Premier Policies

POLICIES FOR PREMIER CRICKET SEASON 2020-21

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SUSPECT BOWLING ACTIONS – PREMIER CRICKET

SUSPECT ACTIONS ADVISORY GROUP (SAAG)

Cricket Victoria has established an advisory group specifically to deal with suspected actions. The SAAG comprises Dean Russ, Mick Lewis, Shaun Graf and Jarrad Loughman, with the ability to co-opt as required

LEVEL 1

In any Cricket Victoria Premier match, if there is doubt, the first mention* is to be made by the umpire(s) to Cricket Victoria on a note, separate from the Match Report, naming the bowler and expressing what the concerns are. Upon receipt, CV makes contact with the club Administration Manager and Club Coach and asks the club to investigate the matter and take remedial action if necessary.

LEVEL 2

If there is a second mention* (same process – umpire(s) make a separate report to Cricket Victoria), the bowler will then be requested to undergo a Fast Bowling Unit analysis. The first session will be at the expense of Cricket Victoria. Further sessions are available, if desired, at the cost of the club or the individual. The bowler/club is provided with video analysis and a report. At the analysis session, Dean, Mick or Jarrad will consult with the bowler on areas they can work on to rectify any problems the player may have with their action. There will be an 8 week “intervention period” following this analysis to allow remedial work to be undertaken. During this intervention the player will be permitted to bowl in matches. Umpires will be advised of player’s situation If there is any doubt* during this intervention period then the umpire(s) will continue to make a separate report to Cricket Victoria. Should the bowler/club decide not to co-operate or participate in this part of the procedure the player will immediately be classified as Level 4, and will be suspended from bowling for 12 months.

LEVEL 3

Following the intervention period, at Level 2, should there be further mentions* the bowler will not be permitted to bowl in Premier Cricket for a further period of 8 weeks. This is to allow any remedial work to be continued, with the pressures of bowling in matches.

LEVEL 4

Following Level 1, 2 & 3 if the bowler is mentioned* again they will not be permitted to bowl in Premier Cricket for a period of 12 months. “The procedure is ongoing and players do not return to Level 1 each season. Each mention will progress the procedure, irrespective of time.”

SUBSEQUENT MENTION

If a player suspended from bowling at Level 4 resumes bowling after the specified suspension period, and the player is mentioned* again, the player is immediately at Level 4 and suspension from bowling will apply forthwith. *THIS ENTIRE PROCESS DOES NOT PRECLUDE ANY UMPIRE FROM CALLING A BOWLER FOR THROWING, AT ANY TIME, IF THE UMPIRE IS IN NO DOUBT. Throughout the process clubs and coaches are to act in the best interest of the player and cricket in general with the overall welfare of the player and the game being the prime consideration.

WHITE BALL CRICKET CREASE MARKINGS DIAGRAM

Wide lines are to painted in a colour that is contrasting to the pitch (preference to be dark blue)

WIDE BALL INTERPRETATION IN "WHITE BALL CRICKET"

Leg side

• All balls that pass down the leg side and behind the striker shall be interpreted as negative bowling and called “Wide”. The delivery is not a Wide if: • The balls that passes on or inside the ”Wide Guideline (Leg Side)” crease marking when the striker moves towards the off side to allows it to pass behind him. • The ball passes between the striker and leg stump.

Offside

• A delivery shall be called “Wide” if: - The ball passes outside the “Wide Guideline (Off Side)” with the batsman in a “normal” batting stance. - The ball passes wide of the return crease, regardless of the striker bringing it within reach but failing to make contact. - A right arm bowler bowling around the wicket to a right hand batsman or a left arm bowler bowling around the wicket to a left hand batsman bowls full pitched yorkers on the off side just within the “Wide Guideline (Off Side)”. • The delivery is not a Wide if: - The batsman moves to the off side and brings the ball within reach so they can hit it with a normal cricket stroke but fails to make contact despite it passing outside the “Wide Guideline (Off Side)”.

Wides - Height (batsman standing up at the crease)

• Being a limited overs contest, the intention is to discourage the bowling of fast short pitched deliveries that pass above the head of the batsman standing upright at the popping crease.

• This type of bowling is considered a form of negative tactic – so the directive is to call “wide” for the marginal deliveries in this category. • The umpire at the bowler’s end will be guided by the signal they receive from the square leg umpire.

