A – Codes of Behaviour

Code of behaviour for players

• Play by the rules.
• An umpire’s decision is final. Respect all decisions. Never argue with an official. If you disagree with a decision, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition. The official’s decision is final.
• Control your temper and remain calm at all times. Verbal abuse of officials, sledging other players or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable behaviour in any sport, especially cricket.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will you.
• Always be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
• Treat all participants in the game as you like to be treated. Treat all players with respect at all times.
• Cooperate with your captain, coach, manager, team mates and opponents. Without them, there would be no competition.
• Have fun at all times. Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please others.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

 

Code of behaviour for parents and spectators

• Sit back, relax and enjoy the game. Remember that children participate in sport for their own enjoyment.
• If children enjoy the game they will keep playing. Focus on the children’s efforts and performances rather than whether they win or lose.
• Respect the decisions and actions of all coaches, managers, captains and match officials. Show appreciation for coaches, officials and administrators. Without them our Association could not function.
• Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
• Always encourage children to play according to the local playing conditions and Laws and Spirit of Cricket and to settle disagreements calmly.
• Always encourage positive behaviour. Compliment the performance of all children. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Lead by example and be a positive role model. Remember that people learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skillful plays by all participants.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. Remember that it is positive or it's pointless.
• Respect officials’ decisions and teach others to do likewise.
• Remember that children participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

 

Code of behaviour for coaches

• Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.
• Always encourage positive behaviour. Compliment the performance of all children. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
• Operate within the local playing conditions and the Laws and Spirit of Cricket, and teach your players to do the same.
• Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All young people are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
• All players need and deserve equal game time - avoid overplaying the more advanced and developed players.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
• Control your temper and remain calm at all times. Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage your players to do the same.
• Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
• Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young people.
• 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 all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

 

Administrators 

• Involve young people in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision-making. 
• Create pathways for young people to participate in sport – not just as players but as a coaches, umpires and administrators. 
• Ensure that rules and other processes suit the age, ability and maturity level of young players. 
• Provide quality supervision and instruction for junior players. 
• Remember that young people participate for pleasure – don’t over-emphasise awards. 
• Encourage fair play – not winning at all costs. 
• Help develop coaches and officials and help improve standards of coaching and officiating. 
• Encourage spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players and the media to follow codes of behaviour. 
• Ensure your behaviour and comments are positive and supportive. 
• Make it clear that abusing young people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action. 
• Treat all people with respect – regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.