SUSSEX YOUTH CRICKET - CODE OF CONDUCT - PLAYERS    - CODE OF CONDUCT - ADULTS

1. This code applies to all youth cricket played under the jurisdiction of Sussex Junior Cricket

2. The umpire's decision must be accepted at all times and no show of dissent is to be made. The team manager should, before the match, make the umpires aware of standards expected from Sussex teams and request that any disturbing incidents, comments or actions during play be reported to the team manager at the earliest available interval.

3. Behaviour at any match, wherever played, should be such as to cause no offence to Ground authorities or any other person. Local practice rules must be observed.

4. Players must arrive at, and leave from, matches dressed in clothing appropriate to the team for which they are playing, including, for example, collar and tie, sweater or blazer, as specified by the team manager.

5. Players will not be permitted to smoke or drink alcohol whilst participating in a Sussex fixture. The abuse of alcohol and of tobacco, or any other stimulant or harmful substance, whilst representing the County will be a disciplinary offence.

6. Sussex Junior cricket aims to give players the opportunity of playing at a high level and it is recognised that games are likely to be competitive and hard fought. Nevertheless players are expected to show the highest standards of sportsmanship. This should not need further explanation but, for example, the following are not acceptable

a. Foul or abusive language
b. Intimidation or deliberate distraction of opponents orally or by acts of gamemanship or aggressive behaviour.

7. During Festivals and tours, or Regional or National representation, behaviour in residences and in free time activities should be such as to cause no inconvenience or annoyance to anyone. Players must be in their own rooms by the time specified by the team manager. The team manager is responsible for the behaviour of his team on and off the field and must receive full co-operation from his players.

8. Where breach of this code is proven a player may be warned as to his / her future conduct, suspended or banned from representing a Sussex club/ school or County side.

9. Any breach of conduct whilst representing a SCHOOL or CLUB may result in disciplinary action being taken that could jeopardise a player's selection for Junior Area; Inter County; Regional and National cricket.

SUSSEX YOUTH CRICKET - CODE OF CONDUCT - ADULTS

1. This Code applies to all Junior matches, coaching sessions and all other events that fall under the jurisdiction of Sussex Junior cricket
2. Remember that children play cricket for their enjoyment- not yours
3. Encourage children to participate, do not force them
4. Focus on the child's effort and performance rather than winning and losing
5. Encourage children to participate according to the rules
6. Support all leffort to remove verbal abuse from cricket
7. Respect official's decisions and teach your child to do likewise
8. Catering is supplied to players and officials only and we would ask that unless invited to do so that you refrain from using the pavilion during match intervals.

  Web master's observations

 It has obviously been felt necessary to publish a code of conduct for parents and this is very sad.

• Youth cricket depends upon the active support of the parent body - indeed it would not exist without it.
• Since 1948, when the English Schools Cricket Association was formed, teachers have publicly expressed gratitude in national and county reports for the marvellous support received from parents
• The Sussex junior report always records team managers' respect and gratitude for the parents of Sussex young cricketers.
• With the decline of teacher influence in some areas of youth cricket there appears to have been a lessening of parental behaviour in the area of cricketing etiquette.
• It is noticeable that some parents interfere with the play.
  Example - a player bowls an over and retires to his fielding position near the boundary. A parent positions himself close by and a. offers advice and b. offers liquid c. leaves liquid inside boundary marking.
• If a player needs a special form of beverage he should be provided with it before the game and leave it with the team manager.
• Parents should not offer anything other than verbal support as with all other spectators in attendance.
  Example - parents going on field of play during drinks break with player's own drink - player is " forced" to be apart from other members of the team
• The field of play is for the umpires and the players. Players should not go onto the field of play until the Umpires are " out "
  Example - parents entering changing room to give advice
• If any matter is so urgent that the parent needs to speak to his/her child in the pavilion then the manager should be sought
  Example - parents taking lunch and or tea with players without invitation.
• The occasions when this has happened are obviously a misunderstanding on the parent's behalf. There are of course instances when the parent body is invited in to tea.
  
• There may, at times , be a need for a parent to speak to the team manager but that should be after the game has taken place.

TOP OF PAGE