Decision of Tournament Director in respect of a hearing of breach of the code of conduct by Bindi Kullar.
In the 55th minute of the match Great Britain v Canada Kullar (23) was contesting the ball with Bleby (21). The ball was won by Bleby following which Kullar’s stick swung up making contact with Bleby’s head. (“the alleged behaviour”).
I determined that if it was proved that the alleged behaviour involved a deliberate lifting of the stick it would amount to a breach of the Code of Conduct, in particular clause 2(a):
(a) Verbal/physical abuse or hostility towards any other participant, person or any other member of the public.
I therefore decided to hold a hearing into the alleged behaviour.
The case presented for Kullar was
1. Both players were crouched contesting the ball.
2. In the contest for the ball it came up from Bleby’s stick.
3. The ball came up and behind Kullar.
4. He attempted to play the ball in the air. His head turned in the direction the ball travelled.
5. He did not see Bleby’s face and Bleby remained crouching.
6. As he attempted to play the ball his stick made contact with Bleby’s face.
7. The fact that he immediately came to the aid of Bleby indicates that there was no deliberate attempt to harm him.
Decision
I have considered the evidence available. I am satisfied that the alleged behaviour occurred. I find that the behaviour constitutes a breach of clause 2(a) in that it constitutes physical abuse to another participant. In making that finding I have taken into account
1. Kullar’s stick made contact with Bleby’s chin causing a cut requiring stitching.
2. Even if the ball was playable when Kullar reacted to lift his stick the lifting of the stick was reckless given the fact that Bleby was crouching in front of Kullar.
3. Kullar’s action in lifting his stick was deliberate.
4. Kullar was reckless as to the consequences of lifting his stick
5. Striking the face of his opponent was a real possibility from his deliberate action of lifting his stick.
Penalty
This offence fits at level 2 of the Guidelines of Offences and Penalties - Any act of violence on the field of play. A minimum penalty of two matches is suggested.
I do not regard the actions of the umpires a decisive in this matter. Having viewed the video it is my finding that the actions of Kullar were reckless and I will proceed to consider penalty on this basis. I take into account that Bleby was able to continue to play but against this is that the cut did require stitching. I take into account the excellent record of Kullar and his leadership role within the team. I am particularly influenced by the contrition he showed immediately after the incident and his attitude at the hearing which indicated an understanding of his actions and the importance of the Code of Conduct.
I am satisfied that a penalty of 2 matches is too severe for this behaviour once account is taken of the matters referred to in the previous paragraph.
I consider that the appropriate penalty is that Kullar be suspended for the match to be played by Canada at the 29th Olympics on the 19th August 2008.
Ken Read
Technical Delegate
5.00 pm 18th August 2008
