Maitland District Cricket Association and Maitland District Junior Cricket Association have implemented a zero-tolerance policy on umpire abuse following two alleged incidents of verbal threats against match officials. The policy, announced in a joint statement on Friday, warns that teams, players, officials, or clubs found guilty of abuse may face loss of competition points, financial penalties, or removal from competitions.
The incidents occurred at one senior and one junior fixture over the weekend, and are being investigated by the Cricket NSW Integrity Unit. Laurence Borg, secretary of the Maitland District Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association, said the crackdown was necessary due to a pattern of poor behaviour by a minority of players and parents. 'Unfortunately, parents are also part of the problem,' Borg said, noting that some adults become overly excited and forget appropriate conduct.
MDCA president Mark Warland confirmed that additional sanctions beyond those under the Code of Conduct are being considered. 'We're looking to adopt some further avenues ... that we won't tolerate any abuse of match officials,' he said. MDJCA president Fletcher Williamson added that taking competition points appears to be an effective deterrent.
The associations, with support from Cricket NSW, aim to ensure cricket remains safe and enjoyable for all. The move follows a similar zero-tolerance policy introduced by Northern NSW Football in early 2024 to protect officials.
