The new rules of conduct for crickets and officials will take effect from tomorrow. In addition to other changes, now there is a process of appeals, whereas previously there were no appeals, once a decision is made by match referee. Here they are:
Level 1
Penalty provision:
Level 1 penalties will range from an official reprimand and/or a fine of up to the equivalent of 50% of the player or official’s match fee
Level 1 Offences:
1.1 Breach of the ICC Logo Policy, apart from breaches relating to a commercial logo or players’ bat logo
1.2 Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings
1.3 Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse 1.4 Using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or the making of an obscene gesture
1.5 Excessive appealing
1.6 Pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner by a bowler or other member of the fielding side upon the dismissal of a batsman.
Level 2
Penalty provision:
Level 2 penalties will range from a fine of the equivalent of between 50% of the player or official’s match fee, up to their full match fee and/or a 1 Test Match or 2 ODI Match ban
Level 2 Offences:
2.1 Repeat of any Level 1 Offence within 12 months
2.2 Showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse
2.3 Breach of the Logo Policy relating to a commercial logo or a player’s bat logo
2.4 Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment on a match related incident or match official
2.5 Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play
2.6 Charging or advancing towards the umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
2.7 Deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play (this supplements and does not replace ICC Playing Condition clause 32)
2.8 Throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner
2.9 Using language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, referee, Team Official or spectator. (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 look to lay charges when this falls below an acceptance standard. In this instance, language will be interpreted to include gestures)
2.10 Changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 (this supplements and does not replace the provisions of Law 42.3).
Level 3
Penalty provision:
Penalties for Level 3 offences will range from a ban for the player or match official concerned of between 2 and 4 Test matches or between 4 and 8 ODI matches
Level 3 Offences
3.1 Repeat of any Level 2 Offence within 12 months
3.2 Intimidation of an umpire or referee, whether by language or conduct
3.3 Threat of assault on another player, Team Official or spectator
3.4 Using language or gestures that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin
Level 4
Penalty provision:
Penalties for Level 4 Offences will range from a ban of between 5 Test Matches or 10 ODI matches, up to a life ban for the player or official concerned
Level 4 Offences:
4.1 Repeat for any Level 3 Offence within 12 months
4.2 Threat of assault on an umpire or referee
4.3 Physical assault of another player, umpire, referee, official or spectator
4.4 Any act of violence on the field of play
4.5 Using language or gestures that seriously offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin
I think most of them are good, but I have serious reservations about 2.4, as I think there should be legitimate criticism allowed on bad decisions. ICC is doing a great disservice by trying to quelch all criticism on cricket matches and conduct of teams or officials.
I am sure, teams like Australia, need to give a serious look at this list, as they are famous for obscene gestures and making rude comments to other players and consider this brow-beating as all part of the game.