The Greater Manchester Cricket League | Est 2016 | an accredited ECB Premier League
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The Greater Manchester Cricket League | Est 2016 | an accredited ECB Premier League
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WELCOME TO GMCL FOR YOUR MOBILE
GMCL Rules - Reviewed and Updated February 2024
| SECTION B | DISCIPLINE |
| B(a) | This section of the rules looks at Discipline in the League, ECB Code of Conduct & League Rules |
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Updated 7 March 2021
| SECTION B | DISCIPLINE |
| B(a) | This section of the rules looks at Discipline in the League, ECB Code of Conduct & League Rules |
| B(b) | These Regulations incorporate the latest 2017 ECB Disciplinary Regulations for Leagues augmented by GMCL detailed procedures for reporting disciplinary offences and subsequent actions. It is expected that the ECB General Code of Conduct will change during 2021 and our code will be reconsidered at that time. |
| B(c) | These regulations will apply to all GMCL competitions, the Regulations generally apply to all those playing, officiating, watching and commenting on cricket matches and related issues – defined as Participants in a previous version of the ECB Disciplinary Regulations. |
| B(d) | Most of the Regulations relate to offences committed by players during matches and which are then reported by the umpires, i.e. players are the principal Participants. Other Participants include team coaches/managers, scorers, other club officials and members, and spectators. |
| B(e) | The Regulations also specifically deal with the misuse of social media which applies to all Participants. |
| B(f) | The 2017 ECB Disciplinary Regulations for Leagues also include guidance for an Internal Club Enquiry, Natural Justice, Conduct of Hearings, Appeal Process and Players Behaviour. These documents are available on the website. |
Updated 7 March 2021
| 3. | ECB Code of Conduct & The Spirit of Cricket |
| 3.1. | The ECB Code of Conduct |
| 3.1.1. | The ECB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and conduct. |
| 3.1.1.1. | This Code of Conduct incorporates the Spirit of Cricket, as set out below. |
| 3.1.1.2. | These regulations shall apply to any player who plays for any club at any level under the auspices of the ECB and |
| 3.1.1.3. | are intended to provide assistance and uniformity to all Clubs and Leagues in dealing with any alleged breach of the ECB Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket. |
| 3.1.2. | Management of the Code |
| 3.1.2.1. | The code places the emphasis on clubs and team captains who have the prime responsibility to deal with their own players’ misconduct in a fair and speedy manner, once an incident has been reported. |
| 3.1.2.2. | Clubs will be expected to deal with disciplinary matters within the timescales laid down within the Regulations. |
| 3.1.2.3. | The Board via the GMCL Disciplinary Director will guide and monitor the actions taken by clubs. |
| 3.1.3. | Responsibility of Clubs, Captains, Players and Other Participants |
| 3.1.3.1. | The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted by their team |
| 3.1.3.1.1. | within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws. |
| 3.1.3.2. | Captains can be held jointly responsible for player actions and penalties and |
| 3.1.3.2.1. | sanctions can jointly or separately apply where the captain is also charged with a breach |
| 3.1.3.3. | Players are responsible for their own behaviour and must at all times accept the umpire’s decision. |
| 3.1.3.4. | Players must not show dissent at the umpire’s decision or |
| 3.1.3.4.1. | react in a provocative or disapproving manner towards another player or a spectator. |
| 3.1.3.5. | Players shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, another player or a spectator. |
| 3.1.3.6. | Players shall not use crude and/or abusive language (known as “sledging”) nor |
| 3.1.3.6.1. | make offensive gestures or hand signals nor deliberately distract an opponent. |
| 3.1.3.7. | All participants shall not make racially abusive comments nor indulge in racially abusive actions against other Participants. |
| 3.1.3.8. | Players shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs. |
| 3.1.3.9. | Clubs must operate an active open-door membership policy |
| 3.1.3.9.1. | whilst respecting player qualification regulations and welcome players/members irrespective of ethnic origin. |
| 3.1.3.10. | Clubs must take adequate steps to ensure the good behaviour of their members and supporters towards players and umpires. |
| 3.1.3.11. | Any club found to be in breach of the ECB Code of Conduct may be expelled from ECB Competitions for the current and future seasons. |
| 3.2. | Spirit of Cricket |
| 3.2.(a) | 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. |
| 3.2.(b) | Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. |
| 3.2.(c) | The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains. |
| 3.2.1. | Spirit of Cricket - Key Laws for Captains |
| 3.2.1.1. | There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the team’s conduct firmly on the captain. |
| 3.2.1.1.1. | Responsibility of Captains |
| 3.2.1.1.1.1. | 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. |
| 3.2.1.1.2. | Player’s Conduct |
| 3.2.1.2.1. | 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. |
| 3.2.2 | Spirit of Cricket - Fair and Unfair Play |
| 3.2.2.1. | 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. |
| 3.2.3 | Spirit of Cricket - Umpire's Authority to intervene in cases of |
| 3.2.3.1 | Time wasting |
| 3.2.3.2 | Damaging the pitch |
| 3.2.3.3 | Dangerous or unfair bowling |
| 3.2.3.4 | Tampering with the ball |
| 3.2.3.5 | Any other action that they consider to be unfair. |
| 3.2.4 | Spirit of Cricket - involves RESPECT for: |
| 3.2.4.1 | Your opponents |
| 3.2.4.2 | Your own captain and team |
| 3.2.4.3 | The role of the umpires |
| 3.2.4.4 | The game’s traditional values |
| 3.2.5 | Spirit of Cricket - It is against the Spirit of the Game: |
| 3.2.5.1 | To dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action or gesture |
| 3.2.5.2 | To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire |
| 3.2.5.3 | To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance |
