ECB DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
9 ECB Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket
9.1 The Alliance subscribes and adheres to the ECB’s Code of Conduct and
the Spirit of Cricket incorporated in it. In particular the Alliance requires
that the highest standards both on and off the field are observed in
keeping with the dignity and best sporting traditions of the game.
9.2 Member clubs and their players and officials must adhere to the ECB’s
Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket.
9.3 Clubs are responsible for ensuring that their players and officials
understand the Laws of Cricket, the NCB’s Disciplinary Code and other
relevant regulations.
9.4 It is intended that in the first instance any complaint relating to a breach of
the Code of Conduct or Spirit of Cricket by a player be dealt with by the
player’s club.
9.5 In any case where a complaint is reported to the Chairman of the NCB’s
Disciplinary Committee then subject to 9.7
(i) as soon as reasonably practicable he will send full details of the
complaint to the player’s club
(ii) request that the club investigate and deal with the complaint
within not more than 14 days from the date the complaint is
referred to them
(iii) explain that if the club considers the complaint proven then
provided it imposes a penalty in accordance with the NCB’s
Disciplinary Tariff currently in force ( see 9.13 below) the NCB
will take no action itself.
9.6 A club must ensure that any penalty imposed by it in respect of a
complaint referred to it under 9.5 takes effect no later than 21 days after
they receive details of the complaint under 9.5.
9.7 Nothing in 9.5 prevents the NCB through its Disciplinary Committee from
itself investigating and taking action in respect of the complaint if the
Chairman of the NCB’s Disciplinary Committee considers it appropriate to do
so or if the club so requests.
9.8 As soon as the player’s club has investigated and dealt with a complaint
referred to it under 9.5 it must inform the Chairman of the NCB’s
Disciplinary Committee in writing of its decision and the reasons for it.
9.9 The Chairman of the NCB’s Disciplinary Committee will then either
(i) endorse the disciplinary action taken by the club, in which case no
further action will be taken against the player in respect of the
complaint;or
(ii) if not satisfied with the action taken by the club refer the matter to
the NCB’s Disciplinary Committee to consider under its disciplinary
procedures.
9.10 The NCB will ensure that the Alliance is informed of any complaints
dealt with under any part of the above.
9.11 Nothing in the above will prevent the NCB Disciplinary Committee or
the Alliance taking action in respect of any complaint against the player’s
club or a non-playing official of a club if this is considered by it to be
appropriate.
9.12 References in this Rule to the Chairman of the NCB’s Disciplinary
Committee include any other person appointed by the NCB for the
purpose of exercising any of the relevant roles, in particular in any
circumstances where the Chairman is unable to act.
9.13 The NCB’s Disciplinary Tariff is currently
Dissent at umpiring decisions 7 days
Sledging, foul or abusive language to fellow player, club or
league official or spectators whether on or off the field 14 days
Foul or abusive language to an umpire 21 days
Threatening or aggressive behaviour, intimidation or
deliberate distraction of opponents 28 days
Incidents of physical assault or racial abuse 12 months
9.14 In applying the periods of suspension referred to in 9.13 (apart from the
last line) there must be disregarded any period after the end of the League
season and before the date which is 6 days before the start of the next
League season.
February 2009