Rules and Regulations

Code of Conduct Commission

Introduction

The International Cricket Council ("ICC) is the body empowered to regulate world cricket.

There are serious allegations that some international cricket matches may have been tainted by bribery and match fixing.

It is recognised that

The board of each cricket playing nation (the cricket boards) has sovereign rights over its own players, umpires, team officials and administrators and, subject to the ICC Code of Conduct, deals with serious disciplinary matters concerning those players, umpires, team officials and administrators;

ICC has an important role to play to ensure that each of the cricket boards exercise those sovereign rights in a uniform manner and in the interests of world cricket;

The cricket boards wish to provide ICC the jurisdiction to deal with serious disciplinary matters and, in particular, matters relating to match fixing and bribery, and other serious matters for example drugs policy.

The ICC has resolved to establish the Code of Conduct Commission (the ICC Commission):

to ensure that the ICC and the cricket boards are empowered to deal with allegations of match fixing and bribery in international cricket in the future;

To ensure that ICC and the cricket boards have a consistent policy and are empowered to deal with any other Code of Conduct matter;

To consider specific matters referred to it by the ICC Executive Board in particular in regard to allegations of bribery and match fixing in International Cricket.

The Structure and Powers of the ICC Commission

The ICC Commission shall consist of 3 members, appointed by the ICC Board and shall consist of members independent to any of the cricket boards, one of whom shall have a legal background. The ICC Commission shall be appointed as soon as possible, but not later than 28th February 1999.

The Executive Board shall delegate to the ICC Commission those powers necessary or convenient for the purpose of carrying out any enquiry and discharging its duties under Terms of Reference to be approved by the ICC Executive Board.

It is noted that enquiries are being conducted by some members within their respective countries concerning bribery and match fixing.

Subject to approval not later than 28th February 1999 of detailed Terms of Reference by the ICC Executive Board, which shall include the matters set out in Appendix A hereof, the ICC Commission is directed under paragraph 4(c) hereof to review the findings of those inquiries with a view to doing any or all of the following:

require the members to carry out further comprehensive review of matters identified by the ICC Commission;

Require any other cricket board which is a member of ICC to carry out a comprehensive review of matters identified by the ICC Commission.

In its absolute discretion, if it is not satisfied that any cricket board to which a requirement has been made under sub-paragraph (b) hereof has completed or declined to complete the review requested to the satisfaction of the ICC Commission, the ICC Commission may carry out its own review in co-ordination with the relevant board;

For the purpose of (c) above the Cricket Board of each cricket playing country subjects its players, umpires, team officials or administrators to any inquiry or action initiated by the ICC and agrees to hand over to the ICC copies of relevant information, findings, reports etc. in its possession.

Reporting and Sanctions

The member nations of the ICC agree to be bound by and to implement the recommendations of the ICC Commission and, where necessary, to take action to enforce those recommendations.

The ICC Commission is directed to deliver an interim written report to the Executive Board by 31 May 1999 or such later date as shall be agreed by the President of the ICC and the Chairman of the ICC Commission.

Structures

In order to deal with serious disciplinary issues, each country is to establish an independent judicial process, the structure and composition of which is to be approved by ICC;
Each country is to adopt uniform, standard, stringent penalties established by ICC for match fixing and bribery. These penalties are to be approved by the Annual Conference of all Members to be held on June 23/24, 1999;
Each country is to adopt stringent procedures established by ICC for hearing charges;
Where a charge is laid or the ICC requires an investigation to be carried out, that process and any subsequent appeal will be conducted by the cricket board according to the principle established by ICC.

The ICC Commission is to oversee the implementation of the judicial processes adopted by the cricket boards concerning match fixing and bribery issues.

Where a Cricket Board conducts a hearing in respect of match fixing or bribery it is required to submit to the ICC Commission a detailed report setting out the following:

the charge or issue which was being dealt with;

The manner in which it was dealt with;

A summary of the evidence given to the cricket board;

A summary of the findings of the cricket board;

The verdict or judgement of the cricket board;

Recommended penalties (if any) to be imposed by the cricket board and the reason for the proposed imposition of those penalties;

Any evidence which suggests that players from another country are implicated in amy way in the matters raised in the investigation;

Any other matters which the cricket board considers relevant.