| 3.2.5.3.1 | To appeal knowing the batsman is not out |
| 3.2.5.3.2 | To advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing |
| 3.2.5.3.3 | 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. |
| 3.2.6 | Spirit of Cricket - Violence in the Game |
| 3.2.6.1. | There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play. |
| 3.2.7 | Player's Responsibility |
| 3.2.7.1. | 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. |
| 3.3. | Code of Conduct & The Spirit of Cricket |
| 3.3.1. | Code & Spirit - All Participant's Responsibility |
| 3.3.1.1. | Failure to comply with the provisions of the Code and Spirit may lead to disciplinary action, irrespective of an alleged breach being related to a match not under the jurisdiction of the League. |
| 3.3.1.2. | Participants shall not make any public or media comment which is detrimental to the interests or reputation of other Participants or the game in general. |
| 3.3.1.2.1. | In this instance, media shall include (but not necessarily be limited to) press, radio, television, external websites, club websites, social networking sites including "Facebook" and "Twitter" and a club’s match programmes. |
| 3.3.1.2.2. | Nothing in this provision shall prevent any comment which constitutes honest opinion in regard to cricketing matters and which is made in a fair and respectful manner. |
| 3.3.1.3. | Participants shall not publicly disclose or comment upon any alleged breach of this Code of Conduct. |
| 3.3.1.4. | Participants shall not act in any manner which is against the Spirit of Cricket, otherwise improper, or prejudicial or detrimental to the interests or reputation of the League(s) or the game of cricket. |
Updated 16 April 2021
| 3.4. | Discipline - Participants and Documents |
| 3.4.1. | The persons referred to in the procedure |
| 3.4.1.1 | Match Umpire or Match Umpires – the officials standing in the game where the breach occurred |
| 3.4.1.2 | The Participant or Participants – the individual or individuals about whom the report is submitted |
| 3.4.1.3 | The Team Captain – captain of a team playing in a relevant match |
| 3.4.1.4 | The GMCLUA Discipline Secretary – The Umpires Association official or deputy currently charged with these duties |
| 3.4.1.5 | The GMCL Board’s Discipline Director – The Board appointed director or deputy currently charged with these duties |
| 3.4.1.6 | The Club Secretary – The person registered with GMCL unless otherwise advised to whom all correspondence will be sent |
| 3.4.1.7 | Appeal Panel – 3 or more club officials from within the league, unconnected to the club(s) at issue and not Board members. |
| 3.4.2. | The documents required in the procedure |
| 3.4.2.1 | Official Umpires Disciplinary Report – the form submitted by the match officials to report a breach of Law 43 |
| 3.4.2.2 | Breach Notification Letter – sent by the GMCL Discipline Director to the club to notify the club of the breach |
| 3.4.2.3 | Club Internal Hearing Report – a form completed by the club to report the club hearing outcome to the GMCL Discipline Director |
| 3.4.2.4 | Club Hearing Response Notice – a letter from the GMCL Discipline Director to the club replying to the Club Internal Hearing Report |
| 3.4.2.5 | Notice of Appeal – A form submitted by the club requesting an Appeal Panel consider the breach and penalties |
| 3.4.2.6 | Appeal Panel Determination – A letter sent from the GMCL Discipline Director advising the result of the appeal and action required. |
| 3.4.2.7 | Club Failure to Respond Determination – A letter from the GMCL Discipline Director detailing the penalty to be imposed where the club does not respond to the Breach Notification Letter. |
Updated 7 March 2021
| 4. | REGULATIONS FOR CRICKET LEAGUES |
| 4.1 | Discipline Regulations - League Aims and Jurisdiction |
| 4.1.1. | Discipline Regulations - GMCL Responsibility |
| 4.1.1.1. | Subject to the mutual recognition provisions (at Section 4.10.1. of the GMCL Discipline Regulations) ,the GMCL shall be responsible for the enforcement and administration of the Disciplinary Regulations in relation to Participants registered to the GMCL and/or participating in cricket-related activities under its auspices. |
| 4.1.2. | Discipline Regulations - All Participants Agreement |
| 4.1.2.1. | All Participants, by virtue of their registration with the GMCL (whether directly or via a club) and/or participation in cricket-related activities under the auspices of the GMCL, agree to be bound by the Disciplinary Regulations. |
| 4.1.2.2. | It is considered a disciplinary offence |
| 4.1.2.2.1 | for a club or any of its members to act in a manner which could prejudice the standing or interests of the GMCL or |
| 4.1.2.2.2 | for a club to fail to act promptly to control and/or discipline a player, |
| 4.1.2.2.3 | and will leave the Club liable to fines as considered by the GMCL Disciplinary Director |
| 4.1.3. | Discipline Regulations - All Participants & Club Cooperation |
| 4.1.3.1. | All Participants are required to cooperate with the GMCL regarding discipline. |
| 4.1.3.2. | Without prejudice to the generality of this requirement, every club shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the proper conduct of its Participants in accordance with the Disciplinary Regulations and shall not act in any way which is prejudicial or detrimental to the interests or reputation of the GMCL or the game of cricket. |
| 4.1.4. | Discipline Regulations - Club Authority to act |
| 4.1.4.1. | There is nothing in the Disciplinary Regulations preventing or discouraging clubs from applying additional or stronger penalties in regard to breaches of the Code of Conduct beyond those set out in the Disciplinary Regulations, whether or not penalties may apply under the Disciplinary Regulations. |
| 4.1.4.2. | To this end, it is important that clubs have their own code of conduct and disciplinary procedures in place. |
| 4.1.5. | Discipline Regulations - Aims and Fairness |
| 4.1.5.1. | At all times, it is to be remembered that the core aim of the Disciplinary Regulations is to maintain the highest standards of behaviour and conduct in the game of cricket. |
