From The CEO’s Chair Cricket Values

Posted: Thursday, 1 February 2018

New Zealand Cricket Code of Conduct (Players attitude towards

In recent months and years there have been several incidents involving senior players in our competitions where umpires standing in games have been:
1) Disputed with after their decision have been made
2) Questioned aggressively over a sustained period about decisions previously made
3) Abused verbally in such a loud way such that members of the public outside the playing field have heard the exchange.

Over all the years that cricket has been played nothing has changed about the role that umpires play in our game and in most instances the players concerned have been cited under the code of conduct. Like all of us, umpires give up their time to assist the players enjoy their cricketing experience. They also expect to enjoy their own cricketing experience. Many umpires have been players themselves and have a very good understanding of the game, some have a physical impairment that precludes them from continuing to play, others simply like to be part of our great game and learn the ropes from the ground up, progressing up the ladder to hopefully achieve their ambition in the game. They all share one thing; they give to the game by officiating for the benefit of others.

Personal experience from my time as an active player points to the game being a much better game when umpires are present. The umpires’ role is clearly laid down in the laws and regulations governing cricket (whether an appointed umpire or player umpire). Their behaviour and conduct is under constant scrutiny by the players, team officials and sometimes by other umpires assessing umpires for higher honours.
They are also human beings and are affected by the way they are treated whether good or bad. Like all of us, they like to grow and develop in the role to give a better experience for all in the game and to advance their umpiring careers wherever possible.

Bay of Plenty Cricket Association has over many years worked hard to develop a proper pathway for umpires so that there can be a natural progression of the most talented; at the end of which they represent Bay of Plenty Cricket proudly in their role in the game. We want to ensure that the pathway for umpires remains valid and enjoyable.
Senior players who consider it OK to abuse our umpires do themselves, their clubs and our association no credit and the example that they are setting for younger players is also not something that we welcome in the game. Bay of Plenty Cricket will continue to support umpires fully.

Our commissioner under the code of conduct, will also continue to bring down decisions that reflect the seriousness of the offences but would prefer to not have to do so as often as is currently the case.
Perhaps now is a timely reminder to captains and all senior players to:
1) Captains need to take the lead both on and off the field as to the standard of conduct and behaviour that is required in our game. It is up to captains to ensure that all players in their teams are made aware that they will not tolerate abuse of umpires.
2) Know the laws of the game and the rules of the particular competition that is being played inside out. Ignorance of the laws and rules is no excuse.
3) Take the time to sit down with umpires at the conclusion of play to gain a better understanding why decisions went the way they did and how that might be different in the future.
4) In the event that things do get a little out of hand on the field to ensure that the player concerned is aware that they overstepped the mark and to encourage the player to tender an apology to the umpire as soon as possible.
5) If players do have an issue with a particular umpire, then their proper course of action is to share their view with their captain at the appropriate time who can then assess the matter and decide if it should be mentioned in the match report.

When people in everyday life use the term that something is “simply not cricket”, that says a great deal about the values the population see in cricket.
It would be great if those in the game reflect on that expression and what it really means and ensure that player attitudes towards umpires improves and that the enjoyment for all in the game is maintained.
Chris Rapson – Bay of Plenty Cricket Association CEO – 31 January 2018

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