Code Of Conduct, Challenge And Disciplinary Procedures
The World Blind Cricket Council
Core Document Number 5.
June 2005
Written by:
Tim Guttridge – Vice Chairman, World Blind Cricket Council.
Trevor Vayro – Administrator and National Delegate, Australian Blind Cricket Council.
Geoff Smith – Secretary General, World Blind Cricket Council.
* In this document: He, His, Him, Player, Batsman and Fieldsman, all refer to both genders.
* Any conduct pertaining to drugs will be dealt with in accordance with the I.C.C doping policy.
1. CONDUCT
1.1 Traditionally, cricket has been the one sport to maintain and exhibit the highest levels of conduct and sportsmanship. While always a most competitive game, the continued strength of the sport has relied upon the acceptance of the umpire’s decisions and the preparedness to play within the “spirit of the game”.
1.2 It is the responsibility of everyone involved with the W.B.C.C and international blind cricket – national officials, team captains and especially the players, to keep to the levels of conduct and sportsmanship traditionally inherent in the game.
NOTES
1.3 Misbehaviour and misdemeanours are detrimental to the World Blind Cricket Council, its members and the game. Anyone found guilty of any mis-conduct can expect to receive an appropriate penalty.
1.4 If any W.B.C.C executive committee member is found guilty of any offence they may be removed from office.
1.5 If any individual member of the W.B.C.C Council is found guilty of any offence, they may be prohibited from sitting on council.
2. PENALTIES FOR BREACHES OF CODE OF CONDUCT
2.1 Penalties will apply for all persons and/or national members found guilty by the Challenge and Disciplinary Panel (C&DP) or the W.B.C.C Chairman’s Investigation Panel (CIP), in accordance with this document.
2.2 They may include:
Grade 1 Offence:
1 match suspension.
Grade 2 Offence:
Playing ban.
Non eligibility for office.
A suspension of country from competition.
Removal of an individual from office.
Removal of individual or country from council.
Grade 3 Offence:
An individual life time ban.
Expulsion of country from the W.B.C.C.
2.3 Other sanctions may be decreed as appropriate at the discretion of the presiding Panel.
3. THE CHALLENGE AND DISCIPLINARY PANEL (C&DP) AND CHAIRMAN’S INVESTIGATION PANEL (CIP)
3.1 The C&DP is responsible for dealing with all matters during world tournaments, The panel will normally comprise of :
3 Members of the W.B.C.C Executive to include the Chairman
1 Member of the Host Organising Competition Committee
1 Umpire
1 Match Referee
1 Ophthalmologist
1 Representative from each of the 4 W.B.C.C. Regions:
Atlantic
Asia
Africa
Oceania.
The Chairman of W.B.C.C. will chair this panel.
3.2
The CIP, is responsible for all conduct issues and challenge petitions, outside of competition, or during bi or trilateral competition. The Chairman will appoint this panel, the CIP, which is responsible for investigating issues reported to the W.B.C.C. Chairman.
The CIP shall consist of 4 members, including the Chairman.
3.3 The C&DP or the CIP, shall have the power and authority to act on all disciplinary matters including;
Breaches of rules of play,
Conduct on and off the field.
Sight classification and residential challenge petitions.
3.4 The W.B.C.C has the authority and responsibility to hear reports and to adjudicate on the said reports in accordance with it’s own rules.
3.5 The W.B.C.C may impose penalties for breaches of conduct outlined in this document and any other breach it may feel has brought the game and the W.B.C.C into disrepute
3.6 The C&DP’s or the CIP’s decision, must be based on evidence given, not prior reputation or information. All members must be unbiased.
4. UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT ON THE FIELD
4.1 The use of offensive language – generally as a disparaging remark to an opposing player or toward an umpire, or even as an expression of frustration or self-admonishment. This includes racial vilification or any act that is reasonably likely to threaten, disparage, vilify, offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or group based on race, religion, descent, gender, colour, nationality, ethnic origin or level of sight.
4.2 The questioning or disputing of an umpire’s decision in an aggressive or sarcastic manner. This applies equally to dismissals and unsuccessful appeals as it does to the judgement of calls on no balls, wides, etc
4.3 Excessive and/or aggressive appeals – primarily aimed at pressuring and/or intimidating the umpires into a favourable decision.
4.4 Inappropriate actions of the dismissed batsman in failing to leave the crease promptly on being given out, any equipment abuse e.g. banging the bat into the ground or against the fence etc, throwing the bat or equipment during or after his return to the pavilion.
4.5 Engaging in any form of violence involving another person – involvement in, or provocation of, any form of violence, fighting with or physically abusing any other person.
4.6 Any derogatory or slanderous remarks made to another player concerning their level of sight.
4.7 The W.B.C.C have two procedures for the reporting of unsatisfactory behaviour:
4.7.1 Serious breaches of behaviour will see the player or official immediately reported by the umpire(s) controlling the match, to the match referee. The match referee will report in writing, to the C&DP (during competition), within 1 hour of the end of play. In the case of a bi or trilateral series, the incident will be reported to the chairman of W.B.C.C by either the match referee or the match umpires within 24 hours. The chairman will appoint the CPI to Investigate.