| 4.1.5.2. | The procedures detailed in the Disciplinary Regulations are intended to be fair, straightforward and proportionate to the needs of the GMCL and Participants, respecting fundamental principles of natural justice and fairness but recognising that those involved with the procedures will not typically be, and do not need to be, legally qualified. |
| 4.1.5.3. | Therefore, as long as the principles of natural justice and fairness are not infringed, minor practical or technical points will not serve to invalidate the procedure or any decisions or findings under the Disciplinary Regulations. |
| 4.1.6. | Discipline Regulations - Rule Coverage & Omissions |
| 4.1.6.1. | If any incident or other matter occurs which is not provided for by the Disciplinary Regulations (whether it relates to conduct, jurisdiction, procedure or penalty),then the GMCL Discipline Director or a GMCL Appeal Panel may take such action as considered appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the specific circumstances and the principles of natural justice and fairness. |
| 4.1.7. | Discipline Regulations - Higher Authority Action |
| 4.1.7.1. | If any alleged breach of the Code of Conduct falls under any other relevant ECB regulations (as may from time-to-time be in force),such as the ECB Safeguarding Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure, or is subject to investigation by the police or other public authority (or analogous body) or is subject to any other legal/regulatory process, the GMCL Discipline Director or a GMCL Appeal Panel may suspend the procedure under the Disciplinary Regulations. |
| 4.1.8 | Umpires Code of Conduct |
| 4.1.8.1. | A separate code of conduct applies to Umpires appointed to matches by GMCLUA. |
| 4.1.9 | GMCL Disciplinary Structure |
| 4.1.9.1. | The GMCL Discipline Director reports to the GMCL Board. |
| 4.1.9.2. | Any Appeal Panel will consist of |
| 4.1.9.2.1. | the GMCL Discipline Director and the GMCL Umpires Discipline Secretary who will guide the panel plus |
| 4.1.9.2.2. | three independent club officials from unconnected league clubs who will make any decisions. |
| 4.1.10. | Discipline Regulations - Multiple Offences |
| 4.1.10.1. | If a club has three disciplinary offences recorded against its players in one season |
| 4.1.10.1.1. | the club will be called to discuss indiscipline with the GMCL Board of Directors. |
| 4.1.10.1.2. | This should be seen as an opportunity for the club to review and possibly improve its processes in a frank and friendly way. |
Updated 26 May 2021
| 4.2. | Notification of Breaches of the Code of Conduct |
| 4.2.1. | Discipline Regulations - Relevant Matches |
| 4.2.1.1. | Bans will be imposed for breaches which occur in any league or cup competition fixture and will apply to all matches under the auspices of the GMCL. |
| 4.2.2. | Discipline Regulations – Notifying Breach During Matches |
| 4.2.2.1. | Any allegation or breach of the Code of Conduct by a Match Participant |
| 4.2.2.1.1. | identified by a club official, shall be notified in writing to the GMCL Discipline Director by letter / email |
| 4.2.2.1.2. | identified by any other Match Participant during the course of the game, should immediately be reported to the Match Umpires by the Team Captain. |
| 4.2.2.1.3. | identified by an appointed Match Umpire, person standing as an umpire or referred in the game, shall be notified in writing to the GMCLUA Disciplinary Secretary on the Official Umpires Disciplinary Report |
| 4.2.2.2. | Any allegation or breach of the Code of Conduct by members or non-member spectators during a game reported to be abusive, offensive, etc., towards umpires, players, club officials or other spectators. |
| 4.2.2.2.1. | identified by a club official, shall be notified in writing to the GMCL Discipline Director by letter / email |
| 4.2.2.2.2. | identified by any other Match Participant during the course of the game, should immediately be reported to the Match Umpires by the Team Captain. |
| 4.2.2.2.3. | identified by an appointed Match Umpire, person standing as an umpire or referred in the game, shall be notified in writing to the GMCLUA Disciplinary Secretary on the Official Umpires Disciplinary Report |
| 4.2.3. | Discipline Regulations – Notifying a Breach that is not Match related |
| 4.2.3.1. | Any allegation of a breach of the Code of Conduct by non-players or participants which does not arise from an incident during the course of a match or on the field of play, |
| 4.2.3.1.1. | should be notified to the GMCL Discipline Director promptly after the incident giving rise to the allegation. |
| 4.2.3.2. | The GMCL Discipline Director shall have an overriding discretion to accept or decline reports submitted under this paragraph. |
| 4.2.3.2.1. | Save for exceptional circumstances, |
| 4.2.3.2.1.1. | such reports shall not be accepted relating to any alleged breach of the Code of Conduct which have been, or could have been, reported by an umpire pursuant to paragraph 3.6 |
| 4.2.3.2.1.2. | the GMCL Discipline Director may contact an umpire for his observations/views on allegations/the content of any report or where there has been undue delay in making a notification or report. |
| 4.2.3.3. | Any complaints submitted under this paragraph must be made in good faith. |
| 4.2.3.3.1. | The submission of a report which is trivial, vexatious, made for tactical reasons or otherwise improper may itself be treated as a breach of the Code of Conduct under paragraph 3.5 |
| 4.2.3.4. | The GMCL Discipline Director will investigate and respond to such complaints within 7 days |
| 4.2.4. | Discipline Regulations – Communications |
| 4.2.4.1. | All communications between officials and clubs, unless specifically mentioned otherwise, will be via email, e.g. 'in writing' implies via email. |
| 4.2.4.2. | Subject to any direction from the GMCL Discipline Director, any written report produced should allow the GMCL Discipline Director to understand |
| 4.2.4.2.1. | the background of the alleged incident, |
| 4.2.4.2.2. | why a breach of the Code of Conduct is alleged and |
| 4.2.4.2.3. | the level of the breach alleged from the guidance in this document. |
| 4.2.4.3. | Where possible, notifications and reports should be submitted to the GMCL Discipline Director by a Club Secretary (or in such manner as may be directed by the Discipline Director) . |
