Situation 1
What is the rationale for removing references to “injury” in the rules and replacing with “recklessly endangers (reckless endangerment)” an opponent?
To eliminate the guesswork needed by officials to determine if a player is actually injured as the result of an action and instead allows officials to judge the severity of the action in determining the proper penalty. Rule References 602(a) and Glossary.
With this type of approach to the rules, the Referee will no longer need to determine the “intent” of a dangerous action and/or what the result is (injury or not) to determine the appropriate penalty. The official simply needs to judge the action itself and based on the severity or the risk of physical harm. If the dangerous action was committed with little or no regard to the consequences and the potential risk to the opponent, then the match penalty must be assessed.
Situation 2
What penalty shall be assessed to a player who intentionally steps on an opponent?
A match penalty. Rule References 602(a) and 627(b).
Even though this infraction may not be considered to be kicking an opponent, the sole purpose of this action is to harm the opponent and must be considered a very serious and dangerous violation of the playing rules.
Situation 3
If a player “bites” an opponent during an altercation, should this be considered an attempt to injure and a match penalty assessed?
Yes. Rule Reference 602(a).
The only possible purpose of this action is to harm the opponent, so a match penalty must be assessed.
Situation 4
What penalty shall be assessed to a Coach who attempts to injure an opponent or Team Official?
A match penalty. Rule Reference 602(a).
This situation must be reported to the proper authorities.
