THE Bradford Premier League are introducing a Respect Charter that sets out how all members of the league's community should conduct themselves.

It compliments the Club Misconduct Code (CMC) that was introduced last year and designed to ensure clubs are responsible for the behaviour of their players.

League chairman Bill Holmes said at the league's pre-season meeting at Cleckheaton Sports Club: "Last year we had issues of poor conduct by club officials.

“They will now be dealt with by a league disciplinary panel with clubs liable for de-merit points under CMC. The Respect Charter covers everybody (including spectators) and is summed up by the seven points in its mission statement.”

The Respect Charter will sit alongside the Club Misconduct Code and the ECB's General Conduct Regulations which govern player misconduct.

Holmes added: "A total of 28 clubs had no de-merit points last year, which means that we had 20 clubs whose players and officials were sanctioned for disciplinary breaches.

“It would be good if we could build on the progress made last year and reduce the number of offending clubs this year. Seven are now within one Level Two offence from being deducted 20 league points.

“Two clubs suffered that fate last year and I hope we have none this season."

Holmes also announced that the matches postponed from April 20 due to wet weather have been re-arranged for Sundays September 1 and 8.

The first team Premier Division fixtures will be played on September 1, with league officials working on the scheduling of the other seven divisions between the two dates.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sam Frankland (batting) and his Woodlands team-mates are still waiting for their season to start due to the unseasonal wet weather we've had so far this spring. Sam Frankland (batting) and his Woodlands team-mates are still waiting for their season to start due to the unseasonal wet weather we've had so far this spring. (Image: Ray Spencer.)

Meanwhile, the league management board have three new members: Dr Asad Khan, Jer Lane's second XI title and cup winning captain, New Farnley player Steve Bullen, who will bring IT and social media skills to the board, who are joined by Hunslet Nelson's chairman Anthony Ryder, who brings new ideas and a work ethic.

Holmes added: “Since I joined the board five years ago the composition of the management board has changed, with a broader demographic bringing different experiences and skill sets to the running of the league.

“Former chairmen David Young and Mark Heald take credit for beginning this move, with the recent three appointments a continuation of this positive development.

“The average age of board members have dropped quite dramatically and we now have a good mix of players past and present, umpires and administrators.

“I would like more South Asian and women represented to broaden further the make up of the board. We don't want to run a women’s and girls’ league, but we do want to see this side of the game develop and are happy to help out wherever we can."

Holmes also pointed out that the league have invoked its Exceptional Circumstances rule (Rule 10) by introducing an addition to Rule 51 Cancellations. 

He said: "If the away side insist on travelling after being informed the ground is unplayable they will be liable for the umpires' expenses if no play is possible. This is a temporary rule and will be looked at on a monthly basis."

He concluded with a plea to clubs to support the league's sponsors Gordon Rigg Garden, Home and Leisure Centre in Todmorden.

He said: “Gordon Rigg back us to the tune of £11,000 a year, but if clubs do not support them then the sponsorship will end which will take some replacing.”