EGU Discipline matters are handled by the EGU Discipline Cohort, comprised of a World Rugby Judicial Officer, a Discipline Committee and the GU Administrator. Any inquiries should be sent to administrator@empire.rugby.
Notice to all players (and their clubs) who receive a send-off (red card) or Temporary Suspension (Yellow Card):
Any player who receives a red card shall be ineligible to compete in match play until further notice by the JO or Discipline Committee. The player in question will be notified via email of the steps listed below:
1. The offending player is required to submit a statement regarding the play in question, due within 24 hours of official notification. The player response may say they do not wish to make a substantive statement, but it is highly recommended it includes factors listed below in “Relevant Statement Information."
2. Any other interested party, including witnesses, the offending player's club coach or anyone else who wishes to, may provide relevant information, video or statements within the same 24 hour period detailed above.
3. The match referee, opposing victim and opposing coaches will also be asked to provide statements and documentation regarding the incident.
4. The offending players' statement, and supporting statements and documentation, will be reviewed by Gary Heavner, a World Rugby Judicial Officer (JO). The JO will make a preliminary decision and ruling to the offending player.
5. If the offending player accepts the preliminary ruling, they may not appeal. Should the player choose to decline the preliminary ruling, a full tele-conference hearing will be held where counsel may be present and the offending player is free to call relevant witnesses.
6. Refer to World Rugby Regulation 17 with any questions on Discipline for Foul Play
Relevant Statement Information may include:
(a) whether the offending was intentional or deliberate;
(b) whether the offending was reckless, that is the Player knew (or should have known) there was a risk of committing an act of Foul Play;
(c) the gravity of the Player’s actions in relation to the offending;
(d) the nature of the actions, the manner in which the offence was committed including part of body used (for example, fist, elbow, knee or boot);
(e) the existence of provocation;
(f) whether the Player acted in retaliation and the timing of such;
(g) whether the Player acted in self-defense (that is whether he used a reasonable degree of force in defending himself);
(h) the effect of the Player’s actions on the victim (for example, extent of injury, removal of victim Player from the game);
(i) the effect of the Player’s actions on the Match;
(j) the vulnerability of the victim Player including part of victim’s body
(k) involved/affected, position of the victim Player, ability to defend himself;
(l) the level of participation in the offending and level of premeditation;
(m) whether the conduct of the offending Player was completed or amounted to an attempt;
(n) and any other feature of the Player’s conduct in relation to or connected with the offending;
(o) the Player’s status generally as an offender of the Laws of the Game;
(p) the need for a deterrent to combat a pattern of offending in the Game;
(q) any other off-field aggravating factor(s) that the Disciplinary Committee or Judicial Officer considers relevant and appropriate;
(r) the presence and timing of an acknowledgement of culpability/wrong-doing by the offending Player;
(s) the Player’s disciplinary record and/or good character;
(t) the youth and inexperience of the Player;
(u) the Player’s conduct prior to and at the hearing;
(v) the Player having demonstrated remorse for his conduct to the victim Player including the timing of such remorse; and
(w) any other off-field mitigating factor(s) that the Disciplinary Committee or Judicial Officer considers relevant and appropriate.
