Round 1: Sting vs Raptors – Use of Illegal Player

At the round 1 game on Saturday 26^th April, Sting vs Raptors, it has been determined that the Sting played an illegal player. 

In the lead up to the game there was a query that was made regarding numbers and substitutes, which was answered with an advisement and link to the ECSL Handbook for further clarification. There was no question about policy or procedure, which is in the Handbook. (see below) 

If an ECSL team requires the use of temporary substitute players, then the team manager must:  

1. Identify any ECSL-capable U19 (formerly Midget) Division players who might be available to play, or if no U19 Division players are available;  
2. ii. Identify ECSL-capable Senior Division players provided that;  
3. a. The Senior Division player does not participate in the ECSL game over his own team’s game commitments and,  
4. b. The Senior Division player does not breach any of the rules specified in the IHNSW Handbook Special Rules for Senior Divisions such as playing-up limits.  
5. iii. All substitutions are advised to the ECSL committee within a reasonable time prior to the game being played and are subject to final approval of the Committee. 

The Sting failed to notify the ECSL Committee of their intent to use a substitute, and thus the Committee reached the following decision: 

• Sting will lose the game 0 – 5.  
• Based on the effort the Sting put in to try to make the game happen, the Sting was not fined $400.