breach of Rule (J)24 of the Rules of Racing in that he did not complete the BHA’s mandatory online Safeguarding training which all trainers are required to complete in order to comply with the licensing requirements imposed on them.  Reminder letters were sent to all trainers on 24 September 2020, 17 November 2020 and 8 December 2020.  Also, the National Trainers Federation published in their newsletter reminders to all trainers on 30 September 2019, 31 January 2020, 6 November 2020 and 3 December 2020.  On 27 January 2021 a final letter was sent to him advising that the training had to be completed by yourself by 3 February 2021

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