Code of Conduct

WARMINSTER CRICKET CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT

Our Ethos

Warminster Cricket Club exists to provide competitive, recreational and fun cricket to our local community. We develop new and experienced cricketers in an engaging and positive attitude where all people can enjoy their sport and the wider social activities of the Club. All our actions, on the field, in the clubhouse and beyond must support this ethos.

Our Purpose

Warminster Cricket Club is affiliated to Wiltshire Cricket Limited and the England and Wales Cricket Board. This affiliation ensures our commitment to protecting the quality and integrity of the game and is aligned with the authorities of our sport and its Laws.

We also agree to adopt and enforce the ECB Anti-Discrimination Code and comply with the obligations and disciplinary process set out under the ECB General Conduct Regulations for Recreational Cricket, the ECB Recreational Conduct Regulations and any other conduct/disciplinary rules or regulations applicable to the Club.

Our Code of Conduct

The Club believes that cricket should be played in the right spirit and our behaviour should always be of the highest standard to reflect the ethos of the sport and our club.

Our members, opponents and visitors must understand and abide by this code of conduct at all times.

This code of conduct applies to our behaviour while representing the Club on or off the pitch at matches, training and practice sessions, at associated social events as well as when using social networking sites and all forms of electronic messaging.

We  are all responsible for ensuring that our behaviour is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as complying at all times with the Laws of Cricket and the rules of any competition in which we participate. The Spirit of Cricket is defined in the Laws of Cricket as:

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, teachers, 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 atmosphere 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. Players must at all times accept the umpire’s decision on the pitch. Similarly we must accept and respect the authority of those who run and administer our Club, notably the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.  

• Players must not show dissent at the Umpire’s decision or react in a provocative or disapproving manner towards an Umpire at any time.
• Players shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an Umpire, another player or a spectator.
• Players shall not use crude and/or abusive language nor make offensive gestures or hand signals nor deliberately distract an opponent by words or actions.
• We will never make racially abusive comments nor indulge in racially abusive actions against fellow players, officials, members or supporters.
• Players should respect, co-operate with and encourage their fellow members at all times, irrespective of their abilities. Persecution, humiliation or ridiculing of others will not be tolerated.
• We will never use, or in any way be concerned in the use, distribution, advertisement or discussion of illegal drugs.
• Members should pay any fees or subscriptions promptly and within any stated deadline.
• We will treat everyone equally and should not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief.
• Members should not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of discrimination if witnessed.
• Members should actively encourage the development and assimilation of young players within the team.
• Members should avoid unaccompanied and unobserved activities with persons under 18 years of age, wherever possible.
• Members must refrain from conduct that could be regarded as sexual or other forms of harassment.
• Our approach must always be welcoming and positive. We must seek to encourage others to join with us in our shared love and enjoyment of the sport, to become players and members of Warminster Cricket Club and to share the positive experience of cricket.
• Safeguarding all members of the Club is our greatest responsibility and must be undertaken by all. Any concerns must be immediately highlighted to the Club’s Safeguarding Officers, whose names and contact details are prominently displayed around the Club.
• We must maintain a high standard of personal behaviour at all times.

Remember that our conduct is a reflection not only on ourselves but also of the Club as a whole. Conduct which damages the reputation of the Club will not be tolerated

Warminster Cricket Club will always seek, where appropriate to support players, members and visitors but failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action being taken against any person who is considered to have behaved in a manner unbecoming to the Spirit and the substance of the game or the reputation of the Club.

Our Support

The Club exists to provide positive opportunities for all.  Any Club member can draw upon the extensive support of both Warminster Cricket Club, and the wider cricket community in times of personal crisis.

Promotion of positive mental health can be linked to a positive team ethos as well as social interaction. For those who require more support the Club makes available the services of the Samaritans and OpeningUpCricket.

The Club does not condone substance misuse but seeks to support those who fall under its influence. The FRANK website and helpline provide useful and confidential support.