These guidance notes outline the principals and the procedures in the implementation of "HCPCL Code of Conduct"

Whereas the Code of Conduct deals with unacceptable behaviour reported by an umpire, the
responsibility for upholding standards of behaviour lies with the clubs AND in particular with the Captain of each team on the day. Note: - The Laws of Cricket. The Preamble- “The Spirit of
Cricket”

Every club must take a firm stand to uphold high standards of behaviour, and shall have in place its own code of conduct and a disciplinary procedure to ensure appropriate action is taken whenever the standard of behaviour of any of its players is unacceptable.

The “HCPCL Code of Conduct” is to provide the strongest possible backing to umpires, as each Club undertakes to suspend any player reported by an umpire.

The Management committee stress that, whilst everyone expects player behaviour to be of
impeccable standard, we rely on our league panel umpires to ensure that acceptable standards are maintained. When that is not the case e.g. verbal or physical abuse, or verbal or physical dissent the umpire shall follow a procedure similar to those of caution, warning and report in the laws of cricket.
e.g. UNFAIR PLAY law 41/7 (a) (b) (c {iii}{iv} ) and /12 (a) (b) (c {iii} )

A First warning

1. First caution the player as to his conduct and advise the player and his captain that it is a first and final warning and that the league will be notified. The umpire will do this by naming the player on his report card. Any player reported in this way three times in a season will receive a two match ban.
2. Advise his colleague of this first warning.

B Take action on a further warning

1. Warning the player as to his conduct and advising the player and his captain that he would be submitting a report AND at the earliest opportunity inform the executive of that team’s club.
2. Advise his colleague that he would be submitting a report and request him to also submit a report.
3. At the earliest opportunity, advise the opposition captain that he would be submitting a report.

Advise by telephone, within 24 hours, the league secretary, or any member of the disciplinary Sub-Committee, that he is submitting a report of the match.

It should be noted that the umpire might decide that a player’s conduct is such that the caution is also the final warning, and take action as in B 1, 2 & 3 above e.g. when any player shows aggravated verbal or physical dissent or abuse.

It is to be hoped that this will not simply be a mechanism for dealing with the consequences of unacceptable behaviour but provide assistance in reminding everyone, particularly the captain, of his responsibilities. It is important for clubs to be aware that when informing the captain a report will be submitted, the club itself is informed and triggers the suspension under the “HCPCL Code of Conduct”

Last updated: 29 December 2009