| 4.2.4.4. | It is the responsibility of the clubs to keep their reported and/or disciplined player fully informed of the progress of the disciplinary process. |
| 4.2.5. | Discipline Regulations - Official Umpires Disciplinary Report |
| 4.2.5.1. | there will be only one Official Umpires Disciplinary Report for each game where one or more breaches of Law 42 occurs, including Team Warnings |
| 4.2.6. | Section not in use |
| 4.2.7. | Responding to Level 1, 2, 3 & 4 Breaches during a game– see Section 5.11 below for offences for each Level. |
| 4.2.7.1. | Under Law 42 of the Laws of Cricket any of these breaches will require |
| 4.2.7.1.1. | the umpires to take disciplinary action on-field at the time and |
| 4.2.7.1.2. | before leaving the club after the match, the umpires to advise the club captain and/or other Club Official of their intention to report the offence and |
| 4.2.7.1.3. | the umpires to prepare a report using the Official Umpires Disciplinary Report in addition to their regular end of match report form – paragraph 3.8. |
| 4.2.8. | Procedure - Umpire to notify the GMCL Umpires Association Disciplinary Secretary |
| 4.2.8.2. | One umpire will take responsibility for notifying the GMCLUA Discipline Secretary. |
| 4.2.8.2.1. | In the first instance this should be by telephone or email within 24 hours of the end of the match. |
| 4.2.8.2.2. | The Official Umpires Disciplinary Report must then be sent to the GMCLUA Discipline Secretary, preferably by email, to be received within 48 hours of the end of the match. (Overview Key Stage A) |
| 4.2.9 | Procedure – Once the GMCLUA Discipline Secretary is satisfied with the report and its content the report will be forwarded to the GMCL Discipline Director for consideration |
| 4.2.9.1. | The GMCL Discipline Director will consider the offence with the GMCLUA Discipline Secretary and |
| 4.2.9.1.1. | make an initial assessment of the appropriate action based on the tariffs given in these Regulations |
| 4.2.9.2. | Then, where a ban is appropriate under the Tariff, |
| 4.2.9.2.1. | forward a copy of the Official Umpires Disciplinary Report with the Breach Notification Letter to the registered Club Secretary (Overview Key Stage B) |
| 4.2.9.2.2. | within 72 hours from the midnight following the incident occurring. |
| 4.2.10. | Procedure – Club Action Following Receipt of the Breach Notification Letter |
| 4.2.10.1. | In the remainder of this document reference to Participant shall include each of the Participants involved in the incident as appropriate. |
| 4.2.10.1.1. | so, any charge against the captain, not already in breach as a player, or club as a result of the incident shall be dealt with separately |
| 4.2.10.2. | The participant's club must hold an Internal Club Hearing to consider any breach of the Code of Conduct at Level 1, 2, 3 or 4. (Overview Key Stage C) within 72 hours from the midnight following the issue of the Breach Notification Letter |
| 4.2.10.2.1. | Any internal club hearing should focus on what caused the umpires to consider that a report was necessary, rather than the Umpire’s right to do so. |
| 4.2.10.2.2. | Any club requiring assistance on hearing procedure should ask the Discipline Director. |
| 4.2.10.3. | The Secretary or an elected representative of the club shall notify the Discipline Director within 72 hours from the midnight following the issue of the Breach Notification Letter of |
| 4.2.10.3.1. | any action taken by the club or which it proposes to take, including increasing the recommended ban. |
| 4.2.10.3.2. | the Club Secretary should provide details on the Google Form – Club Internal Hearing Report - https://forms.gle/rmz9mtvox2zxmHud9 (Overview Key Stage D) |
| 4.2.10.4. | Where a Breach Notification Letter is issued then the player must in the first instance miss all club matches in the period from midnight following the issue of the Breach Notification Letter for 7 full days. |
| 4.2.11. | Procedure – Breach by a registered County Cricket Club player |
| 4.2.11.1. | the relevant county club secretary is to be advised immediately by telephone or email by the GMCL Disciplinary Director. |
| 4.2.11.2. | the player should discuss any hearing and appeal procedures with the county club secretary or refer to his county handbook. |
| 4.2.12. | Procedure – GMCL Discipline Director receives the Club’s Internal Hearing Report |
| 4.2.12.1. | the GMCL Discipline Director shall consider the breach together with the club’s report and issue the Club Hearing Response Notice (Overview Key Stage E)and resolve either: |
| 4.2.12.1.1. | To endorse the disciplinary action taken by the club and the GMCL Discipline Director will post the agreed action on the GMCL website; |
| 4.2.12.1.2. | or to set out the penalty considered appropriate within the relevant tariff, to be consistent and fair with similar cases across GMCL and remind the club of the appeal procedure should they wish to pursue. |
| 4.2.13. | Procedure - In the event of the club taking no action and not advising the Discipline Director as described in Paragraph 3.10 above, |
| 4.2.13.1. | the GMCL Discipline Director will, after 72 hours from midnight following the issue of the Breach Notification Letter, |
| 4.2.13.2. | impose the recommended ban stated in the Breach Notification Letter, issue a Club Failure to Respond Determination and take further disciplinary action against the club. |
| 4.2.13.3. | The ban recommended and lack of action by the club will be taken into account in any subsequent appeal. |
| 4.2.13.4. | Under the Revised Disciplinary Procedures 2021 there are no GMCL Disciplinary Hearings |
| 4.2.13.4.1. | The Club determine their position at the Club Internal Hearing, and should there be no agreement with the GMCL Discipline Director the club can take this to an appeal panel. (see paragraph 5.7 et seq) |
| 4.2.14. | Procedure - Multiple Breaches at a club |
| 4.2.14.1. | Following two incidents being dealt with by a club, where a third incident in any season arises regarding any player at that club, |
| 4.2.14.1.1. | the Board will call a formal meeting between the club officials and GMCL Board including the Discipline Director. |
