Code of Conduct - Heidelberg Cricket Club

The Heidelberg Cricket Club has codes of conduct for players & parents to ensure that all members and those associated with the club conduct themselves in an acceptable manner, show good sportsmanship, and respect the game

These codes help ensure everyone enjoys their cricket and has a positive experience. Cricket is a wonderful game and can teach our youth many valuable life skills

Player Code of Conduct

As a player at Heidelberg Cricket Club, each player agrees to the following:-

  • Play by the rules of cricket, and within the ‘Spirit of the Game’, and be a good sport

  • Give their best at all times

  • Treat all players, as they would like to be treated. Do not bully, interfere with or take unfair advantage of another player

  • Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them, there would be no competition.

  • Control your temper and don’t abuse or argue with either officials or other players.

  • Avoid the use of derogatory language based on gender, race or ability.

  • Treat all equipment, whether it belongs to our club, another club, or a player with care and respect. Do not take other’s equipment without permission.

  • Attend training regularly, and remain within the bounds of the grounds, nets and clubroom.

  • Attend matches for which you are selected. If an absence is planned, team managers are to be informed by the training session prior to the first day of a match if the player cannot attend one or both days of play.

  • Behave in a manner that reflects positively on the game of cricket, the Heidelberg Cricket Club, and the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.

Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent of a player at Heidelberg Cricket Cricket Club, each parent agrees to the following conditions.

  • If children are interested, encourage them to play cricket. However, if a child is not willing to play, do not force him or her.

  • Win or lose, heroic or scared, talent or clumsy, make sure your children knows you love them and appreciate their efforts. Positively reinforce, rather than criticise.

  • Be objective and honest about your child’s sporting capability, their appetite for competition, their sportsmanship and actual skill level.

  • Be helpful, but don’t become their coach on the way to the oval, on the way back or at breakfast. It’s difficult not to, but it’s more difficult for children’s minds to be crowded with advice, pep talks and often critical instruction.

  • Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.

  • Encourage children to always play according to the rules.

  • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.

  • Avoid the use of derogatory language based on gender, race or ability.

  • Remember that children learn best from example. Applaud good play by both teams.

  • Remember, children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment.

  • If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through appropriate channels, rather than question the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember most officials give their time and effort voluntarily for your child’s involvement.

  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.

  • Coaches are often heroes to young players so get to and support them rather than compete with them.

  • Ensure that your child attends matches for which they are selected. If an absence is planned, team managers are to be informed by the training session prior to the first day of a match if the player cannot attend one or both days of a match

coaches code of conduct

  • Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.

  • Never ridicule or yell at a young player for making a mistake.

  • Be reasonable in your demands on players' time, energy and enthusiasm.

  • Operate within the rules and “The Spirit of Cricket” and teach your players to do the same.

  • Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience; all young people are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.

  • Avoid overplaying the talented players; the ’just average’ need and deserve equal time.

  • Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.

  • Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport - this includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, parents and spectators; encourage your players to do the same.

  • Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players - follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.

  • Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young people.

  • Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player's skill development.

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, race, cultural background or religion.