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THE Bendigo District Cricket Umpires Association has vowed to take a "zero tolerance" stand if player behaviour doesn't improve.

BDCUA co-ordinator Peter Williams says the umpiring body is determined to take a stand on player behaviour across all BDCA competitions in the wake of dwindling numbers.

"The key point I want to reiterate is for the players to respect the umpires, because without umpires there's no game," Williams said on Friday.

"What we're asking is the spirit of cricket to be adhered to in regards to how the umpires are treated because at the moment it's not at an acceptable level.

"We've already had one umpire walk away this year because of how he was treated out on the field, and another two that we've recently picked up who have said I'm not too sure I want to continue with this because of the lack of respect."

This is the second time in a month the BDCUA has addressed player behaviour on the field.

Last month BDCUA president Larry Wust wrote to all clubs urging "patience and understanding" towards its umpires in the wake of losing a large chunk of experience over the past year.

Williams says the biggest source of frustration for the BDCUA, which is now down to just 26 full-time umpires, is the disputing of decisions and "audible obscenities" from players.

"When Premier Cricket went down the path of zero tolerance with their umpires there were 13 reports in the first week and only two or so for the rest of the season," Williams said.

"If we have to go down that path to get some improvement then we will.

"Our guys get coaching and are trained; we've lifted the average match rating by the captains from 7.7 to 8.8 in two years, so the level of competency is going up.

"But from my perspective, the level of respect from the players is going down and that's not good enough.

"I'm happy to say that some of our captains are exemplary in the way they manage their players, but what I want to see is all the captains and senior players set the example in the way the umpires are being treated.

"If we don't see improvement then we may just say enough is enough and consider our options.

"Hopefully, this is the last time we need to come out and address this issue."

Meanwhile, the BDCUA wil use GoPro technology on Saturday as a training aid.

The day-night match at the QEO between Bendigo and Bendigo United will feature one umpire wearing a GoPro on their hat to capture the action, with the footage to be used to highlight areas of improvement.

"This is another way that we're trying to lift the standard of our umpiring and we think is a really positive initiative," Williams said.

Barry Ayres Spirit of Cricket standings:

Eaglehawk - 51.00

Strathdale - 50.18

Bendigo - 50.00

Kangaroo Flat - 49.09

White Hills - 49.00

Golden Square - 48.00

Sandhurst - 47.50

Bendigo United - 47.33

Huntly-North ePSOM - 46.67

Strathfieldsaye - 46.36

Meanwhile, round seven of the Emu Valley Cricket Association continues on Saturday.

State of play - California Gully v West Bendigo 6-359; Maiden Gully v Marong 196; Mandurang 40 v Spring Gully 6-278; Emu Creek 6-265 v Axe Creek 2-50; Sedgwick v United 9-232.

And round 11 of the Northern United Cricket Association will be played.

NUCA games - Elmore v Goornong, Bagshot v Calivil, Colbinabbin v Heathcote.

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