| 4.2.14.1.2. | The Board can impose financial penalties or points deduction, or both, should they not be satisfied that the club has and will take appropriate action. |
| 4.2.15 | Procedure - Further breach by a player under suspended ban. |
| 4.2.15.1. | Should a player commit any further offence whilst in receipt of a suspended sentence, the suspended sentence will apply immediately, |
| 4.2.15.2. | In addition, the full Breach procedure will be followed following an Official Umpires Disciplinary Report under paragraph 3.8 for the club to consider the latest incident |
| 4.2.16. | Procedure - Further non-playing breach whilst a participant is banned |
| 4.2.16.1. | The GMCL have the right to impose further penalties in the event that the participant commits a further breach, |
| 4.2.16.1.1. | this could include but not exhaustive, a breach including social media or as a breach as a spectator whilst banned from playing. |
| 4.2.17. | Procedure - Alleged Breach reported by a third party, not a standing umpire. |
| 4.2.17.1 | On receipt of the required report (under paragraph 3.2) , the GMCL Discipline Director shall decide what action if any needs to be taken against the Participant or his club. |
| 4.2.17.2. | If disciplinary action is appropriate his club shall be advised and sent a Breach Notification Letter and a copy of the complaint. |
| 4.2.17.3. | The club must deal with the matter in accordance with paragraph 3.10 et seq |
Updated 7 March 2021
| 4.3.1. | Disciplinary Sanctions relating to Offences (See Appendix 1- Disciplinary Tariffs) |
| 4.3.1.1. | Offences committed under these rules are reportable offences and the club should enforce an automatic ban of one week as a minimum. |
| 4.3.1.2. | Clubs are expected to impose bans on their players in accordance with the tariffs as described |
| 4.3.1.3. | The GMCL Discipline Director will use this tariff when sending the Breach Notification Letter |
| 4.3.1.4. | As a guideline, the following penalties should be expected in regard to bans: |
| 4.3.1.4.1. | Level 1 - 1 to 6 weeks |
| 4.3.1.4.2. | Level 2 - 3 to 8 weeks |
| 4.3.1.4.3. | Level 3 - 4 to 10 weeks |
| 4.3.1.4.4. | Level 4 - A minimum of 10 weeks |
| 4.3.1.4.5. | The severity of the offence will influence the appropriateness of the length of sentence to be imposed in all cases. |
| 4.3.2. | Disciplinary Sanctions - Discipline Director Review |
| 4.3.2.1. | The GMCL Discipline Director shall have the power to suspend the operation of any part, or all, of the penalty the Director imposes |
| 4.3.2.2. | for such period and subject to such terms and conditions as the Director deems appropriate. |
| 4.3.2.3. | The GMCL Discipline Director reserves the right to consider further any breach of discipline and may recommend further sanctions |
| 4.3.2.4. | for any other reportable offence by other participants where abusive behaviour is stated to have occurred. |
| 4.3.3. | Additional Disciplinary Sanctions - Further Sanctions Available |
| 4.3.3.1. | Further sanctions are available to the GMCL Discipline Director or Club Internal Hearing as follows |
| 4.3.3.1.1. | To require the submission of appropriate letter(s)of apology within a specified time. |
| 4.3.3.1.2. | To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct. |
| 4.3.3.1.3. | To impose a fine (not to exceed £500). |
| 4.3.3.1.4. | To suspend the player for a stated period of time, |
| 4.3.3.1.4.1. | unless in the case of a registered player to be penalised where the committee should carefully consider whether a time or match ban is most appropriate |
| 4.3.3.1.4.2. | and in any case no more than five specified days or matches can be levied. |
| 4.3.3.1.5. | To deduct League points from the player’s/Participant’s team. |
| 4.3.3.1.6. | To recommend the expulsion of the player/Participant from the league. |
| 4.3.3.1.7. | All of the above can be considered for any non-player or club breach |
| 4.3.4. | Disciplinary Bans - Applicable games |
| 4.3.4.1. | Bans will be imposed for offences which occur in any league or cup competition fixture and |
| 4.3.4.2. | will apply to all matches under the auspices of the GMCL. In addition, bans imposed for a period which continues beyond the end of a season will be carried forward into the following season. |
| 4.3.5. | Disciplinary Bans - Multiple Offences |
| 4.3.5.1. | A player charged with more than one offence will receive (if guilty) separate penalties which are cumulative and NOT concurrent. |
| 4.3.6. | Disciplinary Bans - Measurement |
| 4.3.6.1. | Bans will be imposed in weeks (as multiples of seven days)in the period from midnight following the issue of the Breach Notification Letter for 7 full days . |
| 4.3.7 | Disciplinary Bans - County Board Notification |
| 4.3.7.1 | Bans of four weeks or more duration (not including parts suspended)will be reported by the Discipline Director to the appropriate County Cricket Board for national circularisation. |
| 4.3.7.2. | Such bans will normally apply to all cricket played under the auspices of the ECB |
| 4.3.8 | Disciplinary Bans - GMCL Publication |
| 4.3.8.1. | All bans and suspended bans on players will be recorded on the GMCL website. |
| 4.3.9. | Disciplinary Breach by a club - Available Sanctions |
| 4.3.9.1. | To require the club to submit appropriate letter(s)of apology within a specified time. |
| 4.3.9.2. | To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct. |
| 4.3.9.3. | To impose a fine. |
| 4.3.9.4. | To deduct League points from the club’s team(s) |
| 4.3.9.5. | To relegate to any lower division of the League. |
| 4.3.9.6. | To expel the club from any competition of the League. |
| 4.3.9.7. | To expel the club from the League. |
Updated 7 March 2021
| 4.4. | Disciplinary Procedure - Appeals - Disagreement with Penalty |
| 4.4.1. | Disciplinary Procedure - Appeals - GMCL Discipline Director has imposed a penalty via the Club Hearing Response Notice |
| 4.4.1.1. | Where a club or player disagrees with the severity or content of that penalty then a Participant shall have the right of appeal. |
| 4.4.2. | Disciplinary Procedure - Appeals - Good Faith & Reasonable Grounds |
| 4.4.2.1. | The right to appeal should only be exercised in good faith upon reasonable grounds. |
| 4.4.2.2. | Reasonable grounds will include |
