Below is the content of a presentation made to our captains and vice captains at a pre-season event hosted by the head of the Leagues Disciplinary Committee. I think it is useful to ensure all our members view this as we at Prestwich take this matter very seriously.
Prestwich play with respect as our record shows, however we need to ensure that we maintain our respect for both our opponents and all umpires. All leagues are struggling to maintain umpire numbers and without them we have no game.
PRESTWICH CC WILL NOT TOLERATE ANY LACK OF RESPECT ON OR OFF THE CRICKET FIELD.
Enjoy and play hard BUT show respect at all times. You will get good and bad decisions accept and play on without any gesture or comments!!
Brian Lorenzini – Chairman PCC – April 2011
LEES BREWERY LANCASHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE
Captains and Umpires Meeting – 14th April 2011
by Alan Naylor – Disciplinary Secretary
SPIRIT OF CRICKET
1. There are two Laws which place 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 a player failing to comply with instructions by an umpire, or criticising by word or action the decision of an umpire, or 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, and instruct 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
• The roles 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) to appeal knowing that the batsman is not out (b) to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing (c) to 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 towards this.
NEW LEAGUE PLAYING CONDITIONS
• If a Player/ club suffers a ban for a total of six matches in a season for poor discipline then there will be a deduction of 5 points per team and/ or a possible fine of £100.00
• In addition if a player is suspended for more than 6 matches in a season the League has the right to terminate the players registration
• Walkden Cup – leg side wides
Change to MCC Law
• Umpire(s) MUST be present at the toss before the game and the decision to bat or bowl MUST be made at the time of the toss.
• Toss must take place no sooner than 30 minutes before scheduled start of play and no later than 15 minutes before start of play
• No opportunity to discuss with coach, vice captain or anyone else after toss as to whether to bat or bowl
• Team Cards must be handed over to the Umpire prior to the toss
In the past 5 years how many matches have players missed through suspension?
Answer: 103 which is an average of 21 per season.
What percentage of these suspensions were for abusing an Umpire, cricket equipment or a fellow player?
Answer: 94%. Is this good for the game and for the league?
In summary :
• Captains be responsible for your players
• Respect the opposition
• Respect the Umpires
• Respect the League
• And most of all respect and enjoy the game
