“Unpacking the AFL’s decision to suspend James Sicily for three weeks after heated Tyler Brown incident”

James Sicily and Tyler Brockman’s Ban

Hawthorn captain James Sicily has been given a three-game ban for his dangerous tackle that concussed Brisbane star Hugh McCluggage. Sicily argued that his conduct wasn’t careless. Lawyers holding Sicily’s defense contended that he had targeted McCluggage’s hips, following AFL‘s dangerous tackle crackdown to try and have his opponent fall on himself and weaken his fall. However, contact between Sicily’s teammate Tyler Brockman and McCluggage prevented him from being able to brace himself with his free arm, as cited by Sicily. The senior lecturer in biomechanics, Dr. Liz Bradshaw, believed that Sicily was “out of control because of the influence of (Tyler) Brockman—he’s lost control.”

A Game of Tackling

In a sport where tackling is intrinsic, the question of duty of care comes up. As Australian Football League (AFL) gains popularity, the physicality of the gameplay is becoming a concern. A tackle in AFL could lead to dangerous and violent conduct. A careless tackle is an issue, and so is a necessary tackle that could lead to unintentional injuries.

The Ethics of Duty of Care

According to legal and moral theory, a duty of care is an obligation to avoid causing harm to others, ensuring their safety and security. The AFL tribunal must decide whether Sicily breached his duty of care in his tackle on McCluggage. It is increasingly becoming a legal and moral issue, and AFL must ensure health and safety at all points.

Lessons for the Future

AFL must learn from this ban and the hearing. The aim is not to prevent tackling, but to ensure a safe tackle. The AFL should focus on maintaining a fair and safe playing field for all players, strictly enforcing rules to avoid dangerous tackles. Violence and injuries should not be an essential part of the sport.