ID :
57781
Tue, 04/28/2009 - 00:09
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/57781
The shortlink copeid
AFL draws line in sand on umpire bumping
The spate of AFL players bumping into umpires mid-match and facing disciplinary
action shows no sign of abating, with Melbourne defender Jared Rivers the latest to
fall foul of authorities.
But the match review panel appears to have drawn a line in the sand on incidental
contact with umpires, not taking action on two other cases which involved minimal
contact with match officials.
Geelong defender Max Rooke and Essendon's Henry Slattery escaped penalty over
touching umpires while attempting to have discussions with them - avoiding the fate
of Collingwood's Heath Shaw a fortnight ago.
In Slattery's case, umpire Matt Stevic did not notice any contact being made and no
further action was taken.
Rooke, who was attempting to make a point to umpire Chris Kamolins during his side's
win over Brisbane at Skilled Stadium last Sunday, appeared to lightly take hold of
the umpire's shirt.
But the match review panel said: "The hold was of negligible force, Rooke was not
disputing the decision made by the umpire, and his actions were not of an aggressive
nature.
"The controlling umpire did not pay a free kick and did not believe the action
warranted a penalty."
Earlier this month Shaw received a one-week penalty for a more forceful grab at
field umpire Scott McLaren.
But the problem of umpire bumping during play continues, with Rivers charged with
negligently making contact with field umpire Justin Schmitt during the third quarter
of his side's 17-point loss to Adelaide on Sunday.
He can accept a $1,950 fine with an early plea.
If he chooses not to fight the charge at the AFL Tribunal, he will join Brisbane's
Simon Black, Port Adelaide's Matt Thomas, Western Bulldog Ryan Hargrave and Sydney
pair Brett Kirk and Jarrad McVeigh to have fallen foul of authorities this season
over umpire contact.
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide are breathing a sigh of relief after defender Troy Chaplin
and ruckman Dean Brogan escaped suspension.
Chaplin had been charged with striking St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt, but can accept a
reprimand if he makes an early guilty plea because of his previous good record.
He has until Tuesday morning to decide whether to accept the reprimand.
Brogan's match-day report for front-on contact against St Kilda's Farren Ray was
thrown out.
action shows no sign of abating, with Melbourne defender Jared Rivers the latest to
fall foul of authorities.
But the match review panel appears to have drawn a line in the sand on incidental
contact with umpires, not taking action on two other cases which involved minimal
contact with match officials.
Geelong defender Max Rooke and Essendon's Henry Slattery escaped penalty over
touching umpires while attempting to have discussions with them - avoiding the fate
of Collingwood's Heath Shaw a fortnight ago.
In Slattery's case, umpire Matt Stevic did not notice any contact being made and no
further action was taken.
Rooke, who was attempting to make a point to umpire Chris Kamolins during his side's
win over Brisbane at Skilled Stadium last Sunday, appeared to lightly take hold of
the umpire's shirt.
But the match review panel said: "The hold was of negligible force, Rooke was not
disputing the decision made by the umpire, and his actions were not of an aggressive
nature.
"The controlling umpire did not pay a free kick and did not believe the action
warranted a penalty."
Earlier this month Shaw received a one-week penalty for a more forceful grab at
field umpire Scott McLaren.
But the problem of umpire bumping during play continues, with Rivers charged with
negligently making contact with field umpire Justin Schmitt during the third quarter
of his side's 17-point loss to Adelaide on Sunday.
He can accept a $1,950 fine with an early plea.
If he chooses not to fight the charge at the AFL Tribunal, he will join Brisbane's
Simon Black, Port Adelaide's Matt Thomas, Western Bulldog Ryan Hargrave and Sydney
pair Brett Kirk and Jarrad McVeigh to have fallen foul of authorities this season
over umpire contact.
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide are breathing a sigh of relief after defender Troy Chaplin
and ruckman Dean Brogan escaped suspension.
Chaplin had been charged with striking St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt, but can accept a
reprimand if he makes an early guilty plea because of his previous good record.
He has until Tuesday morning to decide whether to accept the reprimand.
Brogan's match-day report for front-on contact against St Kilda's Farren Ray was
thrown out.
