Central Hearings Committee 11-2-2012

Allianz Football League
Ard Mhacha v Corcaigh
Morgan Athletic Grounds
5ú Feabhra 2012

Pól Ó Ciarragáin, Corcaigh, who was reported in the Referees Report for “Attempting to strike with the head“ in the above game, requested a Hearing as he chose not to accept the penalty proposed by the Central Competitions Control Committee.

After viewing video evidence presented by the Defending Party, the CCCC accepted that the infraction alleged did not occur. Accordingly the CHC found the case not proven.

Disciplinary process explained:

Penalty Proposed.
The Competitions Control Committee proposes a penalty. It is either accepted or rejected.
If it is rejected, a Hearing is granted.
The Hearings Committee (decision makers) either impose a penalty or exonerate based on evidence presented during the Hearing.
If penalty is imposed by the Hearings Committee, and the defending party is not willing to accept the imposed penalty, then an Appeal can be lodged to the Appeals Committee.
The appeal is heard by the Appeals Committee. If Appeal is unsuccessful then the penalty remains imposed and all avenues of Appeal are now exhausted within the GAA ( The Appeal can only be successful where there has been a clear infringement or misapplication of Rule by the Hearings Committee or the Appellants right to a fair hearing has otherwise been compromised to such extent that a clear injustice has occurred).
However, if the defending party is still not willing to accept the imposed penalty, a request for Arbitration may be lodged to the DRA (Disputes Resolution Authority) who are an external Independent Body and all their decisions are binding.