Constitution of the League - The Executive Committee - League Meetings - Voting - Annual Fees - Player Eligibility - Results - Playing Conditions - General Rules - Special Rules -  Additional Cup Rules  - Fines - Rules for Players under the age of 18 -  Disclaimer - Umpires - ECB Team Sheet and Umpire Liability - Disciplinary Procedures - Actions taken by the umpire - Disciplinary Hearings - ECB Code of Conduct - Spirit of Cricket - ECB Disciplinary Levels

Constitution of the League

1)  The Wilden Industrial Estates Cricket League (formerly The Stainweld Cricket League, Terry Church Print League and Kidderminster Friendly Cricket League) shall be referred to throughout the Rules as “the League”.

2)  The League has been in continual existence since 1976 and aims to provide competitive cricket for clubs in and around the Kidderminster/Wyre Forest locality and its immediate surrounds.

3)  Clubs currently playing in the League must register their intention of continuing to play the following year at the September general meeting.  Fees for the following year will be due at the AGM in November.  All member clubs must provide the League with full contact details of at least two people for listing in the handbook, and at least one e-mail address for correspondence with team officials.

4)  The Governing Executive Committee (G.E.C. see rules 7 - 9) shall satisfy themselves that existing teams continue to meet minimum standards (e.g. of ground facilities and organisation).  All clubs must also adopt the ECB “Safe Hands” policy, including submitting to the League the name of at least one officially vetted Club Welfare Officer from within their ranks.

5)  New clubs are welcomed but must first be proposed, seconded and voted in at the AGM.  The GEC shall satisfy themselves as to the new team’s facilities and eligibility to join the League.

6)  New grounds must be within a 15 mile radius of Kidderminster Town Hall (exceptions at the discretion of the GEC).

The Executive Committee

7)  The G.E.C. shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to administer the League in accordance with its rules, interpreted fairly in the best interests of the League, and to promote cricket within the local community.  The GEC shall have the power to deal with internal domestic issues without the right of appeal by the clubs or players.

8)  The GEC shall comprise of the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Umpires Association Representative plus up to five other elected members who will each have one vote at League Meetings.

League Meetings

10) General League Meetings will be held three times a year, as advertised in the handbook or at the discretion of the GEC.  All teams are obliged to send a representative to General Meetings.  Failure to do so will result in a fine (see rule 67).

11) In addition to General League Meetings an AGM will be held once a year on the 2^nd Tuesday in November commencing promptly at 7.30pm; the following Tuesday being reserved should business dictate.  All teams are obliged to send a representative.  Failure to do so will result in a fine (see rule 67).

12) The GEC have the right to call additional General or Extraordinary League Meetings, as they deem necessary.  Teams may also call an EGM if they have the written support of more than half the teams in the League.

13) Trophies will be handed in at the September League meeting.  Teams failing to return a trophy (cleaned) by the stated date will be fined.

Voting

14) At League General Meetings teams may only vote on issues that affect them.  Each team will have one vote per issue and may only vote provided the team is represented at the meeting.  Votes will be passed on a simple majority.  The Chairman will have the casting vote in the event of a tie.

Annual Fees

£70 for one team

£90 for two teams

(above fees agreed at Sept 2010 general meeting; to stand until the next review)

Fees for the next year will be set at the September General Meeting and paid at the AGM in November.  Late payment will incur an additional registration fee of £20.

Player Eligibility

16) Any player may represent a club in the League or cup provided that they have not played for any other club in the League that season, excepting when a player is correctly transferred (rule 21).  All players should be covered by club insurance preferably by being members of the club.  Guest players are permitted so long as insurance allows and they have not played for another club that season.  Once a player appears on the results card for a club the League will consider him signed by the club for the season.

17) Clubs represented by more than one team in the League or Cup may play players as selected providing:

            (i) Such teams do not operate independently

      (ii) Players who play more than 3 times for any one team in the League become cup tied to that team.

      (iii) Players who play a cup match for one team are tied to that team for the remainder of the cup and may not play for the other team/s (see also rules 21 and 23).

Any team playing non registered players will lose all points (or the tie in a Cup match) gained in such matches and be fined up to £10 (see also rule 23).

18) For the 2011 season all teams have been entered for the 10x10 competition, which has also been spread throughout the season. Therefore movement of players between teams is not allowed for this cup, contrary to previous seasons.

