Code of Conduct & Child Protection

The Old Rutlishians Cricket Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect, be open and share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club. Anyone wishing to discuss any of these concerns should speak to Stuart Atkins or any member of the Committee. As a member of the Old Rutlishians’ Cricket Club you are expected to abide by the following junior club rules:

• All members must respect opponents.
• All members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.
• Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
• Members must wear suitable kit for training and match sessions, as agreed with the coach/team manager.
• Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.
• Junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions.
• Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.

Code of Conduct for Cricket Club Members and Guests

• 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 belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief
• 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 and rules and 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 in the club
• Not provide children with alcohol when they are under the care of the club
• Follow ECB guidelines set out in the “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children” and any other relevant guidelines issued
• Report any concerns in relation to a child, following reporting procedures laid down by the ECB * Members and guests include all members and officers of the cricket club and all guests of those members and officers, as well as all individuals who watch/attend/participate/ officiate in matches hosted by the club in whatever capacity.

In addition to the above, all club officers and appointed volunteers will:

• Have been appropriately vetted, if required
• Hold relevant qualifications and be covered by appropriate insurance
• Always work in an open environment (i.e. avoid private, or unobserved, situations and encourage an open environment)
• Inform players and parents of the requirements of cricket
• Know and understand the ECB’s “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children”
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with young players, based on mutual trust and respect
• Ensure physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines with the young player’s full consent and approval
• Not engage in any form of sexually related contact with a young player. This is strictly forbidden, as is sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms.
• The ECB adopts the Home Office guidelines. These recommend “people in positions of trust and authority do not have sexual relationships with 16-17 year olds in their care”
• Attend appropriate training to keep up to date with their role, especially with respect to the safeguarding of children

Code of conduct for parents/carers:

• Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them.
• Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.
• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
• Never force your child to take part in sport.
• Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all.
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
• Publicly accept officials’ judgements.
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
• Use correct and proper language at all times.

Code of conduct for club officials and volunteers:

• The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below.
• All volunteers must: Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect.
• Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part
• Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play)
• Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance
• Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the club
• Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover
• Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward
• Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibitive substances