Disciplinary Actions

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Under NCRFU rules, a red card is an automatic, administrative two scheduled match/15 day suspension (whichever is longer) from participation in ALL rugby worldwide.  Two yellow cards for dangerous or violent play in the same competitive season carries the same penalty as a red card. As the Referee on the pitch is the sole judge of law and fact on the pitch, there is no appeal from a red or yellow card; however, under certain circumstances, an offender may be referred to the NCRFU Disciplinary committee for consideration of additional sanctions. Click here for the NCRFU Disciplinary Guidelines (pdf).

Exception to Mandatory Suspension: If a player receives a red card in a match for repeat technical violations (e.g. offsides; hands-in ruck)  that are neither violent nor dangerous, then the red card shall not result in a mandatory two week suspension.  However, if any of the offenses that gave rise to the red card included a yellow card for a violent or dangerous nature, then the red card still carries with it the mandatory two scheduled match/15 day suspension.

Referees must notify the NCRFU Disciplinary Chair by either sending an email (ncrfudc@gmail.com) of the issuance of a red or yellow card no later than noon two days after the match, which is normally the next Tuesday. Note: the online reporting feature has been disabled.

NCRFU D/C Report for weekend of March 19, 2010

Disciplinary Action Taken
Saia Lavulo Reno (CIPP #242049) received his second yellow card for non-technical infringements in the season. He is therefore administratively suspended for two weeks or two matches, whichever is longer.

Disciplinary Actions Pending
• The Disciplinary Committee will be reviewing an incident reported by the referee involving a member of the Islanders U-19 Club at the next scheduled meeting. The Islanders U-19 have expelled the player from the club in the interim.
• Sacramento Capitals have cited a San Mateo player. That matter is pending.
• Sacramento Capitals have cited a Sacramento Lions player. That matter is pending.

Red Cards
John Bloomfield, Sierra (CIPP: 440900) Violation of Law 10.4(i)

Yellow Cards
S. Lavulo, Reno (CIPP #242049) Violation of Law 10.4(e)
H. Moala (CIPP #242513) Violation of Law 10.4(m)
Dominic Patrick, Santa Rosa JC (CIPP 385201), Violation of Law 10.4(f)

NCRFU Disciplinary Report for the Weekend March 5, 2010

Disciplinary Actions Pending
* The Disciplinary Committee will be reviewing an incident reported by the referee involving a member of the Islanders U-19 Club.
* Live Oak has cited a Peninsula Green player. That matter is pending.
* Sacramento Capitals have cited a San Mateo player. That matter is pending.
* The Disciplinary Chair in investigating a matter of potential referee abuse reported by the referee.

Red Cards
Daniel Nau (CIPP pending), Hayward U 19, v De L Salle HS, red card for punching for violation of Law 10.4(a) (punching an opponent). Mr. Nau is suspended for 15 days or two formal matches, whichever is longer.

Yellow Cards
Matt Griffin (Cougar) Yellow Card (391356( 10.4(e) Shoulder charge
Jordan P Shively (UC Davis) (# 344487) 10.4 (n) Late Charging Kicker
Garret Symore (Stanislaus #8)- high/dangerous tackle; yellow card
Albert Nollo (San Jose #11)- high/dangerous tackle; yellow card
Saia Lavulo (CIPP 242049), Reno Zephyrs, 10.4(a) striking.
Mark Radrono (Redwood) CIPP 4388283: Dangerous Tackling
Rick D Smith (Redwood) CIPP 208858: Dangerous Tackling
Sione Tupouata (CIPP 431977), Hayward U 19, v De La Salle HS, yellow card for violation of Law 10.4(c) (a kick to an opponent).
Siausi Tupouata (CIPP 396832), Hayward U 19, v De La Salle HS, yellow card for violation of Law 10.4(e) (dangerous tackle).

