Codes of
Conduct

Members, Supporters & Guests

All members, supporters and guests of Rayleigh Cricket Club will:

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of cricket.
2. Treat everyone equally and not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief.
3. Not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of discrimination if witnessed. This includes a zero-tolerance approach to offensive "banter" or microaggressions.
4. Display high standards of behaviour.
5. Promote the positive aspects of cricket, e.g. fair play.
6. Encourage all participants to learn the laws and rules and play within them, respecting the decisions of match officials.
7. Actively discourage unfair play, rule violations and arguing with match officials.
8. Never swear at any player of either side or any other person at a match, even if significantly provoked.
9. When not actively playing or officiating during a match, never go onto the field of play in any circumstances. In particular, do not address any negative comments to any player of either side or umpires. The only exception is if someone is injured and you can administer first aid, or to provide drinks or equipment to a player if requested.
10. Recognise good performance, not just match results.
11. Place the well-being and safety of young people above the development of performance.
12. Ensure that activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual.
13. Respect young people's opinions when making decisions about their participation in cricket.
14. Not smoke, drink, vape or use banned substances whilst actively working with young people in the club.
15. Not provide young people with alcohol when they are under the care of the club.
16. Follow ECB guidelines set out in "Safe Hands — Cricket's Policy for Safeguarding Children" and any other relevant guidelines issued.
17. Report any concerns in relation to a young person, following reporting procedures laid down by the ECB.

Additional Requirements for Club Officers & Volunteers

In addition to the above, all Club Officers and appointed volunteers will:

1. Hold relevant qualifications and be covered by appropriate insurance.
2. Always work in an open environment — avoid private or unobserved situations and encourage an open environment.
3. Inform players and parents of the requirements of cricket.
4. Know and understand the ECB Safe Hands Policy and Management System (2026).

Parents & Supporters

All adult volunteers and coaches follow the code of conduct for cricket staff and volunteers. In return we ask you to:

1. Encourage and help the young player meet targets.
2. Support the young player without pressure, praise good work and refrain from criticising lapses.
3. Know and understand why your son/daughter is playing. The objectives of Rayleigh Cricket Club are to provide a high-quality learning environment, to improve techniques but above all to encourage enjoyment of the sport.
4. Set a good example to the young player.
5. Respect the opportunity given to the player.
6. Communicate with the coaches, keeping them informed about matters affecting the player.
7. Do not coach or interfere with coaching during sessions, as the player has been entrusted to us for cricket development.
8. When encouraging and supporting the player and their respective team, do so in a calm and controlled manner.
9. If you have any concerns, you are entitled to approach the Youth Manager or Club Welfare Officer and discuss any issues with them. If that doesn't bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion, you may refer the matter to the Club Management Committee.
10. Be punctual for the start and end of coaching sessions. The coaches and assistants are volunteers — please respect this by extending the courtesy of respecting the advertised start and finish times.

Colts / Young Players

We also ask the Club's young players to:

1. Work towards the attainment of his or her potential.
2. Arrive at matches and practice sessions before the specified time, or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
3. Respect the wishes of the captains and other Club Officers at all times.
4. Listen to and take on board guidance of Club coaches.
5. Practice the techniques and skills taught by the coaches and attempt to apply them in matches.
6. Abide by the spirit as well as the letter of the laws of cricket.
7. Always accept the umpire's decision and not show any dissent.
8. Behave in an appropriate manner when representing the club.
9. Play cricket in a competitive manner but maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship.
10. Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
11. Co-operate with the coaches, team-mates and opponents.
12. Wear suitable kit for training sessions and matches.
13. Pay any match fees promptly.

And not to:

Cricket Staff & Volunteers

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of cricket.
2. Treat everyone equally and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability (or another protected characteristic).
3. If you see any form of discrimination, do not condone it or allow it to go unchallenged.
4. Place the well-being and safety of the young person above the development of performance.
5. Develop an appropriate working relationship with young people, based on mutual trust and respect.
6. Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines with the young person's full consent and approval.
7. Always work in an open environment — avoid private or unobserved situations and encourage an open environment.
8. Do not engage in any form of sexually related contact with a young player. This is strictly forbidden, as is sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms.
9. Know and understand the ECB welfare of young people in cricket policies and procedures.
10. Respect young people's opinions when making decisions about their participation in cricket.
11. Inform players and parents of the requirements of cricket.
12. Be aware of and report any conflict of interest as soon as it becomes apparent.
13. Display high standards of language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation.
14. Do not smoke, drink, vape or use recreational drugs while actively working with young people in the club. This reflects a negative image and could compromise the safety of the young people.
15. Do not give young people alcohol when they are under the care of the club.
16. Hold relevant qualifications and insurance cover.
17. Ensure the activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual.
18. Promote the positive aspects of cricket, e.g. fair play.
19. Display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
20. Follow ECB guidelines set out in the welfare of young people in cricket policy and any other relevant guidelines issued.
21. Ensure that you attend appropriate training to keep up to date with your role and the welfare of young people.
22. Report any concerns you may have in relation to a young person, following reporting procedures laid down by the club.