OLD BLANDFORDIANS CRICKET CLUB
CODE OF CONDUCT
PREAMBLE
The 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.
There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the team’s conduct firmly on the captains:
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.
2. Player’s Conduct:
In the event of a player failing to comply with instructions by an umpire, or criticising by word or action the decisions of an umpire, or 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, and instruct the latter to take action.
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.
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.
· Association officials.
· 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, umpire or an official of the Association.
· To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance:
a) To appeal knowing that the batsman is not out.
b) To advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing.
c) To 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.
Code of Behaviour
8 The captains shall at all times be responsible for ensuring that:
8.1 Play is conducted within the Laws and Spirit of the game.
8.2 Players wear appropriate cricket attire for all games.
8.3 Players shall not, at any time, engage in conduct which could bring them or the game into disrepute.
8.4 Players and team officials must, at all times, accept the umpires decision without showing dissent or react in an obviously provocative or disapproving manner either towards an umpire, his decision or generally following an umpiring decision.
8.5 Players and team officials shall not intimidate or assault an umpire, player or spectator, nor attempt to do so.
8.6 Players and team officials shall not use crude or abusive language (“sledging”) nor make offensive gestures nor appeal excessively.
8.7 Player and team officials shall not make any public pronouncements or comment which is detrimental to the game.
9 Players should strive to win the game within the Laws and the accepted norms of playing the game with no plans for assault or attempted assault on other players, umpires or spectators.
10 Players should strive to live up to the standards of sportsmanship that cricket has set over the centuries by eliminating crude and abusive behaviour and dress in accepted cricket clothing.
11 Players should show respect for fellow cricketers with the courtesy of:
11.1 Being present to start the game at the designated time.
11.2 Abiding by the Laws of cricket, Rules and Regulations of the Association.
11.3 When the need arises, umpire, as an umpire, and not a member of either side.
12 Players must at all times abide by the Playing Conditions, Rules and Regulations of the Association.
13 It is the responsibility of all players and team officials to acquaint themselves with the Constitution, administrative requirements and Playing Conditions.
14 Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may be reported to the Committee who may refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee.