Code of Conduct for all Members & Guests

Stoke Bishop Cricket Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of its Members.  The Club believes that it is important that Players, Coaches, Administrators and Parents associated with the Club should at all times show respect, be encouraged to be open and share any concerns that they may have about any aspect of the Club with the Club’s Child Welfare Officer.

 All Members (Senior Playing Members, Junior Playing Members and Non Playing Members) and Guests* of this Cricket Club will:

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of cricket

• Treat everyone equally and 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

• Not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of discrimination if witnessed

• Display high standards of behaviour

• Promote the positive aspects of cricket, for example fair play

• Encourage all participants to learn the Laws and rules and play within them, always respecting the decisions of match officials

• Actively discourage unfair play, rule violations and arguing with match officials

• Recognise good performance not just match results 

• Place the well-being and safety of children above the development of performance

• Ensure activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual 

• Respect children’s opinions when making decisions about their participation in cricket 

• Not smoke, drink or use banned substances while working with children in the club 

• Not provide children with alcohol when they are under the care of the club 

• Follow ECB guidelines set out in the “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children” and any other relevant guidelines issued 

• Report any concerns in relation to a child, following reporting procedures laid down by the ECB

* Members and guests include all Senior and Junior Playing Members, and Non Playing Members defined as Parents of Playing Members in the Juniors section, Officers of the cricket club and all guests of those Members and Officers, as well as all individuals who watch/attend/participate/ officiate in matches hosted by the club in whatever capacity.

In addition to the above, all club officers and appointed volunteers will:

• Have been appropriately vetted, if required 

• Hold relevant qualifications and be covered by appropriate insurance 

• Always work in an open environment (i.e. avoid private, or unobserved, situations and encourage an open environment) NB This includes the online world – club officers and volunteers are discouraged from online or other electronic communication with children – any such communication should be via parents. 

• Inform players and parents of the requirements of cricket 

• Know and understand the ECB’s “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children” 

• Develop an appropriate working relationship with young players, based on mutual trust and respect 

• Ensure physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines with the young player’s full consent and approval 

• Not engage in any form of sexually related contact with a young player. This is strictly forbidden, as is sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms. The ECB adopts the Home Office guidelines. These recommend “people in positions of trust and authority do not have sexual relationships with 16-17 year olds in their care” 

• Attend appropriate training to keep up to date with their role, especially with respect to the safeguarding of children

Senior and Junior Playing Members will at all times:

- Play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions;

- Respect opponents;

- Agree to the times of coaching and matches and inform the Team Manager of any lateness;

- Wear suitable kit for coaching and matches;

- Pay any fees for coaching or events; and

- Refrain from smoking or consuming alcohol or drugs of any kind on Club premises or whilst representing the Club in matches.

Parents of Junior Playing Members will at all times:

- Encourage Players to learn the rules and play within them and discourage unfair play and arguing with Officials;

- Help Players to recognise good performance and not just results;

- Not force Players to take part in sport;

- Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performance of all;

- Not punish or belittle Players for losing or making mistakes;

- Support Players and publicly accept officials’ judgements;

- Support Players involvement and help them to enjoy their sport; and

- Use correct and proper language at all times.