SPIRIT OF CRICKET
Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played
not only according to the Rules, but also within the Spirit of Cricket. The major
responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players,
match official 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 official 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.
This Code of Conduct is designed to encourage the fair and ethical treatment of all
persons associated with Selwyn Wahine Cricket Club (SWCC). SWCC expects that
all club members, players, coaches, administrators, and supporters abide by this
Code of Conduct and acknowledge that any breach may result in disciplinary action.
This Code of Conduct is intended to align with the Constitution of Selwyn Wahine
Cricket Club, which states:
“All Members will promote the interests and purposes of the Club and must not do
anything to bring the Club into disrepute”
Any playing member who does not agreed to the Code of Conduct will forfeit the
right to play for any Selwyn Wahine Cricket Club team.
PLAYERS
- Abide by the rules of the game and rules set down by your coach, club and
competition.
- Never argue with an official or umpire. If you disagree, have your captain,
coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the
competition.
- Control your temper. Verbal or physical abuse of officials, umpires, spectators
or other players on either side, deliberately distracting or provoking an
opponent or team member is not acceptable or permitted.
- Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will
benefit, so will you.
- Be a good sport. Applaud all good players whether they are on your team or
the other team. Be proud to walk off the ground after each game knowing that
you have given your best effort and never involve yourself in an argument with
opposing players, umpires or officials. Thank the opposition and officials at
the end of the game.
- Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or
take unfair advantage of another player. Your involvement to play is for fun
and enjoyment and winning is only part of it.
- Cooperate with your coach and teammates and respect the ability of your
opponent. Without them, there would be no game.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their
gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
- Encourage others to uphold this Code of Conduct and report anyone who
does not adhere to the Code of Conduct immediately and appropriately.
PARENTS AND SUPPORTERS
- We encourage all parents and supporters to watch the 5-golden-rules-for-
sideline-supporters and 10-golden-rules-for-youth-sport-parents resources
provided by Sports New Zealand
- Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a child is
not willing, do not force the. Remember your child should be involved in
cricket for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage children to play within the rules and respect officials’ and coaches’
decisions.
- Focus upon the child’s effort and performance rather than the overall outcome
of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals related to their
ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
- Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result
of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing the
competition.
- Refrain from advising or coaching during practices and games. Trust the
coaches to coach and let children focus on the game on the field.
- Remember your child learns best by examples. Applaud good play by both
your team and by members of the opposing team.
- If you disagree with an official or umpire, raise the issue through the
appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgement and
honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort freely
for your child’s involvement.
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. The give their
time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child and deserve
your support.
- Support your club officials in maintaining the highest standard of behaviour
both on and off the field for the betterment of the competition and your family.
Offer whatever assistance you can to the team that your child is playing in so
that every opportunity is being provided for the very best supervision and
support. Your involvement will give both yourself and your child far more
satisfaction.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game,
regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background.
- There will be no consumption of alcohol during any junior matches. Smoking
legal cigarettes is discouraged around children.
- Encourage others to uphold this Code of Conduct and report anyone who
doesn’t adhere to the Code of Conduct immediately and appropriately.
COACHES
- Be familiar with the Laws of Cricket and abide by the rules and conditions of
Christchurch Junior Cricket Association, Christchurch Metro Cricket
Association and Selwyn Wahine Cricket Club. Remember to play as the laws
were intended and do not manipulate the laws to get an unfair advantage.
- Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements, which no
player should evade or break.
- Avoid over-playing the talented players. The “just average” players need and
deserve equal time.
- Remember that the players involved play for fun and enjoyment and that
winning is only part of it. Emphasise the importance of the learning and
development of skills and positive attitudes.
- Never ridicule or yell at your players for making mistakes or losing the
competition.
- Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are
appropriate for the age and ability of the players.
- Consider the maturity level of the players when scheduling practice times.
- Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the
judgement of umpires and opposing coaches.
- Follow the advice of a qualified person when determining when an injured
player is ready to play or train again.
- Be impartial, consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
- Be a good sport and understand that actions speak louder than words.
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching
principles and developments.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game,
regardless of gender, ability or cultural background.
- No alcohol or illegal substances are allowed to be consumed by players,
coaches or supporters at junior games. Smoking is not permitted when
actively engaged in junior activities.
- Encourage others to uphold this Code of Conduct and report anyone who
does not adhere to the Code of Conduct immediately and appropriately.
ADMINISTRATORS
- Create pathways for club members to participate, not just as players, but also
as coaches, officials, administrators etc.
- Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are
modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of the players.
- Ensure quality supervision for coaching for players.
- Remember that players participate for their enjoyment and benefit.
- Be impartial, consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
- Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill
development and help to improve the standards of coaching and officiating.
- Avoid any situations which may lead to or be construed as a conflict of
interest.
- Ensure that everyone involved in sport emphasises fair play.
- Distribute a code of conduct to players, coaches, officials and parents and
encourage them to follow it.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game,
regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background.
- Promote adherence to relevant legislation and regulations.
- Encourage others to uphold this Code of Conduct and report anyone who
does not adhere to the Code of Conduct immediately and appropriately.
