Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have been fined £1,000 for breaching RFL Operational Rules surrounding the management of concussion.
Wakefield were deemed to be guilty of breaching Operational Rule A1.5 and C2.6 and E3.1.6 of the RFL Medical Standards which states; “All players with diagnosed concussion OR players who have any of the signs or symptoms set out below OR players whom Medical staff suspect may have concussion MUST BE REMOVED from the field of play. Assessments must not be carried out on the field of play. Medical Practitioners, physiotherapists, trainers and coaches are all responsible for ensuring that players are removed from the field of play.”
This matter relates to the 17th minute of a First Utility Super League match between Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Widnes Vikings when Wildcats player Danny Kirmond showed signs of concussion but was not removed from the field of play for concussion assessment as mandated by the RFL Medical Standards.
Additionally, in approximately the 23rd minute Kirmond potentially displayed further symptoms of concussion but was not removed from the field of play for assessment.
The RFL Laws Committee introduced a new rule regarding concussion for the 2015 season. This rule confirmed that:
“Teams are allowed an extra ‘free’ interchange in the event of a player suffering an injury that requires a pitch side concussion assessment. The change is designed to safeguard players against the unseen dangers of concussion by removing any sub-conscious pressure on medical staff to not be over-cautious in removing a player from the field for an assessment.”
In accordance with the Off Field Sentencing Guidelines, Wakefield have the right to appeal this decision to the Operational Rules Tribunal by notice to the Operations Department.
