Rugby: No decision on Chisholm suspension

Te Puke Sports hooker Simon Chisholm appeared in front of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union's Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday night but no decision was made on what length of suspension he will face, after he was sent off for allegedly striking a Tauranga Sports player last Saturday.

Bay of Plenty Rugby chief executive Mike Rogers said the committee has video to look at provided by Te Puke Sports.

"In this whole process, there are lots of different versions of what actually occurred so having some video will certainly help show exactly what did happen and help them make a good, informed decision," Rogers said.

"They are following good due process and making sure they do come up with the right decision based on the evidence. Their role as part of the judicial process is to review that red card incident," Rogers said.

A player who has received a red card gets an automatic two week suspension unless the Disciplinary Committee decides to impose a lesser or greater sentence.

Rogers said it is important to realise the disciplinary committee is an independent body.

"The committee is independent for a reason and we don't get involved in the outcome. From our point of view we give them as much time as they need to make sure they make the right decision.

"There is a really good process in place around the judiciary, with support from the NZRU, so we wait for them to go through the processes as they see fit," Rogers said.

"Obviously this incident is getting a lot of media. Hopefully our community and our clubs and our stakeholders take this opportunity to ensure there is a very high expectation from them to eliminate any foul play in our game," he said.

"I think it is important that we eliminate any foul play, regardless of who is involved, to ensure we have a good game out there for everyone to be part of."