West Essex District Cricket Board

	HOME
	Contents
	Officers & Constitution
	Affiliation Fees
	News & Information
	Colts
	Helmets
	Bowling Directive
	Coaches Courses
	Affiliated Clubs
	Search
	Links
	Feedback

WEST ESSEX DISTRICT
CRICKET BOARD

News & Information

Entered 16th December 2009
Spirit of Cricket: Preamble to the Laws

Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.

1. There are two Laws which place 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 a player failing to comply with instructions by an umpire, or criticising by word or action the decision of an umpire, or 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, and instruct the latter to take action.

2. 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 and it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where required.

3. 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

4. The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:

Your opponents
Your own captain
The roles of the umpires
The game's traditional values

5. 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

To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance

(a) to appeal knowing that the batter is not out

(b) to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing

(c) to 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

6. Violence
There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.
7. Players
Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match. Every player is expected to make an important contribution towards this.

Code of Conduct

The WEDCB has adopted the following Code of Conduct and commends it to all its official, players taking part in it’s competitions and parents.

This Code of Conduct applies to all matches played under the banner of the WEDCB and related activities

1. Clubs accept responsibility for the behaviour of its officials, staff, parents and players and may take disciplinary action against any individual who fails to comply with this Code

2. Clubs will observe the highest standards of sportsmanship, behaviour and dress both on and off the field in keeping with the dignity and best traditions of the game. The board attaches the utmost importance to the Spirit of Cricket and recognise that it is written in to the laws of the game.

3. All those involved with the clubs taking part in WECDB competitions are expected to promote the game to all members of their community and to remember that they represent their Club.

4. We will not accept intimidation or, aggressive behaviour towards or the deliberate distraction of opponents, rule violations, rough play, vandalism, the use of prohibited substances (including cigarettes and alcohol for those under 16 years of age) or discrimination on the grounds of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status, in any WEDCB match or match under it’s auspices

5. We will not accept dissent at umpire decisions

6. We have acquainted all our officials, member clubs, staff and representative players with this Code

7. We expect all Captains and Team Managers to exercise suitable control and leadership over their teams

8. We expect all those involved with clubs to put the safety and well-being of participants before the development of performance, and develop an appropriate working relationship with performers based on mutual respect and trust.

9. We expect all those involved with member clubs (coaches, parents, players, volunteers) to respect the contribution that each makes to the success of the club; make themselves familiar with all club policies including Safe Hands (Child Protection and Welfare), Equity, Risk Management, Recruitment of Volunteers and to follow the national guidelines laid down from time-to-time by the England and Wales Cricket Board including those relating to fast bowling and the wearing of safety helmets.

10. Mobile phones are discouraged and should always be switched off in the cricket ground. Camera phones are NOT allowed in changing rooms. The board can take no responsibility for valuable items left unattended at any matches or events.

11. We expect all those involved with member clubs to ensure that all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part and not to exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.

12. The board has adopted the ECB Welfare of Young People Policy, a copy of which is available on request. All those likely to have contact with young people within member clubs must be subject to checks by the Criminal Records Bureau and volunteers will have access to training as appropriate.

13. Responsible adults in the member Clubs are expected to set high standards of behaviour and to be familiar with, accept and promote the policies adopted by the board (e.g. Equity and Child Welfare)

The West Essex Cricket Board expects;

A. Coaches

To be familiar with the Code of Conduct for Sports Coaches (www.sportscoachuk.org) which asserts that good coaching is based on.

Rights

Coaches must respect and champion the rights of every individual to participate in sport.

Relationships

Coaches must develop a relationship with athletes (and others) based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect

Responsibilities – personal standards

Coaches must demonstrate proper personal behaviour and conduct at all times

Responsibilities – professional standards

To keep up-to-date with their knowledge, conduct risk assessments

To maximise benefits and minimise risks to athletes, coaches must attain a high level of competence through qualifications and a commitment to ongoing training that ensures safe and correct practice, to keep up-to-date with developments in coaching and to maintain membership of the ECB Coaches Association and the related insurance cover. The Club is prepared to meet the costs of the annual subscription to the ECB CA for each active coach.

B. Parents

To adopt this Code when watching matches and reinforce it when appropriate. Parents are reminded that they have a responsibility towards the clubs and all those who work for them as well as to their own child. Parents are also expected to;

Encourage their child to learn the rules and play within them.
Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.
Help their child to recognise good performance, not just results.
Never force their child to take part in sport.
Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all.
Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
Publicly accept officials’ judgements.
Support their child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport
Use correct and proper language at all times

Players, coaches, parents and staff should be aware that breaches of this code may lead to the use of the Board’s disciplinary procedures.

They should further note that the Spirit of Cricket is an underlying principle in all that we do

Complaints procedure

Any person involved with the District should recognise that the District committee accepts and welcomes constructive criticism. Every effort should be made to resolve the complaint at the lowest level. If it relates to District Fixtures it should be raised with the team captain or the team manager. If it relates to the conduct of the leagues or cup competitions the complaint should be put in writing to the District Chairman. If the complainant is still dissatisfied then they have recourse to the Cricket Development Officer of the Essex County Cricket Board. If the complaint relates to Child Protection issues the matter should be raised immediately with the County Child Welfare Officer

Disciplinary procedure

Breaches of the Code of Conduct should be dealt with by the team manager (or the squad manager if it relates to a District fixture). A verbal warning may be given. The manager is also empowered to suspend a player for up to 3 matches/training sessions. Further breaches will then be referred to the District disciplinary committee. This committee will consist of three members drawn from senior members of affiliated clubs or members of the District Committee. The disciplinary committee may warn verbally, suspend, expel or fine a player. The individual concerned has the right to appear before the disciplinary committee, accompanied by a friend. An appeal against such a decision will be heard by the full District committee without members of the disciplinary committee being in attendance. Players are also subject to the rules of the league competitions in which they play.

*****

Entered 3rd August 2009
Safeguarding and Protecting Children – Places are now available from October onwards. These workshops always book up quickly so if you need to take or renew your certificate soon we recommend you book quickly. Click here to go straight to Safeguarding and Protecting Children Workshops.

Emergency First Aid – Limited places are still available on some Emergency First Aid workshops in August and September, although these are filling quickly. Click here to book Emergency First Aid Workshops.

A Club For All – There are two places currently available on the A Club for All workshop in September, so if you want to attend this course you’ll need to book it quickly! Click here to go to A Club for All

Equity in Your Coaching – Essential for many clubs and valuable to almost everyone Equity in Your Coaching always books up quickly. If you need this course we recommend that you book it quickly to secure your place. Click here to book your place on Equity in Your Coaching.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Kate Williams
Fundraising and Performance Manager
www.sportessex.com
A click away from thousands of sporting opportunities
T: 01245 702439
M: 07809 086881