Disciplinary Procedures

The following sets out a summary of the Disciplinary Procedures adopted by the SHPCL. The League has adopted the ECB’s General Conduct Regulations, with some minor modifications. Details can be found on the League website, but apart from the process set out below, key changes of which all participants should be aware, are that participants now include spectators, as well EDI, (Equality, Discrimination and Inclusiveness).

In terms of the procedures, where an incident is to be reported, notification of such should be submitted to the Disciplinary Chair, George White, by text, (07968 349933), the evening the incident took place. The text should set out the level of the offence, (L1, L2, L3 or L4), the division, player, club name, a BRIEF sentence about the offense and the name of the person sending the text. The participant, (panel or non-playing umpire, captain, player or spectator), should then submit a report, (using the relevant Discipline form found on the League website), not later than 72 hours after the incident took place. The report should outline the incident only and deal with the facts.

Upon receipt of a Level 1/Level 2 report, the Discipline Chair will forward same to the participants club for their comment, which MUST be responded within 72 hours. The League would prefer Clubs reprimand offending participant themselves, advising the Discipline Chair as to their determination within this 72-hour period. Where the reprimand is deemed appropriate by the Discipline Chair, this will be posted on the Discipline Action Update and the matter, subject to the determined penalty being served, shall be considered closed. The participant submitting the report shall also be advised as to the outcome by email.

Should the Club not respond in a timely manner, (as in within the 72-hour time period above), or where the Discipline Chair deems the Club’s action(s) inappropriate, the Discipline Chair will, in the first instance reach out to the Club concerned to discuss the incident and a more acceptable outcome.

If a suitable outcome cannot be reached, the Discipline Chair shall anonymise the Discipline Report, circulating same, plus any mitigating submissions submitted to the Discipline Chair, to a panel of at least 5 unrelated, (to the club or individual(s) concerned), for their feedback. These individuals will comprise a mix of panel umpires, club chairmen, secretaries, captains, coaches/ directors of cricket and players. The Discipline Chair shall average out these responses to determine a penalty, which shall then be communicated to the Club concerned.

The relevant Club or respondent can either accept this determination, (in which case the matter shall be deemed closed once any adjudication has been served), or will have the right to appeal the findings of the above panel. Such an appeal must be submitted with 72-hours of the determination having been issued, with the appeal itself convened within 14 days. Details as to the process for such an appeal can be found on the League website. A payment of £250 must be remitted to the League within 72 hours of an appeal being requested. Please note however, if the club/respondent loses such an appeal, there is a good chance original determination will be doubled.

All Level 3/Level 4 incidents will automatically result in a hearing, (and appeal if necessary). Level 3/Level 4 hearings shall be convened within 14 days of the relevant report being received by the Discipline Chair, however, unlike Level 1/Level 2 citations, the respondent shall be suspended with immediate effect of the Level 3/Level 4 incidents having been reported to the Discipline Chair and the Club in turn having been advised of such by email by the Discipline Chair.

Disciplinary Chair: George White. Email: whiteg27@hotmail.com Tel: 07968 349933