Cricket club chairman appeals to players to show more respect to umpires
A village cricket club chairman has made a passionate appeal to its players to show better behaviour after two showed dissent to umpires in recent matches.
Andy Dann spoke out after being unhappy with the way unnamed players – one in a junior team and the other in a senior XI – contested decisions.
He also cited the example set by legendary former local umpire, Vic Heppenstall, who always emphasised the importance of cricketing etiquette and sportsmanship during his decades officiating in local matches.
Andy posted on the club’s Facebook page: “I know we are all incredibly proud to be part of Belvoir Cricket Club and for me, personally, the club is something very close to my heart.
"It therefore pains me to have to write this, but I feel it is important that we address an issue now and 'nip it in the bud' before it becomes a bigger problem for this amazing club.
"Over recent weeks, we have had two incidents, one involving a junior member and one involving a senior member, where an umpire's decision has not been accepted appropriately.
"I want to make our position absolutely clear, this will not be tolerated at Belvoir Cricket Club.”
He said he recognised that umpiring mistakes are made at all levels of the game but that the only appropriate response is to accept the decision, whether they are batters, bowlers or fielders.
In his remarks, which were addressed to all players, members, coaches, parents and spectators at the club, which is based at Knipton, Andy said: “We must remember that umpires are volunteers and an essential part of our game.
"Without them, we simply cannot play competitive cricket.
"They deserve the same respect that we expect our players, coaches and club members to receive.
"I want to stress that, 99 per cent of the time, cricket at Belvoir is an incredibly enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
"We are talking about a very small minority of incidents. However, I feel strongly that if we do not address this now, there is a risk that it could become a bigger issue, and we will not allow that to happen.
"As chairman, I want Belvoir Cricket Club to be known not only for the cricket we play, but for the way we conduct ourselves, both on and off the field.
"Respect, sportsmanship and enjoyment must always be at the heart of what we do.
"Any argument, dissent or inappropriate reaction towards an umpire is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the club.”
He finished by mentioning Vic Hepenstall, who passed away in 2018 aged 86, who was universally loved by local players after umpiring hundreds of games over more than 40 years in the Grantham and Melton Cricket Association, South Notts league and South Lincs Border League. He was also a long-running member of Belvoir Cricket Club.
Andy cited one of Vic’s favourite sayings, ‘do good things’, adding: “If we all keep that thought in the back of our minds, we won't go far wrong.”