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VDCA Disciplinary Committee

VDCA DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

The VDCA Disciplinary Committee is chaired by Mr Giles Deshon. Other Committee members will be appointed as and when required.

Notice of Disciplinary Committee hearings and their resultant findings will be published here.

Note that under the Memorandum of Understanding between Cricket BC, VDCA, and BCMCL, dated 2016 Apr 07, "any suspension applied by an appointed Disciplinary Committee of one of the parties named above shall be applied equally by the other parties to this Memorandum without recourse to the Disciplinary Committees of the other two parties."

VICTORIA AND DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Effective from March 6, 2019

 

 

INDEX

 

 

            1. Preamble

 

            2. Expectation of Participants

 

3. Vilification Code

 

4. Code of Conduct and the Spirit of the Game

 

5. Code of Behaviour

 

6. Application and Enforcement of Code of Conduct

           

 

            Appendices:

 

            A. The Spirit of the Game

 

            B. VDCA’s Social Media Policy

 

            C. Disciplinary Process for Application of Code of Conduct

 

            D. Disciplinary Process and Decision Matrices

 

            E. Penalties and Offences (General Guidelines only)

 

            F. Memorandum of Understanding

 

           

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

            1. Preamble

 

All players, supporters, spectators and officials participating at any ‘event’ under the jurisdiction or auspices of the Victoria and District Cricket Association (VDCA) or its affiliates, whether the event is at a field of play or away from it, shall be bound by and required to comply with all the provisions of this Code of Conduct of the VDCA and of the Spirit of the Game as set out in the current Laws of Cricket.

 

For this Code of Conduct and for the guidelines documented within this Code, the ‘course of play’ and ‘match’ shall include preparation before play, after play and at the field / park location. ‘Match officials’ shall include umpires, scorers and match referees. An ‘event’ shall include meetings and functions.

 

The lack of knowledge of the existence of this Code of Conduct shall not constitute an excuse for non-compliance.

 

 

2. Expectation of Participants

 

The VDCA has set down the following guidelines for all players, supporters, spectators, and officials at any ‘event’, as stated in the above preamble.

 

A. Umpiring Decisions:

Traditionally, cricket has been the sport to maintain and exhibit the highest levels of conduct and sportsmanship. The continued strength of the sport has relied upon the acceptance of the umpire’s decision and the preparedness to play within the “Spirit of the Game”, as stated in the Laws of Cricket (Appendix A). The umpire’s decision is final and should be accepted immediately, whether batting or fielding. A bowler or captain is entitled to ask the umpire why he turned down an appeal, but should accept his / her explanation, if one is given, and immediately play on. The use of offensive language, generally in the form of disparaging and abusive remarks to an umpire or repeatedly questioning an umpire’s decision, is not acceptable.

 

B. Walking:

Players are expected to walk if they are in no doubt that they have been dismissed fairly, even if there are no League or Club umpires present and the only umpires available are from their own team. Placing pressure on their team-mate, who is acting as umpire, can place doubt in the umpire’s mind and lead to unnecessary friction between the two teams.

 

C. Upon being dismissed:

The following actions are unacceptable: (a) failing to leave the crease promptly on being given out; (b) banging the bat on the ground on being given out; (c) throwing the bat on returning to the boundary or pavilion or (d) using audible foul language.

D. Control Emotions:

Playing and participation in the game is for your enjoyment and the enjoyment of the other players and spectators. No verbal or equipment abuse shall be tolerated.

 

E. Save Time:

When coming in to bat and between overs, avoid unnecessary conversation. Move back to your bowling mark and fielding positions without delay between deliveries. Pay attention to right-left batting combinations and anticipate changing your field positions accordingly. Play “ready-cricket”.

 

F. Respect Others:

Treat all players, spectators and property as you would like to be treated yourself. Encourage your team mates and opposition in showing respect to the views of both sides.

3. Vilification Code

 

No person who is participating in a match under the jurisdiction or auspices of the Victoria and District Cricket Association (VDCA) or its affiliates shall engage in any conduct, act towards or speak to or of any other person in a manner which offends insults, humiliates or vilifies such person on the basis of gender, race, religion, colour, descent or ethnic origin.


The captain of a team shall ensure that the players (including the person acting as 12th man) comply with the VDCA’s Vilification Code.

 

 

4. Code of Conduct and the Spirit of the Game

 

1   The VDCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and conduct. This Code of Conduct incorporates the Spirit of the Game (Appendix A). The Spirit of Cricket applies to all matches played under the jurisdiction of the VDCA and shall be applied to any cricket related activity either on or off the field of play.

 

2   The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the stated Laws of Cricket.

 

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 an umpire at any time.

 

4   Players and team officials shall not intimidate, assault, or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, another player or a spectator.

 

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.

 

6   Players and team officials shall not make abusive comments nor indulge in abusive actions, based on gender, race or religion, 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 gender, race or religious origin.

 

7   Players and team officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of performance enhancing and / or illegal substances.

 

8   Clubs must take adequate steps to ensure the good behaviour of their members and supporters towards umpires, opposing players and their supporters.