It is agreed that if the umpire at the bowler’s end is in doubt as to the validity of the square leg umpire’s judgement, they must stick with their partner’s signal and judgment. • The only exception is when the square leg umpire is unsighted or does not provide a signal for whatever reason and informs the umpire at the bowler’s end of such, through an agreed teamwork signal. • The umpire at the bowler’s end must then rule. It is suggested that the evidence they should consider is: - Ball passing over head - Keeper catching height - Steepness of the ball’s path post bounce - Gut feel or instinct

Wide - Reverse Sweep or Switch Hit

When a switch hit or reverse sweep is played or the batsman gets in a position to play the shot and then aborts it: - The striker is deemed to bring the ball sufficiently within their reach on both sides of the wicket - The Wide Guideline (Off Side) shall apply on both sides of the stumps. - The leg stump wide interpretation is no longer in play.

SWITCH HIT INTERPRETATION

The directive

• The batsman’s grip and stance should be the same from the start of the bowler’s run up until the beginning of the bowler’s Delivery stride. • The batsman can utilize any grip, as long as they do not change it while the bowler is running in to bowl.

Interpretation

• From the beginning of the delivery stride (defined as the moment that the bowler’s back foot lands in the delivery stride), the batsman, if they choose, may start to play the switch-hit stroke. • If the bowler sees the batsman alter their grip or stance before they enter their delivery stride, they are not compelled to deliver the ball. • If the bowler does not deliver the ball, in this instance, the umpire shall give the striker an informal warning. • The second time this happens, the striker should be formally warned that they are wasting time under

Law 41.10 (Batsman wasting time). This shall constitute a first and final warning, and be applicable to any batsman In that innings. Any subsequent instances shall result in 5 penalty runs being awarded to the fielding team. • The bowler, having seen the batsman change their grip and/or stance, may decide to bowl at the batsman, and is entitled to do so. The umpires should allow that option. • In short, the batsman is still entitled to play the switch-hit stroke but they are only allowed to alter from one stance or grip to another once the bowler has entered their delivery stride.

3 PROTECTED AREA

1. Where a player or umpire involved in a CV-controlled match suffers an injury causing bleeding, that person shall immediately retire from the game until such time as First Aid has been administered to prevent further bleeding. The injured person shall not resume playing or umpiring unless and until the bleeding has ceased. 2. An injured batsman who has temporarily retired and is unable to return after the fall of the ninth wicket, shall be recorded in the scorebooks as “retired hurt” and the innings shall be deemed closed. 3. Where an injury occurs to a batsman involved in a tenth wicket partnership, a maximum of two minutes will be allowed in order for the batsman to obtain treatment. If the injury occurs within 30 minutes of a scheduled interval, the interval shall be taken immediately if the batsman is unable to resume after the two minutes. If the batsman is unable to resume after the two minutes or after the early interval, they shall be recorded in the scorebooks as “retired hurt” as described in 2 above. 4. Where the injury occurs to an umpire and they must leave the field for treatment, the other umpire shall officiate at both ends and the host club shall provide a competent person to stand at square leg until the injured umpire is able to resume.

5 EXTREME CONDITIONS POLICY

PREMIER CRICKET EXTREME CONDITIONS POLICY

If there is an adverse weather forecast (wet weather or extreme heat) for the scheduled playing day:

In Advance

CV Management may consider a full or partial cancellation* in advance and where applicable will seek necessary guidance from the Bureau of Meteorology and/or selected medical and legal practitioners. Should this occur, all clubs will be notified via email and text message to Administration Managers, the Premier Cricket website and via twitter.

Match Day Morning

CV Management will consult once ground reports and all available forecast data has been collated. CV Management’s decision will be conveyed via email and text message to Administration Managers, the Premier Cricket website and via twitter.

Match Day

If the CV Management’s decision is “report to grounds”, decisions regarding play shall be in the hands of the umpires.

