Bat x Ball Cricket League (BBCL) 

BBCL Code of Conduct, Discipline & Umpire Authority

1. Purpose

BBCL exists to uphold a higher standard of cricket — one rooted in respect, fairness, and strong competition.

This document defines:

  • Expected behavior

  • Umpire authority

  • Disciplinary consequences

  • A simple appeals process

Participation in BBCL is a privilege, not a right.

2. Authority Structure

  1. League Management (BBCL Directors) has full authority over:

    • Discipline

    • Sanctions

    • Match outcomes

    • Team eligibility

  2. Umpires are the final authority on the field of play.

  3. A Captains Appeals Committee exists only to review formal appeals.

  4. League Management retains final decision-making authority in all cases.

3. Umpire Authority (Non-Negotiable)

  1. Umpire decisions during a match are final.

  2. No player may:

    • Argue

    • Abuse

    • Intimidate

    • Pressure an umpire

  3. Only the captain may speak to an umpire — respectfully.

  4. Abuse of an umpire = immediate disciplinary action, regardless of match situation.

  5. The order of disciplinary actions from Umpire

    • Verbal Warning

    • Official Warning 

    • 5 Penalty Runs

    • Player Removal

Respect for umpires is mandatory in BBCL.

4. Captain Responsibility

  1. Captains are responsible for:

    • Player conduct

    • Team behavior

    • Communication with league and umpires

  2. If a player cannot be identified, the captain may be charged.

  3. Captains who repeatedly fail to control their teams may face:

    • Suspension

    • Removal of captaincy

    • Team sanctions

Captains are custodians of BBCL standards.

5. Code of Conduct – Offense Levels

Level 1 

Examples:

  • Dissent at umpire decisions

  • Excessive appealing

  • Obscene or insulting language

  • Equipment abuse

  • Failure to follow league procedures

Penalty:
Warning, Match Penalties, Match Removal

Level 2 

Examples:

  • Serious dissent or cursing at umpires

  • Aggressive appealing

  • Physical intimidation

  • Ball tampering

  • Public criticism of umpires or league

  • Repeat Level 1 offense in same season

Penalty:

Removal from Match and league suspension

Level 3

Examples:

  • Intimidation of umpires

  • Threats toward players, officials, or spectators

  • Discriminatory language or gestures

  • Repeat Level 2 offense

Penalty:
Match Removal, Season Long Ban. If a Player has repeatedly done such offense, they can be Banned from the League for Life.

Level 4 

Examples:

  • Physical assault

  • Threats toward umpires

  • Violence of any kind

  • Playing unregistered players

  • Match manipulation

Penalty:

Permanent removal from BBCL

Zero tolerance applies at this level.

6. Disciplinary Process (Simple)

  1. Incidents may be reported by:

    • Umpires

    • League Management

    • Captains

  2. League Management reviews:

    • Umpire reports

    • Evidence

    • Prior conduct

  3. Sanctions are issued and communicated in writing.

  4. Repeat offenses escalate automatically.

7. Appeals Process (Limited)

  1. Appeals may be filed within 24 Hrs of incident only for:

    • Major disciplinary sanctions

    • Procedural errors

  2. Appeals are reviewed by the Captains Appeals Committee (from another division).

  3. The Committee provides a recommendation only.

  4. League Management makes the final decision.

Appeals are not a re-argument of umpire decisions.

8. League Standard Clause

BBCL sets a higher standard for amateur cricket.

Teams or captains who consistently fail to meet this standard do not belong in BBCL.
This is not exclusion — it is the protection of the league’s culture.

9. Acceptance

By participating in BBCL, all players, captains, and teams agree to:

  • This Code of Conduct

  • Umpire Authority

  • League disciplinary decisions

Respect the game. Respect the umpires. Respect BBCL.