1. Purpose
This Code of Conduct applies to all playing members of the Club and sets out the standards of behaviour expected when representing, participating in, or attending Club activities, including matches, training sessions, tours, social events, and any online communication connected with the Club.
The Club is committed to promoting the Spirit of Cricket, respect, fairness, and a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.
2. Spirit of Cricket
Cricket should be played within both the Laws and the Spirit of the Game.
All players are expected to:
- Respect umpires and accept their decisions without dissent or delay.
- Respect opponents and compete fairly at all times.
- Respect teammates, captains, volunteers, and Club officials.
- Conduct themselves in a way that reflects positively on the Club.
- Win with humility and lose with dignity.
- Promote sportsmanship and fair play at all times.
3. Expected Standards of Behaviour
All players must:
- Treat others with respect and courtesy at all times.
- Follow the Laws of Cricket and competition rules.
- Support captains, umpires, scorers, volunteers, and Club officials.
- Accept selection and team management decisions respectfully.
- Raise concerns through appropriate Club channels.
- Avoid abusive, threatening, intimidating, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour.
- Meet financial obligations to the Club within reasonable timescales.
- Fulfil reasonable Club duties when requested.
- Avoid conduct that could bring the Club into serious disrepute.
Online Conduct
The same standards apply online as in person.
Members must not use social media, messaging platforms (including WhatsApp), email, or any online communication to:
- Abuse, harass, or threaten others.
- Post discriminatory, defamatory, or offensive content.
- Bully or target individuals or groups.
- Publish content that could seriously damage the reputation of the Club or its members.
4. Categories of Misconduct
Tier 1 – Minor Misconduct
Examples include:
- Minor dissent at an umpire’s decision.
- Mild offensive or inappropriate language.
- Minor sledging.
- Repeated lateness or failure to provide notice.
- Failure to assist with reasonable match-day duties.
- Inappropriate behaviour towards teammates or volunteers.
- Late withdrawal from matches without reasonable notice.
- Failure to pay Club fees after reminders.
Typical outcomes:
- Informal discussion.
- Verbal warning.
- Written warning.
Tier 2 – Serious Misconduct
Examples include:
- Serious or repeated dissent at an umpire.
- Verbal abuse, intimidation, or threats.
- Bullying or harassment.
- Aggressive confrontation or deliberate physical contact.
- Damage to Club property or equipment in anger.
- Intoxicated behaviour affecting Club activities.
- Discriminatory behaviour or language.
- Repeated Tier 1 misconduct after warnings.
- Deliberate breach of Club policies.
Typical outcomes:
- Written warning.
- Suspension from matches or Club activities.
- Additional conditions set by the Disciplinary Panel.
Tier 3 – Gross Misconduct
Examples include:
- Physical assault or attempted assault.
- Serious threats of violence.
- Theft, fraud, or misuse of Club funds.
- Match-fixing, spot-fixing, or illegal gambling related to cricket.
- Serious harassment or discrimination.
- Serious online or offline conduct causing significant reputational damage to the Club.
- Any conduct fundamentally undermining trust or safety within the Club.
Typical outcomes:
- Long-term suspension or season-long suspension.
- Termination of membership.
- Referral to relevant cricket authorities or law enforcement where appropriate.
5. Informal Resolution
Many issues can be resolved informally.
Captains, committee members, or other appropriate Club officials may seek to resolve minor concerns through discussion or mediation.
The Club may proceed directly to formal disciplinary action where the matter is considered serious.
6. Disciplinary Procedure
Step 1 – Reporting a Concern
A complaint may be submitted by any member, captain, umpire, official, volunteer, opponent, or spectator.
Complaints should normally be submitted in writing to the Club Secretary within 48 hours of the incident.
The Club may, at its discretion, consider complaints submitted after this period where there is a reasonable explanation or where the seriousness of the allegation justifies it.
Complaints should include:
- Details of the incident
- Date, time, and location
- Names of those involved (if known)
- Any supporting evidence or witnesses
If the complaint concerns the Secretary, it should be submitted to the Chair.
Step 2 – Initial Review
Upon receipt of a complaint, the Chair and Secretary (or designated committee members) will conduct an initial review to determine:
- Whether the complaint falls within scope of the Code
- Whether informal resolution is appropriate
- Whether a formal investigation is required
- Whether interim measures are necessary
Step 3 – Interim Suspension (if required)
In cases involving serious misconduct, violence, harassment, discrimination, or risk to the Club, the Chair may impose an interim suspension pending investigation.
This is a neutral administrative measure and does not imply guilt.
Step 4 – Appointment of Disciplinary Panel
If a formal process is required, a Disciplinary Panel of three impartial individuals will be appointed.
Panel members must:
- Have no involvement in the incident
- Have no conflict of interest
- Be able to act impartially
Anyone with a conflict of interest must take no part in any stage of the process.
Step 5 – Investigation
The Disciplinary Panel may gather relevant evidence, including:
- Written statements
- Umpire or match official reports
- Witness accounts
- Relevant communications or documentation
Step 6 – Disciplinary Hearing
The member will:
- Be given reasonable notice of the hearing
- Be informed of the allegation(s)
- Be given the opportunity to respond
- Be entitled to be accompanied by another Club member or representative
The Panel may call witnesses where appropriate.
Step 7 – Decision
The Panel will determine, on the balance of probabilities, whether misconduct occurred.
A written decision will be issued within 3 days of the hearing.
7. Sanctions
The Panel may impose one or more of the following:
- Informal advice
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Match suspension
- Suspension from Club activities
- Suspension from roles (e.g. captaincy)
- Long-term suspension
- Termination of membership
Factors considered:
- Severity of misconduct
- Previous disciplinary record
- Mitigating or aggravating factors
- Impact on individuals and the Club
8. Appeals
Members may appeal disciplinary decisions.
Appeals must:
- Be submitted in writing to the Secretary within 7 days of receiving the decision
- Clearly state grounds for appeal
Valid grounds include:
- Procedural error
- New evidence
- Unreasonable decision
- Disproportionate sanction
An Appeal Panel of up to three impartial individuals will be appointed.
The Appeal Panel may:
- Uphold the decision
- Reduce or increase the sanction
- Refer the case back for reconsideration
The Appeal Panel’s decision is final.
Appeals will normally be heard within 14 days.
9. External Disciplinary Action
The Club may report serious incidents to relevant leagues or governing bodies where appropriate.
Any disciplinary action taken by the Club is separate from any action that may be taken by external organizations, including leagues or cricket authorities.
Redhill Warriors Sports Club – Player Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure (adopted as per Club rules)