Extreme Heat

It shall be the responsibility of each Club Administration Manager (or their nominee) to monitor on a half-hourly basis, current temperatures via the Bureau of Meteorology website or 1196 weather information line. Should the current temperature reach 42 degrees for Men’s 1st & 2nd XIs, 40 degrees for Men’s 3rd & 4th XIs or 38 degrees for Women’s Premier Cricket, play shall be suspended immediately at that club’s home grounds. The temperature shall be monitored. Play shall not resume until the temperature falls below 41 degrees for Men’s 1st & 2nd XIs, 39 degrees for Men’s 3rd & 4th XIs or 37 degrees for Women’s Premier Cricket. The current temperatures provided on 1196 will apply as follows: Melbourne City: Camberwell Magpies, Carlton, Footscray, Melbourne, Melbourne Uni, Prahran, St Kilda Scoresby: Box Hill, Monash Tigers, Ringwood. Viewbank: Fitzroy Doncaster, Northcote, Plenty Valley Moorabbin: Dandenong, Kingston Hawthorn Melbourne Airport: Essendon, Essendon Maribyrnong Park, Greenvale Kangaroos Avalon: Geelong Frankston: Casey-South Melbourne, Frankston Peninsula.

Notwithstanding the above, the umpires shall have the powers to abandon or suspend play at any time at their discretion.

No person is forced by Cricket Victoria to participate in any match and Clubs shall place no pressure on any participant if they consider withdrawing from any part of a match for health reasons.

*Partial Cancellation

Where applicable, the PCMT may choose to cancel 3rds & 4ths only or Women’s Premier Cricket only or 3rds, 4ths & all Women’s Premier Cricket only.

PREMIER CRICKET EXTREME CONDITIONS GUIDELINES

Premier Rule 14; in particular 14.1.4 and 14.1.5. (refer below) provides the prime guidance for the management of conditions during Premier Cricket matches. While this rule is generally considered to relate to the fitness of the ground, weather and light for play to continue, it equally applies to extremes of conditions such as heat, cold, wind and lightning which may make continuation of play dangerous. The Rule charges the Umpires with the responsibility to manage conditions and as such they are the final arbiters as to the fitness of conditions to allow play to continue. When a period of extreme temperature is forecast, the following issues need to be considered by all participants when dealing with the heat: • The conditions at each venue are to be assessed on a case by case basis • Umpires and clubs are encouraged to arrange extra drinks breaks (every 4-5 overs if necessary) and unrestricted drinks around the boundary for bowlers and at the fall of a wicket for fielders to assist with hydration. • Umpires and clubs are also encouraged to “manage” the availability of the extra 30 minutes of playing time available, e.g. the implementation of additional intervals. • Where possible, unrestricted interchange of substitute fielders shall be permitted. Umpires will be lenient in relation to Law 24 (re fielder leaving the field for more than 8 minutes not being permitted to bowl immediately). • Umpires are to ensure that all time delays associated with implementing heat mitigation measures are recorded as allowances when calculating over rates for the purpose of determining penalty overs (i.e. “On-Field Delays Allowance” is to be adjusted accordingly). The Umpires are required to do all within their power to facilitate play without compromising their responsibility in respect of “duty of care”. They are therefore required to balance all the factors and make a decision whether the conditions are fit for play and, if not satisfied that they are safe, suspend play until such time as they are. Any such decision by our Umpires in relation to extremes of temperature would be absolutely supported should it occur.

6 THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET

Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only according to the Laws, but also within the Spirit of Cricket. The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, umpires and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents. Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket: Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires. Play hard and play fair. Accept the umpire’s decision. Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise. Show self-discipline, even when things go against you. Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team. Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result. Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.

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The CV Board, CV Management and CV Tribunal continue to be concerned with all aspects of player behaviour at all levels of the game.

Premier Cricket’s “Spirit of Cricket Club Award” introduced prior to the 2003-04 season, provides something tangible for all Premier Clubs to strive for whilst upholding the traditions of our great game.

The award goes to the clubs which contribute most to the Spirit of Cricket across all Premier grades, this involving the whole club in the process and expectations of the award. The “Spirit of Cricket Club Award” has no weighting of points (as in CV Club Championship), as it is considered just as important for all grades to adhere to and display the principles espoused in the Laws of Cricket and CV Player behaviour code.

Each team receives as assessment by the umpires in each match, receiving a rating out of 10, based on: a) The captains acceptance of their responsibility for their players’ actions b) The teams adherence to the principles of “The Spirit of Cricket” including respect for team-mates, opponents and the umpire’s role and c) Co-operation of captains and players with and towards umpires and their role.

There is a mandatory deduction of three points per match of actual suspension for each player or official found guilty by the CV Tribunal. Progressive ratings are circulated to clubs regularly an also appear on the Premier website after each round.

