ENGLAND and WALES CRICKET BOARD

CODE OF CONDUCT

Each player involved in the ECB Regional programme has the potential to become a cricketer at the highest level.

Both the player and the player’s parents/guardians understand that the ECB is committed to the player’s well being, future development and realisation of potential, but that the level of achievement ultimately reached cannot be guaranteed. However, achievement will be more likely with co-operation from all parties involved.

The principles that underpin the ECB Child Protection Policy that relate to this Code of Conduct are:

- The child’s welfare is paramount

- All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse

- All children have the right to be safe and treated with dignity and respect

In registering the player in the Regional programme, the ECB, the player and the parents/guardians agree to the following Code of Conduct.

Any breach of the Code may lead to the player being warned as to his future conduct or in more serious cases being suspended or barred from participation in ECB activities.

The ECB Agrees to Provide

· a safe environment in which the player can learn and develop without fear of abuse through adherence to the ECB Safe Hands Policy

· physical screening, monitoring and support for the player

· a structured cricket learning programme, appropriate to the age, ability and growth of the player

· participation in cricket matches arranged or approved by the ECB

· trained and qualified coaching and other staff and facilities

· guidelines to the player and parents/guardians on the best ways for them to contribute to the player’s cricketing and personal development

· regular communication and reports to the player and parents/guardians on the player’s progress

The Player Agrees to

· work towards the attainment of his full potential

· attend the ECB events regularly and punctually, behave with self-discipline and give notice of and reasons for any absence

· abide by instructions given by the Team Coach and/or Manager

· listen to and take on board guidance given by coaching and other ECB staff

· practice the techniques and skills taught by the coaching and other ECB staff and attempt to apply them in matches

· abide by the Spirit, as well as the letter, of the Laws of cricket

· accept the umpire’s decision at all times and not to show any dissent

· behave and dress in an appropriate manner (both on and off the field) when participating in ECB activities

· not to abuse alcohol or tobacco, or any other stimulant or harmful substance

· neither possess nor use any prohibited drugs

· not to take unnecessary risks

· play cricket in a competitive manner but maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship

· to accept victory and defeat with dignity and grace

· not to use foul or abusive language on or off the field

· not to attempt to intimidate or deliberately distract opponents by acts of gamesmanship or aggressive behaviour

· treat all players as you would like to be treated

· co-operate with coaches, team-mates and opponents – remember without them there would be no game

· follow a lifestyle appropriate to development and sporting excellence – for example by spending leisure time positively; eating, drinking, relaxing and sleeping sensibly

· remember playing cricket is fun – don’t do it simply to please parents and coaches

The Parents/Guardians Agree to

· encourage and help the player meet targets, including abiding by this Code of Conduct

· support the player without pressure, praise good work and refrain from criticising lapses

· set a good example to the player

· respect the opportunity given to the player

· communicate with the ECB staff, keeping them informed about matters affecting the player

Please note that failure of a player to abide by this Code of Conduct will mean the player may be stopped from participating in the event and/or sent home.