Beckett League committee issue conduct warning in open letter to clubs

The committee of the SBL have warned clubs about their conduct in an open letter published this week on their Facebook page

The committee of the Readers Scarborough Beckett League have issued a warning to their member clubs about the conduct of their players in an open letter this week.

The open letter tackles the issues of bad language on the field of play and also of club's players drinking alcohol before and during fixtures.

SBL secretary Simon Dobson has promised to take a 'zero tolerance policy' towards any further issues that emerge between now and the end of the 2016 season.

The open letter read:

"Following a recent management committee meeting of the Scarborough Beckett Cricket League, it has been brought to our attention that there are serious concerns over the general conduct of players and the use of industrial language on the field of play and when watching the game.

I stated in my address to the Annual General Meeting, way back in January, that such issues needed to be resolved and clubs must take the lead in ensuring players are fully aware of their responsibilities when representing their club.

The league have again received reports of players drinking before and during the game, whilst further reports state the language used in games is of a foul and abusive nature. This is unwarranted and unacceptable. The league deplore such actions and verbal’s, and will take action on clubs and players should any further offences come to light.

The league will adopt a ZERO TOLERANCE attitude to this from now on which could possibly lead to suspension and expulsions from the league.

The onus is on players and clubs to ensure the unacceptable face of local cricket is eradicated from our game. This also relates to social media, where on the spur of the moment, frustrations can lead to ill-advised comments.

The league have already started discussions at looking to implement immediate social media penalties against players and their clubs from next season.

Clubs MUST adopt the Spirit of Cricket which is listed on pages 54 and 55 of the 2016 Official League Handbook and failure to do so will lead to severe action being taken by the league.

We are now approaching the business end of the season where frustrations can become apparent, however I reiterate the need for calm heads, measured play and good behaviour on and off the field.

Please show respect for your opposition, team mates, officials and the game of cricket. Failure to do so will have repercussions.

Please share this across your club membership and networks at the earliest opportunity.

Yours in sport

Simon Dobson

Honorary Secretary

Readers Scarborough Beckett Cricket League"