It is expected that clubs will use the ratings to promptly address any issues that may arise during the season.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS

Traditionally, cricket has aimed to maintain the highest levels of player conduct and sportsmanship. While always a very competitive game, 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. The areas of major concern which are unacceptable to Cricket Victoria are: • The use of offensive language, generally as a disparaging remark to an opposing player or towards an umpire, or as an expression of frustration or self-admonishment. This includes racial or religious vilification, which is any act that is reasonably likely to threaten, disparage, vilify, offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or group based on race, religion, descent, colour or national or ethnic origin. • The questioning/disputing of the umpire’s decision, often in an aggressive or sarcastic manner. This applies equally to dismissals and unsuccessful appeals as to the judgment of calls on no-balls, wides, byes, etc. • The excessive number of frivolous and ridiculous appeals, primarily aimed at pressuring and intimidating the umpire into a favourable decision. • The actions of the dismissed batsman in failing to leave the crease promptly on being given out, and equipment abuse (e.g. banging the bat into the ground or against the fence, or throwing the bat, gloves or equipment during or after their departure from the playing surface on return to the pavilion). • Send offs to a dismissed batsman by the bowler or a member of the fielding team. This can often inflame the situation and lead to a more serious altercation.

Whether or not such behaviour is evident in international or interstate cricket, or whether the language used is considered socially acceptable, is of little concern. The primary consideration is that cricket is played within the spirit and traditions of the game.

There are two processes for reporting unsatisfactory behaviour: • Serious breaches (Level 1): where the umpire/s speak to a player regarding their behaviour but do not believe a report is necessary, the incident will be noted on the umpires’ match report and the player will receive a caution. If a player receives three such cautions in a season, they will be reported by the Premier Cricket Manager. (See Premier Rule 11.2 and following sections.) • Serious breaches of misbehaviour (Levels 2, 3, 4) will see the player immediately reported by the umpires. (Refer Premier Rule 11.1 and the section which follows: any behaviour against the Spirit of Cricket or Code of Conduct or MCC Laws of Cricket. If a player is found guilty of an act of misconduct, they will be liable to such penalty as is considered appropriate by the CV Tribunal.

UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT

The umpires shall take action with respect to any unacceptable conduct. There are four levels of offences. If either umpire considers that the conduct of a player at any time during the match is unacceptable, the umpire concerned shall call and signal ‘dead ball’. This call should delayed until the umpire is satisfied that it will not disadvantage the non-offending team. The umpire concerned shall report the matter to the other umpire and together they shall decide whether misconduct has occurred. If so, they shall determine into which of the levels the conduct falls, as set out in below, and apply the appropriate reporting procedures.

Level 1

Any of the following actions by a player is a Level 1 offence: • Wilfully mistreating any part of the cricket ground, equipment or implements used in the match.

This includes any action outside the course of normal cricket actions, such as hitting or kicking the wickets, and any action that intentionally or negligently results in damage to boundary fences, dressing room doors, mirrors, windows and other fixtures and fittings. • Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action. This includes: – excessive, obvious or inappropriate disappointment with an umpire’s decision – an obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket – shaking the head – pointing or looking at the bat or body when given out – snatching cap from the umpire – indicating a referral to a ‘TV umpire’ by word or gesture – arguing or entering into a discussion with the umpire about the decision. It is not a defence to show that the umpire made an incorrect decision. • Using language that, in the circumstances, is obscene, offensive or insulting, making an obscene gesture (includes audible or repetitious swearing, and obscene gestures which are not directed at another person, such as swearing in frustration at one’s own poor play or fortune. This offence is not intended to penalise trivial behaviour. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the umpire shall take into account the context of the particular situation and whether the words or gesture are likely to be regarded as obscene, give offence, or insult another person) • Appealing excessively: advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing (including repeated appealing or celebrating or assuming a dismissal before the decision has been given. It is not intended to prevent loud or enthusiastic appealing). • Pointing or gesturing by a bowler or fielder to the batter upon dismissal. • Any other misconduct, the nature of which is, in the opinion of the umpires, equivalent to a

Level 1 offence.