NCRFU Disciplinary Report for weekend of 2/29/2010

Disciplinary Committee Actions
Ofa Vaka, Jr., Diablo Youth Rugby, (275024). After waiting for the criminal matter to complete over the last year, the committee met and deliberated a referee report regarding Mr. Vaka.  It was a unanimous decision of the committee that Mr. Vaka had committed a top end violation for physical referee assault. The committee considered aggravating circumstances and unanimously agreed that he is banned for life from participating in rugby.
Eric Smith (278918), Aptos. As a result of a citation by the SF Fog with video evidence, the committee found that the Mr. Smith had violate law 10.4 (Punching), and was given a 5 week suspension.

Red Cards:
Kalvin Fa-asolo, EPA U19, (433646) for violation of Law 10.4 (m) Acts Contrary to Good Sportsmanship
Carlin McLaine (Shasta) Law 10.4(e)  Dangerous (Spear) Tackle
Antino Gomez, Islanders, (CIPP # 392723), Violation of law 10.4 (Kicking) 

Yellow Cards:
Nathan C Trivers  (CIPP 226944), Marin, no wrapping in the tackle,
Arrev Chantikian (Cipp 303758), Marin, retaliation.
Mathew John Dean Samuel (CIPP 302302) Berkeley Men dangerous tackle.
Luigi Popolla (387545) (Sac Capitols) 10.4 (d) Tripping
Seth Gutierrez, Chico State, #9, CIPP #307187: Law 10(l) - Acts contrary to good sportsmanship
Jason Maxwell (CIPP 425743), Chico, 10.4(e): Dangerous tackle
Thurman Thomas, Alameda U19, violation of Law 10.4(d), repeated dangerous tackles
Sam Rouse, Alameda U19, violation of Law 10.4(d), dangerous tackle, late

NCRFU Disciplinary Report for weekend of February 22, 2010

Disciplinary Committee Actions
Levi Tinai (CIPP 405978), SFGG, received his second yellow card involving dangerous play in the same season, and is thus administratively suspended for the longer of two scheduled matches or 15 days.

Citation: A citation by the SF Fog is currently pending.

Red Cards
Robert E Haley (CIPP 166803), Chico Mighty Oaks, 10.4(j) – Tipping Tackle
Gabriel Hollis (CIPP 387002), Jesuit, 10.4(e) Dangerous tackle.
Sam Muomua (CIPP 426536), Diablo Gaels, 10.4(n) late-charging: 1st Yellow: late tackle. 2nd Yellow became a red for a late tackle.
Andrew Clem (CIPP 472861), Bellarmine High School, 10.4(a): 1st yellow; 2nd yellow became a red

Yellow Cards
Levi Tinai (CIPP 405978), SFGG, 10.4(a) striking
James Ramsay (CIPP 466110), SFGG, 10.4(s) disputing referee's decisions
Jamiel Simmons (CIPP 477274), Cordova Lancers, 10.4 (e) dangerous tackling – no wrap
Jack McCormack (CIPP 465829), San Francisco State, 10.4(g) dangerous charging.
Pita Meanata (CIPP 433899), Santa Rosa Junior College, 10.4(f) playing an opponent without the ball.
Anthony West (CIPP 471619), De La Salle Rugby Football Club, 10.4(a), 16.5(c)
Pati Boginisoko (CIPP 469671), Cougars - dangerous tackle
Benjamin Reece (CIPP 126573), University of the Pacific, 10.4(e)/10.3(b)
Ethan Cosgrove (CIPP 465035), University of the Pacific, 10.4(e)/10.3(b)
Arman Iraelyan (CIPP 465827), SF State, 10.3(b)
Justin Rossi (CIPP 385451), Chico State, Dangerous Tackle 10.4e