19) Players owing monies to one club shall not be allowed to sign for a new club until such debts are paid.

20) Substitute fielders need not be signed players, however clubs should ensure all players are covered by insurance.

21) New signings (not previously appeared for the club, or previously appeared for another club) must be indicated (by asterisk) on the results card.  Once appearing for a club the player is tied to that club for the season unless officially transferred.  Players wishing to transfer must have written agreement from the secretary (or other official) of both clubs, which will be forwarded to the GEC.  If there is a dispute the matter will be resolved by the GEC.  No transfers will be allowed after the June General Meeting, except by permission of the GEC and only in exceptional circumstances.

22) Where a club is cited in a disciplinary matter, all players tied to that club may be held liable for penalties imposed (e.g. suspension from the League; see disciplinary procedures).

23) Players in Semi-Finals or Finals of the Cup/Plate competitions must have already played in at least one cup or League fixture for the team that season.  Returning players (e.g. from long standing injury, university etc.) may be permitted to play if the club can show they are established, signed players (e.g. have played in previous seasons).  If, due to the qualification system, a club is unable to field a full team they may appeal to the GEC with suggestions of alternate players.  The League may grant permission to field alternate players but they may not bat above no. 7 and may not bowl.  Teams found guilty of fielding unqualified players shall forfeit the match, be fined up to £50 at the discretion of the GEC and may be reported to the ECB.

24) No artificial limits are to be placed on the standard of players that a team can field in the League.  Indeed, the League welcomes players of any standard, from novice to international.  However, umpires will be reminded of their powers to intervene in the case of intimidatory bowling, and captains are reminded of their responsibilities under the Preamble to the laws of cricket (Spirit of Cricket).

Results

25) THE HOME TEAM shall be responsible for ensuring the result (including abandoned games) reaches the fixtures secretary on the night of the match.  Results may be conveyed by phone, results card or SMS (text) message. Failure to notify will result in a fine.

26) BOTH TEAMS shall be responsible for correctly completing (in full) and signing the official results card.  Any fines associated with incorrect data on the card shall be directed at both clubs.  The HOME TEAM is responsible for forwarding the card to the fixtures secretary, to reach him no later than the following Saturday.  Failure to do so will result in a fine.  The results card is the only official method of conveying the full result to the fixtures secretary, requiring a signature from both captains.  The card must still be completed even if results are also telephoned or texted and also when the game is abandoned.

27) In the event of only one scorer he/she shall be solely responsible for keeping the score with both captains respecting this record.

28) Any decision as to the correctness of the scores shall be the responsibility of the umpires and scorers, their decisions being respected by the captains.

29) Each club should submit to the GEC the following averages by the September General Meeting (Cup and League matches combined), preferably on the official sheet.  Any club failing to submit averages shall be fined (see rule 67).

            a) Leading bowler

            b) Leading batsman

            c) Wicket keeper: total victims

            d) Best fielder (number of outfield catches)

            e) Special individual performances (hat-trick, 5 fors, hundreds, etc)

30) Promotion and Relegation:  Promotion is normally achieved by finishing first or second in the division at the end of the season.  Clubs finishing in the bottom two positions in the division can expect to be relegated.  Final positions are subject to ratification by the GEC.  If the League is deficient at the time of setting fixtures for the new season then the GEC may adjust the divisions accordingly, with the best interests of the League in mind.  Care will be taken over the placement of newly elected teams.

31) Results and League positions shall be advertised in the local press or via the web site (www.wildencricket.com).  These should be treated as a guideline only.  Final League positions will be confirmed at the AGM once fines and disciplinary issues have been settled.  Where teams are tied at the end of the season their positions shall be decided in the following manner:

            i)   Most wins

            ii)  If equal, results against each other,

 iii) If equal, points score against the two equal teams

iv) If equal, the greater aggregate runs scored shall be deemed the higher place.

 v)  If equal, the team with the highest runs per wicket shall be the winner, averaged over the season.

Playing Conditions

32) All Fixtures are to be played as stated in the handbook.  In exceptional circumstances (e.g. where there is a clash of interests) the GEC may allow fixtures to be rearranged (see also rule 40 & 54).

33) All grounds should be correctly marked, together with boundary markers and line.  The GEC will liase with the Local Authorities to ensure facilities are available at Council pitches.  Scoreboards and match ball(s) are to be provided by the home team in all cases.

