DEDDINGTON CRICKET CLUB 2009

Rules and codes of conduct for all involved with Young Cricketers

Also available for viewing @ www. deddintoncc.co.uk

Issue 1

01/01/2009

1.      Introduction

1.1.  To meet requirements defined by legislation and the English Cricketing Board, this document specifies the standards and procedures to be used in the Coaching and Matches played by Young Cricketers. These standards and procedures not only apply to Managers/Coaches but also Parents/Guardians and the Young Players themselves.

1.2.  The term “Young Cricketers” and “Young Players” applies to boys and girls from the age of Five (5) years to Seventeen (17) years (inclusive).

NB   Children under the age of five years are deemed to be too young to participate.

1.3.  The Rules defined here by Deddington Cricket Club are not designed to cause any offence, but have been produced to ensure that to the best of the Club’s ability the welfare of Young players is of paramount concern.

1.4.  Deddington Cricket Club will abide by the English Cricketing Board’s Child Protection Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct and Equal Opportunities Policy and Anti-Discrimination Policy.

1.5.   Managers and Coaches are entrusted by Deddington Cricket Club to educate Young Players to a consistent Cricketing Standard.

1.6.  Player development is paramount and playing for the team to win is the most fundamental part of the game. However, younger players will learn that this does NOT mean winning at any cost.

1.7.  Each Team Official and Players of Deddington Cricket Club are subjected to strict codes and this document is aimed at giving both Parents and Guardians an understanding of these codes and standards. This is to enable Parents/Guardians take an active interest and to be involved with their children and the Club.

1.8.  Also included at the end of this document are forms, which have to be signed before a Young Players can take part in any training activity or game of cricket. Due to changing circumstances these forms have to be signed for each Cricket Season.

1.9.  Any matters of concern as to the well-being and safety of any young person or any adult in the Club must be reported to the Club Welfare Officer including any assaults, malicious injury, neglect or verbal abuse.

1.10. These Rules and Code of Conduct for Young Cricketers covers children from the age of Five (5) years until Seventeen (17) years (inclusive). Parents/Guardians of younger children will explain these rules to their children.

1.11.  These Rules and Code of Conduct for Young Cricketers have been developed with the help and assistance of the Oxfordshire Cricket Board.

1.12.  Any matters regarding these Rules and Code of Conduct for Young Cricketers, should be referred to the Management Committee of Deddington Cricket Club.

2.      Managers/Coaches Code of Conduct

2.1.  This Code applies to all youth matches, coaching sessions and other events, which fall under the jurisdiction of Deddington Cricket Club.

2.2.  The manager/coach will ensure that all the necessary forms defined by Deddington Cricket Club have been completed by the Parents/Guardians. This includes appropriate Membership and Medical documents.. The manager/coach will insure that he/she is fully aware of the content of these documents.

2.3.  The Manager/Coach will ensure that every young player wears the correct protective equipment when fielding, wicket keeping, bowling and especially batting.

2.4.  The manager/coach will be responsible for the conduct of all players and officials during the period they are representing Deddington Cricket Club and will deal with any matter by taking the appropriate action. This responsibility applies to both on and off the field of play and includes any “away” games, tours or festivals.

2.5.  The manager/coach will always ensure that there is always an adult connected with the representative side present throughout the duration of matches, practices or coaching sessions. Officials will ensure supervision of all young players at all times, giving due consideration to their privacy.

2.6.  The manager/coach will before the match, make the umpires aware of the standards expected from the Deddington team and request that any incident be reported at the earliest opportunity.

2.7.  The manager/coach will ensure that the pavilion and ground are left in the same condition as they were found, with all local practice rules and ground regulations being observed.

2.8.  The manager/coach will ensure that Young Players wear any approved sponsored clothing as required.

2.9.  Coaching sessions will NOT be undertaken on a one-to-one basis under any circumstances, unless another coach or parent is present. All managers/coaches must NEVER at any time place themselves in a situation where their intentions may be called into question. If any manager/coach wishes to speak to a Young Player it must never be done alone, in a car or in any other area where other parties are NOT in view. The manager/coach will NOT give lifts to children to or from games or practices unless another coach or parent is present.

2.10.  Prior to either a game or training session the manager/coach will check the area of play is suitable; this includes checking the pitch and surrounding area for “dog fouling”.

2.11.  Prior to either a game or training session the manager/coach will ascertain the position of a phone which can be used in an emergency. If a mobile phone is available the manager/coach will ensure that there is sufficient signal for the phone to operate.

