No appeal process for Bell Park
A STALEMATE has formed over an attempted appeal by Bell Park against a Geelong Cricket Association ruling over its salary cap scandal, with the GCA refusing to hold a hearing.
Bell Park has written to the Barwon Region cricket board, which acts as an overseer of the GCA, asking for an appeal into a ruling that all players paid by the club in previous seasons be allocated as professional players in the points system.
The call will leave the Dragons unable to field their best side next season, given up to 10 players will be deemed as professional, well beyond the association rules of three.
The club wanted to appeal but the GCA has refused.
The Geelong Advertiser understands the advice from the Barwon Region is to allow a sit-down meeting.
GCA president Rob Vines said it was not in association rules to allow a hearing.
“We examined all of that and our view is that there is no mechanism available for an appeal, so that is the position we have put to the Barwon Region and we have informed Bell Park,” Vines said.
“We say there is no appeal process available based on what we have seen of the Barwon Region and (Victorian Country Cricket League) rules and how they have dovetailed with ours.
“If there was an appeal avenue available we, of course, would be part of it, if that was the way the rules were written. But they aren’t.”
Bell Park president Rodney Brown confirmed the club had been told by the GCA there was no appeal process.
“Our club is now considering our options,” Brown said.
Penalties handed down to Bell Park as part of the scandal included the stripping of three premierships won in the 201920 season, a fine and, initially, banishment to GCA3.
The Dragons were since recalled to GCA2 for the coming season.
Vines issued a warning to any clubs considering using the salary cap scandal as fodder for sledging or harassment this coming summer.
He said the GCA would be vigilant and back its code against harassment should Bell Park cop it on field.
“We’ve made it clear to Bell Park that if there is anything untoward going on in terms of harassment or vilification of their players that we will play our part in helping to address that,” Vines said.