GLAMORGAN skipper Steve James is backing heavier punishment for renegade cricketers, with common world-wide bans and fines set down for various offences.

James outlined his views at yesterday's Chwarae Teg (fair play) launch for better behaviour in cricket, at Sudbrook Cricket Club.

James admitted traditional values, such as walking when you know you are out, had probably gone for ever, but said it was vital to find a proper balance between competitiveness and fairness.

"Professional cricketers must put their house in order first. We are mindful of that, particularly at Glamorgan," said James. "That's reflected in the MCC Spirit of Cricket award we received last year, voted for by the umpires.

"So, in Wales, Glamorgan are setting a good example, but I do agree there are problems at Test and county level with sledging, dissent etc.

"It is incumbent on the professionals to perform and act in the right manner. Youngsters watch them and there is a good chance they will copy them."

He said the authorities had been too soft on badly behaved Test players in recent years. "They have got to be stricter. Players need to be fined or banned," he said.

"There need to be more common rules. I think if there were strict penalties (similar to rugby where punishments are set down for various offences), there wouldn't be any arguments.

"It's something they definitely need to bring in." However, he added: "Behaviour has deteriorated in all sports at the top where there is so much pressure and money involved and where you have to be competitive.

"At the end of the day we want to win, don't we? We don't want Glamorgan or Welsh cricket being looked upon as nice guys who lose. It's finding the balance."

Chwarae Teg - a joint Cricket Board of Wales/Sports Council for Wales campaign - has been successful in Welsh rugby.

In the next few weeks all 190 Welsh cricket clubs will receive code of conduct certificates, to be signed by junior players and parents, and posters promoting the scheme.

These will be followed up by visits from cricket "ambassadors" and hopefully Chwarae Teg monthly and season awards by clubs to their best behaved players.

"I'm certain clubs will want to ensure competition is keen, but that the ball and bat does the talking."

"A similar scheme in Wales for representative sides at county and national level has proved a big success," said Welsh Cricket Association cricket director, Mark Frost. Eventually senior clubs will be asked to sign up as well.

"Getting someone to sign up to something and getting their parents to do so actually works," he added.

"There will be on-going initiatives. This is just the start of raising the consciousness of Chwarae Teg."

*PICTURED: Steve James faces the appeals of pupils Lauren Gardener (left) and Curtis Monkley watched by umpire for the day Gareth Davies