IT'S just not cricket.

Nor is it a gentleman's game, not any more.

Events witnessed in the past few weeks might suggest that the domestic game has sunk to a new low.

Is there any wonder that, apart from the players and officials, local grounds are virtually empty every Sunday?

Maybe the failings of the national team since the last World Cup have had a knock-on off effect. Whatever the reasons, the game these days just isn't played in the same spirit as it was years ago, nor with the same dignity.

What we've seen recently is an umpire slapped on the wrist by the association he represents after holding up play as he took as many as five calls on his mobile phone. What would the recently-retired Test umpire Steve Bucknor have to say about that?

That was a one-off incident but it certainly didn't help the cause of Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association who, collectively, have now threatened to boycott certain matches because of safety concerns. And it's difficult not to sympathise with them.

Over the weekend we saw two matches abandoned as violence threatened to erupt, and another marred as angry players – senior players at that – badgered the umpires to the extent that a decision was reversed. One of those umpires was subjected to an attack which bordered on physical assault.

Father and son got into such a heated exchange that the game between Devonshire Rec and Willow Cuts was called off. To their credit, Devonshire are considering banning those players for the rest of the season. Hopefully Bermuda Cricket Board will take the matter a step further.

At Police Field, a Western Stars' player refused to walk when given out, tempers flared and one of his team-mates, a cricketer with a past record of indiscipline, proceeded to smash up equipment belonging to opponents, Leg Trappers.

Four out of the seven Sunday league games were completed without incident – that we know of!

It could be argued that the game here simply mirrors what has transpired in the international arena for some years. Sledging has become part and parcel of the game, verbal spats between players a common occurrence. Players regularly question umpires' decisions, knowing full well whether ball has hit bat or not or whether a catch has been held cleanly or not.

What happened to the sportsmanship shown when a player turned towards the pavilion long before the umpire had chance to raise his finger?

Perhaps what we see nowadays is a reflection of society as a whole. Or perhaps not.

It's a lame excuse.

Shouldn't it be the other way round?

Those who play sport seriously can help shape society. Internationally and domestically, the top players are seen as role models who can influence those who look up to them.

If they scream at each other, shout obscenities, toss their bats around and threaten violence, is there any wonder that youngsters want to imitate them?

Alma (Champ) Hunt, arguably the best cricketer this country has ever produced, would turn in his grave if he could see how the game has deteriorated. And as a former no-nonsense Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president, he'd be none too happy the way the governing body has allowed matters to get out of hand.

On disciplinary issues, BCB's standard response in the past has been 'we can do nothing until we receive the umpire's report.'

So what if the umpire doesn't submit a report, or if he or she chooses to ignore incidents, either for fear of reprisal or favouritism towards those involved. That might not often be the case, but it does happen.

The fact remains there are 22 players in the game, club officials and spectators who witness this bad behaviour. If an umpire is more interested in conducting his business on the phone rather than officiating, why would the Board rely solely on his report?

Perhaps in the future, much like the BFA, they should appoint a match commissioner who could submit his own version of events.

Cup Match, a shining example of how cricket should be played, is just around the corner.

More than ever this year those afforded the honour of playing in this classic have an obligation, a duty, to ensure that the 'gentleman's game' is played in the spirit intended.

They're carrying a heavy burden. Let's hope they carry it well.

– ADRIAN ROBSON