Rules & Discipline

Wetherby Cricket League Disciplinary Meeting
Wednesday 9th June 2010

 

Committee
Tim Grogan (Chairman) sitting with Cliff Thacker and Barry Beal

Issues

Complaint by umpires (Robin Kirk and Mick Aston) during a game between Leeds Police A and Barwick A on Sunday 23rd May 2010: in terms of a confrontation between Darren Appleyard and Azyan Khan following the bowling of a beamer by Azyan Khan and physical force by Bilal Shahid and Moshin Idris against Darren Appleyard in terms of pushing outstretched arms into the back of the batsman. The issues concern breaches of the Spirit of the Game and acts of violence on the field of play.

Hearing

The issues surrounding this matter were thoroughly examined and statements were obtained from the umpires and both captains. The investigation was particularly impressed with the forthcoming and frank report of Phil Perkins, the captain of Barwick, which included the fact that Darren Appleyard had stood and confronted Azyan Khan and that Darren had later accepted he had breached the Spirit of the Game and had been advised about his behaviour by his club.

With regard to Leeds Police, the Committee were similarly impressed with the report from Dan Hewer, the captain, who described the actions of his players in an honest and forthright manner.

Judgement

The Committee, having read all the background papers and listened to all relevant individuals is satisfied that this incident raised serious issues and that the events clearly described a breach of the Spirit of the Game and acts of violence. Violence is defined as behaviour involving physical force. The Committee is mindful that the Rules of Cricket which contain a Preamble to the Rules, which state:

4. The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for: your opponents.

6. Violence: There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.

Accordingly, the decision of this Committee is to recommend the following action: that Azyan Khan be warned as to his future conduct and that no further action be taken in respect of him as a consequence of his previous good behaviour and the action taken by his club; that Darren Appleyard be warned as to his future conduct and that no further action be taken in respect of him as a consequence of his previous good behaviour and the action taken by his club; that Moshin Idris is suspended from playing cricket from today’s date until 25th June 2010 as a consequence of his previous good behaviour; that Bilal Shahid is suspended from playing cricket until 9th July 2010 as a consequence of his previous appearance before the Disciplinary Committee on the 14th/15th October 2009 for breaching the Spirit of the Game.

 

Wetherby League Disciplinary Meeting
Thursday 29th April 2010.

Committee
Tim Grogan (Chairman) sitting with John Toes and Cliff Thacker.

Issues

Complaint from Great Preston that Spofforth allowed a bowler to bowl 13 overs in contravention of rule 22.2(d), which states that ‘No player may bowl more than 12 (twelve) overs irrespective of any reductions or additions to the number of overs in an innings’, during a first eleven game conducted on Saturday 17th April 2010.

The Hearing

On Saturday 17th April 2010 Great Preston met Spofforth in a WCL first division encounter and during the match a Spofforth bowler (Ian Giddings) bowled 13 overs. A copy from a scorebook confirms this happened and the fact is not disputed.

Simon Taylor (Spofforth’s captain) explained that he asked the umpire for clarification regarding the number of overs Ian Giddings had bowled towards the end of his spell and was informed he had two overs remaining, which were then bowled. There is no doubt therefore in Simon Taylor’s mind that he was misled.

The umpires were Mick Aston and Neil Robinson. Both kept personal scorecards regarding the overs bowled by particular bowlers. Both cards have been examined and are wrong. Neither corresponds with the scorebook, which was signed by both officials.

Whilst Neil Robinson can recall being asked about the number of overs bowled during Great Preston’s fielding he cannot recall being asked by Spofforth. However, Mick Aston, who officiated at the end from which Ian Giddings bowled, can recall the bowler asking him on several occasions for clarification regarding the number of overs bowled. Indeed, this occurred regularly during the last five overs of his spell. He does not remember being asked by the captain but does not deny this may have occurred.

