League punishment will be swift

CRICKET: 

CENTRAL Lancashire League players who step out of line will be dealt with more quickly following the implementation of a tariff system of punishments.

The league’s annual meeting voted to accept new rules for next year:

Minimum one-match ban: Dissent at an umpire’s decision without using foul and abusive language.

Two matches: Dissent at an umpire’s decision using foul and abusive language.

Four matches: Verbal or written abuse towards opposition players or teams on any social media network site. Clubs may also be held responsible.

Deliberate physical contact with a team-mate or opposition player.

Six matches: Physical abuse of an umpire or league official. There will also be discretionary powers against captains should they fail to control players.

Level One offences will also result in automatic one-match suspensions should players offend three times.

These offences involve foul and abusive language; excessive or orchestrated appealing; premature celebration of wickets; advancing towards the umpire in an aggressive manner; gesturing or pointing towards the pavilion when a batsman is out; throwing of the ball at someone in a deliberate or careless way; obscene gestures or insulting comments; persistent questioning of an umpire’s decisions; a captain’s failure to take appropriate action to control players, and any action deemed to be outside the spirit of the game.