Traditionally, cricket has been the one sport to maintain and exhibit the highest levels of conduct and sportsmanship. While always a most competitive game, the continued strength of the sport has relied upon the acceptance of the Umpire’s decision and the preparedness to play within the “spirit of the game.”
Whether or not bad or unacceptable behaviour is evident in international or interstate cricket or whether the language used is considered “acceptable” by today’s society is of little concern to the VTCA and GDCA. The Associations are primarily interested in having all cricket under its control played within the spirit and traditions of the game.
On Field
Play by the rules.
Dress Code
The Club expects all players, as representatives of the club, to wear the correct attire on field during games being as follows:
- An approved Centrals collared shirt and cricket pants
- A Centrals cap or floppy hat
- Cricket shoes or runners with the majority of colour being white
Show respect for your Captain, your Team, and your Club.
- The Club appoints team captains with a clear expectation that they will be shown proper respect on and off the field. If you have a problem with your captain that you cannot resolve one on one, the only avenue of appeal open to you is to the committee via the Head Coach, Senior Coordinator, Player Liaison, or any committee member.
- An argument between you and your teammates during the course of a match brings you, your team, and the Club into disrepute. It is unacceptable.
Never argue with an official.
- The questioning/disputing of the Umpire’s decision – often in an aggressive or sarcastic manner is not acceptable. This applies equally to dismissals and unsuccessful appeals as to the judgment of calls on no balls, wides, byes, etc.
- An excessive number of frivolous and ridiculous appeals – primarily aimed at pressuring and intimidating the Umpire into a favorable decision are equally unacceptable.
Control your temper.
- The use of offensive language – generally as a disparaging remark to an opposing player or toward an Umpire, or even as an expression of frustration or self-admonishment. This includes racial vilification (any act that is reasonably likely to threaten, disparage, vilify, offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or group based on race, religion, descent, colour or national or ethnic origin).
- The actions of the dismissed batter – in failing to leave the crease promptly on being given out and any equipment abuse (e.g. banging the bat into the ground or against the fence or race, etc and/or throwing the bat or equipment during or after his return to the pavilion).
Work equally hard for yourself as you do for your team.
Be a good sport. Always conduct yourself in a way that reflects well on yourself and your Club.
Celebrate your teams’ success. Do not ridicule the other teams’ failure, specifically:
- “Send offs” – usually to a dismissed batter by the bowler or a member of the fielding side. This can often inflame situations and lead to a more serious altercation.
- Treat all participants in your game, as you would want to be treated. Appreciate the efforts of the opposition team. If there were no opposition, you would not get a game.
Training & Selection
- Attendance at training is expected for at least one session per week.
- If you can not attend training, it is your responsibility to advise the Head Coach or Senior Teams Co-ordinator.
- The Head Coach, and/or any designated assistants/specialists run training. You are accountable to them during a training session.
- When you come to training be prepared to train.
Wear the correct gear:
- A Centrals shirt is mandatory;
- All normal protective gear is mandatory. This includes footwear and sunscreen.
- Preferred attire is “Centrals” shirt, red shorts, and a centrals cap or floppy hat.
Approach training as if it was a match. Bat, Bowl & Field to the best of your ability.
It is your responsibility to “sign-in” for training.
The bar is off limits until the Head Coach calls an end to training.
- “BYO” at training is unacceptable.
It is your responsibility to declare availability for selection.
- Once selected, you are expected to play unless there is a compelling and verifiable reason why you should be excused.
- Late notice of withdrawal from a team is not welcomed. If you might not be available for all days of a match, either discuss your situation with the Chairperson of Selectors, or declare yourself unavailable.
Selection decisions are made by the Selection Committee, and are final.
- You are expected to play in the team, and at the location specified on selection night.
- If you are named as an emergency, you may be called on to change team and location. You will be expected to be available for such changes.
Off Field
You must adhere to all Club policies, including:
- The Players Code of Conduct;
- The Spectators Code of Conduct;
- The Club’s Health & Safety Policy;
- The Club’s “Good Sports” responsible use of alcohol Policy.
Whilst attending or involved in any cricket or club related activity, you are a representative of the Club.
- Your personal behaviour must reflect the circumstances, and you must adjust accordingly.
- When attending a junior teams match or event, show proper respect to the players and their parent’s supporters. Junior players look to seniors for mentoring and as a role model. Encourage and support our next generation of cricketers.
- Excessive bad language is not acceptable.
- Abuse of Alcohol is not acceptable and contravenes the Club’s Health & Safety policy, and our commitment to the ADF Good Sports programme.
The Club relies on all players being fully financial.
- Both Registration and Match Fees are expected to be paid up to date as soon as possible.
- Registration Fee must be paid up front on registration day. The latest that the Registration Fee can be paid is before the commencement of Round 4 of the Season.
- Match fees are payable on each match day. The latest that a match fee can be paid is before selection for the next match.
Responsibility of Captains
Captains are responsible to ensure that the Melton Centrals Cricket Club Player Code of Conduct is adhered to.
Captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.
- In the event of any Player failing to comply with the instructions of an Umpire, criticising their decisions by word or action, or showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner, which might bring the game into disrepute, the Umpire concerned will report the matter to the Player’s Captain requesting the latter to take action. As an on field leader you are responsible to ensure that these situations do not get out of hand, and that your player is “calmed down.”
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
- Intimidatory bowling
- Tampering with the Ball
- Any other action that they feel to be unfair
The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:
- Your opponents
- Your own captain and team
- The role of the Umpires
- The game’s traditional values