4.7.2 For less serious breaches where an umpire has occasion to speak to a player or official regarding his behaviour, but does not believe a report is necessary, the incident will be noted on the umpire’s match report. Should a player or official be noted on three such reports during a competition, he may be called to appear before the C&DP (during competition), or the chairman of W.B.C.C (outside of competition), to explain their behaviour.
In both instances should a player be found guilty of an act of misconduct the individual shall be liable to receive a penalty as determined by the C&DP or the CIP.
All players and officials should be aware of the standards expected by the W.B.C.C.
5. UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT OFF THE FIELD
This section covers behaviour for players, officials and spectators off the field.
5.1 Reporting to any form of media, in a derogatory or slanderous manner which may cause offence or hurt to others which may bring the game or the W.B.C.C into disrepute.
5.2 Causing a disturbance with the use of offensive or abusive language to those around them to the extent of upsetting or offending.
5.3 Causing a disturbance whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and/or any violence caused by same.
5.4 Engaging in any form of violence involving another person – involvement in, or provocation of, any form of violence, fighting with or physically abusing any other person.
5.5 Any damage to premises or property.
5.6 Any sexual harassment
5.7 Any other offensive behaviour which may bring the game or the W.B.C.C into disrepute.
6. PROCEDURE OF REPORTING (ON FIELD CONDUCT)
6.1 An on-field protest can only be lodged to the umpires by the team captain. All on-field breaches of conduct must be reported to the match referee by the umpire’s within 30 minutes of close of play. The match referee must report to the C&DP, in writing, within 1 hour of close of play.
6.1 The umpire/s shall notify the captain of the reported party’s team of their intention to lodge a report, to the match referee.
6.3 The person or persons reported shall be notified by the C&DP, of a report, on the same day it has been lodged.
6.4 Where possible a report made during a competition shall be heard within 24 hours of the report being lodged.
6.5 During bi or trilateral competition, either the umpire/s or the match referee will report to the chairman of W.B.C.C. in writing within 24 hours. The chairman will appoint the CIP.
7. PROCEDURE OF REPORTING (OFF FIELD CONDUCT)
7.1 Any person or persons have the right to report any person or persons, whom they believe have acted in a manner, off the field of play, which is detrimental to the game and the W.B.C.C.
7.2 If a reportable offence occurs during competition, the person or persons making the report shall, within 24 hours of the alleged breach, submit their report in writing to the C&DP.
7.3 If a reportable offence occurs outside of competition, or during bi or trilateral competition, then the chairman of W.B.C.C must be notified in writing, within 24 hours, of the said offence. He will appoint the CIP.
7.4 Where possible, a report made during a competition, shall be heard within 24 hours of receiving the report.
7.5 Where possible, a report made out of competition, shall be heard within 1 week of receiving the report.
8. HEARING FOR ON AND OFF FIELD MIS-CONDUCT
8.1 The C&DP, shall invite the reported person or persons along with the person or persons lodging the report, to the C&DP hearing.
8.2 Both parties shall be entitled to call upon an advocate to attend the hearing with them.
8.3 Once the decision has been reached, both the reported and reporting persons shall be notified of the decision.
8.4 If a report is sent to the chairman of the W.B.C.C (outside of competition, or during bi or trilateral competition), the alleged breach will be heard, in writing, or telephone conference if applicable or possible, by the CIP within 1 week of a report being lodged.
8.5 Any judgement reached by the C&DP, or the CIP, even after appeal, will not alter or change the result of a game, or competition.
8.6 Any judgement reached and any penalty given by the C&DP, or the CIP, will stand and take effect until after an appeal has been heard.
8.7 Any Country or player may appeal to the C&DP or the CIP in writing, within 48 hours, of the panels’ decision.
9. CHALLENGE PETITION ON SIGHT CLASSIFICATION OR RESIDENTIAL STATUS
9.1 There has always been and will always be talk of players in our game being in the wrong sight category. We need a fair, across the board, procedure, that deals with disputes about players’ sight classification for the continued development and well-being of the international game of blind cricket.
9.2 The W.B.C.C have two forms of challenge:
Challenge Petition during a competition
Challenge Petition out of competition
GENERAL
9.3 The W.B.C.C secretary general must be in receipt and hold a valid W.B.C.C sight classification form, before any player may compete in any international competition.
9.4 All players must have and be able to produce their W.B.C.C sight classification registration card at any time, especially during a competition. Failure to do so will prevent any player from competing.
9.5 Cards will be issued to registered players on receipt of the W.B.C.C sight classification form by the secretary general of W.B.C.C
Cards will be valid for a two year period.
9.6 All competing countries must ensure that their players meet the residential status approved by the World Blind Cricket delegates at the Annual General Meeting held in Islamabad, Pakistan during October 2004.