NCRFU Disciplinary Report for the Weekend of February 6, 2010
Disciplinary Committee Actions
Patrick J. Drauyawa (CIPP 388554) of Redwood Empire: Following a hearing of the disciplinary committee after the issuance a red card with extenuating factors, he was suspended by the Disciplinary Committee for 26 weeks for foul play. He has already served three of those weeks.
Folau Niua (CIPP 383966) of EPA: Following a hearing of the disciplinary committee after the citation by the Sacramento Capitals with video evidence, he was suspended by the Disciplinary Committee for 11 weeks for foul play.
Siupeli Sakalia (CIPP 411019) of EPA: Following a hearing of the disciplinary committee after the citation by the Sacramento Capitals with video evidence, he was suspended by the Disciplinary Committee for 18 weeks for foul play.
Chase Herring (CIPP 270087) of Lamorinda: After video review and inquiry of the opposing coach, it was determined that there was no evidence of a subsequent punch warranting further discipline by the disciplinary committee. He did agree however serve his administrative suspension for the tipping tackle which was both unappealable, and appropriate.

Other: An investigation is currently underway with respect to one of the red cards issued below.

Red cards
Sidney "Scott" Santana (CIPP 426225) of Motherlode: Foul play
Larry Wooten (CIPP 462974) of Sierra College: Dangerous tackle 10.4(j)
George Tuihalahgingie (CIPP 470784) of Diablo U23: violation of law 10.4b – Stamping
Sosefo Maka (CIPP 344284) of San Mateo: red card violation of law 10.4 (a) punching an opponent.

Yellow Cards
Marshall Godfrey (CIPP 353820) of Motherlode: Dangerous Tackle
Austin Arevelo (CIPP 343355) of Motherlode: Dangerous Tackle
Ahmed Sheadae (CIPP 437502) of San Mateo: violation of law 10.4 (g) dangerous charging.
Jonathan Nord (CIPP 390486) of San Francisco Fog, 10.4(a), striking.
Travis Kinsel (CIPP 348843) of De La Salle: violation of law10.4 (i).
Wes Sasser (CIPP 466437) of Diablo Gaels RFC (flanker): Law 10(j) Dangerous play in a ruck - charging.
Niki Donohoe (CIPP 384495) of UNR-W: Dangerous Tackle
Bryce Paulson (CIPP 316899) of Santa Rosa JC: Dangerous Tackle

NCRFU Disciplinary Report for the Weekends of January 24 & January 31, 2010

Disciplinary Actions
(Pending) Patrick J. Drauyawa (CIPP 388554) of Redwood Empire for foul play. A video has now been provided, and the matter should be resolved next week. He remains ineligible to play.
(Resolved) Lui Ma’aola (CIPP 119660) of Aptos Beach, for Referee Abuse. Mr. Ma’Aola was suspended for a period of 6 months pursuant to the NCRFU Disciplinary Guidelines. Has apologized to the referee and the union for his actions.
(Citation Pending) The Sacramento Capitals have cited two players from EPA for foul play. A video has been provided and is being circulated. It is anticipated the matter will be heard next week. The players ARE ELIGIBLE to play until such time as the matter has been heard by the Disciplinary Committee.
Chase Herring (CIPP 270087) of Lamorinda was red carded for a tipping tackle and subsequent punching. Because of the nature of the offense, the Disciplinary Committee will consider if any additional sanction beyond the mandatory two weeks is appropriate.

Red Cards
Chase Herring (CIPP 270087) of Lamorinda, Red Card (10.4(3) Tipping Tackle. Mr. Herring is suspended for 15 days or two formal matches, whichever is longer.
James Nelson (CIPP 433433) of Sierra J.C. violation of Law 10.4(e) dangerous tackle. Mr. Nelson is suspended for 15 days or two formal matches, whichever is longer.
Kyle Ghilarducci (CIPP 387767) of San Mateo, punching 10.4(a). Mr. Ghilarducci is suspended for 15 days or two formal matches, whichever is longer.
Laufilitonga Mahafatau (CIPP 473060), Stanislaus, 10.4(k), Mr. Mahafatau is suspended for 15 days or two formal matches, whichever is longer.
Oscar A. Liufau (CIPP 353214), Humboldt, Yellow card: 10.4(k), RETALIATION then second yellow card (automatic red) 10.4(g) DANGEROUS CHARGING. Mr. Liufau is suspended for 15 days or two formal matches, whichever is longer.

