RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION DISCIPLINE REGULATIONS

Last Monday at the Sussex RFU Clubs meeting at East Grinstead, I mention the fact that every club was responsible for the actions of its members and referred to a recent case where the appeal by that club had been withdrawn and the deduction of league points has put them in a very difficult position.
I have now ascertained further details of the hearing which I think you should be made aware of and discuss at your clubs next board meeting.

During a match a player lost his sight due to an eye gouging. A player was charged with causing the injury but at the disciplinary hearing he was found not guilty on the balance of probability that he was the person who had committed the act.

The RFU then asked the club to investigate the matter further and identify the person responsible. They failed to make the identification of the culprit and the RFU said that they had not made enough effort to do so.

The club were then charged with an offence contrary to RFU Disciplinary Regulation 19.2 Jurisdiction.

This is what I would like all Sussex Clubs to be aware of:-
19.2.1.1    An RFU Disciplinary Panel shall have jurisdiction to hold enquiries and impose sanction(s) upon members of the RFU and those who are subject to the jurisdiction of the RFU as described in Rule 5.

19.2.1.2    Every Club shall be responsible for the conduct of its own members, and for investigating any allegations of fould play and/or acts of misconduct which have taken place on club premises or as part of a club activity unless set out to the contrary in these regulations. They are further required to take appropriate action in accordance with these Regulations.

These are responsibilities every club has and I would expect you all to carry them out.

F. N. Edmonds.
Chairman. Sussex RFU Disciplinary Panel.