Level 2

Any of the following actions by a player is a Level 2 offence: • Showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action. Dissent, including those listed as a level 1 offence, are classified as serious when the conduct contains an element of anger or abuse that is directed at the umpire or umpire’s decision, or where there is excessive delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket or where there is persistent reference to the incident over time. It is not a defence to show that the umpire made an incorrect decision.

non-contact sport, and inappropriate physical contact of a serious nature will not be tolerated. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately walk or run into or shoulder another player. Accidental or genuinely unavoidable physical contact that occurs during the course of play shall not be considered an offence under this level. in an inappropriate and dangerous manner. This offence does not prohibit a fielder or bowler from returning the ball to the stumps in the normal fashion. circumstances, is obscene or of a serious insulting nature (It is acknowledged that there will be verbal exchanges between players in the course of play. Rather than seeking to eliminate these exchanges entirely, umpires will report conduct that falls below an acceptable standard. This offence is not intended to penalise trivial behaviour. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the umpire shall take into account the context of the particular situation and whether the words or gesture are likely to be regarded as obscene, give offence, or insult another person. Level 2 offence.

Level 3

Any of the following actions by a player is a Level 3 offence: • Intimidation or attempted intimidation an umpire by language, behaviour or gesture. • Threatening to assault a player or any other person except an umpire.

Making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with another player. Cricket is a Throwing the ball or any other item of cricket equipment at a player, umpire or another person Using language or gesturing to another player, umpire, team official or spectator that, in the Or any other misconduct, the nature of which is, in the opinion of the umpires, equivalent to a

Level 4

Any of the following actions by a player is a Level 4 offence: • Threatening to assault an umpire. • Making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with an umpire. • Physically assaulting a player or any other person. • Committing any other act of violence. • Using language or gestures that offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, gender identity, disability, colour, descent, sexuality or national or ethnic origin. • Using language or gesture to another player, umpire, team official or spectator that, in the circumstances, is obscene or of a serious insulting nature. It is acknowledged that there will be verbal exchanges between players in the course of play. Rather than seeking to eliminate these exchanges entirely, umpires will report conduct that falls below an acceptable standard.

This offence is not intended to penalise trivial behaviour. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the umpire will take into account the context of the particular situation and whether the words or gesture are likely to be regarded as obscene, give offence, or insult another person. • Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, conduct at any time that is contrary to the spirit of the game, unbecoming of a representative or official, could be harmful to the interests of cricket, or does or could bring the game of cricket into disrepute. (This is intended to be a catch-all provision to cover all types of misconduct of a serious nature that is not (and because of its nature, cannot be) adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere in this Code of Conduct.)

ACTION BY UMPIRES

Level 1

If a Level 1 offence is committed, the umpires shall together inform the offending player’s captain that an offence at this Level has occurred and that the offending player will be mentioned under Rule 11.2 Minor Misbehaviour.

Level 2

If such an offence is committed, the umpires together shall inform the offending player’s captain that an offence at this Level has occurred and that the offending player will be reported under Rule 11.1 Behaviour against the Spirit of Cricket or Code of Conduct or MCC Laws of Cricket.

Level 4

If a Level 3 offence is committed, the following action will be taken: The umpire shall call Time, if necessary. The umpires together will inform the offending player’s captain that a Level 3 offence has occurred, and that the offending player will be reported under Rule 11.1 Behaviour against the Spirit of Cricket or Code of Conduct or MCC Laws of Cricket. The umpires will direct the captain to remove the offending player immediately from the field of play, as follows: • In a match where the innings are not limited to a number of overs, the player shall be suspended from the field of play for 10 overs. • In a match where the innings are limited to a number of overs, the player shall be suspended for one fifth of the number of overs allocated to the current innings at its commencement. If, in calculating the length of the suspension, a part-over results, it shall be considered to be whole over. Any deliveries remaining in the over in progress at the time of suspension shall not count towards the overs for which the player is suspended. • If the offending player is a fielder, no substitute shall be allowed for them. The offending player may return to the field of play after serving the period of suspension, and may bowl immediately. • If a bowler is suspended mid-over, that over must be completed by another, who shall not have bowled the previous over nor shall they bowl the next over. • If the offending player is a not out batsman, they will be replaced by another member of their team. The offending player may return to bat after having served the suspension, but only at the fall of a wicket. If no batsman is available to bat during a batsman’s suspension, the innings is completed. If the offending player does not continue their innings for whatever reason, they are to be recorded as Retired – Not Out. • If the offending player is a dismissed member of the batting team, the period of suspension will not commence until the start of the next innings. Furthermore, in these circumstances, the offending player may not act as a runner during the innings when the player was suspended. • Any overs remaining to be served from a suspension shall be carried forward to the next and subsequent innings of the match. A part over at the end of the innings shall not count towards the overs for which the player is suspended. As soon as possible, the umpire shall: • award 5 penalty runs to the opposing team, and signal this to the scorers • signal the Level 3 penalty to the scorers • call Play.

