Decision of Technical Director in respect of a hearing of breach of the code of conduct by Benjamin Wess.
The report
In the 59th minute of the Gold Medal match, Germany v Spain, Benjamin Wess (15) was attempting to deflect a high cross from the right into the goal. The ball passed his stick. He then continued to lift his stick higher striking the face of Rodrigo Garza (“the alleged behaviour”).
I have viewed the video of the incident and spoken with Garza who did not want to speak about the incident. I have spoken with the umpire David Gentles who said that he missed the incident and therefore was unable to take action.
I determined that if proved the alleged behaviour described 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 hearing
The Manager of Germany was informed of the nature of the allegations and the evidence upon which I formed the preliminary view. He was given the video. He was asked to attend a hearing with Wess.
The formal hearing was convened at 11.00 pm on the 23rd August 2008. Wess attended accompanied by the Manager of Germany Mr Jochen Heimpel.
The case presented for Wess was that the ball came thru high. He did not want to make any problems by lifting his stick. He was attempting to play the ball but was late. He said he was sorry to have made contact with Garza and had apologised to him.
Wess requested time to speak with his coach before finally reacting to the charge.
It was agreed that the hearing would recommence on the 24th August no later than 11.00am. Mr Heimpel contacted me on the 24th August. He advised that Wess accepted the breach and that I could proceed to assess penalty without the need for a further hearing.
Decision
I find the alleged behaviour occurred as admitted by Wess.
The video shows that the stick was lifted much higher than the level of the ball. This was reckless. This offence fits at level 1 of the Guidelines for penalties - hostility towards any other participant.
In my view, having heard from Wess, and taken into account his acceptance of the breach and his expressed regret for the incident as well as the fact that he has apologized to Garza I consider the appropriate penalty to be a one match suspension.
Benjamin Wess is suspended from the next FIH World Level event match played by Germany.
Ken Read
Technical Director
23rd August 2008