34) In the event of the home team finding their ground double booked it must use the following prioritised guidelines to ensure the match is played (rather than automatically forfeiting the game).  The GEC may be able to help with fixture problems given sufficient notice. 

(i) Play fixture on the stipulated day at an alternative, neutralvenue

(ii) Play fixture on the stipulated day as a reversed fixture

(iii) Play fixture at appointed venue within six days either side ofthe original date

(iv) Play fixture at alternative venue (including as a reversed fixture) within six days either side of the original date.

35) Where both artificial and grass wickets are available (see table of home grounds), the away team must come prepared to play on either pitch, depending on weather conditions.

36) Spikes are not permitted on artificial wickets except at the discretion of the club groundsman.  Should any player attempt to bat or bowl or to keep wicket while wearing spikes, the umpire shall instruct the captain to order the player to change his footwear.  Should this instruction not be carried out, the player will not be permitted to take part in the game other than as an outfielder.

37) Players should be suitably attired for cricket. The GEC refers all players to the Preamble to the Laws of Cricket (Spirit of Cricket), specifically point 4 regarding respect for opponents and the traditional values of the game, as well as point 1, the responsibilities of the captain.

38) The GEC do not have the right to overrule the decision of a club groundsman.

39) The question of fitness of the ground for play shall be left to the captains to decide.  In the event of a disagreement, the umpires shall be asked to adjudicate.  After the toss has taken place the continued fitness of the ground for play, including the conditions of light and weather, shall be the sole responsibility of the umpires.  Players are asked to respect the umpires’ decisions at all times.

40) Where a ground is deemed to be unfit for play games are usually abandoned, however, teams may reverse fixtures or find alternative grounds on the day, provided both agree.  The League must be informed via the results card.  Where possible the GEC should be informed in advance of changes to fixtures, and executive approval sought (e.g. home ground moved etc.).  Rescheduling (on alternative dates) of League matches due to unfit grounds can only be carried out with the agreement of the GEC.  Playing of “double headers” is not permitted.

41) In the event of a rearranged venue, the initial home team continues that responsibility.

42) Any club failing to fulfil a fixture without prior agreement with the GEC will be reported by the Umpire to the GEC who will penalise the offending club(s) the following:

            i)   Loss of points for relevant fixtures (allocated to the opposition)

            ii)  Pay all costs incurred

iii) At least 4 and up to 10 points will be deducted from the offending club(s).

iv) For repeated offenders, at the GEC’s discretion, clubs may be charged with bringing the game into disrepute.

General Rules

43) Rules of play in the League are as defined by the latest version of the Laws from the MCC in their document The Laws of Cricket (2000 Code 4th Edition - 2010) and any recent updates (see www.lords.org), with the exception of those defined below.

44) The League does not enforce the use of penalty runs.  The only exception is for a ball striking a fielding helmet (when not in use) where the five run penalty stands.

45) In order to avoid controversy the laws regarding wides, no-balls and beamers will be enforced as follows: 

(a) If in the opinion of the umpire at the bowler’s end, a bowler bowls a ball negatively past either side of the wicket in any over the umpire shall call and signal “wide ball” unless either umpire has already called “no ball”.  Additionally, any ball passing unhindered outside the leg stump, unless passing between the batsman and the stumps, shall be deemed to be negative bowling and shall be called “wide ball”, without exception.

(b) If a pitched delivery goes on to pass, or would have passed, above shoulder height of the striker standing in an upright position, the bowlers end umpire shall call and signal “no ball” (see also part (c) below).  If a bowler bowls a fast, full pitched delivery that reaches the batsman on the full above waist height (i.e. a “beamer”) the umpire shall call “no-ball” and warn the bowler.  If the bowler bowls a second beamer the umpire shall instruct the captain to take the bowler off immediately, any remaining balls in the over being bowled by someone who has not completed their quota.

46) The League encourages participation of players of all abilities (see rule 24), however the umpire shall consider the ability of batsman and bowler, the light and the pitch conditions when deciding whether short bowling is intimidatory.  After warning the bowler twice, the umpire shall instruct the captain to remove the bowler immediately if he offends a third time, any remaining balls in the over being bowled by someone who has not completed their quota

47) Bowl outs will be used to determine the result of cup matches where no result has been achieved due to weather or pitch conditions.  Bowl out rules are as follows:

Five nominated bowlers bowl three balls in turn at a full set of stumps.  First to bowl shall be decided by coin toss.  Run ups are not limited except by underfoot conditions, however the ball must be legal and no-balls are not rebowled.  The most hits after 15 balls will be deemed the winner.  Should scores be equal then sudden death will apply using the same five bowlers in the same order.

