Harness – Stewards Inquiries – Social Media Comments
Harness – Stewards Inquiries Social Media Comments
RWWA Stewards on 25 May 2018 concluded three inquiries into comments that had been posted on a Facebook page concerning a Senior RWWA Racing official.
The following persons pleaded guilty to charges relating to the publication of offensive comments in relation to a Steward and were issued with the penalties indicated.
• Trainer Ms. Paula Petricevich – Fine of $1,500 with $750 of that fine being suspended for a period of 12-months on the condition that no further breaches to this or similar rules occur. (Rule 248 RWWA Rules of Harness Racing)
• Stablehand Mr Ryan Hough – Fine of $500 with $250 of that fine being suspended for a period of 12-months on the condition that no further breaches to this or similar rules occur. (Rule 248 RWWA Rules of Harness Racing)
• Licensed Greyhound Owner Mr K J (James) Sullivan – Fine $400 with $200 of that fine being suspended for a period of 12-months on the condition that no further breaches to this or similar rules occur. (Rule 86(f)(i) RWWA Rules of Greyhound Racing)
In considering penalty Stewards took into account:
• Previous penalties issued in South Australia in regards to comments made within the same Facebook page
• That the inquiries were able to be completed by way of written submissions from those concerned who acknowledged culpability for the breach of the rules and thus expedited the process.
• The obvious remorse and that written apologies were made for the comments
• The need to send a clear message to the three persons and the wider racing industry that Stewards performing their duties were entitled to be protected from offensive comments.
Media Contact:
Mark Kemp – Integrity Operations Co-ordinator
Ph: 9445 5227
mark.kemp@rwwa.com.au