Reasons for decision:Penalty is a matter to be determined in our discretion, but we are mindful of the need for consistency with the table of penalties that apply for classifiable offences.
The table provides that this combination of gradings results in a sanction of ‘three-plus matches’. That is, three or more matches.
We take into account the following factors in particular:
1. There was considerable force in the bump due to the speed at which Hewett was moving and the acceleration of De Goey
2. Hewett suffered a concussion
3. Hewett had disposed of the ball immediately before he was bumped
4. The bump was late, but due to the speed at which both players were moving, it was a split second late. We find that the breach of the duty of care was clear, but not egregious
5. De Goey has expressed remorse and we consider this to be genuine
6. De Goey has accepted that the impact was severe
In all the circumstances, we do not consider the matter requires a higher sanction than the three weeks base sanction that applies for this grading.
This was another head injury that was avoidable. A three-match is an appropriate sanction for this careless, rough conduct.
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