WIMMERA cricket associations have warned players and officials to play by the rules or face the consequences after two incidents in as many weeks led to bans.
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Both incidents occurred in Grampians Cricket Association matches.
President David Turner said the first happened two weeks ago and involved sledging among players.
“There were two incidents on the day, one from each side. A club has handed out a life ban to a player for a slur directed towards a junior player,” he said. “The incident was not tolerated at the club or from the association.
“An investigation was held and the club came back to the association and told us they had dealt with the incident and the outcome. They acted pretty swiftly.”
Mr Turner said the association would not tolerate sledging of a racial, religious or personal nature.
He said a second incident at the weekend broke by-laws relating to alcohol consumption. Association’s by-laws state no player or official can consume alcohol prior to the conclusion of the day’s play.
Mr Turner said a club suspended a player at the weekend for drinking during a match. He said drinking had serious implications for player insurance.
“If one player is consuming alcohol before the end of the game, the insurance cover from JLT is null and void. Any insurance claim from that game comes back on the individual who consumed the alcohol,” he said.
Mr Turner said both incidents were disappointing, and he could not recall actions such as these in his four years on the association’s executive committee.
“The association is in full support of both clubs and the decisions that have been made,” he said.
“We really want to clamp down on unacceptable behaviour among players before it gets out of hand.
“This is a timely reminder that the by-laws and behaviour expectations are in place to protect everyone.”
Horsham Cricket Association president Tony Wills echoed the sentiments.
“We have a very firm stance. Banter up to a certain level we have no problem with, but we won’t have any personal vilification,” he said. “We have a very firm stance on any bullying. We don’t stand for that.
“We also won’t tolerate any drinking. That’s just not on. It’s a family game.”