10 CHALLENGE PETITION DURING COMPETITION
10.1 Any W.B.C.C member nation may enter a confidential challenge petition to the C&DP requesting the panel to investigate.
10.2 Any member nation that disputes any player’s sight category or residential status without adequate support or without sufficient cause may be sited under the W.B.C.C code of conduct and may incur sanctions against them or their national team for bringing the game into disrepute.
10.3 The challenge petition must be submitted in writing, via the match referee to the C&DP with a fee of £50 UK, or the equivalent in the currency of the nation, where competition is being held. This must be lodged, not more than 1 hour after close of play. This fee will be fully refunded should the challenge lodged be found in favour.
10.4 To enable all those involved to be treated fairly, information pertaining to any challenge petition, shall be treated as confidential by the C&DP and those involved. It may only be made public at the discretion of the W.B.C.C executive committee.
10.5 The C&DP may call for further outside medical experts during any investigation, if they deem it necessary.
10.6 The C&DP, will have the right to alter a player’s sight category should that be deemed necessary and/or take any other disciplinary measures as appropriate.
10.7 Any judgement reached and any penalty imposed, by the C&DP, will stand and take effect until after an appeal has been heard.
10.8 Any judgement made, even after an appeal, by the C&DP, pertaining to any, sight classification petition or residential status petition lodged , will not alter or change the result of any game or competition.
11. CHALLENGE PETITION HEARING DURING COMPETITION
11.1 The C&DP, shall invite the challenged player along with a representative from the country lodging the challenge petition, to the challenge and disciplinary panel hearing.
11.2 The player concerned shall be entitled to call upon an advocate to attend the hearing with them.
11.3 Once the decision has been reached, both the reported and reporting shall be notified of the decision.
11.4 Any country or player may appeal to the C&DP, in writing, within 48 hours, of the panels decision.
12 CHALLENGE PETITION OUTSIDE OF COMPETITION
12.1 Any W.B.C.C member nation may enter a confidential challenge petition to the chairman of the W.B.C.C in relation to any vision impaired cricketer, requesting an investigation into a player’s sight category, or residential status.
12.2 Any member nation, must have the support of at least two full member nations who will also treat the challenge petition as confidential.
12.3 Petition’s must be lodged in writing to the chairman of W.B.C.C., with a fee of £50 UK. The chairman of W.B.C.C. must be in receipt of this fee, in the W.B.C.C. bank account, before he will appoint the CIP. This fee will be fully refunded should the challenge lodged be found in favour.
12.4 To enable all those involved to be treated fairly, information pertaining to any challenge petition, shall be treated as confidential, and may only be made public at the discretion of the W.B.C.C executive committee.
12.5 The chairman of W.B.C.C will appoint the CIP, which he will chair. The CIP, will report their findings, within a 2 week period to the W.B.C.C executive. The chairman of W.B.C.C., will notify all parties concerned of their decision.
12.6 Any member nation or member nation’s player that disputes any player’s sight category or residential status without adequate support or without sufficient cause may be sited under the W.B.C.C code of conduct and may incur sanctions against them or their national team for bringing the game into disrepute.
12.7 The CIP, will have the right to alter a player’s sight category, should it be deemed necessary and/or take any other disciplinary measures as appropriate.
12.8 Any judgement reached and penalty imposed by the CIP, will stand and take effect, until after an appeal has been heard.
12.9 Any judgement made, even after an appeal, by the CIP, pertaining to any, sight classification petition or residential status petition lodged , will not alter or change the result of any game or competition.
13. CHALLENGE PETITION HEARING OUTSIDE OF COMPETITION
13.1 The chairman of W.B.C.C will notify the player concerned as soon as a challenge petition has been lodged.
13.2 The player will be given every opportunity to supply medical and other evidence to the CIP.
13.3 The player will be notified of the findings and decision of the CIP, by the chairman, within 2 weeks of the challenge being received.
13.4 Any country or player will have the right to appeal in writing to W.B.C.C chairman within 48 hours of the CIP’S decision.
14 PROCEDURE FOR ALL APPEALS DURING COMPETITION
14.1 Any individual or country, may appeal against a decision. This must be done, in writing, to the C&DP, within 48 hours of the said decision.
14.2 Where possible the appeal will be heard within 24 hours of receipt
14.3 Once the decision has been reached, both the reported and reporting shall be notified of the said decision.
14.4 Any judgement made, even if it has been overturned by an appeal, will not alter or change the result of any game or competition.
14.5 The decision after an appeal, will be final.
15. PROCEDURE FOR ALL APPEALS OUTSIDE OF COMPETITION
15.1 Any individual will have the right to appeal in writing to the CIP within 48 hours of the CIP’S decision.
15.2 The appeal process must be completed within 2 weeks of the written appeal.
15.3 Any judgement made, even if, it has been overturned by an appeal, will not alter or change the result of any game or competition.
15.4 The decision after an appeal shall be final.
WBCC
Core Document 5.