 

 

5. Code of Behaviour

 

No person bound by this Code of Conduct shall engage in disorderly conduct or improper behaviour. Disorderly conduct or improper behaviour is defined as, but is not restricted to, the following:

 

1.   Assaulting, attempting to assault, or abusing, either verbally or physically, an umpire, player or spectator.

2.   Disputing, as distinct from questioning, an umpire’s decision or reacting in an obviously provocative manner towards an umpire.

3.   Using crude or abusive language, hand signals or other gestures.

4.   Engaging in any form of conduct or behaviour detrimental to the Spirit of the Game (Appendix A) or improper use of social media as defined in the VDCA’s Social Media Policy (Appendix B) or likely to bring the game or the VDCA into disrepute.

5.   Refusing to supply a person’s name and / or the VDCA’s Player registration ID when required by a captain or official who is lodging a report.

6.   The captain of a team shall ensure that the players (including the person acting as 12th man) comply with the VDCA’s Code of Conduct. The captain of a team is in breach of the Code of Conduct if a player in his / her team engages in disorderly conduct or improper behaviour.

 

6. Application and Enforcement of Code of Conduct

  1. The Code of Conduct is applicable to all the games administered by the VDCA, including league and representative games, and any other ‘event’ under the jurisdiction or auspices of the VDCA either on or off the field of play.

  2. The VDCA’s Disciplinary Process (Appendices C and D) shall serve as a guide to the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee in dealing with infractions / breaches of this Code.

  3. The penalties documented in this Code of Conduct (Appendix E) are provided as general guidelines. Subject to the circumstances of each infraction / breach of this Code, the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee may impose penalties which are at variance with the guidelines stated and may impose fines on player or players in addition to or in place of penalties, if so deemed necessary.

  4. In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding dated April 7, 2016 (Appendix F), suspension penalties shall also apply equally to matches played under the auspices of the West Coast Cricket Organisation (Cricket BC) and / or of the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League (BCMCL) and vice versa.

  5. Any penalty or suspension applied to a player by the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee shall equally apply to the appointed captain of that team. This also applies to inter-city or composite team captains. Where that player is also the appointed captain of the team, any penalty or suspension shall be doubled.

  6. No player under probation or suspension shall hold any office in the VDCA until after the end of the probationary or suspension period. A player who is suspended or otherwise placed on probation shall not be permitted to attend or to vote on any proceedings of the VDCA’s Executive Committee or any sub-committees nor any meetings of the general body.

  7. Suspension penalties shall include suspension from all VDCA matches and all VDCA representative matches until the period of suspension is complete. The penalties shall apply to both regular season and playoff matches. Subject to the nature and seriousness of the infraction, the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee shall decide which format or formats of the game to which any suspension penalties shall apply.

  8. Suspension penalties shall also apply to VDCA registered players who may be selected for inter-city or inter-provincial matches.

  9. The VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee may in addition to, or as an alternative to any of the penalties, impose a period of probation not exceeding two years. Any subsequent offence committed while on probation shall be dealt with more severely. A period of probation can be added to any level of offence and is entirely at the discretion of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee.

  10. Penalties can be in the form of suspension from games, fines or both. Maximum penalties are intended to be reserved for the worst instance of a breach of the Code or when dealing with repeat offenders.

  11. The period of suspension shall be specified as a number of games and / or a period of time subject to the nature and seriousness of the infraction. If the suspension is not completed in a given season, the suspension must be carried over to the subsequent season(s).

  12. Unless otherwise stated in a decision of the Disciplinary Committee, the definition of a ‘scheduled match’ shall be (i) one game of scheduled duration of twenty-one (21) overs or more per side or (ii) two games of scheduled duration of twenty (20) overs or less per side.

  13. The President of the VDCA shall have the discretion to request that the Chair and/or the Secretary of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee communicate directly with the representatives of any applicable club and/or individual associated with a reported possible breach of this Code of Conduct in lieu of some or all communications referred to in this Code of Conduct from the Secretary of the VDCA. All such direct communications from the Chair and/or the Secretary of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee shall be copied to the President and Secretary of the VDCA.

 

 

 

APPENDIX A – The Spirit of the Game

 

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 of the Game brings disrespect to the game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.

 

1.         The Laws place the responsibility for the team’s conduct firmly on the captain.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. Player’s conduct

In the event that any player fails to comply with instructions by an umpire, or criticizes by word or action the decisions of an umpire, or shows dissent, or generally behaves 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, and instruct the latter to take action.

 

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.

 

3.         The umpires are authorized to intervene in cases of:

• Time wasting

• Damaging the pitch

• Dangerous or unfair bowling

• Tampering with the ball

• Any other action that they consider to be unfair

4.       The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:

            * Your opponents

            * Your own captain and team

            * The role of the umpires

            * The game’s traditional values.

                       

5.         It is against the Spirit of the Game:

• To dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action or gesture.

• To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire.

• To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance:

(a)        to appeal knowing that the batsman is not out;

(b)        to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing;

(c)        to 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.

 

6.         Violence

There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.

 

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.

APPENDIX B - VDCA’s Social Media Policy

 

The use of social media sites and electronic media including, but not limited to, Facebook, Google, MySpace, Twitter, the VDCA website and email are all forms of public domain communication. As such, users are fully responsible and liable for anything they state or represent on these sites.