Yellow Cards
Ryan Richard Davis (CIPP 427037) Sacramento Capitols: Violent play, Retaliation/Punching
Talaiasi Tameifuna (CIPP 447939) EPA, Violent Play, striking (elbow)
Sione Kaianau (No CIPP found) EPA, Collapsing of Maul
Semi Lui (CIPP 468349) Redwood Empire, Kicking.
Akuila Drova (CIPP 387402) Barbarians, yellow -stomping/raking
Sione Veikoso (CIPP 397106), Barbarians, yellow dangerous tackle
Sairusi Ura (CIPP is apparently Pending with USA), Barbarians, failure to wrap
Levi Tinai (CIPP 405978), SFGG D2: Dangerous Tackle
Samisoni Pone (CIPP 428215) San Jose Seahawks--Dangerous Tackle
Bola Aquega, Bay Barbarians #19 (CIPP 303511) Yellow Card for Dangerous Tackle (10.4 e)
Drew Hyjer, UC Berkeley, CIPP 270011, Yellow Card 10.4(c) Kicking.
Whitney Blake, (CIPP 303267) Marin, for violating Law 10.4 (c), kicking an opponent.
Jeremiah Malu (CIPP 468579) EPA; Law 10.4(e) Dangerous Tackling
Joe Powell (CIPP 271941) Vacaville 10.4(e)
Gary Pritchard (CIPP 268612) Stanislaus, Offense: 10.4(a)
Dave Ferrington, (CIPP 468466), Humboldt, 10.4 (a), STRIKING
Mike Lovery (CIPP 466920) St. Mary's: Striking
Mike Steihr (CIPP 426661); Chico State; Striking

NCRFU Disciplinary Report for the weekend of January 16, 2010

Pending Disciplinary Actions (Hearing Scheduled for 1/25/2010)
Still Pending from Last Week: Patrick J. Drauyawa, CIPP 388554, Redwood Empire -- foul play; and Lui Ma’aola, CIPP 119660, Aptos Beach -- Referee Abuse

Red Cards
Sean Thompson Woolery, CIPP 467080, Aptos -- Yellow card: 10.4a "Punching or Striking", then second yellow (automatic red), playing the opponent without the ball and/or unsportsmanlike behavior.
Dave Grundfest, CIPP 465851, Stanford Men -- High Tackle (Repeat Team)

Yellow Cards
Edward Matakibau, CIPP #468946, Sacramento Lions -- Dangerous tackle
Mark A Distefano, CIPP 279749, Humboldt Men -- violation of Law 10.4(j), dangerous charge at a ruck
Pierce Hannah, CIPP 425443, St. Mary’s Men -- Punching
Roy Edwards, CIPP 383889, St. Mary’s Men -- High Tackle
Justin Kuok, CIPP 385825, Stanford Men -- High Tackle
Gianni Maize, CIPP 465875, Stanford Men -- High Tackle
Stewart Youngblood, CIPP 469877, Stanford Men -- High Tackle

NCRFU Disciplinary Report for the weekend of January 9, 2010

Pending Disciplinary Actions
Patrick J. Drauyawa (CIPP 388554) of Redwood Empire for foul play. 
Lui Ma’aola (CIPP 119660) of Aptos Beach, for Referee Abuse

Red Cards
Patrick J. Drauyawa (CIPP 388554) of Redwood Empire for foul play. Mr. Drauyawa in suspended indefinetly. The Disciplinary Committee will be meeting within the next week to address his actions.
Lui Ma’aola (CIPP 119660) of Aptos Beach, for Referee Abuse, 10.4(k)
Usama Mirza (CIPP 449878) of SF Fog, Law 10.4(e) Dangerous Tackling. Mr. Mirza is suspended for 15 days, and thus not eligible to play until after January 24, 2010.

