DISCIPLINARY rules in local cricket may have to change because of the Human Rights Act.

The 1998 Act, which became law last year, guarantees a number of rights, including the right to a fair trial.

But the ECB fears most leagues' disciplinary procedures don't guarantee the rights laid out in the Act.

East Lancashire's two most senior leagues are confident their rules meet the new law.

Peter West of Ramsbottom & Co, who is the honorary solicitor for the Transco Lancashire League, said: "Our league is more than 100 years old and we feel we already guaranteed all the rights laid out in the Act.

"But we are incorporating the ECB guidelines into our rules anyway, so that we are definitely covered."

Many new leagues have been created in England and Wales over the past few years and the ECB fears many may not have fully developed their rule books.

West said: "Problems arise when new leagues are formed and the rules aren't properly developed. In fact, many new leagues come to us to ask if they can 'borrow' our rules.

"If someone hits someone else on the cricket field, for instance, the league are going to haul them in front of a disciplinary committee but if the rules are not properly laid down the player can say 'but that is not in the rules' and that is where the problem lies."

The Act guarantees the right to a fair trial and the right to no punishment without law.

Leagues will have to allow representation at disciplinary hearings and players should be given sufficient notice of the allegations and be aware of the case they have to answer.

Players should also have a right of appeal and should know the punishments that could be incurred.

Jennings Ribblesdale League secretary Rod Slater the league would more than likely incorporate the ECB's guidelines.

"Every club in the league has been given a copy of the guidelines. We have a league management committee meeting on February 5 when it will be discussed further.

"I would think we will probably adapt them."