| 4.4.2.2.1. | fresh evidence not available at the time of the original club hearing, |
| 4.4.2.2.2. | failure by the officials to follow these Regulations or |
| 4.4.2.2.3. | any evidence of manifest injustice. |
| 4.4.2.3. | The Appeals Panel will not accept new claims to “Personal Circumstances”, “Personal Testimonials” or “Past compliance records” |
| 4.4.2.3.1. | All such claims should have been dealt with by the Club Internal Hearing. |
| 4.4.3. | Disciplinary Procedure - Appeals - Multiple Participants |
| 4.4.3.1. | Where more than one Participant (e.g. a player and his club) appeals in relation to the same incident, they must do so separately |
| 4.5. | Disciplinary Procedure - Notice of Appeal |
| 4.5.1. | Disciplinary Procedure - Submitting an Appeal |
| 4.5.1.1. | Disciplinary Procedure - A notice of appeal setting out the grounds must be given in writing by the Participant |
| 4.5.1.1.1. | to the Discipline Director within seven days of the decision of the Club Hearing Response Notice, |
| 4.5.1.1.2. | together with a deposit. |
| 4.5.2. | Disciplinary Procedure - Deposit for an appeal |
| 4.5.2.1. | The amount of the deposit shall be £250 for each club and a further £100 for each other Participant exercising their right of appeal. |
| 4.5.2.2. | Cheques should be made payable to ‘GMCL’ which amount, or part of the amount will be refunded in the event of a balance over expenses incurred or where such appeal is successful. |
| 4.5.2.3. | The club is responsible for the cost of the appeal hearing. |
| 4.5.3. | Disciplinary Procedure - Late appeal |
| 4.5.3.1. | In the event of the appeal not being correctly received within the 7 day period, the recommendation of the GMCL Discipline Director will stand. |
| 4.6. | Disciplinary Procedure - Appeal Hearing Arrangements |
| 4.6.1. | Disciplinary Procedure - Arranging the Appeal - GMCL Discipline Director Actions |
| 4.6.1.1. | If the GMCL Discipline Director accepts the grounds for an appeal, he will, within 14 days of the appeal letter, advise the Club Secretary of the time, date and venue of the appeal hearing and a panel will be appointed. |
| 4.6.1.2. | The advice shall give the club at least 7 days’ notice of the hearing. |
| 4.6.1.3. | The Discipline Director will arrange for a Volunteer Panel and GMCL attendees |
| 4.6.1.3.1. | The GMCLUA Discipline Secretary will take the notes of the hearing and the GMCL Discipline Director will present the sequence of events leading up to the Appeal. |
| 4.6.1.3.2. | The composition of the Appeal Panel shall be at the discretion of the GMCL Discipline Director and shall consist of not less than three persons, none of whom shall be connected with the player, club or their opponents at the time of the alleged breach, one of whom will be appointed chair, by agreement of the panel, prior to the meeting. |
| 4.6.1.4. | The GMCL Discipline Director will provide the Appeal Panel with all relevant correspondence to date, at least 48 hours before the Appeal Hearing |
| 4.6.2. | Disciplinary Procedure - Arranging the Appeal - Club Secretary / Appellant Actions |
| 4.6.2.1. | Receipt of the advice must be acknowledged within 24 hours. |
| 4.6.2.2. | The Club Secretary shall advise all the club’s Participants accordingly. |
| 4.6.2.3. | If the Participant is to have representation present at the hearing then, details of that representation must be given to the GMCL Discipline Director not less than 2 days before the date of the hearing. |
| 4.6.2.4. | The Club Secretary will provide the minutes of the Club Internal Hearing and the evidence viewed by that hearing, at least 48 hours before the Appeal Hearing |
| 4.6.3. | Disciplinary Procedure - Arranging the Appeal - Lack of Response |
| 4.6.3.1. | If a receipt is not received the author of the advice of the appeal hearing must contact the recipient(s) by telephone. |
| 4.7. | Disciplinary Procedure - Penalty Pending Hearing |
| 4.7.1. | If Notice of Appeal is given, the penalty, other than the first week’s penalty, shall not take effect pending the hearing of the Appeal. |
| 4.8. | Disciplinary Procedure - Appeal Hearing Procedure |
| 4.8.1. | Disciplinary Procedure - Appeal Panel Authority |
| 4.8.1.1. | the Appeal Panel may call on umpires, players, independent witnesses and any other person(s)whom they may consider to be of assistance in their enquiries, |
| 4.8.1.2. | Cross examination of witnesses is the privilege of the Appeal Panel and not the Participant or their representatives. |
| 4.8.2 | Disciplinary Procedure - Appeal Panel Decision |
| 4.8.2.1. | The Appeals Committee may confirm, vary or reverse the recommendation of the GMCL Discipline Director and it shall have the power to increase the penalty and award costs of the Appeal hearing. |
| 4.8.2.2. | The standard of proof shall be on the balance of probabilities rather than the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt. |
| 4.8.2.3. | Decisions of the Appeal Panel (a finding that a complaint is proved or not proved or a decision on penalty)shall be by majority vote; where necessary the Panel Chairman shall have a casting vote. |
| 4.8.2.4. | In the case of a registered player the result of the Appeal Panel will be communicated within 24 hours in writing, to the Club Chairman, Club Secretary or nominated Club Representative. |
| 4.8.2.5. | The decision of the Appeal Panel shall be final and binding. |
| 4.9. | Disciplinary Procedure - Financial |
| 4.9.1. | Disciplinary Procedure - Costs of the Hearing |
| 4.9.1.1. | Travelling and any other costs or expenses incurred by the members of the Appeal Panel plus those of any others called to give evidence will be the responsibility of the player’s club, deductible in the first instance from the club deposit |
| 4.9.1.2. | GMCL will pay these expenses if the appeal finds in favour of the Participant. |
| 4.9.1.3. | In the event of more than one club being involved in the hearing, the cost will be equally shared. |
| 4.9.2. | Disciplinary Procedure - Non-Attendance |
| 4.9.2.1. | Non-attendance at the Appeal Hearing by a Participant without good and valid reason for such non-attendance will automatically result in forfeiture of their right of appeal and the deposit of £250.00. |
| 4.9.3. | Disciplinary Procedure - Deposit Refund |
