A code of conduct was drafted at the ICC's executive board meeting in Cape Town last week, and the freshly-appointed referees face a four-day course in South Africa on the new procedures.

The referees now have recourse to a four-tier disciplinary system.

Level one offences are punishable by a minimum of a reprimand, with a life ban the ultimate sanction for level four breaches.

The group will also attend sessions on media training, discussions on playing conditions and the reporting of suspect bowling actions, as well as a medical and fitness check.

"It can't be stressed how vital these four days are," ICC communications manager Mark Harrison said.

"What we are looking for is consistency and this is the start of a more consistent process of giving umpires and referees the kind of professional training they have never had before.

"All the officials on the elite panel have worked in cricket for a long time," Harrison acknowledged.

"The ICC has never before told them how to approach the job in a professional and well thought-out fashion.

"This is the start of an ongoing process."