As a Focus Club, with Clubmark status, we take the observance of our codes of conduct very seriously indeed. For most people, our codes are simply the codification of common sense and respect for the game, its officials, players on both sides and the youngsters we aim to bring up in the best traditions of club cricket. Our codes are fully consistent with ECB best practice and are set out in plain English. If you have any questions about them please speak to Julian Dent (Chairman), John Gerry (Child Welfare Officer), Mark Lewarne (Junior Section Manager) or any of the team skippers.

Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket

1. Berkhamsted Cricket Club is committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and conduct. This Code of Conduct incorporates the Spirit of Cricket, as set out below. It applies to all matches played under the auspices of the ECB and may be applied to cricket in general.
2. The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.
3. Players and team officials must at all times accept the umpire’s decision. Players must not show dissent at the umpire’s decision or react in a provocative or disapproving manner towards an umpire at any time.
4. Players and team officials shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, another player or a spectator.
5. Players and team officials shall not use crude and/or abusive language (known as “sledging”) nor make offensive gestures or hand signals nor deliberately distract an opponent.
6. Players and team officials shall not make racially abusive comments nor indulge in racially abusive actions against fellow players, officials, members and supporters. We operate an active open door membership policy whilst respecting player qualification regulations and welcome players/members irrespective of ethnic origin.
7. Players and team officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.
8. We will take steps to ensure the good behaviour of their members and supporters towards players and umpires.

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.

1. There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the team’s conduct firmly on the captain.
   
   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 that any 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.
2. 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.
   
3. The umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of:
   1. Time wasting
   2. Damaging the pitch
   3. Dangerous or unfair bowling
   4. Tampering with the ball
   5. Any other action that they consider to be unfair
4. The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:
   1. Your opponents
   2. Your own captain and team
   3. The role of the umpires
   4. The game’s traditional values
5. It is against the Spirit of the Game:
   1. To dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action or gesture
   2. To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire
   3. 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.

Junior Section (U18) Code of Conduct

Berkhamsted Cricket Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well being of all its junior members. The club believes that it is important that junior members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club are encouraged to be open at all times.  Please share any concerns or complaints that you may have about any aspect of the club with Julian Dent or any member of the Club Committee.

As a member of Berkhamsted Cricket Club you are expected to abide by the following junior club rules:

• Play within the laws and spirit of cricket
• Respect opponents and match officials, coaches and team managers abide by their decisions
• Keep to agreed timings for practice and matches and inform your coach if you are going to be late
• Wear suitable kit for all training and match sessions. When using a hard ball, batting pads, batting gloves and helmets must be worn by all children plus an abdominal protector by boys
• Pay membership fees promptly
• Junior members are not allowed to smoke, consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions
• Act, either on or off the field of play, in a way which represents the club in a positive way
  
• Inform the team manager, captain or coach of any abuse he or she (the player) is suffering
• Ensure you treat club equipment, buildings and nets with respect and that club equipment is returned to the coach at the end of each training session or match
• Respect and comply with the Club's anti-bullying policy.

Code of Conduct for Parents & Guardians of Young Cricketers (U18)

Parents have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in cricket.  Children play cricket because they enjoy the game.  Positive encouragement by parents will contribute to this enjoyment, will add to a sense of self-esteem and personal achievement and will improve the child’s skills and technique. With the growth of the youth section parents or guardians are required to provide assistance at training and matches on a rota basis.

Parents and guardians are should therefore;

• Be respectful of other parents and guardians, recognize the value of all players
• Respect the authority of the coach
• Publicly respect the umpire’s decisions. Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials 
• Ensure players are punctual for training and matches 
• Ensure players attend training and matches appropriately dressed
• Ensure your child treats club equipment, buildings and nets with respect and that club equipment is returned to the coach at the end of each training session or match 
• Act as the match day assistant to ensure that the children act appropriately 
• Help at matches by scoring or umpiring matches where possible, remembering the need for absolute fairness 
• Not use foul or abusive language or any language which is contrary to the club’s Anti Discrimination policy 
• Provide necessary transportation to and from home and away matches 
• Recognise fair play, fun and developing team awareness and recognise that friendships are more important than winning 
• Accept that your child will not always be picked for the side 
• Inform the team manager or coach of non availability as soon as practicable 
• Ensure your child understands the standards of the club when representing the club 
• Ensure subscriptions are paid in a timely manner 
• Support financial fund-raising events
• Encourage your child to learn the laws of cricket and play within them
• Never force your child to take part in sport
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport

We also encourage parents, guardians and other supporters to applaud good play by the opposition as well as your own team. Encourage your child to learn the laws of the game and play within them and discourage unfair play or arguing with match officials.  Help your child recognize good performance, not just results. Never force your child to take part in sport nor belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

Berkhamsted CC has adopted in full the ECB code of conduct for coaches. All coaches are required to have read this code of conduct and to confirm that they have done so and agree to abide by it at the start of each season. The Head coach ensures that this is reinforced at all coaches meetings and monitors the Club's coaching sessions regularly to ensure that our coaches are following the code in practice. The ECB code of conduct can be viewed here.