Epping Cricket Club

CODE OF CONDUCT

Epping Cricket Club expects all members to abide by the conditions laid down in this code of conduct.

This also contains additional codes of conduct for:

Officials, Coaches & Volunteers

1.     The Captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.

2.     Players and Club Members must at all times accept the Umpire’s decision. Players must not show dissent at the Umpire’s decision or react in a provocative or disappointing manner towards an Umpire at any time.

3.     Players and Club Members shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an Umpire, another Player or a Spectator.

4.     Players and Club Members shall not use crude and/or abusive language, nor make offensive gestures and/or hand signals nor deliberately distract an opponent.

5.     Players and Club Members shall not make racially abusive comments or indulge in racially abusive actions against fellow players, officials, members and supporters.

6.     Players and Club Members will observe the highest standards of sportsmanship and behaviour both on and off the field of play.

 
7.  Players must not use social media to post abusive or insulting "statuses" relating to opposition, umpires, players or spectators.


8.  At no time are cameras, of any form, allowed to be used in the changing rooms while they are in use.


9.  All players/officials/spectators/volunteers are to respect all property and grounds at all times.
 

Any breach of this Code of Conduct will lead to disciplinary action being taken

Code of conduct for Officials, Coaches & Volunteers

The club has adopted the following:

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Code of Conduct for Coaches

All coaches and volunteers involved with the junior section must comply with these.

It is also the responsibility of all coaches and volunteers to make themselves aware of the clubs Child Protection Policy and also the ECB policy “Safe Hands – The Welfare of Young People in Cricket”

Copies of the above code of conduct can be obtained from the upon request

Also all coaches must:

·       Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.

·       Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect.

·       Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part

·       Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play)

·       Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance

·       Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover

·       Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward

·       Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibitive substances

The Laws of Cricket, 2000 Code - The Preamble, The Spirit of Cricket

Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.

1. There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the team’s conduct firmly on the captain.

Responsibility of captains
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.

Player’s conduct
In the event of a player failing to comply with instructions by an umpire, or criticising by word or action the decisions of an umpire, or showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to the other umpire and to the player’s captain, and instruct the latter to take action.

2. Fair and unfair play
According to the Laws the umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play.
The umpires may intervene at any time and it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where required.

3. The umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of:

·       Time wasting

·       Damaging the pitch

·       Dangerous or unfair bowling

·       Tampering with the ball

·       Any other action that they consider to be unfair

4. The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:

·       Your opponents

·       Your own captain and team

·       The role of the umpires

·       The game’s traditional values

5. It is against the Spirit of the Game:

·       To dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action or gesture

·       To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire

·       To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance:
a) to appeal knowing that the batsman is not out
b) to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
c) to seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one’s own side

6. Violence
There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.

7. Players
Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match. Every player is expected to make an important contribution to this.

Code of Conduct for Junior Members

All junior members of Epping Cricket Club must:

• Play within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.
• Abide by instructions given by the Team Manager / Coach
• Respect opponents, officials, coaches and volunteers.
• Behave with self-discipline
• At all times accept the Umpire’s decision and never show dissent.
• Not use foul or abusive language on or off the field
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated
• Co-operate with Coaches, Team mates and Opponents – remember that without them there would be no game.
• Dress in an appropriate manner for training and matches (as agreed with coach)
• Remember that all fees must be paid promptly
• Never smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club
• Never consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club

Code of Conduct for Parents / Guardians

Parents /Guardians must:

• Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them
• Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials
• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results
• Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes
• Always accept the judgement of officials
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy the game