In dealing with the responsibility of the umpires in connection with this issue we refer to the Laws of Cricket by Law 3.15 (Correctness of scores). This states that consultation between umpires and scorers on doubtful points is essential. The umpires shall satisfy themselves as to the correctness of the number of runs scored, the wickets that have fallen and, where appropriate, the number of overs bowled. This is the reason the umpires sign the scorebook. The reference to the number of overs bowled in this context relates to the number of overs bowled in an innings and not by individual bowlers.

In addition, there is no requirement within the Laws of Cricket or the rules of the WCL 2010 for an umpire to record the number of overs a bowler bowls, notwithstanding that many officials do maintain such records. Indeed, if this were the case, a club who transgressed in connection with any bowling infraction, could claim it was entirely the fault of the umpire. This quite obviously places upon the umpire a burden, not currently within the laws of game, which encroaches on the responsibilities of the captain.

This Committee forms the view that the responsibility of the number of overs bowled by particular bowlers lies with the captain. Rule 22.2(d) was created with this intention. The captain is entitled to ask advice of the umpires but the most accurate record is kept by the scorers and where there is any doubt the scorers should be consulted. In addition, the Committee is disappointed that neither scorer raised this issue, which had it been realised could have immediately brought it to the captain’s attention. We believe the scorers have a responsibility in this regard to rule off vertically in the appropriate column of the scorebook the bowler’s restriction of 12 overs.

Simon Taylor impressed the Committee with his open and frank account of his involvement in the matter. He accepted he’d had a fair hearing and he was magnanimous in refusing to apportion blame to the officials.

The Judgement

Having considered all the evidence available in relation to this matter the Committee is enormously sympathetic to the situation the Spofforth captain has found himself in and there is no doubt that he has been badly let down both by the umpires and the scorers. However, we believe that ultimately it is the captain’s responsibility to ensure bowlers bowl their allotted overs and as a consequence we find that Spofforth did breach rule 22.2(d) and therefore award the match and the points to Great Preston.

 

Wetherby League Disciplinary Hearing
Date 12th April 2010

Committee
Tim Grogan (Chairman) Cliff Thacker and John Toes

Issues

Unofficial objection from Spofforth CC regarding Ryan Hercules, a player representing Shadwell CC, as a consequence of being a professional.

The Enquiry

This matter is dealt with as ‘unofficial’ because Spofforth CC did not accord with Rule 32.1 and accompany the objection they made with the requisite fee of £30. Notwithstanding this omission the matter was considered of such import that an investigation was pursued in the interests of the Wetherby Cricket League, the player and his parent club.

On Friday 9th April 2010 I received an email from Helen Heald, which she had in turn received from Darren Kavanagh of Spofforth CC. Essentially the evidence submitted by Spofforth CC was in the form of two newspaper articles entered onto the internet:
1. Kaieteur News dated June 7th 2009
2. Staboek News dated March 23rd 2010

The first article was examined by my Committee in 2009 as a result of another complaint; from a representative of Old Modernians. Enquiries regarding this article established that the writer, Sean Devers, had enhanced the material particular of his report in order to excite the interest of the readers of the newspaper. This was confirmed following an enquiry with Claude Raphael who confirmed Ryan Hercules was an amateur cricketer.

Claude Raphael is the Chairman of the National Selectors of the Guyana Cricket Board. He is a very well respected cricket administrator with close links to the ECB.

Soon afterwards the Old Modernians Chairman contacted me to withdraw his Club’s objection and apologised for the nature of the original objection.

Following Spofforth’s query I agreed, after consultation with Board members, to revisit my original investigation and as a consequence I can report as follows:

Regarding the first article from the Kaietuer News please see above

Regarding the second article; this item deals with the issue of 36 alleged professional cricketers from Guyana who visited Trinidad to take part in a cricket tournament. This report was commissioned by a staff reporter from the Staboek News. On closer inspection I established that of the 36 named cricketers named on the list only 14 are paid professional cricketers and once again the motivating force behind the article was to enhance the nature of Guyanese cricket in an effort to increase the circulation of the newspaper. This fact was again confirmed by Claude Raphael.

