DOPS: Week 49 of 2025
Solway Sharks #10 Liam Stenton
Rule 40.4 - Physical Abuse of Official @ 3/20:00
On review it has been adjudicated that the penalty assessed at 3/20.00 - a Game Misconduct under Rule 75 for Unsportsmanlike conduct - whilst acceptable, should have been assessed as a Game Misconduct under Rule 40 for Physical Abuse of Official.
As the clock counted down to zero at the end of the game, Solway #10 collected the puck in the neutral zone, controlled it, looked up and made eye contact with the Referee positioned in the end zone. He then changed body position and shot the puck with force directly at the official, who had to take evasive action to avoid being struck in the upper torso or head.
RULE 40 PHYSICAL ABUSE OF OFFICIALS
40.1. GAME MISCONDUCT
Any Player who deliberately applies physical force in any manner against an Official, where such actions were likely to cause injury to the latter, physically demeans, or deliberately applies physical force to an Official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an Official during or immediately following an altercation shall receive a game misconduct penalty
40.4. SUPPLEMENTARY DISCIPLINE – SUSPENSION – CATEGORY III
Any Player who, by their actions, physically demeans an official or physically threatens an official by (but not limited to) throwing a stick or any other piece of equipment or object at or in the general direction of an Official, shooting the puck at or in the general direction of an official, spitting, smearing blood at or in the general direction of an Official, or who deliberately applies physical force to an Official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation
This is unacceptable. It causes reckless endangerment and demonstrates a lack of respect for the officials and the sport.
Due to the force used, the reckless endangerment, and general reprehensibility of the action, a suspension is warranted. The Player receives 0 penalty points on their record. As a Tier 1 offense, the Player is suspended for 4 games. The team shall receive 4 penalty points.
Total Games suspended is 4 games.
