News
Player Behaviour and Report Procedure
by Gary Hartman
Recently there has been communication to the SMCA advising of player misbehaviour. In all instances the information has been received by the SMCA well beyond the deadline imposed by the By-Laws. As much as we would prefer that these people be referred to the P&D this cannot be done if we are not advised in time.
In one case an official umpire was so upset by the treatment he received he refused to continue and only proceeded after some discussion. Unfortunately the umpire was relatively new, was likely flustered and upset and didn’t make a report in the timeline. There is a chance he won’t umpire again. There alleged treatment he received is not good enough.
Umpires, official and non official, are important parts of the game and always deserve respect. It doesn’t matter if a decision made is deemed correct or incorrect. It is all players responsibility to respect the umpire and the game.
In another report received racism has been alleged. The By-Laws state that vilification including but not limited too, racial, religious, colour, ethnic origin, cultural or severe personal nature is a serious offence. No matter what the By-Laws state respect of all people is just common courtesy and is demanded from all players and officials not only in our Association but in life.
The SMCA has the ability to deal with these matters but we must have the details by the deadline of 10pm on the day of the match. Clubs should have a structure where they discuss matters of concern after the match and of deemed necessary advise the Association Secretary before the deadline.
The Info for Committees advises…
The umpire, member of the opposing team, club official, Association Official or scorer shall make every effort to notify the captain and/or the alleged offending person verbally as to the nature of the report. Should the person making the report not be an appointed official umpire the details of the report must be submitted by a member of the club executive and be conveyed by phone to the Association Secretary by 10pm on the day of the match. A SMCA appointed official umpire shall advise the Umpires Advisor immediately after the match.
In the case of an official appointed umpire offer of a Prescribed Penalty
Any player offered a Prescribed Penalty by an official umpire may elect to accept the penalty for the offence which that player is reported. Should a player wish the matter to be heard by the P&D, notification should be made to the Association by contacting the Association Secretary (0419 948 762 or secretary@smcacricket.com) prior to 9.00pm on the day of play in which the player was offered the penalty. A lack of notification to the Association by the deadline will invoke the penalty for the offence, which that player was reported for.
Official Umpires should advise the Umpires Advisor of the Prescribed Penalty before 9pm on the day of play. He will submit the report to both the Secretary and Association Administrator.