Darlington and District Cricket league's plan for qualified umpires is vetoed by clubs

CLUBS in the Darlington and District Cricket league have voted against proposals to introduce at least one qualified umpire in all A division games.
At the league’s annual meeting last week, a proposal was put forward by the executive committee to have at least one level one standard umpire in charge of matches in the top division.
Although the vote went 20-14 in favour, the proposal was not carried as it needed a two-thirds majority to be added to the league’s playing conditions.
Under the league proposals, the home side would have been responsible for paying the official, according to a schedule agreed by the league's management committee.
Lands CC’s Mark Little, who was voted onto the executive committee at the meeting, said he was disappointed the proposal did not receive the support that was required.
He voted in favour of the measure, adding: “It was disappointing it did not get accepted. I am sure the majority of teams want umpires.
“I think it would benefit the league and attract players. When you go away and play teams from other leagues, they all have umpires. I think it would help improve the standard of cricket in the league.”
As a result of the vote, games will continue to be officiated either by a club’s own umpire – often a former player – or more often then not by players taking part in the game itself.
However, Mr Little said Lands was planning to provide a qualified umpire at its matches next season.
Also at the annual meeting, Lands CC's second team resigned from the league.
The team, which finished bottom of the C division, failed to field an XI on 17 occasions last season and ended with -35 points.
Mr Little said the club had to face up to the fact that while it had more than enough players for one team, it did not have a big enough pool for two.
Witton-le-Wear II also resigned from the league after struggling to field a team last term.
Given the increasing use of Facebook and Twitter among clubs and players, a social media policy was agreed which requires all posts relating to the league to be “constructive and relevant”.
Any postings which are judged to be detrimental to the interests of the league or which bring it into disrepute are liable to end in censure and any player or club member in breach of the code will face disciplinary action.
On the playing front, it was agreed that for the league knock-out cups, leg side wides would be introduced.