Code of Conduct

The Sandwell and District League Code of Conduct

• The S and D league is committed to maintaining the highest standards of behavior and conduct. This Code of Conduct incorporates the spirit of the game, as set out on page 9. It applies to all matches played under the auspices of the S and D and may be applied to cricket in general.
• 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.
• 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 spectator.
• Players and team officials shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, another player or spectator.
• 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.
• 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.
• Players and team officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.
• Clubs must take adequate steps to ensure the good behavior of their members and supporters towards players and umpires.
• The laws of cricket place the responsibility for the team?s conduct firmly on the Captain.
• 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.
• In the event of any player failing to comply wit the instructions of an umpire, criticizing 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 report the matter to the players Captain, requesting him/her to take action. If this is ignored the umpire will then inform the League Secretaries In the first instance by telephone call and then all events in writing.
• 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.

1. The umpires are authorized to intervene in cases of
   • Time wasting
   • Damaging the pitch
   • Dangerous or unfair bowling
   • Tampering with the ball
   • Any other action they consider to be unfair
2. The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for
   • Your opponents
   • Your own captain and team
   • The roles of the umpires
   • The games traditional values
3. It is against the Spirit of the Game
   • To dispute an umpires 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
   • Appeal knowing the batsmen is not out
   • Advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing.
   • 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.
4. There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.
5. 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.
6. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section will lead to disciplinary action.