1.0 TITLE The League shall be called the Parker Building Supplies
East Sussex Cricket League (hereinafter referred to as "the
League").
2.0 OBJECTS The objects of the League are:
2.1 To promote, encourage and foster the playing of cricket,
interest in cricket generally and in particular in the County
of East Sussex.
2.2 To organise cricket on a competitive basis within the spirit
of the game.
2.3 To ensure that the ECB 'Code of Conduct' and the MCC 'Spirit
of Cricket' be observed at all times and these shall be deemed
to be incorporated into these rules.
3.0 MEMBERSHIP
3.1 Membership of the League shall be open to all clubs whose
grounds are within the County of East Sussex or adjacent thereto
which meet the criteria for membership laid down from time to
time.
3.2 Any club who plays in the first division shall be a member
of the Club Cricket Conference.
3.3 All clubs must at all times have a Club Welfare Officer
and must adopt and comply with 'Safe Hands' and all child welfare
policies laid down by the ECB and/or the Sussex Cricket Board.
3.4 All clubs shall be affiliated to the E.C.B. and the Sussex
Cricket Board.
4.0 ELECTION TO MEMBERSHIP Application for membership of the
League shall be made to the Hon. Secretary, in writing, not
later than July 1st, in any year and shall be considered by
the Committee as soon as is practicable thereafter. The Committee
shall either approve, reject or defer the application without
being obliged to give any reason for such decision. Any club
whose application is approved shall be eligible for election
at the AGM immediately following.
5.0 OFFICERS The Officers of the League shall be the Chairman,
Vice-Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Honorary
Fixture Secretary. The officers (except for the Vice-Chairman)
shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting from amongst
members of member clubs and shall be eligible for re-election.
No member club shall have more than one individual member as
an officer. There shall also be a Results Secretary who shall
be appointed by the Committee.
6.0 COMMITTEE
6.1 The affairs of the League shall be governed by a Committee
which shall consist of the officers elected at the Annual General
Meeting and six elected members from whom the Vice-Chairman
shall be elected by the Committee at their first meeting after
the Annual General Meeting. The six elected members shall serve
for a period of two years, three retiring each year by rotation
but those retiring shall be eligible for re-election. No member
club may have more than one individual member as an elected
member or as an officer on the Committee.
6.2 The Committee shall meet regularly to ensure the efficient
administration of the league, four members to form a quorum.
6.3 All decisions by the Committee shall be by a majority vote
with each member (including the Chairman or his deputy) having
one vote, in the event of a tie the Chairman shall have a second
casting vote.
6.4 The Committee shall have the power to co-opt any person
or persons either generally or for a specific purpose, or for
a specific meeting or meetings, either as a voting or a non-voting
member. The Committee shall further have power to fill any casual
vacancy arising during the year and to appoint sub-Committees
(except as set out in sub-paragraph 5 hereof).
6.5 There shall be elected at the AGM a playing conditions sub
committee (hereafter referred to as "The PCSC") consisting
of not more than ten elected members who shall come from different
clubs plus the league Chairman and league Hon. Secretary. The
elected members shall be elected for two years, half retiring
each year by rotation, but shall be eligible for re-election.
The PCSC shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman and shall
meet as often as is required. The PCSC shall consider any proposals
for altering Appendix A and any other matters referred to it
and shall report its findings and make such recommendations
as they think fit to the clubs with the notice of the AGM or
any SGM.
7.0 MEETINGS
7.1 The Annual General Meeting of the League shall take place
in November of each year. The Honorary Secretary shall give
not less than five weeks' notice, in writing, of the meeting
to member clubs. Any individual member of member clubs may attend.
The meeting shall transact the annual business of the League,
consider any alterations to the rules and Appendix A, deal with
any financial matters, including the fixing of the annual subscriptions,
and consider any other matter submitted to the Hon. Secretary
not later than the 1st September. No proposal for the alteration
of Appendix A shall be considered at the AGM or any SGM unless
it has been discussed by the PCSC and they have reported thereon.
