Code of Conduct

Responsibility of Captains

The captains of both teams are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit of the game, as well as within the Laws.

Players' and Coaches' Conduct

In the event of any player or coach failing to comply with the instructions of an umpire, criticising their decisions 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 instance report the matter to the other umpire and to the player's captain, requesting that action be taken.

Fair and Unfair Play

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

Umpires Are Authorised to Intervene in Cases Of

• Time wasting
• Damaging the pitch
• Intimidating bowling
• Tampering with the ball
• Any other action they feel to be unfair

The Spirit of the Game Involves Respect For

• Your opponents, their manager/coach, supporters and club officials
• Your own captain, team, manager/coach, supporters and club officials
• The role of the umpires
• The game's traditional values

It Is Against the Spirit of the Game To

• Question an umpire's decision by word or gesture
• Indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for example:
  • Appealing while knowing the batsman is not out
  • Advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing

Distraction and Harassment

It is not acceptable to seek to distract an opponent, either verbally or through harassment of any kind – including persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm or motivation of one's own side.

Violence

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

Consumption of Alcohol and Illegal Substances

The consumption of alcohol or illegal substances by players or coaches participating in the game in progress will not be tolerated, and any breaches will be severely punished. This includes times when you are not batting and play has not yet concluded – for example, if you are out or waiting to bat.

Overall Conduct

Players, coaches, captains, managers and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match, and every player is expected to make an important contribution to this.

Senior Player and Coach/Manager Behaviour

Traditionally, cricket has maintained the highest levels of conduct and sportsmanship. While always a competitive game, the continued strength of the sport relies on the acceptance of the umpire's decision and a willingness to play within the spirit of the game.

The following areas are highlighted as not acceptable at BCCC:

1. The use of offensive language – generally as a disparaging remark to an opposing player, one's own players, coaches or officials, or towards an umpire, or even as an expression of frustration or self-admonishment. This includes racial vilification (any act reasonably likely to threaten, disparage, vilify, offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or group based on race, religion, descent, colour, or national or ethnic origin).
2. Questioning or disputing an umpire's decision – often in an aggressive or sarcastic manner. This applies equally to dismissals and unsuccessful appeals as it does to judgement calls on no-balls, wides, byes, etc.
3. An excessive number of frivolous or ridiculous appeals – primarily aimed at pressuring or intimidating the umpire into a favourable decision.
4. The actions of a dismissed batsman – failing to leave the crease promptly on being given out, and any equipment abuse (for example, banging the bat into the ground, fence or railing, or throwing the bat or equipment during or after returning to the pavilion).

Whether or not such behaviour is evident at higher levels of cricket, or whether the language used is considered acceptable in today's society, is of little concern to BCCC. BCCC is primarily interested in ensuring all cricket under its control is played within the spirit and traditions of the game.

Reporting and Consideration of Unsatisfactory Behaviour

BCCC has two processes for reporting and considering unsatisfactory behaviour:

1. Serious breaches of misconduct will see the player/coach immediately reported by the umpire(s) controlling the match.
2. For less serious breaches – where an umpire has occasion to speak to a player/coach about their behaviour but does not believe a report is necessary – the incident will be noted on the umpire's match report. Should a player/coach be noted on three such reports during the season, they may be called to appear before the BCCC Disciplinary Committee to explain their behaviour.

In both instances, should a player or coach be found guilty of an act of misconduct, they shall be liable for a suspension as determined by the BCCC Committee.

A Note on Umpires

The recruitment and retention of umpires is made increasingly difficult by unacceptable levels of player/coach conduct. Few people are willing to continually subject themselves to childish behaviour and offensive language on and beyond the cricket field.

All players and coaches have a role to play in raising the general standard of umpiring and the overall experience of the game, by lifting their personal standard of behaviour and allowing umpires to focus on the aspects of the game for which they are responsible. All umpires will be asked to take a firm line on player/coach misconduct, particularly regarding offensive language and the disputing of decisions.

All players, managers and coaches should be aware of the standards expected by BCCC. Anyone called to appear before the BCCC Committee can expect little sympathy and, if found guilty, a period of suspension.

1. Abide by the rules of the game and rules set down by your coach, club and competition.
2. Never argue with an official or umpire. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.
3. Control your temper. Verbal or physical abuse of officials, umpires, spectators or other players on either side, or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent, is not acceptable or permitted.
4. Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, and so will you.
5. Be a good sport. Applaud all good players, whether they are on your team or the other team. Be proud to walk off the ground after each game knowing you gave your best effort, and never involve yourself in an argument with opposing players, umpires or officials.
6. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player. Your involvement to play is for fun and enjoyment, and winning is only part of it.
7. Co-operate with your coach and teammates, and respect the ability of your opponent. Without them there would be no game.
8. Play for the fun of it, not just to please parents and coaches.
9. Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender, race or religion.
10. Smoking, consuming alcohol, or partaking in illegal substances is totally forbidden by juniors while involved in any junior cricket competition.

1. Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a child is not willing, do not force them.
2. Focus on the child’s effort and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This helps the child set realistic goals related to their ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
3. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
4. Encourage your child to always play by the rules.
5. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing the competition.
6. Remember your child should be involved in cricket for their enjoyment, not yours.
7. Remember your child learns best by example. Applaud good play by both your team and members of the opposing team.
8. If you disagree with an official or umpire, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
9. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from junior sporting activities.
10. Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child and deserve your support.
11. Support your club officials in maintaining the highest standard of behaviour both on and off the field, for the betterment of the competition and your family. Offer your assistance to your child’s team so that every opportunity is provided for the best supervision and support. Your involvement will give both yourself and your child far more satisfaction.
12. Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender, race or religion.
13. There shall be no consumption of alcohol or any illegal substances at any junior matches at any time. Smoking legal cigarettes is discouraged around children.

1. Be familiar with the Laws of Cricket and abide by the rules and conditions of your association and club.
2. Teach your players that the rules of the game are mutual agreements, which no player should evade or break.
3. Group players according to age, height and physical maturity whenever possible in any competitive practice session.
4. Avoid over-playing the talented players. The ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time.
5. Remember that the players involved play for fun and enjoyment, and that winning is only part of it. Emphasise the importance of learning and developing skills and positive attitudes. Never ridicule or yell at your players for making mistakes or losing the competition.
6. Remember to play as the laws were intended, and do not manipulate the laws to gain an unfair advantage.
7. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate for the age and ability of the players.
8. The scheduling and length of practice times and competitions should take into consideration the maturity level of the players.
9. Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of umpires and opposing coaches.
10. Follow the advice of a qualified person when determining whether an injured player is ready to play or train again.
11. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound junior coaching principles and developments. Complete coaching accreditation Foundations and Advanced Foundations courses at a minimum.
12. Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender, race or religion.
13. Ensure that all players can compete in a safe and happy environment, free of any type of harassment.
14. No alcohol or illegal substances are to be consumed by players, coaches or supporters at junior matches.
15. Smoking whilst actively engaged in junior activities is not permitted.