Cheshire County Cricket League How can we improve player behaviour in CCCL? – a forum Venue: Date:

Player Behaviour Forum Kick-off questions Do you think there is a player behaviour problem in CCCL? Did you witness bad behaviour in 2016? Do you have a commitment/desire to improve behaviour at your club? Or Are you not bothered because you think everything is ok?

Player Behaviour Forum Current Situation Known umpire concerns Umpire recruitment is getting more difficult BBC article – 50% of umpires have been verbally abused Volunteer umpires reducing/non- existant Fairplay marks are reducing year on year Most cases of poor behaviour are not reported Negative impact of behaviour on parents and their children Problems typically caused: by non-acceptance of decisions Flash points caused by perceived umpiring mistakes Perceived umpiring bias by opposition player or non-player umpiring Personal abuse Inane rubbish talk Escalation effect Clubs are not self-governing the ECB Disciplinary Code Clubs turn a blind eye unless incident is reported More matches without umpires than with

Player Behaviour Forum Case for Action – consequences of poor behaviour The ‘burning bridge’ effect of reducing umpire numbers Not enough umpires for 1st team cricket in less than 3 years - embarrassing Difficult to recruit umpires- irrespective of quality Children not playing at lower levels because bad behaviour is switching them off and their parents Occasional cricketers less likely to participate On field incidents impact on post-match socialising and behaviour in future fixtures Revenues reduce

Player Behaviour Forum Possible approach Simply accept the umpires decision which will reduce possibility of conflict and escalation Chairman is ultimately responsible Club Chairman to hold all captains to account They can drive discipline from the top Do players actually know or care about ECB Disciplinary Code? Issue a soft copy to all players Adopt the rugby approach – ok for captain to discuss with umpires in a reasonable and reasoned manner, but not other players’ Clubs to self govern using ECB/CCCL code including taking measures that will reduce player availability for incidents that not reported Umpires need to raise their game if players seen to be doing their bit Clubs work harder with known worst offenders Stop captains penalising umpires when they positively address bad behaviour

Player Behaviour Forum Benefits Migration of umpires from other leagues into CCCL Stop the declining number of umpires More pleasant game at all levels More bar revenue Better club relationships Increased participation – adults and children Matches are better managed from beginning to end Better decision making by umpires because not under unjustified pressure and less intimidated