THE WEST of England Premier League have reminded all their clubs about behaviour on the pitch after receiving complaints of abusive language.

And there have been allegations of threats of violence being made on the pitches across the league.

The league have particularly pointed out that, as a number of teams play youngsters in their sides, often in their early teens, the language is either being directed at the kids or within their earshot.

A letter from West of England Premier League Standards Committee chairman Allan Taylor and their Disciplinary Panel chairman about the issue has been sent to every club in the competition saying that the problems will ‘not be tolerated’.

Indeed, the language is bad enough that some parents have wondered whether their children should play senior cricket.

The letter said: “At the pre-season meetings, all clubs were reminded that there is no place in our game for obscene, abusive or foul language.

“Sadly – and to the detriment of the game – the Board has received a significant number of reports which describe in great details abusive and threating behaviour by some players, much of which has been directed at young players under the age of 18 or within their hearing.

“Complaints have been received from umpires, captains, players and, in some cased where Under-18 players have been involved, Child Welfare Officers and parents, some of who have questioned whether their sons should continue to play the game at this level.

“Reports received from Child Welfare Officres have emphasised their legal responsibility, and that of everyone involve in cricket, have to look after the welfare and development of our young players.

“At that pre-season meeting, a number of senior captains indicated their concern about player behaviour generally, behaviour which they felt was getting worse and well beyond a level that is consistent with the spirt of cricket.”

The letter continued: “It is clear to the WEPL board that this behaviour cannot, and will not, be tolerated and all clubs are directed to remind captains that they are responsible for all the actions of their players at all times.

“Player behaviour is the sole responsibility of captains and NOT the responsibility of the umpire.”

‘Sledging’ in cricket – the practice of fielders winding up opposition batsmen in order to put them off their game – is commonly known and happens at Test level.

However, physical violence is another thing, and the letter spelt out that it is not just on the pitch but off it that cricketers are making threats.

The letter said: “Reports have also been received of threats of a physical nature to opposition players both during and after the game and, most recently, allegations of verbal abuse of female bar staff following a game.

“Recreational cricket is losing umpires and administrators at an alarming rate and young players in particular are leaving ghe game, lcargely as a consequence of the behaviours indicated and, taken together, the overall effect threatens to undermine the recreational game we all enjoy.

“From now on,” the letter added, “umpires will be directed to report any player using gratuitous foul, abusive or threatening language and captains will be held responsible for the behaviour reported.

“Clubs will be expected to carry out the penalties set out in our disciplinary regulations and, depending upon the circumstances reported by the umpires, clubs may well face significant points deductions.”