The Match Review Officer (MRO) is positioned to assess reports and referrals of offences that occur in AFL matches.
AFL Umpires can report players for offences during matches, with any and all offences coming under the assessment of the MRO.
There are three categories in which an offence can be identified: Classifiable, Direct Tribunal and Fixed Financial.
The AFL's Tribunal Guidelines lists Classifiable Offences as reported offences graded by the MRO to determine the sanction for a particular offence.
Offences are broken down into three categories when identifying the fitting sanction, with the MRO assessing the conduct (intentional or severe), impact (severe, high, medium or low) and contact (high/groin or body) of each offence.
How does the Match Review Panel grade offences?ย
| CONDUCT | IMPACT | CONTACT | SANCTION |
|
Intentional
|
Severe
|
High/Groin |
4+ Matches (Tribunal)
|
| Body |
3+ Matches (Tribunal)
|
||
|
High
|
High/Groin | 3 Matches | |
| Body | 2 Matches | ||
|
Medium
|
High/Groin | 2 Matches | |
| Body | 1 Match | ||
|
Low
|
High/Groin | 1 Match | |
| Body | Fine | ||
|
Careless
|
Severe
|
High/Groin |
3+ Matches (Tribunal)
|
| Body |
2+ Matches (Tribunal)
|
||
|
High
|
High/Groin | 2 Matches | |
| Body | 1 Match | ||
|
Medium
|
High/Groin | 1 Match | |
| Body | Fine | ||
|
Low
|
High/Groin | Fine | |
| Body | Fine |
Fixed Financial Offences are reportable offences that warrant financial sanctions only.
Which offences are Classifiable Offences?ย
The MRO will assess and, if required, determine the sanction for offences that are Classifiable Offences.
The following incidents fall under Classifiable Offences:
- Striking
- Kicking
- Kneeing
- Charging
- Rough Conduct
- Forceful Front-On Contact
- Headbutt or Contact Using Head
- Unreasonable or Unnecessary Contact to the Eye Region
- Unreasonable or Unnecessary Contact to the Face
- Tripping
Which offences are referred to the AFL Tribunal?ย
The MRO is able to refer offences directly to the AFL Tribunal for assessment, with the charged parties fronting the AFL and its counsel.
The following offences are referred to the AFL Tribunal to determine sanctions without grading:
- Intentional Contact with an Umpire
- Eye Gouging
- Stomping
- Striking an Umpire
- Spitting on or at an Umpire
- Spitting on Another Person
- Attempting to Strike an Umpire
- Behaving in an Abusive, Insulting, Threatening or Obscene Manner Towards or in Relation to an Umpire
- Serious Misconduct
How does the AFL Tribunal work?ย
The AFL Tribunal sits to find an outcome for contested Reportable Offences, Direct Tribunal Offences and Classifiable Offences that are referred to the Tribunal.
A player and club are able to contest a charge by pleading not guilty or can look to have the determination of their charge lowered. For example, a player may argue that the conduct was careless as opposed to intentional.
The Tribunal is comprised of a Chairperson who manages the process and decides on the points of law, and a Jury, which is often two members.
AFL Counsel and the charged player will be given time to argue their case for and against the offence before the jury deliberates.
The Chairperson, in conjunction with the Jury, will determine the outcome of a contested Reportable Offences, Direct Tribunal Offence or referred Classifiable Offences and will apply an appropriate sanction if applicable.
A verbal explanation will outline the reasoning of the AFL Tribunal's outcome.
