Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club

Junior Section Parent, Carer and Spectator Code of Conduct

We are proud of the supportive atmosphere in our junior section. This Code is not intended to stop parents being enthusiastic — far from it. We want parents to encourage, help and enjoy the cricket. It is simply here to make clear that junior cricket belongs to the children, and that adult behaviour should always make the game safer, kinder and more enjoyable for them.

Purpose

Our junior section exists to help children enjoy cricket, develop their skills, make friends and feel part of the club. The behaviour of adults has a major effect on children’s experience of the game. This Code of Conduct sets out what we expect from all parents, carers, family members and spectators attending junior training, matches, festivals, tours, club events and online club communications.

By registering a child with the club, or by attending junior cricket activities, parents, carers and guests agree to follow this Code.

Our expectations

Parents, carers and spectators are expected to:

1. Put children first
   Place the wellbeing, safety and enjoyment of children above performance, selection, results or league position. 
2. Promote the spirit of cricket
   Encourage fair play, respect for opponents, respect for officials and acceptance of decisions. Parents should actively discourage unfair play, arguing with umpires, excessive appealing, sledging or poor sportsmanship. This reflects ECB conduct expectations around fair and proper behaviour on and around the field of play. 
3. Be a positive role model
   Use appropriate language, behave respectfully and remember that children copy what adults do. ECB guidance specifically highlights the importance of adults acting as role models through inclusive language and positive, respectful behaviour. 
4. Respect everyone involved
   Treat all players, coaches, managers, umpires, scorers, volunteers, opponents and other parents with courtesy and respect. Discrimination, bullying, harassment or abusive behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated. 
5. Encourage effort, learning and enjoyment
   Praise effort, improvement, teamwork and resilience, not just runs, wickets, selection or match results. Children should feel able to make mistakes and learn from them. 
6. Let coaches coach and officials officiate
   Do not coach from the boundary during matches or training unless specifically asked to help. Do not criticise or challenge umpires, scorers, coaches or team managers during play. Any concerns should be raised calmly and privately at an appropriate time. 
7. Respect team decisions
   Selection, batting orders, bowling allocations, fielding positions and age-group decisions are made by coaches and team managers in the best interests of the squad, player development, safety and competition rules. Parents may ask questions respectfully, but pressure, lobbying or repeated challenging of decisions is not acceptable. 
8. Support an inclusive environment
   Help the club make cricket welcoming for all children, regardless of ability, experience, age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, background or additional needs. Children and young people should have a positive, fun and inclusive experience whatever their level of involvement. 
9. Tell us about relevant needs
   Inform the coach, team manager or Club Safeguarding Officer of any medical condition, allergy, injury, disability, additional support need or welfare issue that may affect your child’s participation. Information will be treated sensitively and shared only with those who need to know. 
10. Follow club rules on attendance and supervision
    Make sure children arrive on time, are collected promptly and have the correct kit, drink, sun protection and protective equipment. For younger age groups, parents must remain on site unless the coach or team manager has agreed otherwise. 
11. Use online communication responsibly
    Club WhatsApp groups, email chains and social media should be used only for cricket-related communication and in a respectful tone. Do not post criticism of children, coaches, officials, opponents or other parents.
12. Protect children’s privacy online
    Do not share images, videos or personal information about other children without appropriate consent. Avoid naming children alongside photographs or videos unless the club has confirmed that this is permitted. Parents should be cognisant of online safety, privacy settings and report concerning content. 
13. Behave appropriately around children
    Do not smoke, vape, drink excessive alcohol or use banned substances around junior cricket activities. Do not supply alcohol, nicotine products or any banned substance to young people. This is consistent with county-level parent/carer codes, including Middlesex guidance. 
14. Raise concerns properly
    If you have a concern about safeguarding, bullying, poor practice, discrimination or adult behaviour, report it to the Club Safeguarding Officer or another appropriate club official. If a child is in immediate danger, call the police or emergency services. 

Unacceptable behaviour

The following may lead to action by the club:

• shouting at, intimidating or abusing children, coaches, officials, volunteers, opponents or parents; 
• disputing umpiring decisions aggressively or repeatedly; 
• coaching from the boundary in a way that confuses or pressures children; 
• criticising children’s performance publicly or online; 
• using discriminatory, offensive, threatening or humiliating language; 
• entering the field of play without permission; 
• undermining coaches, team managers or volunteers; 
• posting inappropriate comments, photos or videos on social media or club communication channels; 
• encouraging children to break rules or behave disrespectfully; 
• any behaviour that brings the club or junior cricket into disrepute. 

If the Code is breached

The club may respond in one or more of the following ways:

1. informal conversation or reminder of expectations; 
2. request to move away from the playing or training area; 
3. written warning from the Junior Chair, Club Safeguarding Officer or committee; 
4. temporary restriction from attending training, matches or club communications; 
5. referral to the club committee, league, county board or Cricket Regulator where appropriate; 
6. suspension or withdrawal of membership in serious or repeated cases. 

Safeguarding concerns will always be handled in line with the club’s safeguarding policy, ECB Safe Hands guidance and any relevant statutory procedures.