Association president David Turner said the first incident occurred two weeks ago and involved sledging among players.

“There were two incidents on the day, one from each side. A club has handed out a life ban to a player for a slur directed towards a junior player,” he said.

“The incident was not tolerated at the club or from the association.

“An investigation was held and the club came back to the association and told us they had dealt with the incident and the outcome. They acted pretty swiftly.”

Mr Turner said the association would not tolerate sledging of a racial, religious or personal nature.

He said a second incident at the weekend broke by-laws relating to alcohol consumption during a match.

The association’s by-laws state no player or official can consume alcohol prior to the conclusion of the day’s play.

Mr Turner said a club suspended a player at the weekend for drinking during a match.

He said drinking had serious implications for player insurance.

“If one player is consuming alcohol before the end of the game, the insurance cover from JLT is null and void,” he said.

“Any insurance claim from that game comes back on the individual who consumed the alcohol.”

Mr Turner said the actions in both instances were disappointing.

He said he could not recall actions such as these in his four years on the association’s executive committee.

“Players are to be reminded of our by-laws and penalties enforced by personal actions,” he said.

“The association is in full support of both clubs and the decisions that have been made surrounding the circumstances.

“We really want to clamp down on unacceptable behaviour among players before it gets out of hand.

“This is a timely reminder that the by-laws and behaviour expectations are in place to protect everyone.”

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