Camanachd Association Issue Statement On Abandoned Match Between Oban Camanachd & Fort William | |
28 September 2014 The Camanachd Association has issued a statement clarifying the ruling applied following the abandonment of the Marine Harvest National Division title decider between Oban Camanachd and Fort William at Mossfield on Saturday 27 September 2014. The outcome of the match would determine who gained promotion to the Orion Group Premiership. The game’s flashpoint came early in the second half when, with Oban Camanachd leading 1-0, referee Robert Baxter was struck by a fast-moving ball and was unable to continue. There were several Camanachd Association referees in attendance but there was confusion over how the rules should be applied in such circumstances the match was eventually abandoned. The official statement from the Camanachd Association reads: The Camanachd Association wishes to clarify the ruling applied in relation to the abandonment of the National Division match between Oban Camanachd and Fort William on Saturday 27 September 2014. Unless there is a Fourth Official / Reserve Referee allocated to a match, the formal contingency for the unfortunate circumstances that arose on Saturday are that the match be abandoned and the fixture rescheduled. As is normal for league matches, there was no Fourth Official / Reserve Referee allocated to the above game so the default response is for the contingency to be applied. The alternative of identifying and appointing a suitably qualified and willing individual at short notice to complete the fixture might provide an opportunistic and informal solution, but first requires the agreement of both clubs and then the Camanachd Association. No party is obligated to agree to this solution. If agreement cannot be reached, the default contingency is applied. The Camanachd Association representatives at the game were in touch by phone with Camanachd Association office staff as the incident unfolded and were advised of the above. The Camanachd Association recognise the disappointment of players and supporters from both clubs, we also thank those who offered themself as replacement referee. The Camanachd Association was in touch with the match referee following the incident and again this morning to extend our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. The date for the rescheduled fixture will be announced shortly. Ends statement |