Beaumaris loses premiership points

A VAFA club’s appeal against a loss of premiership points for fielding an ineligible player has been finalised. Here's what happened.

Beaumaris has failed in its appeal to have a punishment for fielding an ineligible player overturned.

The VAFA club fronted an appeal on Wednesday night with the decision released by competition officials on Thursday.

A statement revealed the outcome.

"In respect of ground 1, that there was an error of law that had a material impact on the decision, the majority of the panel found there was no error of law. The decision of VAFA as to breach of Rules 50C and 50 by the Club is confirmed," the VAFA statement said.

"In respect of ground 2, that the sanction imposed was manifestly excessive, the panel found the deemed ineligibility of the player under Rule 50C and the forfeiture of matches in Round 11 and 12 is an automatic consequence under the Rules. The panel accepts that in respect of Round 11 the fine imposed by the VAFA was manifestly excessive and will modify that fine to $200, resulting in total fine of $1,200 payable by the Club.

"Overall, pursuant to VAFA Rule 50C and 50, Beaumaris Football Club will lose any premiership points and percentages gained in Round 11 and 12 of the Premier B Men’s competition. Each such match will be awarded to the opposition club which shall have the option of including both scores in its percentage or not including either. The adjusted ladder will be published shortly."

Beaumaris will take on De La Salle this weekend.

EARLIER

Beaumaris now faces an uphill battle to play finals footy after it was docked premiership points for fielding an ineligible player.

The Sharks were penalised for playing the person in question during the round 11 and 12 games against St Bedes / Mentone Tigers and St Bernard’s respectively.

The VAFA announced the penalties, which included a $2000 fine, on Tuesday afternoon.

Beaumaris will also forfeit its points scored for the games in question.

The Sharks got the better of St Bernard’s in Round 12 by one-point although they lost to the Tigers.

The VAFA said the penalties came as a result of an “investigation into the official team sheet” lodged by the Sharks.

“The ladder for the VAFA Premier B Men’s competition will be adjusted once the Beaumaris Football Club opposition Clubs in Rounds 11 and 12 inform the VAFA of their decision on whether they would like to include both scores from their respective match in their percentage or not include either,” the statement said.

“Beaumaris Football Club have advised the VAFA that they will be appealing the decision.”

At the time of writing, the Premier B ladder had not been updated with Beaumaris still in fourth position.

If the VAFA’s decision is upheld, the Sharks would slip down to sixth behind Old Geelong and St Bede’s Mentone.

Beaumaris will face Monash Blues this weekend.

Six games remain left in the season.