If a Level 4 offence is committed, the following shall be implemented. The umpire shall call Time, if necessary. The umpires together shall inform the offending player’s captain that an offence at this Level has occurred and that the offending player will be reported under Rule 11.1 Behaviour against the Spirit of Cricket or Code of Conduct or MCC Laws of Cricket. The umpires shall instruct the captain to remove the offending player immediately from the field of play for the remainder of the match, and shall apply the following: • If the offending player is a fielder, no substitute shall be allowed for him/her. They are to be recorded as Retired – Out at the commencement of any subsequent innings in which their team is the batting team. • If a bowler is suspended mid-over, that over must be completed by a player who did not bowl the previous over, and who may not bowl the next over. • If the offending player is a batsman and has not been dismissed, they are to be recorded as

Retired – Out in the current innings and in any subsequent innings in which their team is the batting team. If no further batsman is available to bat, the innings is completed. • As soon as possible, the umpire shall: • award 5 penalty runs to the opposing team, and signal this to the scorers • signal the Level 4 penalty to the scorers • call Play.

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The recruitment and retention of umpires has become increasingly difficult and it is certainly not being made any easier by the regularly unacceptable levels of player conduct. Few people are willing to continually subject themselves to the childish behaviour and offensive language which is too frequently prevalent on and beyond the cricket field. All players can play a role in raising the general standard of umpiring and the level of experience within the Premier Cricket umpiring panel by lifting their personal level of behaviour and allowing the umpires to concentrate on those aspects of the game for which they are most responsible. Umpires have been instructed to take a firm stance on player misconduct, especially offensive language and disputing decisions. ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE STANDARDS EXPECTED BY CRICKET VICTORIA. ANY PLAYER CALLED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE TRIBUNAL CAN EXPECT LITTLE SYMPATHY AND, IF FOUND GUILTY, AN APPROPRIATE PENALTY. It is the responsibility of everyone involved with Premier cricket — club officials, team captains and especially the players — to ensure that the levels of conduct and sportsmanship traditionally inherent in the game are maintained.

REPORTED PLAYERS

An umpire may lodge a report with CV Management of any player, official, member or employee of any Premier Club who engages in any behaviour against the Spirit of Cricket or Code of Conduct or MCC Laws of Cricket. Upon receipt of a report lodged by an umpire CV Management shall, on behalf of CV. a) (i) lay a charge against the reported player for behaviour against the Spirit of Cricket or Code of Conduct or MCC Laws of Cricket; (ii) notify the reported player’s club that a charge has been made against the reported person; and (iii) nominate the date and time of the hearing of that charge or b) In consultations with the CV Tribunal, offer a reported player a one-match suspension with out a hearing. The acceptance of a penalty of suspension from playing in one CV match shall be lodged in writing with CV Management not later than 12.00pm on the day after CV Management has made such an offer to the reported player or the player’s club. If a notice of acceptance is not properly lodged the CV Tribunal may elect to hear the charge.

CV RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS HARRASSMENT POLICY

Cricket Victoria is strongly committed to ensuring that all Club Players, officials and members, umpires and other representatives are able to participate in cricket in an environment free of racial and religious harassment. Racial or religious harassment at any level of our cricket, both on and off the field of play, will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Club officials and members have a responsibility to create and maintain a playing environment in which participants feel comfortable and where people respect and tolerate the rights, views and opinions of others. For more information, refer to the Cricket Victoria website (under “Member Protection Policy), where the complete policy and procedures appear.

CV SMOKE POLICY

Cricket Australia has released Smoke Pollution Guidelines in light of the effect of the bushfires that impacted parts of the country across the 2019/20 season. The guidelines are to apply nationally. In terms of the direct impact on Premier Cricket matches in Victoria, please note the decision to suspend play remains solely with the Umpires as it would for any other delay. Any delay due to smoke pollution is to be treated exactly like a rain delay - meaning DLS will need to be enacted in shorter format matches. Clubs also should consider the impact on training sessions using these guidelines. Please familiarise yourself thoroughly with this and advise your teams to be prepared should matches be delayed or cancelled as a result.