 

The proliferation of information spreads very quickly through status updates, links in friend communications, etc. As such, all members of the VDCA have an important responsibility not to say or communicate anything untoward with respect to all of the VDCA (officials, players, clubs, umpires and committees) and its members or anyone associated with the conduct of playing cricket within the applicable leagues and community, ie the VDCA, the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League (BCMCL) and the West Coast Cricket Organisation (Cricket BC).

 

Such statements or communications include racist or vilifying comments, bad language, insulting comments, religious connotations or positioning, personal attacks or slander, personal comments relating to family or associated friends within the cricket community.

 

This behaviour not only reflects badly on the applicable individual and his / her club but brings the entire VDCA into disrepute.

 

The VDCA shall take very seriously any reported or discovered incidents which breach this policy as relating to social and electronic media communication.

 

The VDCA shall impose strict penalties on any applicable individual found to have breached this policy with respect to abuse and / or misuse of this form of communication in the public domain.

 

 

APPENDIX C - Disciplinary Process for Application of Code of Conduct

 

Introduction

 

  1. The Executive Committee of the VDCA shall, as soon as possible following each Annual General Meeting of the VDCA, appoint a Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee by a simple majority of the members of the Executive Committee of the VDCA present at that applicable meeting.

 

  1. The appointed Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee shall not be a member of the Executive Committee of the VDCA nor have a vote at the Executive Committee of the VDCA. The Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee may attend any meeting of the Executive Committee of the VDCA as an invited guest of the President of the VDCA or the chairperson of that meeting, as deemed applicable.

 

  1. The appointed Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee shall select other members of a Disciplinary Committee as and when deemed necessary to do so.

 

  1. The Disciplinary Committee shall comprise not less than three (3) persons, including the Chairperson. The composition of this Committee shall otherwise be at the total discretion of the Chairperson and may vary from time to time. Such persons selected to sit on this Committee shall not be named in any report of misconduct or alleged breach of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct to be considered by that Committee nor represent the applicable member club(s) of those concerned in any report of misconduct or alleged breach to be considered by that Committee.

 

  1. All member clubs and individual members of the VDCA shall have the right to file reports of possible breaches of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct. In addition, all members of the Vancouver Island Society of Cricket Umpires and Scorers (VISCUS) shall have the same right to report possible breaches. Such a ‘reporting’ person may either be playing in / officiating at the applicable ‘event’ when the alleged breach occurred or may be a spectator at such an ‘event’. Any possible breach of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct can also be reported by use of the completed match report for that applicable match.

 

  1. Where the VDCA is notified by the West Coast Cricket Organisation (Cricket BC) or by the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League (BCMCL) of decisions of the Disciplinary Committees of either of these organizations, the Secretary of the VDCA shall as soon as possible advise all member clubs of the VDCA of these decisions in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding dated April 7, 2016 (Appendix F).

 

  1. Any reference to days in this document refers to calendar days of the year.

 

 

Disciplinary Process – Stage 1

 

  1. Any alleged breach of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct must be reported in writing to the Secretary of the VDCA within a maximum of four (4) days of the completion of the applicable ‘event’ in which the alleged breach has occurred.

 

  1. The Secretary of the VDCA shall, on receipt, furnish a copy of any reported alleged breach of the Code of Conduct to the appointed Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee and to the appointed VDCA representative of the member club(s) whose member(s) is / are the individual(s) for whom the report of misconduct has been lodged. Such individual(s) shall include the team captain where applicable to the alleged breach of the Code of Conduct.

 

  1. The applicable member club(s) shall provide, to the Secretary of the VDCA and to the appointed Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee, a written reply to the report within a maximum of seven (7) days following receipt of the report of an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct.

 

  1. Following receipt of all the requested written replies from the applicable member club(s) or after the specified deadline for receipt of such replies has elapsed, the Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee shall review the information available and may deem that the alleged breach of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall not require consideration by a Disciplinary Committee and that no further actions are required.

 

  1. Accordingly, the Chairperson shall report this decision in writing to the Secretary of the VDCA and to the member club(s) concerned.

 

 

Disciplinary Process – Stage 2

 

  1. Following receipt of all the requested written replies from the applicable member club(s) or after the specified deadline for receipt of these replies has elapsed, the Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee shall review the information available and may deem that the alleged breach of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall require further consideration by a Disciplinary Committee.

 

  1. Accordingly, the Chairperson shall select a Disciplinary Committee as defined previously in this Process. In addition, the Chairperson may select a person to act as the ‘non-voting’ Secretary to this Disciplinary Committee.

 

  1. The Disciplinary Committee shall meet within a maximum of fourteen (14) days following receipt of the final of the written replies from the applicable member club(s) or after the specified deadline for the receipt of such replies has elapsed.

 

  1. The member club(s) concerned in such an alleged breach of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be advised of the date, time and location of the meeting of the Disciplinary Committee by the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee or by the non-voting Secretary to the Disciplinary Committee.

 

  1. Each person against whom the allegations have been made can be accompanied at this meeting by their team captain or a representative of their club. If the person accused of breaching the Code of Conduct is the team captain then that person can invite a representative of their club to attend. The Disciplinary Committee shall meet with each individual separately.

