CASE: Physical Altercation

2001-02 Season

(O.C. Art I, Sec 14, 9.2.2, 9.2.2.1, 9.2.3, 9.2.3.1)
In a soccer game a major incident occurred that lead to a player being ejected from the game. 2 players were involved in a confrontation that resulted in one player (Team A) having her tooth knocked out. The officials were unable to observe the full incident. The player who knocked the tooth out was shown a red card for violent conduct and subsequently ejected from the game. The coach of Team A entered the field without permission from the officials on two separate occasions. The first time she verbally abused the referee and the second time she was involved in a verbal confrontation with a player of the opposing team. The officials terminated the match because of the environment created by these incidents.

RULING: 

It was found that the player whose tooth was knocked out was involved in the conflict. After hearing feedback from the officials, players and coaches from both teams and she was assessed a 2 game suspension. The player who punched her was given a 2 game suspension for her red card for violent conduct and a 4 game suspension for fighting. The coach of Team A was suspended for 2 games for directing inappropriate comments at the officials and opposing team players. The suspension to the athlete who was injured was appealed and was denied because it was determined that the athlete was involved in the altercation.

NOTE:  This case cites O.C. Article I, Section 14, Item 9.2.2.4, which is not in the present O.C.
(2001-02, Dean)