49) The home side must provide replacements for lost balls.  If the match ball is recovered it must be reintroduced immediately. 

50) Each captain must inform the other, and the umpires, of the number of players in attendance at the official starting time.  Any substitutes fielding at the start of play must be pointed out to the umpire.

51) Umpire cards must be completed and handed to the umpire before the start of play. Captains may not change the team once the card is handed to the umpire. Umpires must be informed of the number of under 18s playing. ECB guidelines for young players must be adhered to at all times (rules 70 to 72).

52) In the event of the non appearance of opposition (GEC approved or otherwise), or the forfeiting of a match by one team, the non offending team will be awarded a win (see also rule 42).  However, where no matches are played on a particular day due to weather then all matches will be treated as abandoned, regardless of prior arrangements (e.g. forfeitures).

Special Rules

53) All matches to start at 6.30pm except in August where, by prior arrangement with the captains and umpires, matches can start at 6.00pm.

54) All Fixtures are to be played as stated in the handbook.  In certain circumstances the GEC may allow fixtures to be rearranged.  In all cases both teams must agree and the GEC be informed.  The rearranged fixture must be played on or before the following Tuesday (see also rules 32, 34, 40, 63 & 64).

55) Each innings shall consist of a maximum of 12 eight ball overs.  Depending on weather, light and other considerations the duration of each innings can be reduced, by agreement between captains before the start of the game, to a minimum of 6 overs per team.  In the case of a dispute over the agreed length of the game, the umpires shall adjudicate.

56) Each bowler shall be limited to a maximum of 3 overs each, regardless of the length of the game. Additionally, a minimum of 5 bowlers must be used during the innings, even in reduced innings games (e.g. by delayed start or captain’s agreement); the only exceptions being where a team is bowled out before the end of the innings or the innings is prematurely ended by weather.

57) If a team has 7 players in attendance they must take the field at the official start time.  After 7.00pm or 6 overs, whichever is the sooner, no player may join a match except as a sub.  There is no waiting time imposed on a late arrival before they can bowl (excepting as a sub).  If both teams have less than 7 players at the official start time one over shall be deducted from each innings for every 8 minutes delay, or part thereof. As soon as one team has 7 players present they are deemed non offending.  The offending team shall continue to have overs deducted from their innings at a rate of one every 4 minutes of time lost, or part thereof. When one, or both, side(s) has been deducted more than 6 overs the match will be abandoned and the points awarded to the non offending team.  The offending team(s) shall be responsible for all expenses.  The umpires shall forward a report to the GEC.

58) In the event of a delay to the start of the match, or during the first innings, due to weather or ground conditions, or other reasons, each innings shall be reduced by one over for every eight minutes, or part thereof, which is lost.  Umpires are urged to use their discretion in this matter and their decision is final.  Time lost during the second innings cannot be allowed for and on resumption the overs remaining stay the same.  If bad light prevents the game being played to a finish then the match is abandoned.

59) Points awarded are as follows

Where no matches are played on a particular day due to weather then all matches will be treated as abandoned, regardless of prior arrangements (e.g. forfeitures).

Additional Cup Rules

60) All League teams will be automatically entered into cup matches unless they specifically request an opt out at the AGM.

61) The Cup shall be a straightforward knockout competition as follows:

      Senior Cup (Upper Division teams)

      Junior Cup (Lower Division teams)

      Teams knocked out in the first round automatically enter the Senior and Junior Plate competitions, respectively.

      Where division sizes or number dictate, the GEC reserves the right to vary the qualification or draw for junior and senior cup as they deem fit, in the interests of the game.

62) Fixtures must be played on or before the date stipulated by the League fixtures secretary.  Both teams are responsible for re-arranging fixtures as necessary. Rules 32, 34, 40, 63 & 64 apply.

63) To avoid fixture congestion, Wednesday Cup matches postponed or abandon due to weather will be played on the following Tuesday (or before if the two teams agree and the GEC is informed).  A result must be achieved at this time.  If no play is possible then a bowl out will ensue (see rule 47).  If the conditions are too bad even for a bowl out then the result will be decided by the toss of a coin.  If there is a disagreement over playing conditions the umpire will decide.

