CODES FOR THE CONDUCT OF JUNIOR CRICKET

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1. These codes reflect policies of the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) for the conduct of junior cricket throughout Bermuda.  They are intended to provide guidance to all those persons who are associated with junior cricket players, and in particular, those responsible for directing their activities.

 

2. The codes are not an exclusive statement for the conduct of junior cricket.  Rather, they are a statement of ethics which should underlie more detailed policies on such matters as skill acquisition, modified games, and the structure of competitions; all with the purpose of making junior cricket an even more attractive, healthy, and worthwhile activity for children.

 

PARENTS? CODE OF CONDUCT

 

1. Do not force an unwilling junior to participate in cricket.

 

2. Remember juniors are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.

 

3. Encourage your child to play by the rules.

 

4. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory.

 

5. Remember that junior?s learn best by example.  Equally applaud good play by both teams.

 

6. Do not publicly question the umpire?s judgment, and never their honesty.

 

7. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from junior?s sporting activities.

 

8. Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches.

 

9. Remember that juniors are students; so be reasonable in your demands on their energy, time and enthusiasm for cricket.

 

10. Make juniors aware of the physical fitness values of cricket and also its life-long value both recreationally and in personal relationships.

 

 

 

 

 

11. Insist that your child uses protective equipment such as a protector, helmet and thigh pad, in order to enjoy cricket with safety.

 

12. Do not pack your child off to cricket.  Go along also and volunteer your services.

 

13. Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them

 

14. Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.

 

15. Help your child to recognize good performance, not just results.

 

16. Never force your child to take part in sport.

 

17. Set a good example by recognizing fair play and applauding the good performances of all.

 

18. Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.

 

19. Publicly accept official?s judgments.

 

20. Support your child?s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.

 

21. Use correct and proper language at all times.

 

22. Remember that children play junior cricket for their own fun.  They are not there to entertain you and they are not miniature pro-athletes.

 

23. Be on your best behavior.  Don?t use bad language, yell at, or harass players, coaches and umpires.

 

COACHES CODE

 

1. Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.

 

2. Group players according to age and physical maturity whenever possible.

 

3. Avoid over-playing the talented players.  The ?just average? players need and deserve equal time.

 

4. Remember that juniors play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it.  Never ridicule or yell at juniors for making mistakes or losing a competition.

 

5. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.

 

6. The scheduling and length of practice times and competitions should take into consideration the maturity lever of juniors.

 

7. Develop team respect for ability of opponents, as well as for the judgment of umpires and opposing coaches.

 

8. Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to play again.  In any event, if there is any doubt do not play the junior.

 

9. Remember that juniors are also students.  Be reasonable in your demands on their energy time and enthusiasm. 

 

10. Make juniors aware of the physical fitness values of cricket and also its life-long value both recreationally and in personal relationships.

 

11. Ensure that junior?s compete safely.  Be aware of sign of mental and physical stress and fatigue.

 

12. During match play, remember you are a role model for BOTH sets of players and they will follow your example.

 

13. When umpiring junior matches, work closely with the opposition coach/umpire to ensure that the legacy is one of good cricket and not two adults constantly disagreeing.

 

14. Junior cricket is about developing young players and giving them the opportunity to participate in our National Summer Game, it is not about winning trophies.

 

 

UMPIRES CODE

 

1. Encourage modified rules and regulations to match physical skill and capacity of junior players.

 

2. Use common sense to ensure that the ?spirit of the game? is not lost by over-umpiring the game.

 

3. Actions speak louder than words.  Ensure that both on and off the field your behavior is consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship.

 

4. Compliment both teams at the end of a game on their good sportsmanship and play.

 

5. Be consistent, objective, and courteous in calling infringements.

 

6. Condemn the deliberate misconduct as being unsportsmanlike.

 

7. Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment, and reward skill.

 

8. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of the rules of cricket and also the principles of growth and development of juniors.

 

9. Be prepared to explain the rules of the game at every opportunity.

 

10. Co-operate with officials to discourage improper conduct by spectators.

 

11. Be properly dressed and equipped when umpiring.