7.2 A Special General Meeting may be summoned at any time by
the Committee, or on application to the Hon. Secretary in writing,
signed by at least four member clubs. The application shall
state the motion or motions to be submitted to the Special General
Meeting which shall be held within six weeks of the receipt
of the application. No other business will be discussed at such
Special General Meetings.
7.3 A quorum at any General Meeting shall be two thirds of the
member clubs and those clubs who have a 1st XI in the League
(including one team clubs) shall have two votes and all other
clubs one vote. In the event of a tie the resolution shall be
deemed to be lost. Resolutions altering the rules or for admitting
a Club to membership of the League shall require a vote in favour
of two thirds of those present. In the event of a quorum not
being present at a Special General Meeting, the resolution or
resolutions shall be deemed to be lost.
7.4 All clubs shall provide The Hon. Secretary with an Email
address and any notice required to be given to a club under
these rules or Appendix A shall be deemed to be given if either
sent by post to the nominated League Contact or by Email to
the Email address provided by that club.
8.0 FORM OF LEAGUE
8.1 All games shall be played according to the Laws of Cricket,
save where the same are inconsistent with the playing conditions.
8.2 The organisation and playing conditions are as set out in
Appendix A which shall form part of these rules.
8.3 The League tables shall be compiled in accordance with Appendix
A. In the event of two or more sides having the same number
of points, the position shall be decided by the greater number
of wins.
9.0 WITHDRAWAL AND EXPULSION FROM LEAGUE
9.1 A member club may give notice, in writing, to the Hon. Secretary
of its intention to cease to be a member of the League. Such
member clubs shall cease to be a member as from the 31st day
of October, immediately following the receipt by the Hon. Secretary
of such notice.
10.0 MODEL DISCIPLINE REGULATIONS The Model Discipline Regulations
("the MDR") issued by the ECB shall have effect subject
to the modifications set out below.
[The full wording of the The Model Discipline Regulations is
appended at the end of these Rules as shown on the website.]
10.1 In addition to paragraph 1 of the MDR any club which considers
that an individual or a club has failed to meet their obligations
to the League under the Rules or Playing Conditions thereof
or has done anything to bring the game of cricket or the league
into disrepute may make a complaint even if the conduct is not
in breach of paragraph 1 of the MDR. The Committee may also
initiate such procedure.
10.2 In paragraph 4.1 of the MDR Notice to a player shall be
deemed to be given if sent to the address of the Secretary or
League Contact of his club as set out in the League Directory
and in the case of a club to such League Contact or Secretary.
10.3 Sub-paragraphs 5.2.3 and 5.3.3 of the MDR shall be omitted.
10.4 The words "together with a deposit of £ to be
sent to the league" shall be deleted.
10.5 The following sub-paragraph shall be deemed to be incorporated
in the MDR:
"Any club suspended or expelled under these regulations
may appeal from the decision of the Appeals Committee to the
next Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting summoned
for this purpose; sub-paragraph 6.5 of the MDR shall be construed
accordingly."
11.0 FINANCE Each member club shall be required to pay such
Annual Subscription as is fixed by the Annual General Meeting,
on or before January 1st in each year. An audited account for
the year ended 30th September shall be prepared and presented
to member clubs at the Annual General Meeting. An Honorary Auditor
shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
12.0 DISSOLUTION In the event of the League being dissolved
any funds held by the League shall be paid to the benefit of
cricket to such organisation or organisations as the Committee
holding office immediately prior to dissolution shall in their
discretion think fit.
MODEL
DISCIPLINE REGULATIONS
1. ECB CODE OF CONDUCT AND SPIRIT OF CRICKET
1.1 Code of Conduct
1.1.1 The ECB is committed to maintaining the highest standards
of behaviour and conduct. This Code of Conduct incorporates
the Spirit of Cricket, as set out below. It applies to all
matches played under the auspices of the ECB and may be applied
to cricket in general.
1.1.2 The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring
that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well
as within the Laws.
1.1.3 Players and team officials must at all times accept
the umpire's decision. Players must not show dissent at the
umpire's decision or react in a provocative or disapproving
manner towards another player or a spectator.
1.1.4 Players and team officials shall not intimidate, assault
or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, another player
or a spectator.