64) Should it not prove possible to reschedule a game, or if weather or conditions again intervene, then the fixtures secretary will hold a lottery to decide which team will progress.

65) In the event of a tie, the result shall be decided in the following way:

            i)   Winner shall be the team loosing least wickets

            ii)  If still equal winner shall be the team with the highest total after 6 overs.

            iii) If still equal the team with the most runs from the bat

            iv) If still equal decide by bowl out

            v)  If still equal decide by toss of a coin.

66) Dates and venues of all Cup Finals are to be published in the League’s handbook or at the earliest opportunity via the local press or League website. 

Fines

67)       a)  Non attendance at General meetings           £10.00 for first time

                                    for 2^nd consecutive offence          £20.00 + original fine

                                    for 3^rd consecutive offence           £40.00 + preceding fines

            b)  Late return of match report card                     £4.00

            c)  Failure to notify result on the night                  £4.00

            d)  Failure to return trophies on time (per trophy)      £30.00

            e)  Failure to fulfil a fixture                                     £costs

            f)  Non payment of umpire                                    £25.00

            h) Non payment of previous fine                         £double

            i)  Non submission of end of year averages           £25.00

            j)  Non attendance at a disciplinary hearing           up to £50.00

68) Clubs will be notified of any fines, in writing, each month.  Clubs then have until the next general meeting, or AGM (depending on which is sooner), to pay.  If payment is not received then the fine will be doubled and re-issued.  At this time 4 points will be deducted.

69) Continued non-payment of fines shall be a disciplinary matter.

Rules for Players under the age of 18

70) All players under the age of 18 must wear a “kite marked” helmet when batting or standing up to keep wicket, as stipulated in ECB guidelines.  It is the responsibility of the captain to inform the umpires of any players under 18 and to ensure that they follow these guidelines.  Following updated guidelines from the ECB, all players under the age of 18 and playing in an adult game must wear a “kite-marked” helmet as stipulated, regardless of parental consent, except in exceptional circumstances.  In such exceptional circumstances the consent must be in written form and an ECB team sheet should be filled in and handed to the umpire before the start of play.  The League and the Umpires Association will not be held responsible for any consequences if the guidelines are not correctly followed.

71) No under 11’s shall be permitted to play in League-organised matches.  Under 13’s can only play as the responsibility of the club.  Clubs are advised to follow the ECB issued guidelines on young players participating in adult matches (see appendices).

72) Age groups of players are determined by age at midnight on 31st August in the year before the current season.

Disclaimer

73) All clubs must be fully insured.  Umpires must also be fully insured and it is their responsibility to ensure that they are.  Clubs and umpires are advised to check that their insurance is adequate to cover the ECB initiative limiting umpires liabilities.

74) The League shall not be held responsible for any claim made against them including damage or loss of property, or injury to life or limb.

Umpires

75) Umpire fees are set by the GEC in consultation with the League and the umpires association.  Changes in umpire fees must be agreed at League General Meetings.

76) Umpires should be offered their fee at the start of the game.  Failure to pay umpires fees shall initiate a £25.00 fine.  Both teams are responsible for paying umpires.

77) In the event of only one umpire being available, the batting side shall nominate a stand in umpire to operate Square Leg only and, ideally, the home team will provide a white coat.  In the event of no umpires being available the captains will jointly nominate both umpires from the persons available as long as is necessary.  Umpires should be reported to the League fixtures secretary for non-attendance or late arrival, by the home team, on the match report card.

78) Umpires fees shall be as follows, costs split equally between teams

79) All teams please note that umpires will ask all teams to fill in the ECB approved team sheet card and sign the disclaimer on the back.  The card is particularly aimed at identifying players under 18 years old.  If teams are unwilling to sign this card the umpires have the right to refuse to stand.  Any person signing this card should be aware that liability effectively transfers to them.  For this reason it is imperative that the signatory is a fully paid up member of the club and that the club insurance is adequate to cover the situation.  Marshall Wooldridge is the official ECB insurer offering specific cover for this situation on their ExtraCover Scheme whereby anyone undertaking umpiring duties on behalf of the club effectively becomes a member of the club for the duration of the game (see www.marshallwooldridge.com/GI/cricket-insurance.php, etc).  If insuring with other companies it is advisable to check policy wording.  See rule 73.

