Code of Conduct

All members are expected to comply with the England and Wales Cricket Board (“ECB”) code of conduct as laid out below and that, by taking part in activities organised by the Club, you agree to comply with all reasonable instructions from club officials and/or captains. The purpose of this Code is to establish Hoddesdon Cricket Club as a club where consideration is given by the members to the needs of Hoddesdon Cricket Club as a whole rather than just to themselves as individuals.

We are an amateur club run by volunteers with the aim of playing and promoting cricket in Hoddesdon. As such, the Executive Committee’s desire is to make decisions which support the Club within the Spirit of Cricket and the local community.

Code of Conduct

All members and guests * of Hoddesdon 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 beliefs, class or social background, sexual preference or political beliefs
• 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 of Cricket and rules of 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 on the Club’s premises
• Not provide children with alcohol when they are under the care of the Club
• Follow ECB guidelines set out in the “Safe Hands – Safeguarding Children” and any other relevant guidelines issued
• Report any concerns in relation to a child, following reporting procedures laid down by the ECB
• Pay your match fees on the day of the game and pay annual subscriptions when due

Players should keep to agreed timings for training and matches or inform the captain, vice-captain or coach if they are going to be late.

Players agree to do their best at all times to improve their cricket skills and maximise their own potential, at whatever level of playing ability that may be. Any conduct by a Club member that prevents another Club member from doing the same is unacceptable.

This commitment should be rewarded with better cricket and a better social environment at the Club.

The game should be played competitively, but the highest standards of sportsmanship must be maintained. Recognise that your conduct is a reflection not only on yourself but also on the Club as a whole. Conduct which damages the reputation of the Club will not be tolerated. The Code applies whilst taking part in activities organised by the Club and to all activity that may reasonably be associated with the Club.

Any breaches of this Code may result in:
• The player(s) being required to apologise to teammates, the opposition and the umpire(s)
• The player(s) receiving a warning from the captain of the team
• The player(s) receiving a warning from the Executive Committee
• A Club member(s) being suspended
• A Club member(s) being required to leave Hoddesdon Cricket Club
At the request of an excluded member, they may be reinstated following review by the Executive Committee.

* Club members and guests include all members and officers of Hoddesdon Cricket Club and all guests of those members and officers, as well as all individuals who watch, attend, participate, or officiate in any matches or events hosted by the Club in whatever capacity.

ECB Spirit of Cricket

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 and vice-Captains.

1. There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the team’s conduct firmly on the captain.
1.1. 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.
1.2. Player’s Conduct
In the event of any player failing to comply with the instructions of an umpire, criticising his decision by word or action, 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, requesting 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 and team
• The role 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) appeal, knowing the batsman is not out
b) advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
c) 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 to this initiative.