H. Specifying a penalty for playing a higher graded player in a lower grade (Reg 4)

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

Add something to Player Grading Laws to specify the awarding of points to sides in cases where a player is found to be playing without downgrade permission.

DISCUSSION

Regulations 4.4 to 4.6 detail the steps required to get permission to downgrade a player to appear in a lower grade team. Basic version is "ask cricketops".

At present if a high grade player plays in a low grade match without permission, after a cricketops investigation and consideration of the case by Management Committee, typically:

• his team will lose match points for the game. 
• the opposition team will be awarded maximum points scored in the round (same as if they were granted a forfeit.) 

In short the penalty is the same as a forfeit except for the forfeit fine.

The proper aim of this rule is to prevent A graders having a romp in a C grade game (or something) whenever they like. 

Seeking permission is not regarded as onerous. Playing a high grade player in a low grade match is unsporting and this punishment is not regarded as too severe.

At the moment the penalty for this is decided by precedent and might seem arbitrary. These new regulations make this less of a choice and more of a "recipe".

If it's not right I want to hear why. 

Are the correct motivations and appropriate rewards for various sides set up? For instance in a late season, close ladder points situation there might be a perverse incentive for a third side close on points to either of two sides meeting to CONCEAL their own misgraded player while revealing that of the other two teams.
This needs careful examination and evaluation and then maybe the penalty for this situation should be more specified or detailed.

This regulation describes the current expected outcome. So it represents the status quo. 

OLD REGULATION	PROPOSED NEW WORDING
EXISTING REGULATIONS	PROPOSED NEW REGULATIONS
GENERAL DOWNGRADE STEPS	NO CHANGES
4.6 No previously graded player may play in a lower grade without the consent of the Management Committee.	NO CHANGES
4.6.1 Any previously graded player may seek permission from the Management Committee for a downgrade.	NO CHANGES
4.6.2 The player’s club will seek permission from the Management Committee by submitting in writing details of the player’s performances and reasons supporting the downgrade.	NO CHANGES
New Regulation (modelled on Reg 5.4)	4.6.3 If a previously graded player plays in a lower grade match without permission (against Playing Regulations 4.6, 4.6.1 and 4.6.2), the Management Committee may impose a penalty in accordance with Playing Regulation 46 and 47 on that player’s team.
New Regulation	4.6.4 That penalty will be loss of match points for the player’s team and the award of maximum points for the round to the opposing team as described in Playing Regulation 11.6 and 11.7.

ABM 12-Jun-2022

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