1.1.5 Players and team officials shall not use crude and/or
abusive language (known as "sledging") nor make
offensive gestures or hand signals nor deliberately distract
an opponent.
1.1.6 Players and team officials shall not make racially abusive
comments nor indulge in racially abusive actions against fellow
players, officials, members and supporters. Clubs must operate
an active open door membership policy whilst respecting player
qualification regulations and welcome players/members irrespective
of ethnic origin.
1.1.7 Players and team officials shall not use or in any way
be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.
1.1.8 Clubs must take adequate steps to ensure the good behaviour
of their members and supporters towards players and umpires.
1.2 Spirit of Cricket
Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the
fact that it should be played not only within its Laws, but
also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen
to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. The
major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play
rests with the captains.
1.2.1 There are two Laws which place the responsibility for
the team's conduct firmly on the captain.
Responsibility of Captains
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that
play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as
within the Laws.
Player's Conduct
In the event of any player failing to comply with the instructions
of an umpire, criticising his decision by word or action,
showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might
bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall
in the first place report the matter to the other umpire and
to the player's captain, requesting the latter to take action.
1.2.2 Fair and Unfair Play
According to the Laws the umpires are the sole judges of fair
and unfair play. The umpires may intervene at any time, and
it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where
required.
1.2.3 The umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of:
o Time wasting
o Damaging the pitch
o Dangerous or unfair bowling
o Tampering with the ball
o Any other action that they
consider to be unfair.
1.2.4 The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:
o Your opponents
o Your own captain and team
o The role of the umpires
o The game's traditional values
1.2.5 It is against the Spirit of the Game:
o To dispute an umpire's decision
by word, action or gesture
o To direct abusive language
towards an opponent or umpire
o To indulge in cheating or any
sharp practice, for instance
a) appeal knowing the batsman is not out
b) advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when
appealing
c) seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment
with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise
of enthusiasm and motivation of one's own side.
1.2.6 Violence
There is no place for any act of violence on the field of
play.
1.2.7 Players
Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct
of a cricket match. Every player is expected to make an important
contribution to this.
1.3 Failure to comply with the provisions of this Paragraph
1 may lead to disciplinary action, irrespective of an alleged
breach being related to a match not under the jurisdiction
of the League.
REGULATIONS FOR CRICKET LEAGUES
2 Aims and Jurisdiction
These regulations shall apply to any player who plays for
any club at any level under the auspices of the ECB and are
intended to provide assistance and uniformity to all Clubs
and Leagues in dealing with any alleged breach of the ECB
Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket (Paragraph 1).
It is intended that any breach of Paragraph 1 should in the
first instance be dealt with by the player's club who shall
notify the Secretary of the League of the result of any action
taken against its player.
3 Procedure
3.1 Any alleged breach of Paragraph 1 above shall be notified
in writing (to be known as 'a Complaint') to the Secretary
of the League.
3.2 Any complaint so initiated must be referred to the Chairman
of the League or the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Committee.
3.3 Upon receipt of such complaint, and as soon as reasonably
practicable, the Chairman of the League or of the League Disciplinary
Committee shall consider the complaint and resolve either:
3.3.1 To take no action except to record the complaint and
notify the club; or
3.3.2 To endorse the disciplinary action taken by the club;
or
3.3.3 To refer the matter for a Disciplinary Hearing which
shall be convened by the Chairman of the League or of the
League Disciplinary Committee as soon as practicable.
4 Disciplinary Hearing
4.1 In any case which is referred for a Disciplinary Hearing,
at least seven days' notice in writing of the hearing and
of the offence(s) alleged shall be given to the player, or
in the case of a club, its Secretary.
4.2 The Chairman of the League or of the League Disciplinary
Committee shall convene a hearing as soon as is practicable
and in any event within 21 days of the decision to refer.
Any adjournments may be granted at the discretion of the Chairman
of the Disciplinary Hearing.
4.3 The player and club shall be entitled to attend the hearing,
state their case (in the case of a club by its Secretary or
other official), to be supported by a colleague and to call
witnesses.
4.4 The Hearing shall be conducted by the Disciplinary Committee
of the League which shall consist of not less than three persons,
none of whom shall be connected with the player, the club
or their opponents at the time of the alleged breach.
