Codes of Behaviour

Coaches
Cricket Australia recommends the adoption of these codes by
associations, their clubs and schools and to distribute the codes to
all appropriate groups at the commencement of the cricket season.
They should apply in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, any
other codes that a school, club or association may have in place.

Coaches
• Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning
is only part of the fun;
• Never ridicule or yell at a young player for making a mistake or not
coming first;
• Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy
and enthusiasm;
• Operate within the rules and Spirit of Cricket and teach your players
to do the same;
• Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience;
• Avoid overplaying the talented players; all young players need and
deserve equal time, attention and opportunities;
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are
appropriate to the age and ability of all players;
• Display control and respect to all involved in cricket. This includes
opponents, coaches, umpires, administrators, parents and spectators.
Encourage your players to do the same;
• Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the
advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is
ready to recommence training or competition;
• Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up-to-date with
the latest cricket coaching practices and principles of growth
and development of young people;
• Any physical contact with a young person should be
appropriate to the situation and necessary for the
player’s skill development;
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person
regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background
or religion.

Well Played – Codes of Behaviour

 Codes of Behaviour
Umpires
Cricket Australia recommends the adoption of these codes by
associations, their clubs and schools and to distribute the codes to
all appropriate groups at the commencement of the cricket season.
They should apply in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, any
other codes that a school, club or association may have in place.

Umpires
• In accordance with Cricket Australia guidelines, modify rules
and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people;
• Compliment and encourage all participants;
• Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions;
• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for
all participants;
• Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors;
• Encourage and promote rule changes which will make participation
more enjoyable;
• Be a good sport – actions speak louder than words;
• Keep up-to-date with the latest available resources for
umpiring and the principles of growth and development
of young people;
• Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and
comments should be positive and supportive;
• Place the safety and welfare of participants above
all else;
• Give all people a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender,
ability, cultural background or religion.

Well Played – Codes of Behaviour

 Codes of Behaviour
Parents
Cricket Australia recommends the adoption of these codes by
associations, their clubs and schools and to distribute the codes to
all appropriate groups at the commencement of the cricket season.
They should apply in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, any
other codes that a school, club or association may have in place.

Parents
• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in cricket;
• Remember, children are involved in cricket for their enjoyment,
not yours;
• Encourage your child to play by the rules;
• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning
or losing;
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game;
• Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good
performances and skillful play by all participants;
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from
sporting activities;
• Respect officials’ decisions. Teach children to do likewise;
• Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials
and administrators. Without them, your child could
not participate;
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person
regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background
or religion.

Well Played – Codes of Behaviour

 Codes of Behaviour
Players
Cricket Australia recommends the adoption of these codes by
associations, their clubs and schools and to distribute the codes to
all appropriate groups at the commencement of the cricket season.
They should apply in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, any
other codes that a school, club or association may have in place.

Players
• Play by the rules;
• Never argue with an umpire. If you disagree, have your captain, coach
or manager approach the umpire in an appropriate manner during a
break or after the game;
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other
players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not
acceptable or permitted behaviours
in cricket;
• Work equally hard for yourself and your teammates. Your team’s
performance will benefit and so will you;
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by
your team or the opposition;
• Treat all participants in cricket as you like to be treated. Do not
bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor;
• Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents.
Without them there would be no competition;
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just
to please parents, teachers or coaches;
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person
regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background
or religion.

Well Played – Codes of Behaviour

 Codes of Behaviour
Teachers
Cricket Australia recommends the adoption of these codes by
associations, their clubs and schools and to distribute the codes to
all appropriate groups at the commencement of the cricket season.
They should apply in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, any
other codes that a school, club or association may have in place.

Teachers
• Encourage young people to develop basic skills in a variety of
sports and discourage over specialisation in one event, sport or
playing position;
• Create opportunities to teach appropriate sports behaviour as well
as basic skills;
• For primary school children – give priority to free play activities,
skill learning and modified games of cricket over highly structured
competition;
• Prepare young people for intra and inter school cricket competition
by teaching them basic sport skills;
• Make young people aware of the positive benefits of participation
in cricket and sporting activities;
• Keep up-to-date with coaching practices and the principles of
physical growth and development. Read and use the latest available
cricket coaching and teaching resources;
• Help young people understand the differences between the junior
cricket competition they participate in and professional sport;
• Help young people understand that playing by the rules is
their responsibility;
• Give all young people equal opportunities to participate in
administration, coaching and umpiring as well as playing;
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person
regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background
or religion;
• Support the implementation of Well Played: Australian
cricket’s playing policies and guidelines.

Well Played – Codes of Behaviour