Cricket has always been called the gentleman’s game — and for good reason. It basically teaches discipline, patience, perseverance and respect for rules.

Respect for rules has come under attack in recent times in many areas of sport, especially in football, where fans have been known in some countries to kill each other over a particular outcome.

While nothing of that extreme has happened in Bermuda, there have been ugly incidents in recent years on the football pitch that led to some matches having to be abandoned by officials in efforts to avoid escalation. The signs of changing behaviour in the sports arena have been brewing for years, and at least it would appear that officials have been reluctant to bring the hammer down in a way that would send a message to all — that rebel behaviour by anyone would not be tolerated.

To achieve this, there must be a code of conduct that is well established by all clubs, which is not simply something on paper.

Much of the Island is aghast over the eruption of emotion that tarnished the closing stages of an Eastern Counties cricket match, to a degree where potential chaos was only seconds away. It is good that the matter was contained by club officials with police assisting. The mere fact that there was a threat to an event known for celebrating as families and friends is a huge disappointment to all who take pride in the competition’s history and cultural significance.

It could be said that the real culprit in this affair was overheated emotions by some players when things did not appear to be going their way. Everyone knows in any sport, someone loses and someone wins, unless of course depending on the event, there is a draw.

The unfortunate incident at the East End brought to mind the importance of respecting rules when it comes to any sport, especially cricket, with two umpires required to make tough decisions based on what they see. Unless there is sophisticated technology often used in world-class matches, when a third umpire could be called into service, the standing umpire has the final word no matter what.

Respect for rules on the field of play resulted in the West Indies Test team being hailed as heros by the Australians after their first visit there, with a sportswriter saying one would have thought they had won the series, the way the people expressed admiration for the team as they left for home.

They may have lost that series, but they won the hearts of cricket fans there and around the world. It is worth pointing out here that the team captain made it very clear to his players that he did not wish to see any signs of dissent if a decision seemed questionable by the umpire. Of course, it is not always easy to adhere to that advice in moments of tension.

As it happened, what appeared to be a catch was turned down by an umpire while West Indies were fielding. Without thinking, one player dropped to the ground in dismay, but according to the report, he quickly realised the captain was watching and went into a series of push-ups. No further words needed.

It is that type of respect for rules of the game that has slipped away in recent times, as behavioural problems continue to haunt this great game of cricket. Sadly, overall good conduct by most players is something to highlight, and build on, if we wish to preserve standards that the public will not only admire, but would be willing to support.

There will probably be a full investigation into the incident at St David’s to determine what steps to take to avoid such a dilemma that is a negative for cricket in Bermuda.

Tempers need to cool for this to be worked out properly because the public are entitled to be safe while attending such events. There are always children present with their families, and no stone should be left unturned in restoring dignity and stability to this cricket classic.

Most of all, no sporting event should be allowed to drift into the win-at-any-cost mode, with abuse of the golden rule. As far as cricket is concerned, the umpire’s decision, like it or not, must be accepted as law. Any complaint should be made via proper channels — after a match, not on the field of play. Umpires are not perfect and neither are the cricketers.

Officials of the game must pull up their socks in taking firm action to assure sports fans that their highest priority will be to keep this wonderful sport of cricket the gentleman’s game it is supposed to be.

The annual Cup Match is just around the corner and hopefully much has been learnt from the unfortunate East End incident, with officials from both clubs determined to ensure that this great classic remains just that — a great classic for all to enjoy.