On receipt of a report from a cricket board, the ICC Commission shall have wide ranging powers of review of the decision of the cricket board and shall have the power to do any of the following:

Ratify the decision of the cricket board;

Recommend that the penalty proposed by the cricket board be increased;

Remit the issues to the cricket board with a direction that it rehear all or part of the issue;

If it is not satisfied with the decision of the cricket board or with any of the processes followed by the cricket board, vacate the decision of the cricket board and carry out its own independent investigation of the issues with the power to impose binding penalties on the parties to the issue;

Take such other action as it deems appropriate.

Code of Conduct

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.

Players and Team Officials shall not at any time engage in conduct unbecoming to an international Player or Team Official which could bring them or the game into disrepute.

Players and Team Officials must at all times accept the Umpire's decision. Players must not show dissent at the Umpire's decision.

Players and Team Officials shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an Umpire, another Player or a Spectator.

Players and Team Officials shall not use crude or abusive language (known as "sledging") nor make offensive gestures.

Players and Team Officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.

Players and Team Officials shall not disclose or comment upon any alleged breach of the Code or upon any hearing, report or decision arising from such breach.

Players and Team Officials shall not make any public pronouncement or media comment which is detrimental either to the game in general; or to a particular tour in which they are involved; or about any tour between other Countries which is taking place; or to relations between the Boards of the competing Teams.

Players and Team Officials shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in betting, gambling or any form of financial speculation on the outcome of any cricket match to which this Code applies and in which the Player is a participant or with which a Team Official is associated or on any event which, in the opinion of the Referee, shall be connected with any such cricket match the purpose (or pretended purpose) of which is to benefit such Player or Team Official either directly or indirectly whether financially or otherwise. Players and Team Officials shall not accept any form of inducement which is considered by the Referee to be likely to affect the performance of any Player involved in any such cricket match adversely.

Application, Interpretation and Enforcement of the Code
The Code shall apply:

To Players and, where applicable, to Team Officials of both teams for all Test Matches and One Day International Matches ('Test Matches and ODIs') and

To players, and where applicable, to Team Officials of official touring teams for all matches, other than Test matches and ODIs ('Other Matches') with such modifications as ICC shall consider necessary in the absence of a Referee for Other Matches.

The Code shall also apply to Associate and Affiliate Members of the ICC, although its application, interpretation and enforcement shall be determined in the way deemed most suitable by those concerned with the running of the game at these levels.

Breaches of the Code shall be deemed also to include a breach of any ICC Regulation in force from time to time, including (without limitation) those relating to advertising on cricket clothing and equipment, and, in Test Matches, those relating to minimum Over Rates.

The Code, breach of which may render a Player or Team Official liable to disciplinary action, shall be enforced:

In the case of Test Matches and ODIs in accordance with procedures and guidelines laid down for the Referee; and

In the case of Other Matches, in such manner as ICC shall consider appropriate at the time when the incident occurs which shall, as far as is practicable, follow the procedures and guidelines laid down for the Referee.

A breach of Clause 8 of the Code of Conduct shall be dealt in the following way:

If the breach occurs during any stage of a tour, except a breach concerning or relating to a non international match, it shall be the duty of the Referee to take any action that he shall deem necessary.

If the breach concerns or relates to a non-international match or occurs once a tour is over, it shall be up to the home Board of the Player or Official concerned to take any necessary action.

At the start of a tour, the Referee should make it clear to Players and Team Officials that he will investigate and adjudicate anything that might be said or written during a tour other than during a non international match and which may constitute a breach of the Code.

Umpires

Rules of the Appointment of Umpires for Test Matches For as long as ICC maintains an International Panel of Umpires, the following rules for the selection and appointment of Test Match umpires shall be followed as far as it is practicable to do so:
ICC will establish each year a Panel of up to 20 umpires nominated by the Test countries and will appoint one umpire from that Panel to stand in each Test Match.

The Home Authority shall appoint a Committee for the purpose of nominating the other umpire to officiate in each Test Match in its country.

Test Match umpires will be nominated by this Committee from those umpires officiating in first class matches during the current season.

As long as possible before each Test Match, ICC will advise the Home Authority of the name of its appointee and the Home Authority will advise the Manager of the touring team of both umpires names.

The Home Authority shall also appoint a third umpire who shall act as the emergency umpire and officiate in regard to TV replays.

Neither team will have a right of objection to an umpire's appointment.