| 4.9.3.1. | Any refund of the deposit in part or full following deduction of expenses incurred will be dealt with post appeal, irrespective of the outcome of the appeal. |
| 4.9.4. | Disciplinary Procedure - Non-payment of Discipline Fines |
| 4.9.4.1. | Any fine levied must be paid to the Finance Director of the GMCL within 28 days of the club being notified of such fine. |
| 4.9.4.2. | Any fines still outstanding at the end of that 28 days’ period shall be increased by 100% of the original fine. |
| 4.9.4.3. | At the end of that period the secretary or chairman of the offending club shall be notified to the effect that the fine is outstanding and |
| 4.9.4.4. | given a reminder that if after a further period of 14 days from that reminder, the fine is still outstanding, a deduction of five points shall be made |
| 4.9.4.5. | this points deduction shall be in regard to the team from which the fine arose or, if the fine does not arise from a particular team, the club’s first team. |
Updated 7 March 2021
| 4.10. | Disciplinary Regulations - Club & League Agreement |
| 4.10.1. | Disciplinary Regulations - Mutual Recognition of Penalties |
| 4.10.1.1. | The GMCL and clubs shall mutually recognise and give full effect to any penalty imposed by the Appeal Panels of the GMCL. |
| 4.10.1.2. | The GMCL and clubs shall recognise and give effect to penalties imposed pursuant to any disciplinary or relevant regulations of all competitions under the auspices of County Cricket Boards, as defined and listed in the ECB’s Articles of Association from time-to-time, and any other competitions as directed by the ECB from time-to-time. |
| 4.10.1.3. | The GMCL and clubs shall mutually recognise and give full effect to any disciplinary penalty imposed by all competitions subscribing to or recognised by the ECB. |
| 4.10.2. | Disciplinary Regulations - Applying Penalties |
| 4.10.2.1. | For the purposes of this section, |
| 4.10.2.1.1. | a Participant may not play in matches under the auspices of the GMCL whilst serving a suspension given by any other League or a Recognised Competition. |
| 4.10.2.1.2. | For the avoidance of doubt, in the event any other League or a Recognised Competition suspends a player for a consecutive number of matches or for a period of time, |
| 4.10.2.1.3. | that player may not play in any matches under the auspices of the GMCL until that suspension has been served. |
| 4.10.3. | Disciplinary Regulations - Communicating Penalties |
| 4.10.3.1. | In order to give effect to the mutual recognition of penalties between the GMCL and Recognised Competitions, |
| 4.10.3.1.1. | the GMCL may report and receive information in regard to penalties imposed upon Participants pursuant to the Disciplinary Regulations to and from the ECB and Recognised Competitions. |
| 4.10.3.1.2. | Information will be shared about the penalties imposed on Participants with the Lancashire Cricket Foundation and they will share this with other bodies who must be informed. |
| 4.10.4. | Disciplinary Regulations - Data Protection Consent |
| 4.10.4.1. | Each Participant shall be deemed to have agreed, for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998 and otherwise, that their personal data may be processed and disclosed in accordance with, and for the purposes of the implementation of, the Disciplinary Regulations. |
| 4.10.5. | Disciplinary Regulations - Confidentiality |
| 4.10.5.1. | All disciplinary proceedings which take place under the Disciplinary Regulations shall be confidential and shall take place in private. |
| 4.10.5.2. | The GMCL and the ECB shall have the right to publish any written decision of a Disciplinary Panel or Appeal Panel, including (but not necessarily limited to) publication on their websites, and Participants shall be deemed to have consented to such publication. |
Updated 7 March 2021
| 5 | Code of Conduct Appendices |
| 5.1. | Laws of Cricket - Law 42 – Players Conduct |
| 5.1.1. | The umpires shall act upon any unacceptable conduct. |
| 5.2. | Levels of offence are identified as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 offences. |
| 5.2.1. | Level 1 |
| 5.2.1.1. | wilfully mistreating any part of the cricket ground, equipment or implements used in the match |
| 5.2.1.2. | showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action |
| 5.2.1.3. | using language that, in the circumstances, is obscene, offensive or insulting |
| 5.2.1.4. | making obscene gesture |
| 5.2.1.5. | appealing excessively |
| 5.2.1.6. | advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing |
| 5.2.2. | Level 2 |
| 5.2.2.1. | showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action |
| 5.2.2.2. | making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with another player |
| 5.2.2.3. | throwing the ball at a player, umpire or another person in an inappropriate and dangerous manner |
| 5.2.2.4. | using language or gesture to another player, umpire, team official or spectator that, in the circumstances, is obscene or of a seriously insulting nature |
| 5.2.3. | Level 3 |
| 5.2.3.1. | intimidating an umpire by language or gesture |
| 5.2.3.2 | threatening to assault a player or any other person except an umpire |
| 5.2.4. | Level 4 |
| 5.2.4.1. | threatening to assault an umpire |
| 5.2.4.2. | making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with an umpire |
| 5.2.4.3. | physically assaulting a player or any other person |
| 5.2.4.4. | committing any other act of violence. |
Updated 7 March 2021
| 5.3. | Disciplinary Regulations - Social Media |
| 5.3.1. | Disciplinary Regulations - Participants must be responsible for their Social Media |
| 5.3.1.1 | For the avoidance of doubt, any postings online and/or on social media (Twitter, Facebook or similar/equivalent platforms) also fall to be determined in accordance with the factors above.In relation to such cases, it should be noted: |
| 5.3.1.1.1. | Participants are to be considered responsible for any posting(s) on their social media account(s) which are caught by the factors detailed above (the fact that a posting may have been made by someone else in the Participant’s name will not necessarily prevent disciplinary action being taken); |
