To clarify my point, here is an excerpt from the ARL law book:
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Appendix (D), point 8 "sin bin"
If misconduct has taken place by a player, the referee can either caution, place in the sin bin (temporarily suspend) for 10 minutes, or dismiss the player.
The "sin bin" is to be used for:
- Repeated scrum, play the ball or ten metre infringements
- Foul or abusive language.
- Disputing the referee's or touch judges' decision.
- Professional foul e.g. holding down a tackled player.
- Minor Skirmishes.
- Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game.
- Deliberately obstructs an opponent who is not in possession.
The power to temporarily suspend "sin bin" a player is NOT an encouragement to deal leniently in the event of misconduct which would merit dismissal. Actions which may warrant dismissal are found in:
Section 11 "Players Misconduct"
A player is guilty of misconduct if he/she:
- Trips, kicks or strikes another player.
- When effecting or attempting to effect a tackle, makes contact with the head or neck of an opponent intentionally, recklessly or carelessly.
- Drops knees first onto an opponent who is on the ground.
- Uses any dangerous throw when effecting a tackle.
- Deliberately breaks the laws of the game.
- Uses offensive or abusive language.
- Disputes a decision of the referee or touch judges.
- Re-enters the field of play without the permission of the referee or a touch judge having previously temporarily retired from the game.
- Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game.
- Deliberately obstructs an opponent who is not in possession.
The above are all reasons to dismiss a player and should the occasion arise for you to do so you should inform the player and his captain of the charge prior to dismissing him from the field. This also applies if the player is dismissed on a touch judge's report.
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