Lloyd's confusion over Tribunal act

Matthew Lloyd, a former Australian Rules Football (AFL) player and current commentator for Channel 7's coverage of the AFL, has expressed his view that the AFL should eliminate the use of character references in mitigating the suspensions handed down to players. This controversy stems from recent incidents where players have successfully used character references to reduce their suspensions, raising concerns about the fairness and consistency of the disciplinary process.

The AFL's disciplinary system is governed by the AFL Rules of the Game and the AFL Players' Code of Conduct. When a player breaches the rules, they may be charged with an offence and face various penalties, including fines and suspensions. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature and gravity of the offence, as well as any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

Character references are statements or letters from individuals who can attest to a player's good character or remorse for their actions. These references can be submitted during disciplinary hearings to provide context and demonstrate that the player has shown remorse or has taken steps to address any underlying issues. The tribunal, which is responsible for handing down penalties, may consider these references when determining the appropriate sanction.

The controversy surrounding character references in the AFL stems from several high-profile cases where players have successfully used them to reduce their suspensions. For instance, in 2019, Essendon's Devon Smith was suspended for two matches for striking an opponent but had his ban reduced to one match after submitting a heartfelt apology letter and character references from teammates and coaches. Similarly, in 2020, Port Adelaide's Ollie Wines was suspended for one match for striking an opponent but had his ban reduced to a fine after submitting character references and expressing remorse for his actions.

Critics argue that the use of character references can create inconsistencies in the disciplinary process and potentially undermine the deterrent effect of suspensions. They contend that suspensions should be based solely on the objective facts of the incident and the rules that have been breached, rather than subjective assessments of a player's character or remorse.

The AFL has defended the use of character references, stating that they provide valuable context and can help the tribunal understand the circumstances surrounding an incident. However, there have been calls for greater transparency and consistency in how these references are considered and for the AFL to establish clear guidelines for their use.

In summary, Matthew Lloyd's call for the removal of the ability to use character references in mitigating suspensions is a response to concerns about inconsistencies and potential undermining of the disciplinary process in the AFL. The issue has arisen from several high-profile cases where players have successfully used character references to reduce their suspensions, leading to debates about fairness and objectivity in the disciplinary process. The AFL has defended their use but has faced calls for greater transparency and consistency in how they are considered.