 

  1. The invitation to the applicable Disciplinary Committee meeting shall request that all attendees provide, at the start of the meeting, verified proof of full name(s) (family and given) and of date(s) of birth in order to correctly identify the applicable individual(s). Such identification documentation shall normally be in the form of a Government issued ID, such as a passport, driving license or citizenship card.

 

  1. A copy of this invitation shall also be sent to the Secretary of the VDCA for information purposes.

 

  1. If the person being accused of a breach of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct is unable to attend the specified date, time or location of the applicable Disciplinary Committee meeting then the member club(s) concerned must advise of this fact in writing to the Chairperson or to the non-voting Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee within a maximum of three (3) days from the date of issue of the meeting invitation. The member club(s) concerned must outline the reasons for declining this invitation and propose other possible suitable dates, times or locations for attendance at the Disciplinary Committee meeting.

 

  1. If the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee considers the reasons given to be genuine and reasonable, the member club(s) concerned shall be advised in writing by the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee or by the non-voting Secretary to the Disciplinary Committee of the revised date, time and location of the meeting of the Disciplinary Committee.

 

  1. The revised invitation to the applicable Disciplinary Committee meeting shall also advise that this rescheduled meeting shall proceed on the date and at the time and location specified regardless of the attendance or otherwise of any invited individual(s).

 

  1. A copy of this revised invitation shall also be sent to the Secretary of the VDCA for information purposes.

 

  1. At the start of the Disciplinary Committee meeting, the Chairperson shall seek confirmation of the identities of the invited attendees and seek confirmation that all invited attendees have read and understood the VDCA’s Code of Conduct.

 

  1. At the meeting of the Disciplinary Committee, the appointed Chairperson and the selected Committee members shall review the applicable documentation and hear, as appropriate, verbal submissions from the individual(s) attending.

 

  1. Within a maximum of four (4) days of completion of this Disciplinary Committee meeting, the Chairperson or the non-voting Secretary to the Disciplinary Committee shall notify in writing to the Secretary of the VDCA and to the applicable member club(s) concerned of the decision(s) of the Disciplinary Committee; the reasoning behind the decision(s) and any possible sanction(s) to be applied.

 

  1. Any possible sanction applied by the Disciplinary Committee becomes effective on the date of issue of this notification by the Disciplinary Committee.

 

  1. On receipt of the decision(s) of the Disciplinary Committee, the Secretary of the VDCA shall advise in writing and within a maximum of four (4) days, the decision(s) of the Disciplinary Committee to the elected officials of the VDCA; to all member clubs of the VDCA and to the Secretary of the Vancouver Island Society of Cricket Umpires and Scorers (VISCUS).

 

  1. Where the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee has decided on the imposition of any fine(s) on the applicable individual(s) and / or the applicable member club(s) concerned, such fines shall be payable to the Treasurer of the VDCA, within a maximum of 30 (thirty) days, from the date of issue of the notification of the decision(s) of the Disciplinary Committee by the Secretary of the VDCA.

 

  1. Where any sanctions have been applied, the Secretary of the VDCA shall also advise, in writing and within a maximum of four (4) days following completion of the timescales stated in the Appeals Process documented below, the decision(s) of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee to the Secretary of the West Coast Cricket Organisation (Cricket BC) and to the Secretary of the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League (BCMCL) in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding dated April 7, 2016 (Appendix F).

 

  1. The Secretary of the VDCA shall ensure that decision(s) of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee are added to the applicable section of the VDCA website.

 

  1. Any reported alleged breach or non-compliance (in part or in full) of the decision(s) of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee shall automatically be referred to the Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee for review in line with the Processes documented in this Code of Conduct.

 

 

Review Process – New Information

 

  1. Following the issue of the decision(s) of the Disciplinary Committee and within a maximum of seven (7) days, new or additional information with regard to the applicable breach of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct may be supplied in writing to the Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee.

 

  1. In order to be acceptable, such new or additional information must be substantive and relevant to the decisions made by the Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee and  / or the applicable Disciplinary Committee and shall not have been known or available at the time of the review of the originally submitted documentation of the alleged breach of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct.

 

  1. On receipt of this new or additional information, the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee may decide, as he / she sees fit, to review his / her previous decision(s) and / or reconvene a meeting of the selected Disciplinary Committee to review this new information and the previous decision(s) of the Disciplinary Committee, as applicable.

 

  1. The timetable and tasks for this ‘Review Process’ shall be as documented above for the Disciplinary Process – Stage 1 & Stage 2.

 

 

Appeals Process

 

  1. Should any member club or individual member of the VDCA wish to appeal a decision of the Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee or a decision of the full Disciplinary Committee, they must do so within a maximum of seven (7) days of the notification of the applicable decision(s) to the member club(s).

 

  1. For such appeals to be valid, the appeal must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the VDCA and specify the grounds upon which the appeal is based and be accompanied with payment to the applicable appeal fee for each decision being appealed.

 

  1. The applicable fee payable to the VDCA for each decision being appealed shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00). At the discretion of the VDCA’s Executive Committee, such amount may be returned to the appropriate party after the completion of the Appeals Process.

 

  1. Where an appeal is lodged, the sanction(s) applied in the decision(s) of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee under appeal shall remain in force until completion of the Appeals Process.

