Players warned 'behave or else'

FOUR past and present island players are among the first to be disciplined as part of the Guernsey Cricket Association's clamp down on unacceptable behaviour. A few weeks ago the GCA rewrote its code of conduct, making it more comprehensive as a consequence of the application to join the ICC.

Although the original plan was not to introduce it until next season, it was felt necessary to bring that date forward because urgent action was required to help clean up local cricket.

'The behaviour of players in Guernsey on the field of play and in certain quarters around the field of play has become particularly bad,' said GCA disciplinary officer Gary Tapp.

'The ICC has a certain standard of behaviour it requires of its players and it was felt that it was about time Guernsey cricketers adhered to those standards.

'This is necessary step. Guernsey cricket has got to show it can be responsible.'

And some high profile players have fallen foul of the new code already.

Tim Belton was the first to receive a warning following his reaction when dismissed in the 'B' inter-insular and two days later Divan van den Heever was reported for dissent in Clubhouse Optimists' Barclays Premier One defeat to Aon St Saviour's.

Then last week's match between C&W Rovers and Deloitte resulted in two players - Tim Duke and Ed Benfield - being penalised for level one offences following gestures and comments made at the fall of a wicket.

All four incidents are penalised with written warning, but level two, three and four offences carry bans ranging from 14 days to life.

'So far the incidents have all been level one violations, but be assured that bans will be enforced, subject to appeal, for more serious offences. We are not going to hang around - they will be dealt with immediately. It is the same rules for everybody at all levels of cricket, ' Tapp said.

'In a recent high profile match, three Sri Lankans were fined for foul and abusive language and international players have been fined for simply shaking their head.

'If you are a player, you are bound to get frustrated from time to time but hopefully with this code of conduct, everybody is aware of where they stand.

'There is no place for bad behaviour on a cricket pitch, the ICC have made that clear, and if people step out of line they have got to be dealt with.'