It is important to understand that the Kaietuer News and the Staboek News are privately owned South American Newspapers based in Guyana. They are close competitors and seek to increase their readership with articles concerning cricket which is much loved sport in that country.

In addition to communicating with Claude Raphael I was made aware of Savitri Persaud who is employed by the Guyana Cricket Board as an administrator. It is Savitri’s job to endorse the passports of cricketers leaving Guyana to establish the precise nature of their accreditation and qualification. The reason for this is because the current regulations regarding the granting of a visa in that country have changed. The United Kingdom and Guyanese border authorities conduct close inspections of individuals who are intent on both leaving and entering their respective countries for reasons of recent heightened world tension.

I can confirm that Ryan Hercules has entered the United Kingdom on a “Sports Visitors Visa”. This entitles the holder to enter the country for 6 months as a recreational cricketer. In addition, the holder is not allowed to work under any circumstances. The other method he could have entered the country would have been on a “Professional Sportsman’s Work Permit” and his passport would have been endorsed accordingly. In the latter case his passport would necessarily have been endorsed to confirm that the individual was a professional cricketer. This has emphatically not been the case in respect of Mr Hercules.

Ryan Hercules has informed my Committee that he has never during any season been engaged by any Club as a player or coach in return for any remuneration. His flight was paid for by his family and his kit and keep are paid for by family members based both at home in Guyana and here in Yorkshire. His father is a Guyanese Police Superintendent and his cousins are qualified Doctors living in North Leeds.

My Committee is resolutely of the opinion that Ryan Hercules is not a professional cricketer and I hope this exhaustive enquiry has now put an end to both the genuine enquiries of certain individuals and the underhand sniping from the sidelines and the petty jealousies exercised by others who should know better. It should be stressed that any further objections regarding players will be required to be accompanied by the prerequisite sum or be discontinued at source.

Wetherby Cricket League Appeal Hearing
ScholesCC

Appeals Committee
Andrew Clews (Chair) sitting with Mike Allison and Bob Procter

Issues

In accordance with rule 32.1 an appeal was made by Scholes CC against penalties previously applied by the Disciplinary Committee of The Wetherby Cricket League.

Hearing

The Committee were presented with the grounds for the appeal along with supporting evidence and statements by officials of Scholes CC.
All issues surrounding this matter were thoroughly examined and relevant documents reviewed, after which the committee found as follows.

The penalty imposed upon the Scholes Cricket Club failed to take into account the exemplary disciplinary record of the club and was therefore harsher than should have been the case.
This is notwithstanding the serious nature of the offence and the strong stance that the WCL is determined to take over the sporting, financial and competitive implications of the non fulfilment of fixtures.
As a result the Appeals Committee decision was to reduce the punishment.

Judgement

The imposition of the 12 point penalty levied on the 1st XI is revoked and no points will be deducted.
Confirmation of relegation of the Scholes 2nd XI to Division 6 of the WCL
Scholes 2nd XI to commence season 2010 on minus 6 points
Scholes CC to place a £500 bond with the WCL by 31/12/2009 to be in place for 1 season
Should Scholes CC fail to fulfil 3 fixtures during the 2010 season the bond will be forfeit as would be the place of the club in the WCL.

The WCL now consider this matter closed and look forward to the successful participation of the Scholes club in the 2010 season,

 

Wetherby Cricket League Appeal Hearing
Church Fenton CC

Appeals Committee
Andrew Clews (Chair) sitting with Mike Allison and Bob Procter

Issues

In accordance with rule 32.1 an appeal was made by Church Fenton CC against penalties previously applied by the Disciplinary Committee of The Wetherby Cricket League.

Hearing

The Committee were presented with the grounds for the appeal along with supporting evidence and statements by officials of Church Fenton CC.
All issues surrounding this matter were thoroughly examined and relevant documents reviewed, after which the committee found as follows.