 

  1. The VDCA’s Appeals Committee shall be appointed by the President of the VDCA and shall comprise not less than three (3) members of the VDCA’s Executive Committee (which may include the President). No member of the Appeals Committee shall have been named in any report for the decision(s) under appeal nor have served on the applicable Disciplinary Committee nor have represented any of the clubs concerned in the decision(s) under appeal.

 

  1. The VDCA’s Appeals Committee shall, within a maximum of four (4) days from the date of appointment, set a date, time and location for this Appeals Committee to meet. Accoordingly, the member club(s) concerned in such an appeal shall be advised of the date, time and location of this meeting by the Secretary of the VDCA.

 

  1. Such a meeting of the Appeals Committee shall be held within a maximum of fourteen (14) days following receipt by the Secretary of the VDCA of the written appeal and receipt of the payment of the applicable appeal fee(s), whichever is the latter.

 

  1. Each person appealing the decision of the Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee or the decision of the full Disciplinary Committee can be accompanied at this Appeals Committee meeting by their team captain or a representative of their club. If that person is the team captain then that individual can invite a representative of their club to attend. The Appeals Committee shall meet with each individual separately.

 

  1. If the person appealing the decision is unable to attend the specified date, time or location of the applicable Appeals Committee meeting then the member club(s) concerned must advise of this fact in writing to the Secretary of the VDCA within a maximum of three (3) days from the date of issue of the meeting invitation.

 

  1. The member club(s) concerned must outline the reasons for declining this invitation and propose other possible suitable dates, times or locations for attendance at the Appeals Committee meeting.

 

  1. If the President of the VDCA considers the reasons given to be genuine and reasonable, the member club(s) concerned shall be advised in writing by the Secretary of the VDCA of the revised date, time and location of the meeting of the Appeals Committee.

 

  1. The revised invitation to the Appeals Committee meeting shall also advise that this rescheduled meeting shall proceed on the date and at the time and location specified regardless of the attendance or otherwise of any invited individual(s).

 

  1. At the meeting of the Appeals Committee, the appointed Committee members shall review the applicable documentation and hear, if applicable, verbal appeal submissions from the individual(s) attending.

 

  1. Such verbal appeal submissions shall only be permitted for new information applicable to this appeal and must be substantive and relevant to the decisions made by the Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee and  / or the applicable Disciplinary Committee and shall not have been known or available at the time of the review of the originally submitted documentation of the alleged breach of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct.

 

  1. Within a maximum of four (4) days of completion of this Appeals Committee meeting, the Appeals Committee shall notify in writing the Secretary of the VDCA and the applicable member club(s) concerned of the decision of the Appeals Committee; the reasoning behind such a decision and any possible sanction(s) to be applied. Such possible sanction(s) can be greater than that previously notified by the applicable Disciplinary Committee.

 

  1. Any possible sanction(s) applied by the Appeals Committee becomes effective on the date of issue of this notification by the Appeals Committee.

 

  1. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final.

 

  1. On receipt of the decision(s) of the Appeals Committee, the Secretary of the VDCA shall advise in writing and within a maximum of four (4) days, the decision(s) of the Appeals Committee to the elected officials of the VDCA; to all member clubs of the VDCA and to the Secretary of the Vancouver Island Society of Cricket Umpires and Scorers (VISCUS).

 

  1. Where the VDCA’s Appeals Committee has decided on the imposition of any fine(s) on the applicable individual(s) and / or the applicable member club(s) concerned, such fines shall be payable to the Treasurer of the VDCA, within a maximum of 30 (thirty) days, from of the date of issue of the notification of the decision(s) of the Appeals Committee by the Secretary of the VDCA.

 

  1. Where any sanction(s) has been applied, the Secretary of the VDCA shall also advise, in writing and within a maximum of four (4) days, the decision(s) of the Appeals Committee to the Secretary of the West Coast Cricket Organisation (Cricket BC) and to the Secretary of the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League (BCMCL) in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding dated April 7, 2016 (Appendix F).

 

  1. The Secretary of the VDCA shall ensure that these decision(s) of the Appeals Committee are added to the applicable section of the VDCA website.

 

  1. Any reported alleged breach or non-compliance (in part or in full) of the decision(s) of the VDCA’s Appeals Committee shall automatically be referred to the Chairperson of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee for review in line with the Processes documented in this Code of Conduct.

 

 

 

APPENDIX D – Disciplinary Process and Decision Matrices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX E – Penalties and Offences (General Guidelines only)

Level 1 Penalty provision

Level 1 penalties shall range from an official reprimand and / or a 1 game suspension.

The ‘expiry date’ for a Level 1 Penalty shall be 2 years from the date of the applicable notification of the decision by the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee.

For repeat offenders, the Level of Penalty for the latest offence shall be the aggregate of the applicable new and previous non-expired Levels of offence to a maximum of Level 4. Notwithstanding, previous expired offences shall be taken into account when deciding penalties.

A previous offence shall be for any event under the jurisdiction or auspices of the West Coast Cricket Organisation (Cricket BC) including cricket associations affiliated directly or indirectly to Cricket BC, including the VDCA.

Level 1 Offences

No.

Offence

General Explanation

1.1

Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings.

