Code of Conduct

Purpose of this document

The purpose of this document is to define:

Lay out the values which make Winsley Cricket Club what is it is and create the environment we wish to offer our members
Help everyone understand behavioural expectations which create that environment
Define the behaviours and code of conduct which must be adhered to by players, members, officials, coaches and parents
Define what happens when these behaviours are not demonstrated

1.1 Terms of reference

Parent/guardian
Supporter/spectator
Club official
Visitor

The spirit of Winsley

Members of Winsley are united by a shared enthusiasm and love of cricket and its wish to pursue this interest within a Club where all are welcome and encouraged whatever their previous experience of the sport. Winsley’s strength lies in the breadth of the age and background of its membership and its commitment to ensure that regardless of ability everyone enjoys the game. There is a duty of the more experienced to encourage and help build up the self-esteem of the less confident; anything less, on or off the field of play, is divisive and destructive of the ethos of the Club. Winsley strives to be an environment where everyone can be themselves and any form of discrimination, misogyny or bullying will not be tolerated. Therefore, it is essential that:

No player should attempt to usurp or undermine the authority of the Captain.
Players should recognise that field placements are the prerogative of the Captain in liaison with the Bowler and, if he/she chooses, after consulting with the Vice-Captain(s).
Players and supporters should recognise that praise and encourage ment are far more effective in building confidence and improving per formance than harsh criticism and ridicule.
Members should consider how their words (whether face to face or indirectly, or electronically communicated in club WhatsApp groups or other public forums) or actions may be received by any others, who may hear or see the comments. This shall apply regardless of their intentions or perceptions.
No member should openly and loudly direct abuse or criticism at a player who has made an error or convey their displeasure in a manner intended to be seen and/or heard.
Players should never, in response to their own mistakes, seek ‘scape goats’ by placing the blame on another player or an umpire.
Players and supporters should demonstrate a high level of sportsmanship at all times even in the face of intimidation.
No player or supporter should endanger the reputation of the Club by the excessive consumption of alcohol or use of illicit drugs before or during a game or a post-match social.
No member shall ‘vape’ inside the clubhouse or on the field of play (irrespective of the type of fixture)

By signing up as a member of Winsley CC or by taking part in any event the club offers, it is our expectation that people uphold the spirit of the club.

Playing values

Winsley Cricket Club hold three simple values which should be present and seen in everything that we do on and off the field. They are:

Humility
Hard work
Putting the team /club above self interest

We encourage all members to demonstrate these values in any club activity. We also believe in encouraging our players that the simple things go a long way towards creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy cricket, our club and its surroundings. For this to happen we encourage the following values:

Punctuality
Effort
Positive attitude, energy and body language
Passion
Being coachable
Doing extra
Being prepared
Being polite
Being helpful to get the game on

We believe these principles, which are not grounded in success and results will create an environment where good people share good experiences and values. That in turn will lead to the success and development which we believe everyone wants for Winsley CC. The values are deliberately grounded in the way we conduct ourselves, as we firmly believe doing the ‘right thing’ pays off and brings its own rewards. By signing up as a playing member of Winsley CC or by taking part in any event the club offers, it is our expectation that people uphold these personal standards.

Equality

The club is committed to ensuring that equality is incorporated across all aspects of its development. Sports equality is about fairness in sport, equal ity of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes accessible for everyone.

The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of our sport, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, religion, nationality, colour, social status, political beliefs, marital status, pregnancy status, gender reassignment and sexual orientation.

The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy cricket in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.

All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour.

The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously and in accordance with club disciplinary procedures in this policy. Any breach of the Code may lead to being warned of his/her future conduct or in serious cases being suspended or barred from participation in club activities.

Code of conduct

Any member who acts at any time in a manner liable to prejudice the good name or interests of Winsley Cricket Club shall be subject to disciplinary action.

