The NCU Management Board at a recent meeting was concerned to learn about what might be regarded as falling standards of behaviour both on and off the field this season. The number of occasions on which umpires have reported players for breaches of the disciplinary regulations is already in excess of the figure for the whole of the 2016 season.

There have also been reports of incidents involving club officials and spectators. The Board is also aware of social media being used to make inappropriate comments about opposing clubs, players and umpires.

All of this is in clear breach of the Spirit of Cricket. We are reminded that any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. Captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.

A copy of the Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket (a preamble to the Laws of Cricket) is available from this link: Spirit of Cricket

The Board urges club committees to discuss the Preamble and to decide how best to put it at the centre of their club’s actions on and off the field of play.

Team captains are also requested to hold team meetings at which all players are made aware of their responsibilities.

The Board believes that if clubs and players play the game within its proper spirit then our standards of behaviour will properly reflect the nature of the sport that means so much to us all.

Where this proves not to be the case then firm action will continue to be taken against those whose conduct falls short both on and off the field of play.

Bryan Milford
General Secretary