This offence shall include all actions outside the course of normal cricket actions such as hitting or kicking the wickets and actions which intentionally or negligently result in damage to advertising boards, boundary fences, or any part of, or contents of, any building or structure at the ground.

1.2

Show dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse.

  • This offence shall include excessive and obvious disappointment with an umpire’s decision or with an umpire making the decision and obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket.

  • This offence shall not prohibit the bowler involved in the decision or a team captain from asking an umpire to provide an explanation for a decision, or the captain from commenting on the umpires’ performance in his / her match report.

1.3

Use any language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and / or the making of an obscene gesture.

  • This offence shall include swearing and offensive gestures which are not directed at another person such as swearing in frustration at one’s own poor play or fortune.

  • The extent to which such behaviour is likely to give offence shall be taken into account when assessing the seriousness of the offence.

1.4

Engaging in excessive appealing and / or advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing.

Excessive shall mean repeated appealing when the bowler / fielder knows the batsman is not out, with the intention of placing the umpire under pressure.  It is not intended to prevent loud or enthusiastic appealing. However, this offence shall include the practice of celebrating or assuming a dismissal before the decision has been given.

1.5

Point or gesture towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner, or behave aggressively or derisively towards either batsman, upon the dismissal of a batsman.

This offence shall include charging or running up to the batsman and getting “in his / her face”.

 

Level 2 Penalty provision

Level 2 penalties shall range from a 1 game suspension to a 3 game suspension.

The ‘expiry date’ for a Level 2 Penalty shall be 2 years from the date of the applicable notification of the decision by the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee.

For repeat offenders, the Level of Penalty for the latest offence shall be the aggregate of the applicable new and previous non-expired Levels of offence to a maximum of Level 4. Notwithstanding, previous expired offences shall be taken into account when deciding penalties.

A previous offence shall be for any event under the jurisdiction or auspices of the West Coast Cricket Organisation (Cricket BC) including cricket associations affiliated directly or indirectly to Cricket BC, including the VDCA.

Level 2 Offences

 

No.

Offence

General Explanation

2.1

Show serious dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse.

  • Dissent shall be classified as serious where the dissent is expressed by a specific action such as the shaking of the head, snatching cap from umpire, pointing at pad or inside edge, other displays of anger or any abusive language directed at the umpire or excessive delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket.

  • This offence shall not prohibit the bowler involved in the decision or a team captain from asking an umpire to provide an explanation for a decision or the captain commenting on the umpires’ performance in his / her match report.

2.2

Engage in inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with other players or officials.

Without limitation, this offence shall be deemed to have been committed if a player deliberately walks or runs into or shoulders another player or match official.

2.3

Charge towards the umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing.

Self-explanatory.

2.4

Throw the ball at or near a player or official in an inappropriate and / or dangerous manner.

This offence shall not prohibit a fielder or bowler from returning the ball to the stumps in the normal fashion.

2.5

Use any language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, match official, official or spectator.

This offence refers to any language or gestures which are directed at another person - see comments under 1.3 above in relation to the seriousness of the offence.

2.6

Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment on a match related incident or match official.

This offence shall include comments made by players or spectators before, during or after a match and includes use of social media.

 

 

Level 3 Penalty provision

Penalties for Level 3 offences shall range from a 3 game suspension to a 5 game suspension.

The ‘expiry date’ for a Level 3 Penalty shall be 3 years from the date of the applicable notification of the decision by the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee.

For repeat offenders, the Level of Penalty for the latest offence shall be the aggregate of the applicable new and previous non-expired Levels of offence to a maximum of Level 4. Notwithstanding, previous expired offences shall be taken into account when deciding penalties.

A previous offence shall be for any event under the jurisdiction or auspices of the West Coast Cricket Organisation (Cricket BC) including cricket associations affiliated directly or indirectly to Cricket BC, including the VDCA.

Level 3 Offences

 

No.

Offence

General Explanation

3.1

Intimidate an umpire or match official whether by any language or conduct.

This offence shall include appealing in an aggressive or threatening manner.

3.2

Threaten to assault another player, team official or spectator.

Self-explanatory.

3.3

Use any language or gestures that offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify another person on the basis of that person’s gender, race, religion, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin.

Self-explanatory.

3.4

Any disorderly conduct or inappropriate behaviour at an event under the jurisdiction or auspices of the VDCA.

Self-explanatory.

 

 

Level 4 Penalty provision

Penalties for Level 4 Offences shall range from a 5 game suspension to an indefinite suspension.

There shall be no ‘expiry date’ for a Level 4 Penalty.

For repeat offenders, the Level of Penalty for the latest offence shall be the aggregate of the applicable new and previous non-expired Levels of offence to a maximum of Level 4. Notwithstanding, previous expired offences shall be taken into account when deciding penalties.

A previous offence shall be for any event under the jurisdiction or auspices of the West Coast Cricket Organisation (Cricket BC) including cricket associations affiliated directly or indirectly to Cricket BC, including the VDCA.

Level 4 Offences

 

4.1

Threaten to assault an umpire or match official.

Self-explanatory.

4.2

Physically assault another player, umpire, match official or spectator.

Self-explanatory.

4.3

Engage in any act of violence on the field of play.