We respect:

Our opponents
Your own captain and team.
The umpires and scorers
The game’s traditional values and spirit of cricket.
Anyother person associated with an activity at Winsley Cricket Club.
All our volunteers and value the integral role they play in our club. Recreational cricket can only exist thanks to volunteers.

The conduct obligations in the ECB General Conduct Regulations for recreational cricket shall apply at all times and the club adopts the defini tions of level one to level four offences in its disciplinary procedures. Exam ples of offences under the four levels are as follows, and shall apply to all members:

Level 1 Offence

Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, buildings or fixtures and fittings.
Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse.
Showing dissent at the captain’s decision by action or verbal abuse.
Using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or making an obscene gesture. time wasting by either the fielding side or the batting side which results in a 5 run penalty or the bowler being disallowed from bowling any further in that innings in accordance with Laws 41.9 and 41.10.
wilfully mistreating any part of the cricket ground, equipment or im plements used in the match; using language that, in the circumstances, is obscene, offensive or insulting
making an obscene gesture;
appealing excessively;
advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing; any other misconduct, the nature of which is, in the opinion of the umpires, equivalent to a Level 1 offence

Level 2 Offence

Repeat of a level 1 offence within 12 months of such an offence.
Showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse.
Showing serious dissent at the captain’s decision by action or verbal abuse.
Inappropriate and deliberate contact between players in the course of play.
Throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inap propriate or dangerous manner.
Using language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, club official or spectator
Changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3
deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction on the field of play under Law 41.4 or 41.5 causing avoidable damage to the pitch that results in a 5-run penalty being awarded under Laws 41.12.3, 41.14.3 or 41.15.3;
any other misconduct, the nature of which is, in the opinion of the umpires, equivalent to a Level 2 offence

Level 3 Offence

Repeat of any Level 2 Offence within 12 months of such an offence.
Intimidation of an umpire whether by language or conduct.
Threat of assault on another player, club official or spectator.
using language or gesture that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s Protected Characteristics;
deliberately bowling a non-pitching delivery which is deemed danger ous and unfair in accordance with Law 41.7.4.

Level 4 Offence

Repeat of any Level 3 Offence within 12 months of such an offence.
Threat of assault on an umpire.
Physical assault of another player, umpire, official or spectator.
Any act of violence on the field of play.
using language or gesture that seriously offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s Protected Characteristics.

5.1 ECB Code of conduct

The ECB Code of Conduct shall apply at all times:

The ECB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of be haviour and conduct. This Code of Conduct incorporates the Spirit of Cricket, as set out below. It applies to all matches played under the auspices of the ECB and may be applied to cricket in general.
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.
Players and team officials must at all times accept the umpire’s deci sion. Players must not show dissent at the umpire’s decision or react in a provocative or disapproving manner towards another player or a spectator.
Players and team officials shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, another player or a spectator.
Players and team officials shall not use crude and/or abusive language (known as “sledging”) nor make offensive gestures or hand signals nor deliberately distract an opponent.
Players and team officials shall not make racially abusive comments nor indulge in racially abusive actions against fellow players, officials, members and supporters. Clubs must operate an active open door membership policy whilst respecting player qualification regulations and welcome players/members irrespective of ethnic origin.
Players and team officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.

5.2 Spirit of Cricket [Preamble to the Laws of Cricket (2017 Code 2nd Edition 2019, MCC)]

‘Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only according to the Laws, but also within the Spirit of Cricket. The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, match officials and, especially in junior cricket, teach ers, coaches and parents. Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket. Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires. Play hard and play fair. Accept the umpire’s decision. Create a positive atmo sphere by your own conduct and encourage others to do likewise. Show self discipline, even when things go against you. Congratulate the opposition on their successes and enjoy those of your own team. Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result. Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.’

5.3 Spirit of Cricket ECB Guidance

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 any player failing to comply with the instructions of an umpire, criticising his/her decision by word or action, 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, requesting the latter to take action.

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, applying Law 42 (Players Conduct) when deemed appropriate, and it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where required. 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

The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:

Your opponents
Our own captain and team
The role of the umpires
The game’s traditional values

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
Toindulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance, appeal know ing the batsman is not out, advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing, 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.

Violence

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

Players

5.4 Parent and Guardian code of conduct

As part of our environment and values we ask Parents to buy into our culture, spirit, values and behaviours. Winsley Cricket Club expect:

Remember that young people participate for pleasure- winning is only part of the fun. Help your child recognise enjoyment, not just results.
Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performance of all. Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them
Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
Accept officials’ judgments and do not argue with officials, team managers, captains and coaches. These officials will be behaving in a way which upholds our values and behaviours. If they are not, the pro cesses of this document will handle that. We expect parents to discuss such matters with the correct officials calmly and escalate them ap propriately within this policy
When attending coaching sessions or matches, learn to distinguish between encouragement and instruction.
Do not encroach onto training or playing areas.
Support your child’s involvement with encouragement, but do not give instructions to players, either verbal or non-verbal, once they are tak ing part in a coaching session or match.
Do not make disparaging remarks about players or officials.
Never force your child to take part in cricket.
Display control and respect towards all involved in cricket. This in cludes opponents, coaches, umpires, administrators, other parents and spectators.
Encourage your child to do the same.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their characteristics, protected or otherwise

5.5 Captains and coaches code of conduct

Remember that young people participate for pleasure– winning is only part of the fun.
Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or not coming first.
Make sure all activities are planned appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part, whilst also ensuring that equipment and facilities meet safety standards.
Operate within the rules and spirit of cricket and teach your players to do the same.
Display consistently high standards of behaviour, appearance and time keeping, remembering that coaches also act as role models for young people. For example, wear the appropriate club coaching attire, come on time and do not smoke in front of children.
Hold the appropriate and valid qualifications. Keep up to date with the latest cricket coaching practices and principles of growth and de velopment of young people.
Display control and respect towards all involved in cricket. This in cludes opponents, coaches, umpires, administrators, parents and spec tators.
Encourage your players to do the same.
Avoid overplaying the more talented players; all young players need and deserve equal time, attention and opportunities.
Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm, ensuring that the time they spend with you is a positive experience.
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 person regardless of their characteristics, protected or otherwise.

Reporting and Resolving Breaches of this Code of Conduct

Nothing in this Code of Conduct alters the onus on the captains to ensure the spirit of fair play is followed by his/her team. Any breach of the Code of Conduct may be brought to the attention (whether verbally or in writing) of the club by any person, and will be heard, in the first instance by the Cricket Committee, chaired by the Club Captain as the chair of that committee. That hearing makes recommendations to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will be the final arbiters of any sanction imposed. A player, member of official shall be entitled to appeal against a finding of guilt and / or penalty imposed in respect of any Level Offence, in writing to the club secretary within 14 days of notification.

The secretary will convene a hearing within 21 days from receipt of the appeal notice, following the appeals process. Any appeal shall be held by the Executive Committee Chairperson who will hold the final decision. This is because the Executive Committee as a whole signed off on the original recommendation of the Cricket Committee. In the event of an appeal, player, member of official shall be entitled to present their views to the appeal hearing, with the chair of the original hearing presenting the facts of the process.

No outcome of any hearing will ever be pre-determined and pre-set. It should be understood that level 1 offences are more likely to result in a reprimand. Level 2 and 3 more likely to result in a ban from cricket and club activities and Level 4 is likely to result in expulsion from the club. Winsley CC understand each circumstance is unique and different and will consider the full facts in any scenario, documenting our decisions and the facts accordingly. This is why we don’t predefine the outcome of any process. Where a breach of the club’s code of conduct relates to a member of the Executive Committee, the matter will be discussed by 3 members of the Executive Committee to resolve. In some cases it will be necessary to involve and report the matter to Wiltshire Cricket and/or the ECB.