REGIONAL cricket chiefs have written to all clubs playing in the West of England Premier League to warn them over the behaviour of their players after becoming alarmed over a number of incidents during the opening two months of the season.

League officials have threatened to impose "significant points deductions'' on clubs after directing their umpires to report players using "foul, abusive or threatening language'' at their fixtures this summer.

The league has become particularly concerned over reports of abusive and threatening behaviour directed towards younger players and have also received details of threats of a physical nature being directed to opposition players both during and after a match and allegations of verbal abuse of female bar staff following a game.

In a letter sent to all league clubs standards committee chairman Allan Taylor and disciplinary panel chairman Chris Pannell reminded clubs that player behaviour is the responsibility of the respective captains rather than match umpires and have warned of severe punishments should the incidents continue.

The letter read: "At the pre-season meetings all clubs were reminded that there is no place in our game for obscene, abusive or foul language.

"Sadly, and to the detriment of the game, the board has received a significant number of reports which describe in great detail, abusive and threatening behaviour by some players, much of which has been directed at young players under the age of 18 or within their hearing.

"Complaints have been received from umpires, captains, players, and in those cases where U18 players have been involved, Child Welfare Officers and parents, some of who have questioned whether their sons should continue to play the game at this level.

"Reports received from Child Welfare Officers have emphasised their legal responsibility and that of everyone involved in cricket have to look after the welfare and development of our young players.''

The latest warning comes after several club captains expressed their concerns about worsening player behaviour at a league meeting prior to the start of the 2018 season.

The letter added: "It is clear to the WEPL Board that this behaviour cannot, and will not, be tolerated and all clubs are directed to remind captains that they are responsible for all the actions of their players at all times.

"Captains also have a legal responsibility to exercise a duty of care for all junior players aged 18 and below, and it is worth emphasising that this responsibility extends to opposition players as well as their own.

"This duty of care is a legal responsibility which carries with it obvious consequences if not maintained.

"Player behaviour is the sole responsibility of captains and NOT the responsibly of the umpire.

"Recreational cricket is losing umpires and administrators at an alarming rate and young players in particular are leaving the game, largely as a consequence of the behaviours indicated above and, taken together, the overall effect threatens to undermine the recreational game we all enjoy.

"From now on, umpires will be directed to report any player using gratuitous foul, abusive or threatening language and captains will be held responsible for the behaviour reported.

"Clubs will be expected to carry out the penalties set out in our disciplinary regulations and, depending upon the circumstances reported by the umpires, clubs may well face significant points deductions.

"In sending this letter to all WEPL clubs, the Board recognise that there are a great many players who do play the game according to The Spirit of Cricket and act as positive role models for young players, but the Board and the ECB are determined that those who chose to resort to unacceptable behaviour for whatever reason, will be punished.''