Yellow Cards
Jonny Volan, (384074) of U.C. Davis, Dangerous Tackle.
Bryan Feldkamp (CIPP 388753) of Sacramento Capitals, Referee Dissent.
Tulimi Tuitupou (CIPP 387603), of San Mateo, Stomping
Josef Ahmu (CIPP 468914), of San Mateo, Punching
H. Moala (CIPP #463814) of Reno, Violation of Law 10.4(a) punching
W. Taumalolo, (CIPP # 303611), of Reno Violation of Law 10.4(e) dangerous tackling
R. Tu'akalau (CIPP # 400944), of Reno Violation of Law 10.4(e) dangerous tackling

Pre-Season Red Cards
Bryce Zaben (CIPP 425493) of St. Mary’s, Dangerous Tackle, 10.4 (e). This incident occurred during the preseason, and his 15 days have run. He is currently otherwise eligible to play.
Kyle McKenzie (CIPP 435250) of Diablo Gaels, Stamping or Trampling., 10.4(b). This incident occurred during the preseason, and his 15 days have run. He is currently otherwise eligible to play.
Daniel Wacker (CIPP 216230) of USF, Verbal Abuse of Referee, Law 10.4(k). This incident occurred during the preseason, and his 15 days have run.  He is currently otherwise eligible to play.
Michael Deel (CIPP 464735) of Chico State Men, Dangerous Tackle, 10.4(e). This incident occurred during the preseason, and his 15 days have run. He is currently otherwise eligible to play.

Pre-Season Yellow Cards
Justin Lugar (CIPP 388196) of Sierra College, Tripping, 10.4(d)
James Nelson (CIPP 433433) of Sierra College, Dangerous Tackle, 10.4(e)
Jordan Raty (CIPP 425493) of Sierra College, Dangerous Tackle, 10.4(e)
Collins Okoroike (CIPP 388860) of Fresno State, Dangerous Tackle, 10.4
Mike Estis (CIPP 34497) of SF Fog, Dangerous Tackle, 10.4

NCRFU Discipline Report (April 2, 2009)

Disciplinary Committee Actions

Semisi Finau, Hayward, CIPP# 292486 administrative suspension has been completed. However, if he receives a yellow card between now and October 1, 2009 in 15-a-side play for any infringement other than purely technical (e.g. repeated offside), he may complete that match, but will receive an additional three week suspension. In addition, if he receives a red card (or a citation is upheld) within the next calendar year, he will receive not only what ever discipline comes with that red card/citation, but will receive an additional three weeks.

NCRFU Discipline Report (March 25, 2009)

NCRFU Discipline Report (March 13, 2009) Part II

 Disciplinary Committee Actions:
“Neia Alatini”
There was an incident in which an “unaffiliated” Olde Diablo Gaels spectator came out of the stadium and onto the pitch last weekend. The individual was identified as Neia Alatini. A search of USA Rugby’s website identifies a former Northern California player by the name of Sefanaia Alatini (Member ID: 325023). We do NOT know yet know at this time whether “Neia Alatini” and “Sefanaia Alatini” are the same person. However, if anyone sees either of these individuals at a match in the future, please take a picture of him and send it to me. If anyone has any further information about the identify of Neia Alatini, please advise.

NCRFU Disciplinary Report (March 13, 2009)

Disciplinary Committee Actions:
As the result of a citation, Sosalao T. Lavulo, RENO CIPP # 242049 received a four game suspension beginning on March 8, 2009. He will not be eligible to play for the rest of the regular season, but will be eligible to participate in the play-offs should Reno be successful in making them. In addition to the four week suspension, if Mr. Lavulo receives a red or yellow card for any infringement other than technical repeat infringements, he will be prohibited from playing the remainder of the playoffs. Likewise, if Mr. Lavulo receives a red card (or a citation is upheld) in the 2010 season, he will receive whatever sanction goes with that offense, plus an additional three weeks.

