PLAYERS could harm their team by swearing next season in the Aire-Wharfe League.

The league's umpires' association have proposed that a five-run penalty be awarded in league or cup matches in 2017 if bad language by players can be heard off the field.

The proposed new rule (3.18) reads: (i) Anything that captains or players do before time is called at the end of the game that, in either of the appointed umpires' opinion, attracts a Level One discipline offence or worse will in each instance attract a five-run penalty.

(ii) Foul and abusive language on the field of play not directed at the opposition or an umpire but directed at themselves, their own team or others and, which in the opinion of either appointed umpire could be heard off the field of play, will in each instance attract a five-run penalty."

The Umpires' Association then added: "We believe that the above rule changes will help reduce dissent and swearing on the field of play – something that has become more prevalent in the last few years."

League management committee member Tony Crowther, who is an umpire and presented the proposal to the league's council meeting at Otley Rugby Club, said: "If swearing can be heard off the field – and we do have women and children who are watching – we should be able to issue a five-run penalty.

"Peer pressure will soon stop it (swearing)."

Hall Park's Peter Kempton put the player's point of view, however, saying: "If one ball you think you have got a plumb lbw decision, and the next ball you are Chinese cut for four, then you are going to swear.

"And who is going to police it as the umpires don't know if someone can hear swearing on the boundary edge as they are in the middle?

"And what if you are playing on the edge of the square at Hall Park one week or in the middle of the square at a big ground like Colton or Pool the next week?"

The proposal will go forward to the annual meeting, also at Otley RUFC, on Tuesday, November 29.

* Silsden were earlier unanimously re-elected to the league at the council meeting, while Upper Wharfedale's resignation was confirmed.