Third Umpire/TV Replays

2.1   General

The Home Authority will ensure a seperate room is provided for the third umpire and that he has access to a television monitor and direct sound link with the television control unit director to faciliate as many replays as is necessary to assist him in making a decision.
The third umpire shall call for as many replays from any camera angle as is necessary to reach a decision. As a guide, a decision should be made within 30 seconds wherever possible, but the third umpire shall have discretion to take more time in order to finalise a decision.
The on-field umpire has the discretion whether to call for a TV replay or not and should take a common-sense approach. Players may not appeal to the umpire to use the replay system - breach of this provision would be constitute dissent and the player could be liable for discipline under the Code of Conduct.

2.2   Run-out, Stumping, Caught and Hit Wicket Decisions

In all Test and One Day International matches, the on-field umpire shall be entitled to call for a TV replay to assist him in making a decision about a run-out, stumping, caught or hit wicket appeal.
An on-field umpire wishing the assistance of a TV replay shall signal to the third umpire by making the shape of a TV screen with his hands.
If the third umpire decides the batsman is out a red light is displayed; a green light means not-out. Should the third umpire be temporarily unable to respond, a white light (where available) will remain illuminated throughout the period of interruption to signify to the on-field umpires that the TV replay system is temporarily unavailable, in which case the decision will be taken by the the on-field umpire.
When reviewing the TV replay, if the third umpire finds the batsman has been bowled rather than hit wicket or stumped, he shall display the red light to show the batsman was dismissed.

2.3   Caught Decisions

Should the bowler's end umpire be unable to decide whether or not a catch was taken cleanly, he shall first consult with the square leg umpire.
Should both umpires be unable to make a decision, the bowler's end umpire may then call for the third umpire to review a TV replay of the catch as in 2.2 (b).
The third umpire has to determine whether the batsmen has been caught, not whether or not he hit the ball.

The third umpire shall communicate his decision by the red/green light system as in 2.2 (c).

2.4   Boundary Decisions

In all Test and One Day International matches, the on-field umpire shall be entitled to call for a TV replay to assist in him in making a decision about whether the fieldsman had any part of his person in contact with the ball when he touched or crossed the boundary line or whether a four or six had been scored. A decision is to be made immediately and cannot be changed thereafter.
An on-field umpire wishing the assistance of a TV replay shall signal to the third umpire by use of a two way radio - the third umpire will convey his decision to the on-field umpire by this method.
The third umpire may initiate contact with the on-field umpire by two way radio if TV coverage shows a boundary line infringement.

2.5   Batsmen Running to the Same End

In the event of both batsmen running to the same end and the umpires are uncertain over which batsmen made his ground first, the on-field umpire may call for a TV replay to assist him in making a decision.
The procedure in 2.2 (c) shall apply.

Light Meters
The following procedure will apply for all Test Matches:

It is the responsibilty of each home board to supply light meters to all domestic umpires standing in International matches on home soil, either directly to the umpire, or to the ground authority, for collection by the umpire when he arrives for the match.

One additional light meter, identical to those issued to the domestic umpires, should be passed to the ICC referee when he arrives in the country for his appointment.

The referee will retain the light meter throughout the tour, passing it to the incoming NGP umpire for each test.

At the completion of the tour the meter is returned to the home board.

The following procedure will apply for the use of light meters on the field of play
Once law 3.8 has been applied and the batsmen have accepted the offer to leave the field because of bad light, the umpires immediately take a reading of the light level.

The reading should be taken from the pitch, pointing the light meter (if the hand held version) at the sightscreens and in any other directions as the umpires see fit.

Once the umpires have agreed the reading it should be noted and used as a benchmark reading for the remainder of the stoppage.

Only when the reading has subsequently increased above the benchmark reading should the umpires consider the light level is sufficient for play to resume.

Code of Conduct for Umpires

Code of Conduct
Umpires shall not make any public pronouncement or media comment which is detrimental to:

the game of cricket in general, or

any particular tour between Member Countries in which any such Umpire is involved, or

any tour between Member Countries which is taking place; or

relations between the Cricket Authority of a Member Country and the Cricket Authority of any other Member Country.

Umpires shall not disclose or comment upon any alleged breach of this Code or the ICC Code of Conduct or any hearing, report or decision arising from such a breach unless such disclosure is required under the provisions of this Code or the ICC Code of Conduct.

Umpires shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in betting or any conduct described in the Appendix.

Umpires shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.

Umpires shall at all times observe and comply with the provisions of any Regulation of ICC which applies to Umpires including but not limited to ICC's Logo Policy from time to time in force.

Umpires shall not engage in any conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the game of cricket.

