CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS AND CLUB OFFICIALS

The Code of Conduct for players and club officials has been prepared from the English Cricket Board (ECB).

A.Definitions
In this Code of Conduct the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings:

Code of Conduct: All those provisions comprised in this section ‘A. Definitions’, section ‘B. Persons and Matches Covered’ and section C. Players and Officials Code’.
Laws of Cricket: The Laws of Cricket (2000 Code), or such further revision thereof as may come into force from time to time by the ECB.
Player: Any person selected as a player in any squad to represent Down Hatherley Cricket Club (DHCC) in a league match, a knock-out cup competition, a touring or other friendly cricket fixture whether that person plays in such matched or not.
Rules of Conduct: The rules contained in section C ‘Players and Club Officials Code’.
Club Official: Any person, not being a player, who is empowered by and represents DHCC.
Management Committee: The Management Committee (MC) is responsible for the management and effective operation of DHCC and comprises the officers, the team captains and other elected club members. A sub-committee of the MC, the cricket committee, takes responsibility for the selection and all playing matters, including conduct.

B. Persons and Matches Covered
This Code of Conduct shall apply to Players and Club Officials of DHCC.

Umpires shall be bound by the Code of Conduct for Umpires falling under the Gloucestershire Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers (GACUS).
This Code of Conduct shall apply to all league matches, knock out cups competitions, touring or other friendly cricket fixtures in which DHCC participate.
Players and Club Officials shall at no time engage in conduct to becoming to their status which could bring them, DHCC or the game into disrepute.

The following offences are illustrated of unacceptable conduct which will be bought to the attention of, and for, the consideration by the DHCC Management Committee which will result in disciplinary action being taken against the individuals concerned.

Level 1
The offences set out below are Level 1 Offences. The penalty for a Level 1 Offence shall be an official reprimand and the reimbursement of repairs to damaged equipment.

Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, building or fixtures and fittings
Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision be action or verbal abuse
Showing dissent at the captain’s decision by action or verbal abuse
Using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or making an obscene gesture
Excessive appealing
Pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner by a bowler or other member of the fielding side upon dismissal of batsman.

Level 2
The offences set out below are Level 2 Offences. The penalty for a Level 2 Offence shall be a 2 match ban.

Repeat of Level 1 Offence within 12 months of such an offence
Showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse
Showing serious dissent at the captain’s decision by action or verbal abuse
Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play
Charging or advancing towards the umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
Deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play
Throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate or dangerous manner
Using language that is obscene, offensive or of a serious insulting nature to another player, umpire, club official or spectator
Changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3

Level 3
The offences set out below are Level £ Offences. The penalty for a level £ Offence shall be an 8 match ban.

Repeat of any Level 2 Offence within 12 months of such an offence
Intimidation of an umpire whether by language or comfort
Threat of assault on another player, club official or spectator
Using language or gestures that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability or age.

Level 4
The offences set out below are Level 4 Offences. The penalty for a Level 4 Offence shall be expulsion from DHCC.

Repeat of any Level 3 Offence within 12 months of such an offence
Threat of assault on an umpire
Physical assault of another player, umpire, official or spectator
Any act of violence on the field of play
Using language or gestures that seriously offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability or age.

Nothing in this Code of Conduct alters the onus on the captain to ensure that the spirit of fair play rests with the captain.

Any breach of the Code of Conduct may be brought to the attention (whether verbally or in writing) of the club by any person, and will be heard, in the first instance by the Cricket Committee, which makes recommendations to the Management Committee. The Management Committee will be the final arbiters of any sanction imposed.

A player or official shall be entitled to appeal against a finding of guilt and/or penalty imposed in respect of any Level Offence, in writing to the club secretary within 14 days of notification. The secretary will convene a hearing within 21 days from receipt of the appeal notice, with not more than 5 members of the Management Committee (the Appeal Panel) present to consider the appeal. The players or official will be entitled to call witnessed and be accompanied by not more than 2 supporters.

The Appeal Panel will report its findings to the full Management Committee whose decision shall be final.

Down Hatherley Cricket Club