Disciplinary Procedures

The following regulations are produced by the ECB, apply to any player who plays for any club at any level under the auspices of the ECB and are intended to provide assistance and uniformity to all Clubs and Leagues in dealing with any alleged breach of the ECB Code of Conduct (Appendix 1) and MCC Spirit of Cricket (Appendix 2).

The aim is to simplify the procedure for minor offences, whilst providing full rights for all accused and wronged, in accordance with ECB Guidelines. It is intended that any breach of the Spirit of Cricket should in the first instance be dealt with by the player's club who shall notify the League of the result of any action taken against its player.

For the purpose of these regulations, the expression of “the player” shall throughout these regulations be deemed to mean and include not only any player but also any member or official of any club or if appropriate, any other person involved in any incident of possible misconduct occurring on the field of play, or on the premises of the club, as may be appropriate in the particular circumstances.

As member clubs of The Wilden Industrial Estates Cricket League, you have agreed to abide by the ECB Code of Conduct and accepted to abide by the League’s disciplinary procedures set out below. Every Player registered to play in the League, explicitly, acknowledges by virtue of his registration, the constitution of the League and its procedures, and undertakes to be bound by them.

As stated in “The Spirit of Cricket” it is the responsibility of the individual concerned AND his captain, club and team-mates to uphold standards of behaviour at all times. It is only when that has failed that there is a need for the umpire to report a player.

The League is to provide the strongest possible backing to umpires, and to each Club as it undertakes to suspend any player reported by an umpire.

The ECB outlines 4 levels of breaches in discipline, which are listed in Appendix 3.  For minor offences, covered by level 1, the clubs take the disciplinary lead. Clubs are obliged to impose a ban for a period of at least two matches on any player who is reported to them by an umpire for discipline breaches relating to the ECB code of Conduct (Appendix 1) or the Spirit of Cricket (Appendix 2) of a level 1 nature. Umpires will also report the player to the League.

For more serious offences, covered by level 2 and above, the League will normally call a Disciplinary Hearing as covered by the regulations below.

Actions to be taken by the Umpire, Clubs and League

Level 1 Breaches will normally be dealt with at the time by the umpires with the backing of the clubs and league as follows:

The umpire will caution the player as to his conduct and advise him and his captain that it is a first and final warning. On any further breach the umpire will warn the player as to his conduct and advise him and his captain that a report will be submitted. This will result in an automatic two-match ban to be imposed by the club.

The umpire will send a report to the League and the club must also notify the League as to the actions it has taken against the player. Failure of clubs to report actions to the League will result in a £20 fine.  It should be stressed that there is nothing in this code preventing, or discouraging, clubs from applying additional, or stronger, sanctions against offenders, whether or not they are the subject of a report. To this end, it is recommended that clubs have their own code of conduct and disciplinary procedures in place.

Level 2 Breaches - depending on the circumstances Level 2 breaches may also be dealt with in the same manner as level 1 except that the umpire may decide not to give a first and final warning but immediately warn the player as to his conduct and advise him and his captain that a report will be submitted. Clubs must report their actions to the league as for level 1 breaches. The League’s Disciplinary Convenor will decide if the automatic two match ban is sufficient or if a discipline hearing should deal with the matter.

Level 3 & 4 Breaches – will be reported to the league and be dealt with at a disciplinary hearing.

Disciplinary Hearings

Upon receipt of an umpires report a Disciplinary Hearing will normally be called by the Disciplinary Convenor and shall be formed from the League’s Governing Executive Committee. At least 7 days notice in writing of the hearing and of the offence alleged shall be given to the player(s) or his/her representative, or in the case of a Club, its Secretary, in writing. The player or Club shall be entitled to attend the hearing (in the case of a Club by its secretary or other official), to be legally or otherwise represented and to call witnesses; up to 3 in normal circumstances.  Failure to attend a disciplinary hearing may attract a fine of up to £50, and/or be banned from the league, and/or (where a club is cited) be deducted points.

If at the hearing the Disciplinary Committee find the alleged offence proved, it shall have the power to impose one of the following penalties:

in the case of the player

expulsion from the League;

suspension for three or more matches

a fine of not more than £50 (FIFTY POUNDS)

reprimand

(Save that player may be for the same offence both suspended and fined).

in the case of a Club:

expulsion from the League;

expulsion from any cup competition of the League.

deduction of points in the League;

a fine of not more than £100 (ONE HUNDRED POUNDS)

(Save that a Club for the same offences may be subject to both deduction of points and a fine).

