IMPORTANT NOTICE re 1st XI players in 2nd XI matches
Already after just one round of matches I have received complaints about a "first eleven " player playing in a second eleven match and thereby both, possibly stealing a march on the other teams in their Division and also perhaps encouraging other teams to copy this when they feel that they can "get away with it".
The Committee, whilst recognising how difficult that this can be to Police have asked that all clubs be reminded that this shows a lack of respect for opponents and is totally against the Spirit of Cricket, especially now that the League has adopted "floating second XIs"
Therefore, to take this matter out of clubs' own hands, a Code of Practice will be instituted as follows:
1. Where a player is selected in a match which is called off with no play either on the day of the match or before and whether or not his name has appeared on the team sheets, he shall not in any circumstances be allowed to play for a lower club side (2nds, 3rds, 4ths etc) on that day. It should be noted that Team sheets must always be exchanged prior to the toss for all matches whether played or not and such reports sent to me either by the Home captain or the away Captain is the team did not travel.
2. If, for example, the 1st XI match is played but a player who is "known" as a 1st XI player is selected for a lower team, this must be communicated to me for approval prior to the day of the match. Note that the onus of proof is on the club, but that in general permission will be granted only for one of the following reasons :
a) The match is due to take place more than 20 miles away and due to work or family commitments, the player can ONLY play at home.
b) The club have decided that the player must play in a particular side for Disciplinary reasons.
c) The player is returning from injury.
d) The player has suffered a demonstrable loss of form.
Although we accept that the vast majority of clubs do indeed respect their opponents (and own club members) in the way they carry out team selection, I hope that this sets out clearly the Committee's views and determination to protect wherever possible the Spirit of Cricket. Finally, if any club is felt to have acted in a way that is outside these guidelines in their selection policy, the Committee reserves the right to refer that club to the Disciplinary Committee where points deductions can be made if breaches of this are proved.
