The recruitment and retention of umpires has become increasingly difficult and it is certainly not being made any easier by the regularly unacceptable levels of player conduct. Few people are willing to continually subject themselves to the childish behaviour and offensive language which is too frequently prevalent on and beyond the cricket field. All players can play a role in raising the general standard of umpiring and the level of experience within the Premier Cricket umpiring panel by lifting their personal level of behaviour and allowing the umpires to concentrate on those aspects of the game for which they are most responsible. Umpires have been instructed to take a firm stance on player misconduct, especially offensive language and disputing decisions. ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE STANDARDS EXPECTED BY CRICKET VICTORIA. ANY PLAYER CALLED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE TRIBUNAL CAN EXPECT LITTLE SYMPATHY AND, IF FOUND GUILTY, AN APPROPRIATE PENALTY. It is the responsibility of everyone involved with Premier cricket — club officials, team captains and especially the players — to ensure that the levels of conduct and sportsmanship traditionally inherent in the game are maintained. 9
REPORTED PLAYERS An umpire may lodge a report with CV Management of any player, official, member or employee of any Premier Club who engages in any behaviour against the Spirit of Cricket or Code of Conduct or MCC Laws of Cricket. Upon receipt of a report lodged by an umpire CV Management shall, on behalf of CV. a)
(i) lay a charge against the reported player for behaviour against the Spirit of Cricket or Code of Conduct or MCC Laws of Cricket; (ii) notify the reported player’s club that a charge has been made against the reported person; and
(iii) nominate the date and time of the hearing of that charge or
b)
In consultations with the CV Tribunal, offer a reported player a one-match suspension with out a hearing.
The acceptance of a penalty of suspension from playing in one CV match shall be lodged in writing with CV Management not later than 12.00pm on the day after CV Management has made such an offer to the reported player or the player’s club. If a notice of acceptance is not properly lodged the CV Tribunal may elect to hear the charge. 10
CV RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS HARRASSMENT POLICY Cricket Victoria is strongly committed to ensuring that all Club Players, officials and members, umpires and other representatives are able to participate in cricket in an environment free of racial and religious harassment. Racial or religious harassment at any level of our cricket, both on and off the field of play, will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Club officials and members have a responsibility to create and maintain a playing environment in which participants feel comfortable and where people respect and tolerate the rights, views and opinions of others. For more information, refer to the Cricket Victoria website (under “Member Protection Policy), where the complete policy and procedures appear.
11
CV SMOKE POLICY Cricket Australia has released Smoke Pollution Guidelines in light of the effect of the bushfires that impacted parts of the country across the 2019/20 season. The guidelines are to apply nationally. In terms of the direct impact on Premier Cricket matches in Victoria, please note the decision to suspend play remains solely with the Umpires as it would for any other delay. Any delay due to smoke pollution is to be treated exactly like a rain delay - meaning DLS will need to be enacted in shorter format matches. Clubs also should consider the impact on training sessions using these guidelines. Please familiarise yourself thoroughly with this and advise your teams to be prepared should matches be delayed or cancelled as a result.
53