Self-explanatory.

4.4

Engage in any act of physical violence at an event under the jurisdiction or auspices of the VDCA.

Self-explanatory.

Previous Infractions


2017-09-24

Reinstatement Date
2017-10-14

Club
VDCA Reps

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

The Committee orders that no further action is required for Mr Sidhu with regard to the reported incident.

 

Cheema Asad Ullah

Date
2017-09-24

Reinstatement Date

Club
VDCA Reps

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

The Committee orders that Mr Cheema’s penalty for the above offence contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be –

 

  1. Suspension of Mr Cheema’s Player Registration and participation in any and all cricket events and activities organised under the auspices of the VDCA for a time period commencing immediately and ending after one (1) scheduled match for which Mr Cheema could have been nominated to play.

 

Dawood Jawad Jaffar

Date
2017-09-24

Reinstatement Date
2017-10-14

Club
Vancouver 

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

The Committee orders that Mr Dawood’s penalty for the above offence contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be –

 

  1. An official reprimand and referral of Mr Dawood to the Level 2 Penalty provisions of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct with regard to possible future offences.

 

Mann Satwant

Date
2017-09-16

Reinstatement Date
2017-10-14

Club
Islanders CC

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

The Committee orders that Mr Mann’s penalty for the above offence contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be –

 

  1. An official reprimand and referral of Mr Mann to the Level 2 Penalty provisions of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct with regard to possible future offences.

 

Bhardwaj Prashant

Date
2017-09-16

Reinstatement Date
2017-10-14

Club
Islanders CC

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

The Committee orders that Mr Bhardwaj’s penalty for the above offence contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be –

 

  1. An official reprimand and referral of Mr Bhardwaj to the Level 2 Penalty provisions of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct with regard to possible future offences.

 

Mahajan Jasvinder

Date
2017-09-16

Reinstatement Date
2017-10-14

Club
Islanders CC

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

The Committee orders that no further action is required for Mr Mahajan with regard to the reported incident.

 

Benning Adam

Date
2017-09-10

Reinstatement Date

Club
Cowichan C&SC

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

 The Committee orders that Mr Benning’s penalty for the above offences contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be –

 

  1. Suspension of Mr Benning’s Player Registration and participation in any and all cricket events and activities organised under the auspices of the VDCA for a time period commencing immediately and ending after four (4) scheduled matches for which Mr Benning could have been nominated to play.

 

Evans Declan Vaughan

Date
2017-09-10

Reinstatement Date

Club
Cowichan C&SC

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

The Committee orders that Mr Evans’s penalty for the above offence contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be –

 

  1. Suspension of Mr Evans’s Player Registration and participation in any and all cricket events and activities organised under the auspices of the VDCA for a time period commencing immediately and ending after three (3) scheduled matches for which Mr Evans could have been nominated to play.

 

Rahim M Hassaan

Date
2017-09-10

Reinstatement Date

Club
Cowichan C&SC

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

The Committee orders that Mr Rahim’s penalty for the above offence contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be –

 

  1. Suspension of Mr Rahim’s Player Registration and participation in any and all cricket events and activities organised under the auspices of the VDCA for a time period commencing immediately and ending after three (3) scheduled matches for which Mr Rahim could have been nominated to play.

 

Singh uJagrup

Date
2017-09-10

Reinstatement Date

Club
Cowichan C&SC

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

The Committee orders that, due to mitigating circumstances, Mr Singh’s penalty for the above offence contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be –

 

  1. Suspension of Mr Singh’s Player Registration and participation in any and all cricket events and activities organised under the auspices of the VDCA for a time period commencing immediately and ending after one (1) scheduled match for which Mr Singh could have been nominated to play.

  2. Referral of Mr Singh to the Level 4 Penalty provisions of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct with regard to possible future offences.

 

Sachdeva Ankit

Date
2017-09-10

Reinstatement Date

Club
Cowichan C&SC

Type of Offence
Code of Conduct breach
Sanction

The Committee orders that, due to mitigating circumstances, Mr Sachdeva’s penalty for the above offence contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be –

 

  1. Suspension of Mr Sachdeva’s Player Registration and participation in any and all cricket events and activities organised under the auspices of the VDCA for a time period commencing immediately and ending after one (1) scheduled match for which Mr Sachdeva could have been nominated to play.

  2. Referral of Mr Sachdeva to the Level 4 Penalty provisions of the VDCA’s Code of Conduct with regard to possible future offences.

 

Bawa Vikramjit S

Date
2015-09-06

Reinstatement Date
2016-05-14

Club
Alcos CC

Type of Offence
Engaging in conduct detrimental to the Spirit of the Game
Sanction

The Committee orders that Mr. Bawa’s penalty for the above offences contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be a suspension from participation in any and all cricket events and activities organized under the auspices of the VDCA for a time period starting immediately and ending on completion of four (4) scheduled matches organized under the auspices of the VDCA where Mr Bawa would have been nominated as a player.

