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 appealed their suspensions based on the submission of favorable character references.

The AFL's disciplinary system is governed by the Australian Football League Rules and Regulations, as well as the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the AFL Integrity Policy. When a player is found guilty of misconduct, they may face various penalties, including fines and suspensions. Suspensions can range from one match up to multiple games, depending on the severity of the offense.

The process for appealing a suspension involves an internal review by the Match Review Panel and, if unsuccessful, an external appeal to the AFL Tribunal. The AFL Tribunal is an independent body responsible for hearing and determining appeals against decisions made by the Match Review Panel. During this process, both parties (the player and the AFL) can present evidence and witness statements to support their case.

Character references are letters or statements from individuals who can vouch for the good character of the player in question. These references can be submitted by the player or their representative during the appeal process. The purpose of these references is to demonstrate that the player is remorseful for their actions and has shown positive behavior since the incident.

In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases where players have successfully appealed their suspensions based on character references. For instance, in 2019, Essendon's Devon Smith had his three-match suspension reduced to one game after submitting character references from teammates and coaches. Similarly, in 2020, Port Adelaide's Ollie Wines had his two-match ban reduced to one game due to character references from his club and the AFL Players Association.

Critics argue that relying on character references to reduce suspensions undermines the consistency and fairness of the disciplinary system. They believe that focusing too much on a player's remorse and good character rather than the actual offense can lead to inconsistent outcomes and potentially lenient penalties.

In response to these concerns, Matthew Lloyd has called for the AFL to remove the ability for players to use character references in their appeals. He believes that doing so would help maintain the integrity of the disciplinary system and ensure that suspensions are based primarily on the severity of the offense rather than the player's personal circumstances or reputation.

However, it is essential to note that removing character references entirely could have its own implications. Some argue that these references can provide valuable context and insight into a player's behavior and remorse, which could be taken into account when determining an appropriate penalty. Ultimately, this is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and balanced decision-making from the AFL and its stakeholders.

In conclusion, Matthew Lloyd's call for the removal of character references in AFL disciplinary proceedings stems from concerns over inconsistency and potential leniency in suspensions. However, this issue is not without its complexities and potential implications for the fairness and effectiveness of the disciplinary system. The AFL will need to carefully consider the pros and cons of this proposal before making any decisions.