2.12.  In the event of a Young Player being injured the manager/coach will complete an entry in the Accident Book.

2.13.  Deddington Cricket Club undertakes to vet by the Police all those applying to the Club to be either a manager or coach. The Chairman of the Club will hold all records returned by the Police.

2.14.  Any breach of this Code will be reported to the Management Committee of Deddington Cricket Club at the earliest opportunity. The matter will be recorded and further action will be covered under the Club Constitution.

2.15.  Where a breach of this code or the integrity of the Club is put into question, the Club may warn as to future conduct, suspend or ban the manager/coach from representing Deddington Cricket Club.

3.      Parents/Guardians Code of Conduct

3.1.   Parents/Guardians will be asked to identify ways in which they will support, help and assist in helping their child/children develop their Cricketing skills.

3.2.   Parents/Guardians will be expected to attend as many matches and training sessions of the Young Players of Deddington Cricket Club as possible. The Club cannot function without the help Parents/Guardians.

3.3.   Parents/Guardians and other family members/friends are NOT permitted to go on to the field of play and are requested NOT to give advice about the game to their child at any stage of the match or training session, unless requested to do so by the coach or manager.

3.4.   Parents/Guardians and other family members/friends are encouraged to support fair play by applauding the opposition as well as Deddington Cricket Club, giving attention to each child involved and positively encouraging participation.

3.5.    Parents/Guardians and other family members/friends are NOT permitted to enter the Changing Room area at any stage of the match, unless any injury occurs to their child that requires specifically requires their attention, unless requested to do so by the coach or manager.

3.6.   Players are expected to remain with the team for the duration of the match including the tea break as this helps to foster team spirit and aids Cricket education.

3.7.   Unless asked to help by one of the Club Officials do not interfere with the warm ups, or comment on the involvement of your child in the match. All activities are laid down by the English Cricketing Board (ECB) guidelines or are part of the match plans.

3.8.   Deddington Cricket Club is unable to provide transport to any matches or other events and request that parents make their own arrangements. It is appreciated that this can cause difficulties at times but it is Club policy and we request that you do NOT ask managers/coaches to assist (please see Managers/Coaches Code of Conduct).

3.9.   Young players representing Deddington Cricket Club are asked to adhere to the dress code, which will be specified by managers/coaches.

3.10.   As Parents/Guardians if there are any matters that concern you or your child (Cricket or otherwise) please speak to the manager/coach after the game or training session.

3.11.   This Code of Conduct applies to both Winter Coaching and the Summer Match Programme and Coaching.

4.      Young Players Code of Conduct

4.1.  This Code of Conduct applies to all matches and practice sessions organised through and by Deddington Cricket Club for Young Cricketers and to any other time that players are wearing the Club kit.

4.2.  The player should make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.

4.3.  The player should give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his/her team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.

4.4.  The player should avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting, instead set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

4.5.  Foul or abusive language on or off the pitch, intimidation or deliberate distraction of opponents or aggressive behavior will NOT be tolerated.

4.6.  The player should always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.

4.7.   The umpire’s decision must be accepted at all times and that any show of dissent or disagreement will NOT be tolerated. The Manager/Coach will, before each match make the umpires aware of the high standards expected from players of Deddington Cricket Club and ask them to report any incident at the earliest opportunity.

4.8.  Players will also be expected to respect all Match Officials, all Coaches, other players, team mates, opposition, Umpires and all supporters.

4.9.  All local ground regulations and practice rules must be observed at all times and behaviour should be such as NOT to cause offence to ground authorities or any other person.

4.10   No Young Player is to enter the equipment storage building or operate any grounds equipment at any time.

4.11.  Young players must arrive at and depart from each match dressed as stipulated by the Manager/Coach.

4.12.  Young Players will NOT be permitted to smoke or drink alcohol whilst representing Deddington Cricket Club.

4.13.   During festivals and tours players must abide by all local rules and curfews. The Manager/Coach has sole responsibility on and off the field and must receive the full cooperation from Young Players and parents.

4.14.   Breaches of this code will result in disciplinary action being taken against an individual. Sanctions will include verbal warnings, suspensions or a total ban from representing Deddington Cricket Club. During festivals or tours Young Players may be sent home for serious breaches of discipline.

4.15.   All breaches of discipline will be reported to the Management Committee of Deddington  Cricket Club.