SPECIAL WARNING AND DISCIPLINARY REPORT - OCTOBER 20, 2008

Special Warning:

1.  Safety Protocol:
Clubs have become lax with respect to the following of the Safety Protocols. Deficiencies have not been reported, have been ignored by visiting teams and referees, and generally it is only after an incident that the deficiencies have been discovered. Please be advised that from this point forward, the Disciplinary Committee will take a ZERO TOLERANCE for failure to strictly adhere to the safety protocol. This includes not only field barriers, field monitors, but also includes id cards.

From this point forward, if you participate in a match either as the host team, a visitor, or even a mere participant in a tournament, and the safety protocols have not been met, it will be the recommendation of the disciplinary chair to the executive committee that all clubs that participated will be suspended for the remainder of the year!

FYI, if a team refuses to play because they do not believe the protocols were met, and the objecting team was later determined to be wrong, as long as the objection and refusal was in “good faith” there will be NO forfeit for refusing to play. In other words, we will not penalize a club for being overly cautious, but will aggressively penalize clubs for non-compliance.

Forewarned is forearmed.

2.  Inactive Clubs
A list of inactive NCRFU clubs is posted at Pelicanrefs.com. If you play a club that is inactive, it will be the recommendation that your own club will be suspended for the remainder of the year. Currently the Sacramento Lions and the Sacramento Amazons are on inactive status. Clubs are encouraged to check the status of your opponent before playing them, or permitting them to participate in your tournament. 

NCRFU DISCIPLINARY REPORT -- November 29, 2007:

NCRFU Executive Committee Actions
Following the meeting of the NCRFU Executive on November 27th, the following decision has been made regarding the recommendations from the disciplinary committee:

    1. Justin Giles. Following a recommendation for additional sanction from the disciplinary committee regarding Mr. Giles, who is serving a suspension for foul play that extends to September 2008, yet played at the Chico holiday classic in October 2007.
      • As a result Mr. Giles suspension is extended to 5 years and expanded to include coaching; Mr Giles will become eligible to play and coach in January 2012.
      • Mr. Giles may not be involved with the administration of the Petaluma Leghorns, he may only be a spectator (the club is reminded that they are responsible for his behavior as a spectator).
    2. Petaluma Leghorns RFC; following a recommendation from the disciplinary committee for sanction of the club arising from item (1) above, the club allowed a suspended person to play before he was eligible to play
      • Petaluma Leghorns RFC are suspended from play for the 2007/8 season, subject to the following stay of enforcement, allowing their league schedule;
        • Petaluma Leghorns will be ineligible to advance to the NCRFU or PCRFU playoffs; should they finish in a playoff position, the team behind them in the standings will advance
        • Petaluma Leghorns will maintain a satisfactory level of discipline, with particular regard to foul play
        • Petaluma Leghorns will invite a local referee to at least one practice to discuss foul play and other key interpretations
        • Justin Giles may not be involved, subject to his suspension
        • Scott Dennison may not be a coach or administrator for the club

The following have been sanctioned by the NCRFU for the week ending 03/03/07:

Red Card/Suspensions
Justin Giles (Petaluma CIPP # 267364): Knee to the head of a player in a defenseless position. Mr. Giles indicated prior to the disciplinary hearing that he has “hung up his boots.” However, as a formality Mr. Giles has been suspended until September 2008. If Mr. Giles decides to return at the end of his suspension, and a club chooses to risk allowing him to play for them, he will remain on probation until September 2010.

Takai Moeaki (San Mateo CIPP # 216664): Stomp to the head of a player in a defenseless position. Mr. Moeaki was given an opportunity for a disciplinary hearing on March 6, 2007, but his club requested the matter be delayed due to a family emergency. In accordance with their request, Mr. Moeaki is suspended indefinitely by the NCRFU, and will not be allowed to return (if ever) until such time as he makes himself available for a Disciplinary Hearing.

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