1. Expectations
Waltham St Lawrence Cricket Club expects all members to uphold the highest standards of respect, integrity, and sportsmanship. Every player, official, and member must behave in a manner that reflects positively on the club and the spirit of cricket. Adherence to the club’s Code of Conduct is mandatory.
2. Common Offence Levels & Examples
Level 1 Offences (Minor)
- Showing visible frustration with umpire decisions
- Mild dissent, grumbling, or frustration without direct challenge
- Inadvertent improper language (not directed at individuals)
- Minor on-field arguments with teammates
Level 2 Offences (Significant)
- Verbally or visually arguing with umpire decisions
- Repeated dissent or refusal to comply with umpire/captain instructions
- Use of profane or offensive language directed at an individual
- Disrupting play through unsporting conduct
- Unsanctioned use of streaming/video to dispute umpire decisions
Level 3 Offences (Serious)
- Threatening, intimidating, or physically confronting umpires, players, officials, or spectators
- Discriminatory, racist, or abusive behaviour
- Repeated or aggravated bullying, harassment, or damaging conduct
- Attempting to engage umpires with footage/images during or after a match to dispute decisions
- Persistent, deliberate breaches of club, league, or safeguarding policies
Level 4 Offences (Grave/Unacceptable)
- Physical assault on any player, umpire, official, spectator, or club member
- Severe threatening, stalking, or abusive behaviour
- Serious racist, homophobic, discriminatory or criminal conduct
- Deliberate involvement in cheating, match-fixing, bribery, or corruption
- Gross breaches of safeguarding procedures or abusive/criminal activity
3. Assessment & Investigation
When a complaint or incident is reported:
- The club committee will promptly review all relevant information (reports, video, statements).
- Individuals involved will be notified and given an opportunity to respond before decisions are made.
- All investigations will be handled confidentially and fairly.
4. Outcomes & Sanctions
Level 1 (Minor):
- Verbal reminder and advice
- Written advisory notice if appropriate
- No formal sanction unless repeated
Level 2 (Significant):
- Formal written warning
- Suspension for 1–2 matches (or 2 matches with 1 match suspended)
- Mandatory education/training as needed
Level 3 (Serious):
- Immediate suspension (minimum 2–4 matches; longer if appropriate)
- Membership suspension or withdrawal for persistent offences
- Reporting to the league/ECB if necessary
Level 4 (Grave/Unacceptable):
- Immediate and indefinite suspension or expulsion from the club
- Automatic referral to the league, ECB, and/or authorities
- Police or safeguarding body referral if required
All sanctions are at the committee’s discretion and may be increased for repeat or aggravated offences. Suspended sanctions remain active for 12 months and may be triggered by further misconduct.
5. Appeals
Any player or member may appeal a disciplinary decision within 72 hours by submitting a written request to the Club Chairman. The committee will review appeals promptly; escalation to the relevant league or authority is available in unresolved cases.
6. Additional Principles
- The club favours education, guidance, and remediation before punishment where reasonable.
- All members are encouraged to raise concerns about conduct or behaviour with the Club Chairman or Welfare Officer.
- This policy is aligned to ECB and TVCL guidance and will be updated as required.
Contact:
For advice or concerns, contact the Club Chairman or Welfare Officer.
This policy is reviewed annually or following changes in league/national guidance.
Waltham St. Lawrence Cricket Club 