The penalty imposed upon the Church Fenton Cricket Club failed to take into account the exemplary disciplinary record of the club and that Church Fenton had co-operated with the WCL throughout their undoubted difficulties.
As a result it was felt that the punishment was harsher than should have been the case.
This is notwithstanding the serious nature of the offence and the strong stance that the WCL is determined to take over the sporting, financial and competitive implications of the non fulfilment of fixtures.
However the Appeals Committee decision was to reduce the punishment.

Judgement 

The imposition of the 12 point penalty levied on the 1st XI is revoked and no points will be deducted
Confirmation of re-entry of the Church Fenton 2nd XI to Division 6 of the WCL
Church Fenton CC to place a £500 bond with the WCL by 31/12/2009 to be in place for 1 season
Should Church Fenton CC fail to fulfil 3 fixtures during the 2010 season the bond will be forfeit as would be the place of the club in the WCL.

The WCL now consider this matter closed and look forward to the successful participation of the Church Fenton club in the 2010 season,
 

 

Wetherby League Disciplinary Meeting
Wednesday and Thursday 14th/15th October 2009.

Committee
Tim Grogan (Chairman) sitting with John Toes and Cliff Thacker.

Issues

1. Complaint by umpire (Mohammed Taj) during a game between St Chad and Leeds Police second teams on Tuesday 16th June 2009: in terms of St Chads second team variously, disputing an umpires decisions, directing abusive language and gestures towards an umpire and of a player showing dissent by breaking the wicket upon being dismissed, which concern breaches of the spirit of the game.

Hearing

The issues surrounding this matter were thoroughly examined and statements were obtained from all relevant parties, including both captains and the other appointed umpire.

The investigation was unable to establish that any of the allegations could be proved beyond reasonable doubt. In particular it was found that the incidents described were vague and unspecific. In addition that reporting procedures had not been complied with.

Judgement

Accordingly, the decision of this Committee is that no further action be taken.

 

2. Complaint by umpire (Andy Jankowicz) during a game between Great Preston and Wetherby first teams on Sunday 5th July 2009: in terms of Ian Twitchen (Wetherby) disputing an umpires decision and showing dissent, which concern breaches of the spirit of the game.

Hearing

The issues surrounding this matter were thoroughly investigated and statements were obtained from all relevant parties, including both captains.

This investigation established that Ian Twitchen was clearly blameworthy in breaching the spirit of the game. However, it is noted that upon being warned regarding his behaviour he did make efforts to offer an apology. This matter therefore involves a straightforward breach of spirit of the game.

Judgement

Accordingly, the decision of this Committee recommend that a letter be sent to the secretary of Wetherby Cricket Club warning Ian Twitchen as to his future conduct in relation to breaching the of the spirit of the game.

 

3. Complaint by umpire (John Broadbent) during a game between Scarcroft and Wetherby first teams on Saturday 11th July 2009: in terms of Grant Galloway from Rufforth in terms of disputing an umpire’s decision and directing abusive language towards an umpire, which concern breaches of the spirit of the game.

Hearing

The issues surrounding this matter were thoroughly examined and statements were obtained from all relevant parties. The investigation was particularly impressed with the frank and open report of Andy Twitchen, the captain of Wetherby, which included the fact that Grant Galloway accepted that he had breached the spirit of the game.

However, this matter did raise serious issues and this Committee is satisfied that there is no doubt that Grant Galloway did breach the spirit of the game and that his conduct towards the umpire was abusive and intimidatory.

Judgement

Accordingly, the decision of this Committee is to recommend that Grant Galloway is suspended from playing cricket until May 3rd 2010.

 

4. Complaint by umpire (Ray Osborne) during a game between Thorner and Kippax first teams on Saturday 11th July 2009: in terms of Massood Ahmed (Thorner) disputing and umpire’s decision, which concerns of a breach of the spirit of the game.

Hearing

The issues surrounding this matter were thoroughly examined and statements were obtained from all relevant parties. The investigation was particularly impressed with a report it received from David Clark (Thorner secretary) which clearly demonstrated that this issue had been dealt with appropriately and firmly by the club.

Judgement

Accordingly, the decision of this Committee recommend that a letter be sent to the secretary of Thorner Cricket Club warning Massood Ahmed as to his future conduct in relation to breaching the of the spirit of the game.
5. Complaint from Whixley regarding the conduct of East Keswick during a game between Whixley and east Keswick first teams on Saturday 25th July 2009: in terms of a delayed start to the game, a substitute umpire acting impartially, captain failing to control his players and disputing the decisions of the umpire.

Hearing

This complaint was made by the club secretary of Whixley and the issues surrounding the matter were thoroughly examined and statements were obtained from all relevant parties. The investigation was particularly impressed with the response of the east Keswick club which dealt with the issues raised internally.

Judgement

Accordingly, the decision of this Committee recommend that a letter be sent to the secretary of East Keswick Cricket Club warning the following players as to their future conduct: the captain, Faheem Malik, for failing to control his players; Billal Shahid, Adil Saheed and Sujhat Riaz for individually breaching the spirit of the game.

6. Complaint from Chairman of Senior Cricket regarding the conduct of Wetherby Cricket Club’s second team in playing unregistered players.

Hearing

This complaint was made by the Chairman of senior Cricket who reported the following detail believing that Wetherby Cricket Club had indulged in cheating:

(i) On the 30th May 2009 Wetherby A played Old Leodians A and disclosed one of their players as Naseem Aslam. On 15th July the club contacted the registration’s secretary to formally register the player as a consequence of his transfer from Batley Cricket Club. The matter was investigated by the Senior cricket Committee and Wetherby were fined £25 and all points were awarded to their opponents.
(ii) On the 8th August 2009 Wetherby A played Little Ribston first team and disclosed one of their players as Richard Beck. As a consequence of suspicions being raised regarding this player’s correct identity, when he was variously identified as Richard Beck, Richard Black or just plain Adam, the matter was reported. The player was formally identified as Adam Wilkinson and Wetherby were again fined £25 and all points accrued were awarded to their opponents.

The issues surrounding this matter have been thoroughly investigated and this Committee is grateful for the frank and forthcoming statement of the Wetherby Cricket Club Secretary, Simon Stone.

Judgement

However, this matter does raise serious issues and we find that Wetherby Cricket Club did indulge in cheating which is contrary to the spirit of the game. Accordingly the decision of this Committee is as follows:

1 Wetherby A begin season 2010 with a points deduction of 12 points
2 Wetherby Cricket Club be fined £100
3 Wetherby Cricket Club be warned as to their future conduct in respect of all the issues raised at this Disciplinary Meeting which concerned breaches of spirit of the game regarding disputing umpire’s decisions, showing dissent, showing abuse towards an umpire and indulging in cheating.
 

 

 

Wetherby League Disciplinary Hearing
Friday 5th June 2009.

Committee
John Toes (Chairman) sitting with Barry Beal and Cliff Thacker.

Issues

Complaint from Church Fenton CC, subsequently supported by umpires Michael Aston and Malcolm Graham regarding the conduct of Barwick CC first eleven during a match between the sides on Saturday 25th April 2009. The allegation concerned; disputing an umpire’s decision, directing abusive language at an opponent and generally bringing game into disrepute.

The Judgement

This matter involved a straight forward breach of the spirit of cricket in the form of disputing an umpire’s decision, directing abusive language at an opponent and generally bringing game into disrepute. In connection with this issue the Committee were impressed by the action taken by Barwick CC who warned a particular player as to his future conduct.

In dealing with this matter the Committee took full account of the written and verbal evidence presented by to them from a representative of Church Fenton, the umpires and representatives of Barwick CC. As a consequence the Committee is satisfied that the behaviour of some of the Barwick CC players fell below the standards demanded by the Laws of Cricket regarding the spirit of the game in terms of: respect for opponents, the role of the umpires and the traditional values of game.

The panel acknowledges that the umpires failed to take prompt and adequate action to address situations that developed during the game and a copy of this report is being made available to the Wetherby Association of Cricket Officials.

Having carefully considered all the available relevant material detail it is the decision of this Committee that James Swales (first eleven captain), Peter Bryant and Ian Jenkins be suspended from playing cricket for a period of two weeks but to suspend the operation of this penalty for the remainder of the 2009 season and only to implement it in the event of any further misbehaviour being proved against either one of them.

It is to be noted that the rules of the Wetherby Cricket League provide a right of appeal against the decision of the Committee which is given without prejudice.
 

 

Wetherby League Disciplinary Meeting
Tuesday 21st April 2009.

 

Issues

Complaint from Chairman of Senior Cricket Committee regarding Bramhope CC first eleven playing an unregistered player in a match against Old Leo’s CC first eleven on Saturday 18th April 2009.

Investigation is requested to consider:
1. Whether this action constituted cheating or sharp practice contrary to the spirit of the game
2. Whether the punishment of a £25 fine and a deduction all points from the game was sufficient punishment in all the circumstances

The judgement

Ostensibly this matter involved a straightforward breach of rule 18.5 for which rule 20.1 imposes a fine of £25 and a deduction of all points accrued during the game.

However, there was a suggestion this action could have breached the spirit of the game which is covered in the Laws of Cricket (Preamble 5, which states; it is against the spirit of the game: to indulge in cheating or any form of sharp practice). In this case rule 7.2 allows the punishment to be increased to suit the gravity of the offending.

A Disciplinary Panel sat to deliberate the issues involved and considered all material detail available which included a letter from an official of Bramhope CC outlining the circumstances that led to the rules being breached.

The Panel were impressed by the frankness and honesty shown by Bramhope and having assessed all relevant factors took the decision to allow the original punishment imposed by rule 20.1 to stand and that no further action is necessary in these particular circumstances.

 

Wetherby League Disciplinary Meeting
Tuesday 21st April 2009.

Issues

Complaint from Chairman of Senior Cricket Committee regarding Old Modernians first eleven playing an unregistered player in a match against Spofforth first eleven on Saturday 18th April 2009. Investigation is requested to consider:

1. whether this action constituted cheating or sharp practice contrary to the spirit of the game
2. whether the punishment of a £25 fine and a deduction all points from the game was sufficient punishment in all the circumstances

The judgement

Ostensibly this matter involved a straightforward breach of rule 18.5 for which rule 20.1 imposes a fine of £25 and a deduction of all points accrued during the game. However, there was a suggestion this action could have breached the spirit of the game which is covered in the Laws of Cricket (Preamble 5, which states it is against the spirit of the game: to indulge in cheating or any form of sharp practice). In this case rule 7.2 allows the punishment to be increased to suit the gravity of the offending.

A Disciplinary Panel sat to deliberate the issues involved and considered all material detail available which included a comprehensive letter from the Old Modernians secretary outlining the circumstances that led to the rules being breached. The Committee were impressed by the frankness and honesty shown by the Old Modernians cricket official and having assessed all relevant factors took the decision to allow the original punishment imposed by rule 20.1 to stand and that no further action is necessary in these particular circumstances.

Wetherby League Disciplinary Meeting
Thursday 10th July 2008.

Issues

Complaint from Umpire Trevor Dean regarding the conduct of Sammy Wainwright of Sherburn CC who confronted and abused an opponent and broke the wicket with his bat following his dismissal in a Wetherby League Round 2 Hare Cup match between Sherburn and Saxton on 22nd June 2008.
This behaviour is a breach of spirit of cricket and brought the game into disrepute.

The judgement

This matter involves a straightforward breach of spirit of the game in the form of directing abusive language to an opponent and bringing the game into disrepute by striking the stumps with a cricket bat.
The Committee were impressed by the prompt action taken by Sherburn CC. As a consequence a decision was made to take no action against the Sherburn captain as he had no opportunity to take control of events and that the Wetherby League endorse Wainwright’s ban until 26.7.08.
No further action is necessary in these particular circumstances.

Wetherby League Disciplinary Meeting
Tuesday 24th June 2008.

Issues

1. TABS non-payment of fines regarding withdrawal of junior cricket team from WJCL.

The Judgement

The decision of this Committee is that TABS be fined £25 for failing to fulfil a fixture on Thursday 1st May 2008 contrary to rule 21.

This Committee also feel that it is pertinent to report that the WJCL as soon as practicable prepare a constitution incorporating a list of clearly understandable rules, which can be justified to regulate all aspects of junior cricket.

2. Complaint of bringing the game into disrepute as a consequence of inappropriate behaviour involving U17’s cricket match between Crossgates and Caribbean.

The Judgement

The judgement of this Committee is that Caribbean won the game for the following reasons.
The bowler’s end umpire was in control of the last delivery and when he signalled a bye, having been satisfied both batsmen had made their ground, the game was effectively over.
The striker’s end umpire is unable to signal short run as a second run is not relevant.
In addition he cannot take part in the decision making of the bowler’s end umpire unless he is consulted.
He was not consulted, which meant Caribbean win the game.

Those present were informed that there was no excuse for either the poor behaviour during the game or the disorder that followed the final delivery, which undoubtedly stemmed from the umpires being unable to reach agreement regarding the correct decision.

Shaukat Ali and Chat Jheeta were informed that the behaviour previously outlined was wholly in breach of the spirit of the game.
It is therefore the judgement of this Committee that both sides were equally blameworthy for what was unseemly and inappropriate conduct.
The result is that both officials and both clubs be warned as to their future conduct.

3. Complaint from Rufforth in terms of directing abusive language towards an opponent in a Wetherby League Division 6 match between Rufforth second eleven and St Chads third eleven on 26th April 2008.

The Judgement

This matter involves a straightforward breach of spirit of the game in the form of directing abusive language to an opponent and showing dissent.
The Committee recommend that letters be sent to Alan Dobson (Captain), Aaron Smithson (Wicket keeper) and the club warning them all as to their future conduct in relation to breaching the of the spirit of the game.

4. Complaint regarding the behaviour of Paul MacDonald during a match between Oulton CC second eleven and Amaranth first eleven on the 8th June 2008 when the player showed dissent, abused the umpire and brought the game into disrepute by throwing his bat on no less than three occasions on his way to the pavilion.
The Judgement

It is the decision of this committee that in order to address the current situation firm action is required, as a consequence:

1. Oulton CC is hereby warned that should any person connected with either the administration, management or playing affairs of Oulton CC appear before this committee in any adverse capacity within the next three years the club will be expelled from all aspects of the Wetherby Cricket League.
2. Paul MacDonald is suspended from playing cricket for Oulton for any team until 22nd July 2008.
3. In addition your club is fined £100.
4. That captains associated with teams representing Oulton CC at all levels are reminded that they are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.
5. That no action be taken against the Captain, Paul Falkingham, as there is no evidence that he was ever made aware of this behaviour.

6. Complaint from Green Hammerton regarding the conduct of the Shadwell second eleven during a match against Green Hammerton first eleven on 7th June 2008 of dissent, directing abuse at an umpire and an opponent and generally bringing game into disrepute.

The Judgement

This matter involves a straightforward breach of spirit of the game in the form of directing abusive language to an opponent, challenging an umpire’s decision and showing dissent.
The Committee therefore recommend that letters be sent to Adam Elliott (Captain) and the club warning them as to their future conduct in relation to breaching the of the spirit of the game.

In addition the Committee became aware that this game began with Green Hammerton using a ball, which did not conform with WCL standards and was changed as a consequence after 18 overs.
Though this did not provoke the behaviour described and was not referred to in any way by the captain to diminish his culpability the Committee felt a letter should be sent to the club to remind them of their responsibilities in this area.