Codes of Behaviour

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.

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

A coach must:

• remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun;
• never ridicule or yell at a young player for making a mistake or not coming first;
• be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm;
• operate within the rules and Spirit of Cricket and teach your players to do the same;
• ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience;
• avoid overplaying the talented players; all young players need and deserve equal time, attention and opportunities;
• ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players;
• display control and respect to all those involved in cricket. This includes opponents, coaches, umpires, administrators, parents and spectators. Encourage your players to do the same;
• obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest cricket coaching practices and principles of growth and development of young people;
• ensure that any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development;
• respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion; and
• abide by Clubs/Associations/Councils’ Healthy Club Policies.

Parents’ Code of Conduct

A parent must:

• not force an unwilling child to participate in cricket;
• remember, children are involved in cricket for their enjoyment, not yours;
• encourage your child to play by the rules;
• focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing;
• never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game;
• remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants;
• support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities;
• respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise;
• show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate;
• respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion; and
• abide by Clubs/Associations/Councils’ Healthy Club Policies at Junior Cricket Matches.

Players’ Code of Conduct

A player must:

• play by the rules;
• never argue with an umpire. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the umpire during a break or after the game;
• control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in cricket;
• work equally hard for yourself and your teammates. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will you;
• be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition;
• treat all participants in cricket as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor;
• cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition;
• participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches;
• respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion; and
• not smoke at Junior Cricket Matches.

Umpires’ Code of Conduct

An umpire must:

• place the safety and welfare of participants above all else;
• in accordance with Cricket Australia and CJCC guidelines, modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people;
• compliment and encourage all participants;
• be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions;
• condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents;
• emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors;
• encourage and promote rule changes which will make participation more enjoyable;
• be a good sport themselves – actions speak louder than words;
• keep up to date with the latest available resources for umpiring and the principles of growth and development of young people;
• remember to set an example. An umpire’s behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive;
• give all young people a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion; and
• abide by Clubs/Associations/Councils’ Healthy Club Policies.

Awards Policy

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