The information below will be also sent to Championship Reps by email.

As we are now a third of the way through the season, we would draw your attention to the following for immediate action please:

  • There have been several complaints from both the umpires and from other clubs regarding the behaviour of players (and in one case supporters) in matches recently. This trend is considered totally unacceptable by the MSC and firm action will be taken henceforth.  You are reminded that captains are responsible for the conduct of players and that any offences by a player defined by the ECB Code of Conduct can also be imposed on the relevant captain.  You are also reminded that according to Law 42 any offence can also carry points deduction.  The relevant Law has been posted under the Rules tab on the website.
  • You are reminded that all mid innings drinks are to be taken ON THE FIELD OF PLAY and the home club should facilitate this for each match. Now that all COVID restrictions have been removed, there is no need for players to leave the field of play except in exceptional circumstances for comfort breaks and certainly not to spend time on their mobile phones, have a fag break or even to start to pile into some of their tea!  You are also reminded that the home club should, in the event of a tea not being provided, make a hot or cold drink available for the players and officials between the innings.
  • The relaxation of the rules on the provision of a non playing scorer as a result of travel restrictions during COVID has been removed and all matches where umpire or umpires officiate should have a non playing scorer from each team. Whilst we appreciate the difficulties involved for smaller clubs a match has traditionally been officiated and agreement reached by umpires and scorers jointly and we see no reason why this should not continue to happen.  Several fines have now been issued and you are reminded that a points deduction can be levied according to our rules for continual offenders.
  • Finally you are reminded that before the commencement of a match, captains MUST exchange team sheets showing the names of all players and showing the age group of players aged under 19. All scorecards including those produced digitally MUST be agreed by both captains before the away team leaves the ground.  This should improve the quality of the submissions of scores to play-cricket and make the onerous task of the Results Secretary much easier.