| 5.3.1.1.2. | Disciplinary action may result from repeating comments made on social media by others (eg ‘retweeting’) which are caught by the factors detailed above; and |
| 5.3.1.1.3. | The deleting of any inappropriate content, whilst advisable, does not of itself prevent disciplinary action being taken. |
Updated 18 March 2021
| 5.4. | Disciplinary Regulations - Tariffs |
| 5.4 (a) | Mandatory reporting under the Laws of Cricket – LAW 42. |
| 5.4 (b) | The umpires jointly are instructed to report transgressions to the GMCLUA Disciplinary Secretary [para 4.2.7 and 4.2.8 refers] under the following headings:- |
| 5.4.1. | DISCIPLINARY BREACH AT LEVEL 1 - TARIFF 1 to 6 WEEKS |
| 5.4.1.1. | Actions leading to a breach at Level 1 |
| 5.4.1.1.1. | Abuse of cricket ground, equipment or fixtures/fittings; |
| 5.4.1.1.2. | Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action; |
| 5.4.1.1.3. | Using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or making an obscene gesture; |
| 5.4.1.1.4. | Excessive appealing; |
| 5.4.1.1.5. | Charging or advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing; |
| 5.4.1.2. | LEVEL 1 SANCTIONS on the field of play:- |
| 5.4.1.2.1. | On the first occasion, the umpires summon the captain of the offending player and issue a first and final warning which applies to all members of that team for and lasts for the rest of the match. •However, if anyone in that team has already committed a Level 2, 3 or 4 offences during the match, the warning procedure for a Level 1 offence out lined above shall be dispensed with, and any Level 1 breach by any member of the same side will result in 5 penalty runs immediately being awarded to the opposing side. |
| 5.4.1.2.2. | On the second and any subsequent occasions that a Level 1 offence is committed, the umpires award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing team. |
| 5.4.1.2.3. | Any official warning or award of Penalty runs must be reported by the umpires in a joint report. |
| 5.4.2. | DISCIPLINARY BREACH AT LEVEL 2 - TARIFF 3 to 8 WEEKS |
| 5.4.2.1. | Actions leading to a breach at Level 2 |
| 5.4.2.1.1. | Showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision by words or action; |
| 5.4.2.1.2. | Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between player, umpire or official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner; |
| 5.4.2.2. | LEVEL 2 SANCTIONS on the field of play:- |
| 5.4.2.2.1. | Award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing team on every occasion that such a breach occurs. |
| 5.4.2.2.2. | Warn the captain that any future breach of a Level 1 offence by any member of his team will immediately result in Penalty Runs. |
| 5.4.2.2.3. | Each occurrence must be reported by the umpires in a joint report. |
| 5.4.3. | DISCIPLINARY BREACH AT LEVEL 3 - TARIFF 4 to 10 WEEKS |
| 5.4.3.1. | Actions leading to a breach at Level 4 |
| 5.4.3.1.1. | Intimidating an umpire; |
| 5.4.3.1.2. | Threatening to assault another player, team official or spectator; |
| 5.4.3.1.3. | Using language or gesture that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion or belief colour, decent, nation or ethnic origin, descent, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation or background; |
| 5.4.3.2. | LEVEL 3 SANCTIONS on the field of play:- |
| 5.4.3.2.1. | Inform the captain of the offending player that a Level 3 breach has occurred and instruct the captain to remove the offending player from the field of play for a specified number of overs. |
| 5.4.3.2.2. | Warn the captain that any future breach of a Level 1 offence by any member of his team will immediately result in Penalty Runs |
| 5.4.3.2.3. | Suspension period shall be 10 overs in a 'time' game. In a limited-overs game. one-fifth of the number of overs available to each side at the start of the match, with fractions rounded up. |
| 5.4.3.2.4. | A fielder can return to the field of play immediately he has served his period of suspension and may bowl the next over immediately following his return. A substitute fielder is not permitted whilst he is off the field. |
| 5.4.3.2.5. | After he has served his suspension, a batsman can return to bat at the fall of the next wicket, or he can return at any stage before the next wicket falls, in which case the batsman that he replaces is retired out. If 9 wickets are down when or whilst a batsman is suspended, then his team are all out. |
| 5.4.3.2.6. | The umpires shall award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side, inform the scorers. and shall jointly report. |
| 5.4.4. | DISCIPLINARY BREACH AT LEVEL 4 - TARIFF 10 WEEKS MINIMUM |
| 5.4.4.1. | Actions leading to a breach at Level 4 |
| 5.4.4.1.1. | Threatening an umpire; |
| 5.4.4.1.2. | Physical assault of another player, umpire, official or spectator; |
| 5.4.4.1.3. | Using language or gesture that seriously offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion or belief, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation or background. |
| 5.4.4.2. | LEVEL 4 SANCTIONS on the field of play:- |
| 5.4.4.2.1. | Summon the captain of the offending player, inform him that a Level 4 breach has occurred, and instruct the captain to remove the offending player from the field of play for the rest of the match |
| 5.4.4.2.2. | Warn the captain that any future breach of a Level 1 offence by any member of his team will immediately result in Penalty Runs. |
| 5.4.4.2.3. | If the offending player is a batsman, he is Retired out, and if 9 wickets are already down at the time of the offence, his team is all out. |
| 5.4.4.2.4. | The umpires shall award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side, inform the scorers and shall jointly report. |
| 5.4.5. | OTHER REPORTED DISCIPLINARY OFFENCES – TARIFF 1 TO 8 WEEKS |
| 5.4.5.1. | Throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire, official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner; |
| 5.4.5.2. | Dangerous and unfair bowling which results in the bowler being disallowed from bowling further in that innings; |
| 5.4.5.3. | Captain failing to control his players following a request; Changing the condition of the match ball; |
| 5.4.5.4. | Time wasting by the fielding side; |
| 5.4.5.5. | Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman |