Appendix 1 CODE OF CONDUCT
The Mercantile Cricket Association is primarily interested in playing its matches within the spirit and traditions of the game. To play within the ‘spirit of the game’, the Association relies on Club officials and Captains to recognise the responsibilities of their positions, on Players to accept the umpire’s decisions, and on Umpires to perform their duties professionally.
The specific areas of concern and those unacceptable in the MCA are:
1. Captains failing to control their players - Captains are responsible at all times under the Laws of Cricket for the behaviour of their players, and are obligated to ensure that the scenarios below are kept out of our game. If misbehaviour does occur, it is the responsibility of the captains to take swift action to control the players.
2. The generation of an unpleasant atmosphere – when allowed to develop over an extended period, usually as an attempt to intimidate the umpire or opposition players, or as an ongoing expression of dissatisfaction with the state of the match.
3. Racial and religious slurs - derogatory comments or slurs about a player's race or religion have no place at a cricket match and offenders will be liable for serious penalties.
4. Questioning or disputing an umpire’s decision or failing to follow the umpire’s instructions - This is often in an aggressive or sarcastic or argumentative or prolonged manner. This applies equally to dismissals and unsuccessful appeals, and to the judgement of no balls and wides, byes and leg byes, ground and weather and light rulings, the use of covers etc. Members of the batting side acting as umpires, at either end, are official umpires and should be treated accordingly.
5. The use of offensive language – generally as a disparaging remark to an opposition player, or to an umpire, or to a member of the public, or even as a loud expression of frustration or self-admonishment.
6. An excessive number of frivolous and ridiculous appeals – primarily aimed at pressuring and intimidating the umpire into a favourable decision.
7. The actions of the dismissed batsman - by word or action, in failing to leave the crease promptly on being dismissed, dissenting, lingering histrionics, equipment abuse on or off the ground etc.
8. ‘Send offs’ to the dismissed batsman – if made in an uncomplimentary manner by voice or action by members of the fielding side.
9. Persistent misbehaviour – players or clubs whose misconduct is reported to the Secretary more than once may be required to answer a charge of persistent misbehaviour.
10. Consumption of alcohol - players shall not consume alcohol during the hours of play.