A player or Club found by the Disciplinary Committee to have committed an offence or upon whom the Disciplinary Committee has imposed a penalty, shall have the right of Appeal to the Appeals Committee which will comprise of persons not included in the original hearing. The membership will consist of independent persons appointed by the League committee.

A deposit of £50 shall be lodged with the appeal, returnable if the appeal is upheld. The Appeal shall be by way of rehearing. The player or Club shall have the same rights of attendance and representation, and to call witnesses as they had before the Disciplinary Committee.

The Appeals Committee may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Disciplinary Committee.  It shall also have the power to increase the penalty. The Appeals Committee shall also have the power, where they consider the appeal to be without merit, to order that the deposit be forfeited.

The decision of the Appeals Committee, or if no appeal of the Disciplinary Committee, shall be final and binding.

Appendix 1

ECB CODE OF CONDUCT

1  The ECB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and conduct. This Code of Conduct incorporates the Spirit of Cricket, as set out below. It applies to all matches played under the auspices of the ECB and may be applied to cricket in general.

2  The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.

3  Players and team officials must at all times accept the umpire's decision. Players must not show dissent at the umpire's decision or react in a provocative or disapproving manner towards another player or a spectator.

4  Players and team officials shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, another player or a spectator.

5  Players and team officials shall not use crude and/or abusive language (known as "sledging") nor make offensive gestures or hand signals nor deliberately distract an opponent.

6  Players and team officials shall not make racially abusive comments nor indulge in racially abusive actions against fellow players, officials, members and supporters. Clubs must operate an active open door membership policy whilst respecting player qualification regulations and welcome players/members irrespective of ethnic origin.

7  Players and team officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.

8  Clubs must take adequate steps to ensure the good behaviour of their members and supporters towards players and umpires.

Appendix 2

PREAMBLE TO THE LAWS OF CRICKET (SPIRIT OF CRICKET)

Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws, but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.

1  There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the team's conduct firmly on the captain.

Responsibility of Captains

The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.

Player's Conduct

In the event of any player failing to comply with the instructions of an umpire, criticising his decision by word or action, showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to the other umpire and to the player's captain, requesting the latter to take action.

2  Fair and Unfair Play

According to the Laws the umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play. The umpires may intervene at any time, and it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where required.

3  The umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of:-

. Time wasting

. Damaging the pitch

. Dangerous or unfair bowling

. Tampering with the ball

. Any other action that they consider to be unfair.

4  The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:-

. Your opponents

. Your own captain and team

. The role of the umpires

. The game's traditional values

5  It is against the Spirit of the Game:-

. To dispute an umpire's decision by word, action or gesture

. To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire

. To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance

a) appeal knowing the batsman is not out

b) advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing

c) seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one's own side.

6  Violence

There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.

7  Players

Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match. Every player is expected to make an important contribution to this.

Appendix 3

ECB definition of Breaches of Discipline

Breaches
Certain conduct, whether on or off the field of play, amounting to a breach of the Laws of Cricket and/or the Spirit of Cricket have been categorised into 4 levels which are set out below: -

Level 1
a. Time wasting by either the fielding side or the batting side
b. Abuse of the cricket ground, equipment or fixtures
c. Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action
d. Using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or making of an obscene gesture
e. Excessive appealing

Level 2
a. Showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action

  b. Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play

  c. Charging or advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing

  d. Deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play, regardless as to whether such conduct is deemed to be fair under Law 42.5

  e. Throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner.

  f. Using language or gesture that is obscene or of a serious insulting nature to another player, umpire, team official or spectator

  g. Changing the condition of the ball other than as permitted by Law 42.3

  h. The bowling of fast short pitched balls that result in the bowler being disallowed from bowling further in that innings
i. Causing avoidable damage to the pitch contrary to Laws 42.13 and/or 42.14

Level 3

a. Intimidating an umpire or referee
b. Threatening to assault another player, team official or spectator
c. Using language or gesture that offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin

d. The deliberate bowlingof any high full-pitched ball contrary to Law 42.8

Level 4

a. Threatening an umpire or referee
b. Physical assault of another player, umpire, referee, official or spectator
c. Any act of violence on the field of play
d. Using language or gesture that seriously offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify another person on the basis of that person’s religion, sexual orientation, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.