|
At the start of the 2008 season our Agenda for further change in applying both summary penalties and encouraging Clubs to manage their own Disciplinary process moved up to a higher level with at least three Clubs imposing the summary penalty, without recourse to League involvement and in each case acting immediately after the incident.
The League Disciplinary Committee has had to meet on four occasions though, with each decision being accepted at first instance apart from a subsequent review of one financial penalty that was replaced quite surprisingly, with a longer period of suspension.
The most serious incident was dealt with by the Players’ own Club. Sheriff Hutton Bridge acted quickly and decisively to impose a twelve week ban on one of their players for violent behaviour. However what was without doubt exemplary action on their part was met with a late and unconvincing effort from Bridlington that led to a Disciplinary hearing and an extension of the ban imposed on one of their players, together with a financial penalty on their Captain and on the Club.
What has been apparent from the Disciplinary process though is how often players let themselves down. Whether some umpires can manage a situation better than others, to prevent problems from escalating is something that can be looked at. However there is a need for Clubs and Captains to demand self Discipline from their players because comments and actions either deliberate or intentional on the field and as this year, off as well, can have the potential to lead to conflict. The Disciplinary process will continue to be developed to ensure that this does not get out of hand and the Committee will deal firmly with any transgressions.
If there have been any failings and this year is no different to any other, we will again be looking at ways to improve by conducting a review in January. One area is the reporting process and ensuring that as a Disciplinary Committee, we are made aware of all problems, howsoever minor which even if further action is unwarranted, will mean that we have the potential to identify where future problems may lie and to be able to act where necessary. We intend to continue to work together with you to ensure the highest standard of behaviour in the Sport.
The decision of the Disciplinary Committee often provokes discussion and debate, particularly on the type of penalty imposed. Constructive opinions and comments are always welcomed but criticisms in a public arena directed to unpaid volunteers are not. However, the members sitting on the Committee in judgement this year have been of the highest calibre and have demonstrated an aptitude for what can be a daunting task. Whatever their decision, the Appeal Panel has not been called into action at all, from which we conclude that the process is fair and reasonable with the penalties being appropriate in every case. Hindsight turns out to be a caterpillar on the lettuce though, but then it is a good thing showing what can be learnt from a good lesson.
Stephen Carr
Disciplinary Secretary
DISCIPLINARY PENALTIES IMPOSED BY LEAGUE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE DURING YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2008:
CLUB / PLAYER |
OFFENCE |
SUSP
weeks |
FINE
£ |
LEG.
PTS |
M.T. PTS |
Bridlington |
Failure to control action of players and implement Disciplinary Proceedure |
- |
100 |
- |
43 |
Bridlington
S. Garton |
Inappropriate action as captain and failure to control players |
- |
100 |
- |
- |
Bridlington
R Mainprize |
Inappropriate behaviour |
4 |
25 |
- |
- |
Dringhouses
J. Crowe |
Inappropriate action during Intermediate game – Summary Penalty applied |
2 |
- |
- |
- |
Folkton & Flixton
N.Elvidge |
Inappropriate behaviour as captain |
2 |
25 |
- |
22 |
Tadcaster Magnet
D.Lord |
Inappropriate action and failure to pay financial penalty
Original club action satisfactory |
52 |
- |
- |
- |
In addition satisfactory ‘In-House’ action was taken by Heworth and Sheriff Hutton Bridge which eliminated the need for action by the League Disciplinary Committee.
|