You may be aware of a lot of discussion in the national press and also at umpires meetings about the increase in bad behaviour on the cricket pitch. Although not a major problem in our leagues, or with our club, this sort of atmosphere has put some people off playing competitive cricket.

Below are some links to some of the articles which suggest a yellow and red card system. Hopefully at Elstead we won’t face any issues, but the committee has asked me to make our position clear as we don’t want anyone leaving Elstead CC for this reason.

https://www.lords.org/news/2016-2/february/mcc-to-trial-red-cards-for-bad-behaviour
http://static.ecb.co.uk/files/2703-nfc-disciplineregs-2011-p311-326-lr-11505.pdf

We want cricket to be played in a competitive spirit. A bit of light hearted banter with your players and with the opposition is part of the game.

However, there is no excuse for:
- Using threatening or aggressive language or behaviour towards an umpire or another player. This, of course, includes racist or sexist remarks.
- Aggressive words, “sledging” or gestures where the aim is to upset or put off another player.
- Showing dissent at the umpire’s decision – they are bound to make mistakes from time to time, so just get over it!
- Deliberately making the wrong decision when umpiring in order to favour your team – even if you feel the opposition have done this, we don’t want to be part of this.
- Abuse of cricket ground, equipment or fixtures.

Let’s just remember that it is only a game!

If you have any comments on this subject please let Charles Bowman our league umpire know so that they can be fed into the umpire’s meetings.