COMPLAINTS & PROTESTS
Protests and Complaints are time consuming and costly for league officials especially when several members are involved and legal advice has to be taken. The number of complaints in recent seasons has risen dramatically with the majority believing that they can just make an accusation via Facebook etc! This is reflected in the non-refundable charges below.
Club Officials should note that Protests & Complaints are dealt with as administrative issues and not as disciplinary cases and are covered under League Rule M15.
Anyone making a protest or complaint must provide proof of their objection as league officials cannot begin an investigation on hearsay or rumours.
The League may take action against any complainant where it is felt that the allegation is vexatious. Any action may include a financial penalty, league points deduction, or the requirement for a club to apply for re-election to the league. This list is not exhaustive.
Email: administration@yplncricket.co.uk
Download: Lodging A Protest Proforma
Download: Making A Complaint Proforma
The rules covering protests & complaints are as follows:
12.5 Protests & Complaints
I. Any club lodging a protest [other than a disciplinary issue] against another club or other issue should send such protest to the Disciplinary Officer only by email within 24 hours of the end of the match unless there are exceptional circumstances, together with the administration charge of £250 required via BACS to the League bank account. Of this £200 will be refunded if the protest or complaint is upheld.
II. Any club or individual wishing to lodge a formal protest or complaint regarding another club, its officials, players, or spectators is required to submit written forensic evidence prior to the initiation of any investigative proceedings.
III. A mere email or other message indicating a participant's desire to file a complaint will not suffice. The complaint must be supported by relevant evidence and/or statements to be considered by the Disciplinary Officer.
IV. Clubs, or any other parties making a complaint, are required to designate a single individual as the official point of contact between themselves and the league.
V. In the case of a dispute, representatives of the club, or clubs, concerned will be eligible to attend the hearing but will not be able to vote.
VI. All protests & complaints will be considered by a panel put together by the Disciplinary Officer or appointed Deputy.
VII. Unless there are exceptional circumstances all hearings will be via ‘zoom’.
VIII. Where a protest or complaint fails there will also be a further charge to cover expenses.
IX. Under no circumstances should any other person attempt to communicate with the league, or any other parties involved in the matter, unless prior consent has been obtained from the Disciplinary Officer or their designated representative.
X. Clubs have a right to appeal to a further independent panel appointed by the Disciplinary Officer or appointed Deputy.
XI. There will be a minimum administration charge of £250 for any appeal. Of this £200 will be refunded if the protest or complaint is upheld.
XII. Expenses will be charged in addition to the administration charge.
XIII. The Management Board may call on any club to produce their DBS Register, Meeting Minutes, Cash Book, Team card, Photocard Government ID, or other items to prove the bona-fides of any player against whom a protest has been made.
XIV. Protests and complaints are categorised as administrative matters. In instances where a hearing is necessary, including in the case of an appeal hearing, the panel must consist of a Chairperson and at least two additional members
Appealing Against A Summary Administration Penalty
Administration penalties are imposed by a member of the YPLN Disciplinary team. These are generally for when league rules are broken for example infringements such as team strengthening, ineligible players, and scorecard issues [this list is not exhaustive]. Clubs will be informed by a member of the YPLN Disciplinary Team of the infringement and penalty awarded against them or not as the case may be.
If a participant wishes to appeal they must email their intention and set out the reasons for appeal to Rob Richtering at discipline@yplncricket.co.uk. Appellents have seven days from the time and date of the email informing them of the penalty in which to appeal. A panel will be put together to hear the appeal via 'zoom' unless there are exceptional circumstances that prohibit this.
Appeal hearings are very time consuming and costly for league officials. This is reflected in the non-refundable charges below.
Appeal Procedure
- Email Rob Richtering within seven days from the time and date of the email informing them of the penalty setting out clearly the reasons for appeal, along with any new evidence. After this point new submissions will not be permitted.
- Deposit £250 in the league account. If appellants are successful £200 will be refunded.
- Once the above criteria has been met a panel will be put together. None of the members will be from clubs in the same division or have already been involved in the issue thus far.
- An invite on 'zoom' will be sent to the appellant club Chair & Secretary along with any other witnesses including opposition club officials if appropriate.
- The panel will allow all participants to state their case and then decide on a verdict which will be communicated to all participants within 24 hours.
- The panel's decision will be final and binding on all sides.