 

Rahman Md Shimul

Date
2015-07-05

Reinstatement Date

Club
Albion CC

Type of Offence
Engaging in conduct detrimental to the Spirit of the Game
Sanction

 

The Committee orders that Mr. Rahman’s penalty for the above offences contrary to

the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be a requirement to issue a written letter of apology

to Dr James Young for his “improper behaviour” and that this letter must be issued

within 5 (five) days from receipt of this notification from the Secretary of the VDCA. A

copy of this apology letter must also be supplied to the Secretary of the VDCA and the

Chairman of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee.

2. The Committee orders that if Mr. Rahman should fail to issue this letter of apology in

accordance with the terms documented above, Mr. Rahman shall automatically be

suspended for 2 (two) Division I matchesThe Committee orders that Mr. Rahman’s penalty for the above offences contrary tothe VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be a requirement to issue a written letter of apologyto Dr James Young for his “improper behaviour” and that this letter must be issuedwithin 5 (five) days from receipt of this notification from the Secretary of the VDCA. Acopy of this apology letter must also be supplied to the Secretary of the VDCA and theChairman of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee.

  1. The Committee orders that Mr. Rahman’s penalty for the above offences contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be a requirement to issue a written letter of apology to Dr James Young for his “improper behaviour” and that this letter must be issued within 5 (five) days from receipt of this notification from the Secretary of the VDCA. A copy of this apology letter must also be supplied to the Secretary of the VDCA and the Chairman of the VDCA’s Disciplinary Committee.

  2. The Committee orders that if Mr. Rahman shouldfail to issue this letter of apology inaccordance with the terms documented above, Mr. Rahman shall automatically besuspended for 2 (two) Division I matches.

 

Khan 1Abdul Samad

Date
2015-07-04

Reinstatement Date

Club
Saanich CC

Type of Offence
engaging in conduct detrimental to the Spirit of the Game
Sanction

The Committee orders that Mr. Khan’s penalty for the above offences contrary to the

VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be an indefinite suspension (subject to the proviso

stated below) from participation as a player, coach, umpire, match official, team

manager, or scorer in any and all cricket events and activities organized under the

auspices of the VDCA.

  1. The Committee orders that Mr. Khan’s penalty for the above offences contrary to the VDCA’s Code of Conduct shall be an indefinite suspension (subject to the proviso stated below) from participation as a player, coach, umpire, match official, team manager, or scorer in any and all cricket events and activities organized under the auspices of the VDCA.

  2. This “indefinite” suspension is subject to the proviso that after the passing of five years from the date of the Committee’s decision (August 5, 2015) Mr. Samad Khan will be at liberty to apply to the VDCA’s Executive or its delegate(s) for cancellation of the suspension from participation in the above VDCA events and activities.

 

Chandla Lucky

Date
2014-08-23

Reinstatement Date

Club
Islanders CC

Type of Offence
violating Sec 4.3 of the Code
Sanction

6 Game suspension

 

Mann Tejwant

Date
2014-08-23

Reinstatement Date
2015-05-09

Club
Islanders CC

Type of Offence
violating Sec.3.2 of the Code.
Sanction

3 Game suspension

 

Mann Satwant

Date
2014-08-23

Reinstatement Date
2015-05-30

Club
Islanders CC

Type of Offence
violating Sec.3.2 of the Code.
Sanction

5 game suspension.

 

Singh ~Varinder

Date
2014-08-23

Reinstatement Date
2015-05-23

Club
Islanders CC

Type of Offence
violating Sec.1.2 of the Code and 3 Games for violating Sec.3.2 of the Code.
Sanction

4 Game suspension

 

Gill Jatinderpal

Date
2014-08-23

Reinstatement Date
2015-07-12

Club
Islanders CC

Type of Offence
Violating Sec 1.1 & 3.2 of the code
Sanction

8 Game suspension

 

Bawa Vikramjit S

Date
2014-08-16

Reinstatement Date

Club
Saanich CC

Type of Offence
violating Section 1.4
Sanction

2 Game suspension

 

 Kohli Dushyant

Date
2014-08-16

Reinstatement Date
2015-07-25

Club
Saanich CC

Type of Offence
not controlling his team & second offence
Sanction

4 game suspension.

  • 2015 October 12 - Report from Disciplinary Committee regarding incidents during a Semi-Final of the Division I Weekend League Play-offs, between Albion CC and United Victoria CC.
    Incident date: 2015 Sep 06
    Hearing date: 2015 Oct 09
    Result: Member suspension - Vikramjit S Bawa - Four (4) matches

  • 2015 August 31 - Report from Disciplinary Committee Chair regarding incidents during Match 65 of the Division I Weekend League, between Alcos CC and Albion CC.
    Incident date: 2015 Aug 08
    Hearing date: None (cancelled)
    Result: No action.

  • 2015 August 07 - Report from Disciplinary Committee regarding incidents during Match 49 of the Division I Weekend League, between Albion CC and United Victoria CC.
    Incident date: 2015 Jul 04
    Hearing date: 2015 Aug 05
    Result: Member suspension - Abdul Samad Khan - Indefinite

  • 2015 August 07 - Report from Disciplinary Committee regarding incidents during Match 52 of the Division I Weekend League, between Colts and Metchosin CC.
    Incident date: 2015 Jul 05
    Hearing date: 2015 Aug 05
    Result: Member ordered to issue written letter of apology - M Shimul "Sieam" Rahman

  • 2014 August 16 - 

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