Suspension-Soccer-Small Good |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2014-15 SeasonOctober 1, 2014Facts: On September 28, 2014, RDC goalkeeper Lauren Good and Olds College’s Jessica Small (#10) both received red cards for violent conduct. During the 90th minute, Ms. Small took a shot on Ms. Good. After the save was made, Ms. Small followed up by sliding into Ms. Good with her cleats up. She then threw a punch at Ms. Good, eventually throwing two more punches. In response to Ms. Small’s actions, Ms. Good drove her elbow into Ms. Small before punching Ms. Small twice. Ruling: Article I Section 13 Rule 9.5.3 of the Operating Code reads as follows: 9.5.3 Four Match Suspension 9.5.3.1 Fighting, violent conduct, serious foul play In addition, Rule 9.9.10 reads as follows: 9.9.10 Review of Red Card Offences: There is no instigator penalty in soccer. However, if that were the case, it is clear that Ms. Small’s actions were greatly responsible for the escalation of this incident. Not only did she deliberately slide into Ms. Good with her cleats up, she also threw the first punch. That said, while I certainly do not condone Ms. Good’s retaliatory response, I feel that a straight application of a four (4) game suspension to each player would unfairly favour Ms. Small. Therefore, I am exercising my discretion in Rule 9.9.10 as follows: Ms. Small is hereby suspended for four (4) games, to be served as follows:
Ms. Good is hereby suspended for three (3) games, to be served as follows:
Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |