Code of conduct for all members and guests

Hambledon Cricket Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting well being of all its members and guests. The Club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents/carers associated with the Club should at all times show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints they may have about any aspect of the club with their Coach, Captain, Chairman or Child Welfare Officer.

As a member or guest* of Hambledon Cricket Club you are expected to abide by the following code of conduct:

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of cricket
• 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
• Not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of discrimination if witnessed
• Display high standards of behaviour
• Promote the positive aspects of cricket e.g. fair play
• Encourage all participants to learn the laws and rules and play within them, respecting the decisions of match officials
• Actively discourage unfair play, rule violations and arguing with match officials
• Recognise good performance not just match results
• Place the well-being and safety of young people above the development of performance
• Ensure that activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual
• Respect young people’s opinions when making decisions about their participation in cricket
• Not smoke, drink or use banned substances whilst actively working with young people in the Club.
• Not provide young people with alcohol when they are under the care of the Club
• Follow ECB guidelines set out in the “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children” and any other relevant guidelines issued
• Follow ECB guidelines set out in the “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children’ and any other relevant guidelines issued
• Report any concerns in relation to a child, following reporting procedures laid down by the ECB

In addition to the above, all club officers and appointed volunteers will:

• Have been appropriately vetted, if required
• Hold relevant qualifications and be covered by appropriate insurance
• Always work in an open environment (i.e. avoid private or unobserved situations and encourage an open environment)
• Inform players and parents of the requirements of cricket
• Know and understand the ECB’s ‘Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children’
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with young players, based on mutual trust and respect
• Ensure physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines with the young player’s full consent and approval
• 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. The ECB adopts the Home Office guidelines. These recommend “people in positions of trust and authority do not have sexual relationships with 16-17 year olds in their care”
• Attend appropriate training to keep up to date with their role, especially with respect to the safeguarding of children

* Members and Guests include all members and officers of the Cricket Club and all guests of those members and officers, as well as all individuals who watch / attend / participate / officiate in matches hosted by the club in whatever capacity.