Lennox Sharks escape ban

LENNOX HEAD soccer club has been placed on a one-year 'bond' after a Football Far North Coast (FFNC) code of conduct hearing on Wednesday night heard a case involving a lower grade player impersonating another.

The code of conduct panel was chaired by former senior public prosecutor and barrister Nicholas Harrison.

The panel met for several hours and determined that a breach had occurred but dismissed a range of charges against several people implicated in the falsification of player records on a match sheet.

FFNC general manager Steve Mackney said Lennox Head had co-operated with the panel 'openly and professionally'.

“The Lennox Head Football Club was also able to demonstrate that the breach, which was agreed by all parties to have occurred, was based on issues that were largely a result of key personnel not being at the fixture,” Mackney said in a statement

“They co-operated openly and professionally with the panel and stated that the breach is not condoned by their club in any way.”

But the imposition of a one-year bond indicated the panel understood the 'level of seriousness' of the breach.

Mackney said the outcome was a 'fair reflection' of the need for individuals and clubs to adhere to rules and regulations imposed from FIFA down to FFNC.

The decision also represented an 'empathy' with the realities of local amateur clubs and the actions of volunteers

“The decision acknowledged the seriousness of the issue,” Mackney said.

“We are not trying to cruel clubs or shut people down but, in general, clubs should be reminded that it is a matter that must be adhered to and respected.”