Foxton Granta Cricket Club
Code of Conduct
Last reviewed – Apr26
1. Purpose and Scope
Foxton Granta Cricket Club is dedicated to ensuring that cricket is an inclusive, safe, and enjoyable sport for everyone. This Code of Conduct applies to all Senior Players, Junior Players, Coaches, Umpires, Scorers, and Club Officials.
As a club operating on a public recreation ground, all members and officials act as ambassadors for the sport and the club. Our behaviour is visible to the local community, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and respect.
2. The ECB Spirit of Cricket
All players and officials must respect and uphold the ECB Spirit of Cricket, which emphasizes that cricket should be played not only within its laws but also within the spirit of the game.
- Respect the Umpires: Accept every decision gracefully and without public dissent. Only the Team Captain may seek clarification from an umpire.
- Respect your Opponents: Congratulate opponents on successes and treat them with courtesy at all times.
- Respect the Game: Play hard but play fair. Avoid gamesmanship, sledging, or intentionally distracting opponents.
3. Conduct on Public Recreation Grounds
Operating in a shared public space brings unique responsibilities. All players and officials must:
- Respect the Public: Treat other recreation ground users, dog walkers, and local residents with courtesy. If a ball enters a public area, retrieve it safely and politely.
- Language and Behaviour: Swearing, aggressive shouting, or offensive gestures are prohibited. Remember that families and members of the public are often within earshot.
- Environment: Ensure the ground is left clean and tidy after every session. All litter and equipment must be cleared away to protect the public and local wildlife.
- Alcohol and Smoking: Consumption of alcohol by players during a match is prohibited. Smoking or vaping is strictly banned in the vicinity of any junior training sessions or matches.
4. Safeguarding & Junior Cricket (Safe Hands Compliance)
In accordance with ECB Safe Hands requirements, the following rules are non-negotiable:
For Officials and Coaches:
- DBS and Credentials: All coaches, captains, and relevant officials must maintain up-to-date DBS checks registered on the Safe Hands portal.
- Positive Environment: Focus on praise, encouragement, and skill development. Bullying or demeaning language will not be tolerated.
- Physical Contact: Maintain professional boundaries. Physical contact should only occur when necessary for safety or skill correction, and always in an open environment.
- Media and Communication: Never communicate with junior players (under 18) directly via personal text, social media, or email. All communications must go through parents/guardians.
For Senior Players regarding Junior Players:
- Welcoming Environment: When junior players transition into adult cricket, senior players must actively support, encourage, and look out for their safety.
- Adult Changing Rooms: Senior players must respect ECB guidelines regarding changing areas.
5. Anti-Discrimination and Social Media
- Zero Tolerance: The club operates a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of discrimination, harassment, or abuse based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
- Social Media: Players and officials must not post critical, defamatory, or offensive comments about teammates, opponents, officials, or the club on any digital platform.
6. Breach of Code & Disciplinary Action
Any breach of this Code of Conduct will be dealt with under the Club’s Disciplinary Procedure.
- Reporting: Violations should be reported to the Team Captain, Club Chair, or Club Safeguarding Officer.
- Investigation: The Committee will review the incident fairly.
- Sanctions: Serious or repeated breaches may result in a formal warning, temporary suspension from matches/training, or expulsion from the club.
- ECB Escalation: Safeguarding breaches will be escalated directly to the County Safeguarding Officer and logged on the ECB Safe Hands system.