FOOTSCRAY EDGEWATER CRICKET CLUB

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR & SPIRIT OF CRICKET

The purpose of this policy is to encourage a friendly, safe and supportive environment for the players, officials, members and families of the Footscray Edgewater Cricket Club.

All players and officials should be familiar with Cricket Victoria’s 'The Spirit of Cricket' also Player Behaviour, Racial and Religious Harassment Policy and Anti – Doping Policy. These are outlined in more detail in Cricket Victoria’s Official Handbook produced at the start of a new season.

Briefly The Spirit of Cricket covers the following aspects of the game:-

1. The teams conduct and the responsibility of the captain.
2. Fair and Unfair play.
3. Intervention of the umpires in certain circumstances.
4. The role of RESPECT in the spirit of the game.
5. When certain behaviour is against the spirit of the game.
6. Violence.
7. Setting the tone for the conduct of a cricket match, player’s contribution to this.

Cricket Victoria also outlines variations of player behaviour and areas of concern and examples of unacceptable behaviour. The Spirit of Cricket is being expanded to include club administrators and supporters.

Players:

1. Be honest and supportive of your coach, captain, selection committee and colleagues in regard to training, injury, team selection and decision making issues.
2. Conduct yourself in a professional manner in relation to language, punctuality and demeanor.
3. Be consistent in your endeavor to maintain high personal behaviour at all times.
4. Have team goals, work hard for yourself, your team and your club, and be conscientious especially in your attitude and preparation to training and match day.
5. Co-operate with coaches, captain and team officials, show them utmost respect and assist them at all times.
6. Be a role model to others, demonstrating integrity, equity and fairness.
7. Be familiar and abide by the Laws of Cricket. Accept both the letter and the spirit of the rules.
8. Accept responsibility and be accountable for your actions, in a sporting, social and community sense. 

Officials:

1. You are a role model; your behaviour should be positive and supportive. You should also respect the rights, dignity and worth of others.
2. Take responsibility for your actions and actions of your players, spectators and fellow officials.
3. Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions and be open to discussion and interaction.
4. Encourage and facilitate players’ independence and responsibility for their own behaviour, performance, decisions and actions.
5. Provide a safe environment for the conduct of cricket.
6. Show concern and attend appropriately and promptly to others who may be injured or ill.

Spectators & Parents of players:

1. Sportspeople participate in the game of cricket for their development, benefit and enjoyment. Encourage this participation.
2. Respect decision making of coaches, captains, selection panels and officials. Teach and reinforce this respect with others. You set the example.
3. Applaud and congratulate performances and efforts from all teams (your team and opposition team) participants, regardless of the outcome or result.
4. Condemn the use of violence in sport of any form.
5. Encourage players to follow the rules and abide by the umpires decision.
6. Do not use abusive and foul language or do not harass players, coaches or officials.
7. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
8. Promote and maintain standards of socially accepted behaviour. Promote by actions, the club as a community based family club.

Prepared by Gary Ashton
Footscray Edgewater Cricket Club