Oxford Downs Cricket Club

Club Mark Accreditation 2009

As part of our effort to improve the cricketing experience for all our members, the club has been approved for ‘Club Mark’ accreditation from the ECB.This has required us to formalise much of what we do in terms of the organisation of the playing and coaching side of things. As a result we are more aware of the responsibilities of coaches, players and parents in the delivery of cricket to young people. For the players it will mean:

1. Improved safety during coaching sessions
2. First Aid kit available on the field
3. All coaches will have ECB qualifications
4. All coaches will have been CRB checked. (Criminal Records Bureaux)
5. All helpers will have completed a ‘Self Declaration’ form similar to 3 above.
6. All players and coaches will have agreed to a Code of Conduct.
7. All players will be aware which adult to contact if there is anything causing concern. (see contact details at the foot of this letter)

For parents it will mean:

1. You will be aware that the above points 1 to 7 apply to your child’s cricketing experience.
2. You will have agreed to the Parent’s Code of Conduct.
3. You will know who to contact in the club if you have anything causing you concern.

If you have any cause for concern or ideas on how we can further improve what we do and how we do it you need to contact me in the first instance. I now have the rather grand title of ‘Welfare Officer’ and my contact details are as follows:

PAUL HARDY (Welfare Officer)   TEL: 01993 706743     MOB: 07778 60661      This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I am usually at the club on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and on occasional Saturdays.

Paul Hardy

Code of Conduct for Junior Players

Oxford Downs CC is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. Oxford Downs CC believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents/carers or guardians 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 that they may have about any aspect of the club by contacting:

Paul Hardy, Welfare Officer     01993 706743 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

As a member of Oxford Downs Cricket Club you are expected to abide by the following code of conduct:

• All members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.
• All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
• Members must wear suitable kit (including a helmet for hard ball) for training and match sessions, as agreed with the coach/team manager.
• Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.
• Junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions.
• Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.
• Junior members should not practice in the nets without supervision by an ECB qualified coach. Neither the Club nor any Committee member or Officer will be held responsible for any injury sustained in such circumstances.
• Good behavior is expected both on and off the field at all times.

Code of Conduct for Cricket Club Members and Guests*

All Members and Guests of this Cricket  Club will:

• 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
• Report any concerns in relation to a Young Person,  following  reporting  procedures
  laid down by the ECB.

In addition to the above, all Club Officers and Appointed Volunteers will:

• 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.

* 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.