5 Penalties
5.1 If at the hearing the Disciplinary Committee finds the
alleged offence proved it shall have the power to impose one
or more of the following penalties, together with such order
as to costs as it deems appropriate:
5.2 In the case of a player:
5.2.1 To require the player to submit appropriate letter(s)
of apology within a specified time.
5.2.2. To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future
conduct.
5.2.3 To impose a fine.
5.2.4 To suspend the player for one or more matches, or for
a stated period of time.
5.2.5 To deduct League points from the player's team.
5.2.6 To expel the player from the League.
5.3 In the case of a club:
5.3.1 To require the club to submit appropriate letter(s)
of apology within a specified time.
5.3.2 To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future
conduct.
5.3.3 To impose a fine.
5.3.4 To deduct League points from the club's team(s)
5.3.5 To relegate to any lower division of the League.
5.3.6 To expel the club from any competition of the League.
5.3.7 To expel the club from the League.
5.4 The Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to suspend
the operation of any part, or all, of the penalty it imposes
for such period and subject to such terms and conditions it
deems appropriate.
5.5 Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee (a finding that
a complaint is proved or not proved or a decision on penalty)
shall be by majority vote; where necessary the Panel Chairman
shall have a casting vote.
6 Appeals Procedure
6.1 A player or club shall have the right of appeal to the
Appeals Committee. Notice of Appeal setting out the grounds
must be given in writing to the Secretary of the League within
seven days of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee,
together with a deposit of £ (to be set by the League).
6.2 If Notice of Appeal is given the penalty shall not take
effect pending the hearing of the Appeal, which shall take
place as soon as is practicable.
6.3 The Appeal shall be by way of re-hearing before a different
Committee. The composition of the Committee shall be at the
discretion of the Chairman of the League or of the League
Disciplinary Committee and shall consist of not less than
three persons, none of whom shall be connected with the player,
the Club or their opponents at the time of the alleged breach.
The player or club shall have the same rights of attendance
and representation, and to call witnesses as they had before
the Disciplinary Committee.
6.4 The Appeals Committee may confirm, vary or reverse the
decision of the Disciplinary Committee and it shall have the
power to increase the penalty and award costs of the Appeal
hearing. Decisions of the Appeal Panel shall be by majority
vote; where necessary, the Chairman shall have a casting vote.
6.5 The decision of the Appeals Committee or, if no appeal,
of the Disciplinary Committee, shall be final and binding.
REGULATIONS FOR CLUBS
7 Internal Club Enquiry
7.1 The club of its own volition and without any need for
the receipt of a written complaint or other prompting shall,
where any alleged case of conduct which is not fair and proper
occurs as stated in Paragraph 1 above, or otherwise as the
club may think fit, forthwith convene an Internal Club Enquiry.
7.2 The purpose of the Internal Club Enquiry shall be to establish
the facts and, where appropriate, to take the necessary disciplinary
action so as to ensure that the club does not fail properly
to control or discipline its player or players and to ensure
that the club acts in a manner designed to protect the good
name of the club and of cricket generally.
7.3 Any player requested to attend such an Internal Club Enquiry,
or any Appeal therefrom, shall be entitled to be accompanied
at the Enquiry by a friend or other representative.
8 Penalties
8.1 If the Internal Club Enquiry finds the misconduct proved,
the club shall have the following powers:
8.1.1 To require the player to write letter(s) of apology
within a specified time
8.1.2 To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future
conduct.
8.1.3 To impose a fine.
8.1.4 To suspend the player's right to be considered for selection
by the club to play in one or more matches.
8.1.5 To suspend the player's membership of the club for a
period.
8.1.6 If the conduct constitutes gross misconduct the club
shall have the power to terminate the player's membership
forthwith.
8.2 The club for the same offence may, if it is thought fit,
impose more than one of the above penalties.
9 Appeals Procedure
9.1 The player shall have the right to appeal to the President
of the club or to the President's nominee for a review of
the findings of the Internal Club Enquiry and of the penalty
or penalties imposed.
9.2 The decision of the President or his nominee in all cases
shall be final and binding.
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