Team: Recreational Discipline Team  

Location: Flexible (hearings may be held in person (usually in London but can be elsewhere in England and Wales) and online).  Occasionally there may be the requirement to attend Lord’s. 

Term: Two-year term (which may be extended by another two-year term with a maximum of four-years).  

Type of role: Voluntary  

PURPOSE 

The ECB is setting up an independent tribunal which is responsible for adjudicating on certain regulatory disciplinary matters within recreational cricket on behalf of the ECB. The Recreational Discipline Panel (RDP) will hear complex and serious first instance cases and decide on Appeals brought from the recreational game. 

The Cricket Regulator invites applications from barristers or solicitors with sports regulatory/disciplinary expertise, former cricket players or individuals with other relevant experience within cricket, and individuals with other relevant expertise/experience, particularly in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). 

WHO WE ARE 

The England and Wales Cricket Board is the national governing body for all cricket in England and Wales, supporting the game at every level – from grassroots to professional. 

We believe cricket is a force for good that can have an enduring impact on everyone’s lives and we have an ambitious strategy to inspire a generation to say ‘cricket is a game for me’. It provides great entertainment. It teaches important skills, both physical and social.  It can help inclusion and social cohesion, bringing communities together. 

The ECB wants cricket to be the most inclusive sport in England and Wales. The ECB welcomes applications from all backgrounds to ensure we deliver our Inspiring Generations strategy and fulfil our purpose to connect communities and improve lives through cricket. 

OUR VALUES

• Run on respect. We ensure our game is based on fairness, respect and decency. 

• Embrace enjoyment. We make sure everyone finds fun in the game. 

• Build belonging. We actively include so everyone can find a place in the game. 

• Progress with purpose. We stay open to change to keep the game moving forward. 

YOU’LL LOVE THIS OPPORTUNITY IF 

• You want to apply your experience to varied disciplinary cases and matters arising within cricket (including both on-field and off-field matters). 

• You want to bolster the  RDP’s role as an effective independent tribunal by acting with integrity and to the highest standards of regulatory practice. 

• You have a passion for sport, especially cricket. 

• You have expertise in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and a strong understanding of the Equality Act 2010. 

YOU’LL BE DOING 

The function of the Recreational Discipline Panel (RDP) is to consider cases brought before it by the Cricket Regulator in relation to the General Conduct Regulations, the Anti-Discrimination Code, Recreational Conduct Regulations, ECB General Conduct Regulations and other rules and/or Regulations which contain disciplinary powers to be discharged by the RDP.  

The Cricket Regulator is the body responsible for monitoring compliance with and enforcement of adherence to the game’s Regulations on behalf of the ECB. The RDP acts to establish and uphold agreed standards within the recreational game, and to ensure its integrity, independently of interests within the game and to the highest standards of regulatory practice. 

The majority of cases which come before the RDP relate to a breach of the General Conduct Regulations. These cases will relate to misconduct arising from the Recreational Game, failure(s) to comply with the ECB Anti-Discrimination Code, and breaches of the ECB General Conduct Regulations,  

As a member of the RDP you will hear disciplinary cases (at both first instance and appeal) in accordance with the process set out in the Regulations. This will involve you familiarising yourself with relevant regulations and case papers to participate fully in the decision-making process, considering evidence and submissions and being involved in making clear, proportionate and defensible decisions, imposing relevant sanctions and preparing written decisions.   

Chair 

The Chair will oversee hearings, ensuring procedural fairness and adherence to regulatory best practices.

Responsibilities include: 

• Leading and managing disciplinary hearings efficiently. 

• Delivering well-reasoned, clear, and comprehensive written decisions. 

• Providing clear procedural guidance to panel members. 

• Possessing a legal qualification as a barrister, solicitor, or judge, ideally with experience in sports disciplinary matters and arbitrations. Ensuring consistent application of disciplinary regulations and best practices. 

Panel Member 

Panel Members will participate in hearings and contribute to fair, evidence-based decision-making.

Responsibilities include: 

• Reviewing and adjudicating on disciplinary matters, ensuring decisions align with the relevant Regulations and the spirit of cricket. 

• Evaluating evidence, witness statements, and submissions in a fair and knowledgeable manner. 

• Asking appropriate questions during hearings and providing clear explanations of cricket laws and regulations. 

• Delivering well-reasoned, clear, and coherent written decisions. 

• Having relevant cricket experience (playing, coaching, officiating, or administration) OR expertise in discrimination and misconduct. 

YOU’LL HAVE 

• For the chair role only To be legally qualified as a barrister, solicitor (with 5 or more years post qualification experience) and/or judge, ideally with experience in sports disciplinary matters and arbitrations and experience of producing clear, comprehensive and defensible decisions. 

• For both roles: Specific knowledge and experience of sport (preferably cricket), ideally through playing, coaching, officiating or administration. 

• Specialist experience in other relevant areas, including discrimination and misconduct.     

Successful candidates will be required to attend training prior to appointment and will be required to obtain a DBS check.