Bassetlaw and District Cricket League Official Handbook 2019

60  7.4.1.3   Players and team officials must at all times accept the Umpire’s decision.   Players must not show dissent at the Umpire’s decision or react in a  provocative or disapproving manner towards another player or  spectator.  7.4.1.4   Players and team officials shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to  intimidate or assault an Umpire, another player or spectator.  7.4.1.5   Players and team officials shall not use crude and/or abusive language  (known as ‘sledging’) nor make offensive gestures or hand signals nor  deliberately distract an opponent.  7.4.1.6   Players and team officials shall not make abusive comments nor indulge  in abusive actions against fellow players, officials, members or  supporters because of their perceived membership in a certain social  group.  Examples of such groups include but are not limited to:  racial  group, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity or gender identity.  Clubs  must operate an active open‐door membership policy whist respecting  player qualification regulations and welcome players/members  irrespective or their social group.  7.4.1.7   Players and team officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the  use or distribution of illegal drugs.  7.4.1.8   Clubs must take adequate steps to ensure the good behaviour of their  members and supporters towards players and Umpires.  7.4.1.9  Participants shall not make any public or media comment that is  prejudicial or detrimental to the interests or reputataion of other  participants or the game of cricket in general.  In this instance, media  shall include (but not necessarily be limited to) press, radio, television,  external websites, Member Club websites, social networking sites and  club match programmes.  Nothing in this provision shall prevent any  comment which constitutes honest opinion in regard to cricketing  matters and which is made in a fair and respectful manner.  7.4.2  Spirit of Cricket Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it  should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the  Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the  game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play  rests with the Captains.  There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the team’s conduct  firmly on the Captain.  7.4.2.1   Responsibility of Captains  The Captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is  conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.