ICC introduces 'tough but fair' Disciplinary Code

A new and restructured Players Code of Conduct for international cricket comes into force from the start of tomorrow's second Test match between the West Indies and India in Trinidad.

Approved at last month's ICC Executive Board meeting in Cape Town, the new disciplinary process has been designed to provide a clearer and more consistent Code for the benefit of players and match officials.

"This new Code provides a tougher, but fairer framework for the international game. There are far more stringent maximum penalties than previously, but it is also more transparent and will be applied more consistently than in the past. All players will be fully aware of the punishments they can expect if they flout the laws in future," said ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed.

There are four Levels of offences under the new Code of Conduct, each with a set range of penalties that can be imposed by the ICC Match Referee.

Another important feature is the introduction of a right of appeal for the two most serious categories of offence, Levels 3 and 4. Under the previous Code there was no right of Appeal.

Suspended penalties, an option that was widely regarded as ineffective by both officials and players, have been abolished in favour of the direct penalties adopted in the tougher new regime.

Offences and Penalties
Level 1
Penalty provision: Level 1 penalties will range from an official reprimand and/or a fine of up to the equivalent of 50 per cent of the player or official's match fee

Level 1 Offences:
1.1 Breach of the ICC Logo Policy, apart from breaches relating to a commercial logo or players' bat logo
1.2 Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings
1.3 Showing dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse
1.4 Using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or the making of an obscene gesture
1.5 Excessive appealing
1.6 Pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner by a bowler or other member of the fielding side upon the dismissal of a batsman.

Level 2
Penalty provision:
Level 2 penalties will range from a fine of the equivalent of between 50 per cent of the player or official's match fee, up to their full match fee and/or a 1 Test Match or 2 ODI Match ban

Level 2 Offences:
2.1 Repeat of any Level 1 Offence within 12 months
2.2 Showing serious dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse
2.3 Breach of the Logo Policy relating to a commercial logo or a player's bat logo
2.4 Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment on a match related incident or match official
2.5 Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play
2.6 Charging or advancing towards the umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
2.7 Deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play (this supplements and does not replace ICC Playing Condition clause 32)
2.8 Throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner
2.9 Using language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, referee, Team Official or spectator. (It is acknowledged that there will be verbal exchanges between players in the course of play. Rather than seeking to eliminate these exchanges entirely, umpires will look to lay charges when this falls below an acceptance standard. In this instance, language will be interpreted to include gestures)
2.10 Changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 (this supplements and does not replace the provisions of Law 42.3).

Level 3
Penalty provision:
Penalties for Level 3 offences will range from a ban for the player or match official concerned of between two and four Test matches or between four and eight ODI matches.

Level 3 Offences
3.1 Repeat of any Level 2 Offence within 12 months
3.2 Intimidation of an umpire or referee, whether by language or conduct
3.3 Threat of assault on another player, Team Official or spectator
3.4 Using language or gestures that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.

Level 4
Penalty provision:
Penalties for Level 4 offences will range from a ban of between 5 Test Matches or 10 ODI matches, up to a life ban for the player or official concerned.

Level 4 Offences:
4.1 Repeat for any Level 3 Offence within 12 months
4.2 Threat of assault on an umpire or referee
4.3 Physical assault of another player, umpire, referee, official or spectator
4.4 Any act of violence on the field of play
4.5 Using language or gestures that seriously offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin

Application of penalties

A weighting has been applied so that each Test match is regarded as equivalent to 2 ODIs. Penalties will be applied in the form of matches (Test or ODI) in which the player is likely to play. If the player usually plays only one or other form of the game, the referee will apply the ban for the appropriate form played by the player.

The new ICC Players Code of Conduct comes into effect with the start of the second Test match between the West Indies and India, and will apply to all international cricket from that point on.