The guidelines advise that play is NOT TO COMMENCE or is to be SUSPENDED if the air quality reaches a “Hazardous” Level (a PM2.5 reading of 150 or above), with play not to resume until this reading drops below 150. Asthmatics are still also at risk with a “Very Poor” reading. Air quality levels can be found on the AQICN website (https://aqicn.org/city/australia/melbourne/ melbourne-cbd/). Clubs are asked to look for their nearest reading centre by typing in their location in the search bar available on the webpage and clicking on the location nearest to them to get the latest readings. Once found, scroll down the page to the graph showing the Air Data information for the last 48 hours and hover over the most recent reading to get the latest information (found at the bottom of the box – see below graph image). Clubs are advised to refresh this page every hour to get the latest hourly reading.

12 CV CONCUSSION POLICY

Cricket Victoria is strongly committed to ensuring that all Club Players, officials and members, umpires and other representatives are able to participate in cricket in a safe environment. This Guideline applies to all male and female players and all umpires (collectively referred to as Participants): • participating in any organised community (that is, non-elite including Premier Cricket) cricket competitions and matches or training for such competitions or matches (collectively, Community Cricket); and • who receive a blow to the head or neck (either bare or while wearing protective equipment), whether by ball or otherwise. The Australian Cricket Concussion Guidelines can be found on the Victorian Premier Cricket website

at the following link.

13 CORONAVIRUS-RELATED REPLACEMENT POLICY

Where a member is unable to participate in the second day of a match due to a requirement to selfisolate or to illness as a result of coronavirus the following shall apply.

Replacement Member

A member affected by coronavirus may be replaced by a member notified to CV Management at the earliest opportunity. Consequent replacements in lower grades shall be allowed and notified at the same time. If not known in advance of a day’s play, notification of replacement members shall be made to the opposition captain and umpires as soon as practicable and before the replacement member taking the field. Umpires will note all replacement members participating in the day’s play on the match report and will notify CV management as soon as possible.

No alteration allowed after notification

In all circumstances once notification has been given, no further alteration shall be allowed.

Requirement of replacement member

A replacing member shall be subject to the provisions of the CV Pennant Rules and Laws of Cricket as would have applied to the member replaced if that member had continued playing in the match.

Substitute Fielder

Where a replacement member has not been requested, a substitute fieldsman shall be allowed.

Notification of Substitute Fielder

The captain of the opposing team and the umpires shall be informed of the use of a replacement member or substitute fieldsman before the fieldsman takes part in the game.

Withdrawal of Member

Where a member withdraws from a match because of coronavirus related requirements the following shall apply: If a member is a not out batsman, shall be treated under Law 2.9 as retiring owing to unavoidable cause and recorded as “retired, not out”.

If a member retires under this clause and is a not out batsman, shall be replaced at the crease by the nominated member.

Furnishment of Medical Evidence

Any member replaced under this clause must furnish a copy of a medical certificate or other proof that may be available. In the event that no proof is provided, CV Management may cause the matter to be investigated and subsequently dealt with under Clause 10 or lay a charge and refer the matter to the Tribunal to be dealt with under Clause 11. Any referral to the Tribunal following investigation under this Clause shall be considered as in time.

CONFIRMED CASE/S OF COVID-19

If there is a confirmed case of coronavirus prior to the match the player/staff/official and their team/ squad are to be immediately fully isolated. That team shall not compete in the match and the match shall be abandoned. If there is a confirmed case of coronavirus during the match the player/staff/official and their team/ squad are to be immediately fully isolated. The match shall be abandoned, unless a first innings result has already been achieved prior to the abandonment of the match.

DETERMINATION OF MATCH RESULT

a)

b)

c) CV Management has the discretion to allocate points to a team where they are satisfied there are exceptional circumstances justifying the discretion being exercised. For the purposes of [A] above, what constitutes “exceptional circumstances” is to be determined by CV Management on a case by case basis, but would not ordinarily relate to weather events. Any discretionary points awarded pursuant to [A] above will be included in the calculation of Club Championship points as set out in Rule 6.