Points deductions and removal of teams from competitions are among the tougher sanctions being discussed as part of a crackdown on match official abuse in Maitland cricket.

The move to implement a zero-tolerance policy across Maitland senior and junior competitions comes after two "concerning" incidents of alleged verbal abuse against umpires.

In a joint statement to clubs, players, coaches, parents and supporters, Maitland District Cricket Association (MDCA) and Maitland District Junior Cricket Association (MDJCA) made it clear that any form of abuse, verbal or physical, towards umpires would not be tolerated.

"Over the weekend, two deeply concerning incidents occurred involving the alleged threatening of umpires, one at a senior fixture and one at a junior game," the statement posted

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