Club conduct & disciplinary procedure

Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure

1.  . Definitions for the purpose of this Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure.

‘The Club ‘is a generic term referring to Sawston and Babraham Cricket Club and to all of its members and associates.

‘Club Member’ is defined as any official, player (who are currently registered with the league on our play-cricket website database), benefactor or volunteer.  The code of conduct will also to apply to parents or guardians of Junior members and to guests of any Club Member.

Disciplinary Committee – Is the sub-committee appointed by the Club’s Committee and authorised by ‘The Club’ to deal with all breaches of this Code of Conduct.

The Club’s Code of Conduct applies equally to all ‘Club Members’.

2.         Code of Conduct

Winning is a fundamental part of the game, but fair play and respect for
others are equally important. All ‘Club Members’ shall, at all times when involved with club activities, behave in a manner that enhances the Club’s image and reputation.

The code of conduct defines standards of behaviour expected by the ‘Club’.

‘The Club’ also has a child protection policy in place.
and has adopted the ECB Safe Hands – Welfare of Young People in Cricket policy.

The Club expects all its ‘Club Members’ to make every effort consistent with fair play and the rules of the game

• To set a positive example to others, in particular younger players and
  supporters.

• To abide by the laws, rules and spirit of the game.

• To treat opponents with respect at all times irrespective of the result of
  the game.

• To safeguard the wellbeing of team-mates and opponents by the
  avoidance of violence or rough play.

• To follow Club rules and the ECB directive with regard to safety equipment when using a hard ball. It is compulsory for Club members to wear full safety equipment at all times when using the nets. Members use the facility at their own risk and it¹s the individual¹s responsibility to ensure that proper protection is being worn.

• To actively promote the game of cricket for all and encourage, at all times, the Club’s equal opportunities philosophy which does not discriminate on race, gender or physical disability.

The following areas of behaviour are deemed unacceptable both on and off the field of play.

§  Use of offensive, insulting, abusive language or gestures directed at team members, opponents, parents, Club officials, members of another club or officials appointed by the controlling bodies of cricket.

§  Failure to act on a reasonable instruction given by a Club Official.

§  Unsporting conduct.

§  Actions which disrupt Club activities.

§  Use of banned substances.

§  Wilful or reckless damage to Club property or playing facilities either at home or away.

§  Actions which could damage the reputation of ‘The Club ‘or Club sponsors.

The Club actively promotes the concept of individuals taking responsibility for their own actions and, therefore, positively encourages individuals to take steps to mitigate an offence that may have occurred in the ‘heat of the moment’.

 All ‘Club Members’  are responsible for any individual fine imposed by any authorised body resulting from actions described above and for recompense for damage caused to facilities. 

3.      3. Disciplinary procedure

Any occurrence in breach of the above code should initially be dealt with by the Captain of any Senior side, or relevant team manager of any Junior Section Team.

For more serious cases, or in the case of repeated breaches, the Captain / team manager must refer the occurrence to the Club’s Committee.

All complaints regarding the behavior of members should be lodged in writing with the Secretary.

The Committee shall appoint a Disciplinary sub-committee who will meet to hear complaints within 21 days of a complaint being lodged. Any member requested to attend a Disciplinary sub-committee shall be entitled to be accompanied by a friend or other representative and to call witnesses. The Committee (or its sub-committee) has the power to take appropriate disciplinary action, including the termination of membership.

The outcome of the disciplinary hearing shall be put in writing to the person who lodged the complaint and the member against whom the complaint was made within 7 days following the hearing.

There shall be a right of appeal to the Committee against either the finding or the sanction imposed or both following disciplinary action being taken. The Committee shall appoint an Appeals Committee (a maximum of three) which shall not include members involved with the initial disciplinary hearing but may include non-members of the Club. The Appeals Committee shall consider the appeal within 21 days of the Secretary receiving the appeal. The individual submitting the appeal shall be entitled to be accompanied by a friend or other representative and to call witnesses. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final and binding on all parties.

The committee have the power to warn, suspend or expel a person from the Club.

Members are reminded that breaches of this Code of Conduct may lead to disciplinary action being taken by the Club, or in the case of more serious breaches by the ECB.