CODE OF CONDUCT
PLAYERS, PARENTS, SUPPORTERS, COACHES AND OFFICIALS
In cricket, success is measured as much by the way we observe the spirit of the game and how we conduct ourselves, as by what appears in the score book. The “Spirit of Cricket” is part of the laws of the game and RUCC expects everyone involved in our Club to observe that spirit on and off the field of play.
The behavior of all participants in our Club is vital to our image and to our success.
Our code of conduct sets out the responsibilities that each player and supporter carries to uphold the image of RUCC and the enjoyment and participation in the game for yourselves, your team mates, the opposition, the officials and those on or around the field of play.
It extends to the respect of those individuals on and off the field, before during and after the game.
UMPIRES
1. The umpire’s decision is final, must be respected and adhered to, and should not be questioned. We all make mistakes, and we all suffer poor decisions, sometimes they even out and other times they do not. No player should in any
way act to ‘even things up’. Always play fair.
2. In games where no paid umpire is appointed, in the event of repeated poor decisions, a captain may politely request that an umpire be replaced. It is only the captain who can make such a request and it should be directed towards the
opposing captain and not the umpire.
3. You must not:
(a) Disrespect an umpire
(b) Show dissent at an umpire’s decision by word, gesture or action
(c) Engage in excessive appealing
(d) Delay your departure when given out
(e) Charge or advance towards the umpire in an aggressive manner when
appealing
(f) Intimidate or attempt to intimidate an umpire whether by language or
conduct
(g) Verbally abuse an umpire
(h) Threaten to assault an umpire
(i) Physically assault an umpire
YOUR TEAMMATES, YOUR CAPTAIN, YOUR CLUB
4. The Club and your captain invest considerable time and effort in getting 11 players on the field of play for each team, each week. Failure to show, or short notice of absence will likely mean that your team plays short. Show respect for
your team mates, captain and the club by making every effort to give plenty of notice of your availability or absence. The selection committee or captains may choose not to select a player if they repeatedly “no show”, and may not select
players with priority if they repeatedly withdraw with unreasonably short notice.
5. The Club relies on your fees. Ensure that you pay them promptly whether as a fully paid financial player or as a casual. Failure to pay by the specified deadlines will result in ineligibility for selection.
6. You must treat our rooms and facilities with respect and care. Any accidental damage or incidents should be reported to the Secretary. Anyone responsible for deliberately causing damage will be required to pay for that damage.
7. You must respect and adhere to the instructions and decisions of their captain. According to the Spirit of Cricket in the Laws of Cricket “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.” Remember, your behavior can impact your captain and your team mates.
YOUR OPPONENTS AND PLAYING THE GAME
8. Players, club officials, club members or club representatives must not engage in conduct unbecoming to the game of cricket, or act in any way that is detrimental to the game of cricket.
9. You should use reasonable judgement in addressing situations where they feel aggrieved, and in most cases should follow the steps below in dealing with it, depending upon the seriousness:
(a) In the first instance politely ask the opponent or team mate to cease and desist their actions. You should consider the likely reaction to such a request and the appropriateness of it and may choose to skip this step.
(b) If your captain is on the field, you should report the incident to your captain.
(c) You (or the captain, if on the field) should report the incident to the umpire.
(d) The captain may choose to address the situation politely with the opposition captain.
10. Incidents do occasionally occur in the heat of a game, and each player who may inadvertently or deliberately have been involved in such an incident should apologize unreservedly for any unacceptable words or conduct at the first available opportunity.
11. You must not:
(a) Abuse cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings in club rooms
(b) Deliberately waste time
(c) Players must not consume alcohol either on or off the ground during anymatch
(d) Use language or make a gesture that is obscene, offensive or of a generally insulting nature to another player, official or spectator
(e) Point or gesture towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner upon the dismissal of a batsman
(f) Engage in inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with other players or officials
(g) Deliberately and maliciously distract or obstruct another player or official on the field of play
(h) Throw the ball at or near a player or official in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner
(i) Threaten to assault another player, team official or spectator
(j) Physically assault another player, official or spectator
(k) Engage in any act of violence on the field of play
(l) Give false or misleading evidence to the Committee or a Tribunal
SUPPORTERS AND PARENTS
12. Parents and supporters involved in cricket at RUCC are asked to:
(a) Read and understand this Code of Conduct and encourage everyone involved, especially children, to uphold its values;
(b) Encourage everyone to play by the rules and focus on enjoying the game;
(c) Proactively support the Club where you are able, whether it be via attendance at training, matches or social events or volunteering to assist with same;
(d) Conduct themselves in a proper and professional manner so as not to bring themselves or the Club into disrepute;
(e) Show respect towards all people involved in cricket at the Club, whether they be members, coaches or supporters, opposition players or supporters;
(f) Show respect towards umpires and their decisions at all times;
BREACHES OF THIS CODE OF CONDUCT / DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
13. In the event of a suspected breach of this Code of Conduct, the Committee of the Club may asked to submit a report either written, or in person to the committee. The Committee may act to investigate any suspected breach whether or not a complaint is made. The Committee may appoint a subcommittee to consider any matter.
14. If the Committee considers that a breach of the Code of Conduct may have occurred:
(a) It must notify the person accused of the nature of the breach;
(b) It must allow that person an opportunity to present his or her version of events and to make any statement on his or her own behalf;
(c) It may inform itself in any way, and adopt any procedure, it considers appropriate.
15. If the Committee decides that a breach of this Code of Conduct has occurred, it may impose any sanction it considers appropriate on the person guilty of the breach, including:
(a) Requiring that person to make an apology in writing or verbally;
(b) Banning that person from playing for one or more matches;
(c) Banning that person from the facilities of the Club for a period of time;
(d) Requiring that person to participate in any activity it considers appropriate to assist the club, such as assisting at junior training
16. If a player is subject to disciplinary action by the Eastern Cricket Association, the Committee will automatically consider imposing a sanction against that player under paragraph 16.
17. The decision of the Committee is final and must be obeyed by the player.
18. A player or players called to appear before the Committee in relation to a disciplinary issue, may request the assistance of the captain and a member of the executive in preparing the response to the charge. All communication must be done through the club President or Secretary. If there is a need to appear in person, the player charged may request another player to appear with them to offer them support.
19. Any player whom the Committee decides to sanction by imposing a ban from playing is automatically ineligible to receive a best and fairest award.