Application of the Code

An alleged breach of Clause 1.3 of the Code shall be dealt with by the ICC Code of Conduct Commission, through the ICC Executive Board.

Any other breach of the Code shall be dealt with by the Home Board of the Umpire concerned and the Home Board may, subject to the provisions of the Code, regulate its proceedings in relation thereto as it may think fit.

Procedure for Dealing with Disciplinary Matters

Reports

Eligibility to lodge a Report
An alleged breach of this Code by an Umpire may be reported by

the Referee;

the Team Manager (in his own right or on behalf of any of his players) of one of the cricket teams playing in the Test Match or ODI in relation to which such breach is alleged to have occurred;

the chief executive officer of a Cricket Authority whose Member Country was represented by one of the cricket teams playing in the Test Match or ODI in relation to which such breach is alleged to have occurred;

the ICC Chief Executive.

If any person eligible to lodge a report becomes aware of any alleged breach of the Code by an Umpire, he shall report the alleged breach in writing to the ICC Chief Executive as soon as possible and, forthwith upon the receipt of such written report, the ICC Chief Executive shall be responsible for informing the Home Board of its contents.

Hearings by the ICC Code of Conduct Commission
If an Umpire is reported for an alleged breach of Clause 1.3, the ICC Chief Executive shall be responsible for informing the Chairman of the ICC Code of Conduct Commission of the report's contents and any investigation shall be conducted in accordance with the Commission's Terms of Reference and not by the Home Board.

Hearings by the Home Board

A hearing of any alleged breach of the Code shall be arranged by the Home Board as soon as possible and practical after the Home Board has been informed by the ICC Chief Executive of the contents of the report of the alleged breach. Notice of the hearing shall be given by the Home Board to the Umpire concerned and the Home Board shall send him a copy of the said report. If the Umpire shall elect to have a legal representative appear on his behalf at the hearing, he shall forthwith notify the Home Board of his decision and the name of his legal representative. If the Umpire fails to do so, such legal representative may only appear on the Umpire's behalf at the sole and absolute discretion of the Chairman who shall require a good reason for such failure on the part of the Umpire.

The hearing should be attended by the Umpire against whom the alleged breach has been made, by any legal representative instructed by the Umpire to appear on his behalf and by any eligible person who shall have lodged a report with the ICC Chief Executive in relation to such breach, none of whom may be denied the right to appear at the hearing. The hearing may also attended by a representative of ICC and by the Chief Executive Officer of the Home Board and by any other duly appointed representative of the Home Board, including a legal representative instructed by the Home Board to appear on its behalf. If the Umpire against whom the alleged breach is made fails to attend at the time and place fixed for the hearing, reasonable notice of which shall have been duly given to him, the hearing may be conducted in his absence. The Home Board shall appoint an individual to preside at the hearing as the Chairman, to decide whether or not a breach has occurred and, if so, to determine what penalty should be imposed.

The Chairman shall allow the Umpire concerned to present evidence, either oral or written, in support. The Chairman may, at his discretion, call such witnesses as may be necessary.

In hearing evidence of the alleged breach of the Code and in deciding what action should be taken in relation thereto, the Chairman shall have due regard to the principles of natural justice, guidelines on which appear as an appendix to the ICC Code of Conduct, and to the need to ensure a fair and prompt determination of the alleged breach.

The Home Board shall always have the right to investigate any incident which, in its opinion, may give rise to a breach of the Code, irrespective of whether or not a report in relation thereto has been lodged with the ICC Chief Executive; and, if it decides to hold a hearing in relation thereto, it shall, as soon as possible, notify in writing the Umpire in respect of whom an alleged breach of the Code has been made of the Home Board's decision and of the circumstances giving rise to the alleged breach and shall send a copy of the said notice to the ICC Chief Executive.

Decision

The Chairman's decision is final.

As soon as possible after the Chairman has arrived at his decision, he shall inform the chief executive officer of the Home Board and the Umpire concerned of his decision.

The chief executive officer of the Home Board shall announce the decision of the Chairman to the news media.

The Chairman and the Home Board shall not discuss or comment upon the Chairman's decision at any time save with the express authority in writing of the ICC Chief Executive.

Penalties

In the event that, after a hearing under the Code, the Chairman decides on a balance of probability that an Umpire is in breach of the Code, the Chairman may, in his absolute discretion impose any penalty by way of reprimand and/or fine and/or suspension, including power to suspend a fine or a suspension for a period not exceeding one year.

In deciding what penalty to impose on an Umpire for a breach of the Code, the Chairman shall have regard to:-
The character of that Umpire
The nature of the action on the part of that Umpire giving rise to the breach of the Code; and
Any other circumstances of the case which may seem to the Chairman relevant to the imposition of a penalty.

The Home Board shall co-operate with the Chairman in ensuring that a penalty imposed on any such Umpire by way of suspension is carried into full force and effect and the Home Board is hereby authorised under the Code to take all necessary steps to enforce such suspension.

In the event that the Chairman shall decide to impose a fine on an Umpire, the fine shall be paid by the Umpire on whom it is imposed within one calendar month of the date on which he is notified of the Chairman's decision. In this respect, the ICC Chief Executive shall arrange with the Home Board for the fine to be paid by the Umpire concerned to the Home Board who will, in turn, forward it to ICC. Any Umpire failing to pay such fine to the Home Board within the said period shall not, until such time as the fine has been paid, be eligible for appointment as an Umpire by ICC or by the Home Board for any international or national team fixture under the control of the Home Board.

In the event that the Chairman exercises his power to suspend any fine or suspension on an Umpire who is subsequently found to be in further breach of the Code during the period of suspension, the original penalty will automatically be imposed. The Chairman of the hearing of the subsequent breach may impose a penalty in respect of such further breach.

Records
The Home Board shall supply ICC with a copy of all hearings conducted by it under the Code and ICC shall be responsible for keeping copies of all reports and of all hearings.

General

If there shall be any conflict between the provisions of the Code and the provisions of any code of conduct or similar regulation issued by any Cricket Authority, the provisions of the Code shall prevail and shall override any such code of conduct.

It shall be an implied condition in any contract, agreement, understanding or arrangement involving a Cricket Authority or a Home Board and an Umpire that the provisions of the Code shall be binding on such an Umpire and that his acceptance of an appointment to stand as an Umpire in any Test Match or ODI or to be a member of the international panel of Umpires established by ICC shall constitute his acceptance of his obligation to be bound by and his undertaking, directly with ICC as well as with the Home Board, to observe at all times the provisions of the Code.

Each Cricket Authority shall bring to the express notice of its Umpires the provisions of the Code and shall procure the compliance by its Umpires with the provisions of the Code.

Glossary of Terms used in the Code
In this Code, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and expressions set out in the first column below shall bear the meanings set opposite to them respectively in the second column.

"the Chairman" Meaning such person as the Home Board shall appoint to preside over a hearing and to reach a decision in relation to any alleged breach of the Code by an Umpire;

"the Code" the provisions of this ICC Code of Conduct for Umpires, as from time to time amended, extended or reissued by ICC;

"Cricket Authority" a body (whether incorporated or not) which is recognised by ICC as the governing body responsible for the administration, management and development of cricket in a country (or countries associated for cricket purposes) or geographical area where cricket is played;

"Executive Board" the directors of ICC or any of them acting as the Executive Board of ICC;

"the Home Board" in relation to an Umpire, the Cricket Authority of a Member Country to which that Umpire belongs;

"ICC" The International Cricket Council, a limited company;

"the ICC Code of Conduct" The ICC Code of Conduct contained in such Regulation or Regulations as are made or amended by ICC as the same is or are from time to time in force including but not limited to the provisions of this Code;

"Member Country" any country (or countries associated for cricket purposes) or geographical area whose Cricket Authority is a Member of ICC;

"ODIs" One Day International Matches;

"One Day International Match" a limited over international match classified as a One Day International in accordance with ICC's Regulation headed "Classification of One Day International matches";

"Referee" any person for the time being appointed to act as an ICC Referee in accordance with the provisions of the ICC Code of Conduct;

"Regulation(s)" such regulation or regulations as are made or amended by ICC as the same is or are in force and to be observed and performed by the Members of ICC;

"Team Manager" any person appointed as manager of a cricket team representing a Member Country and playing in a Test Match or a One Day International Match;

"Test Match" any cricket match of not less than five days' scheduled duration played between teams selected by Full Members of ICC as representatives of their Member Countries and accorded the status of Test Matches by ICC;

"Umpire" any person appointed by ICC or by any Cricket Authority to stand as an umpire in any Test Match or One Day International Match or any series of such matches arranged under the auspices of ICC, including any third umpire, appointed by a Cricket Authority to act as the emergency umpire and to officiate in regard to TV replays, and any fourth or subsequent umpire, whether or not described as a reserve umpire;