Club Policies

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLUB MEMBERS & GUESTS

All Members and Guests of Studley Royal 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’

JUNIOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Studley Royal Cricket Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members.

Studley Royal Cricket Club 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 with Steve Harris, the Club’s Child Welfare Officer.

As a member of Studley Royal Cricket Club you are expected to abide by the following junior 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 for training and match sessions, as agreed with the coach/team manager. As a minimum, footwear with suitable soles and, ideally, spikes if playing on grass; helmets if playing with hard balls, and white shirts and trousers for matches.

• 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.

INCLUSION & DIVERSITY POLICY

Studley Royal Cricket Club, in all its activities, is fully committed to the principles of equality of opportunity in cricket, and to ensuring that its employees, members and all other individuals working or volunteering for Studley Royal Cricket Club, and participating in or watching Studley Royal Cricket Club’s activities are treated fairly and are able to conduct their activities free from discrimination, harassment or intimidation.

• Studley Royal Cricket Club, in all its activities will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably against on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, parental or marital status, pregnancy, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

• Studley Royal Cricket Club will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of individuals.

• Studley Royal Cricket Club will endeavour to create access and opportunities for all those individuals who wish to participate, and are lawfully eligible to participate, in its activities.

• Studley Royal Cricket Club will ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that its employees, members and volunteers adhere to these requirements and this policy.

This policy is fully supported by Studley Royal Cricket Club‘s officers and Management Committee who are responsible for the implementation of this policy.

Studley Royal Cricket Club is committed to the investigation of any claims when brought to its attention, of discrimination, harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, and reserves the right to impose such sanction as it considers appropriate and proportionate, where such is found to be the case.

In the event that any employee, member, volunteer, participant or spectator feels that he has suffered discrimination, harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation, they should report the matter in writing to the Management Committee of Studley Royal Cricket Club.

GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH AN ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT

• Local doctors: Ripon Spa Surgery, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2BE – 01765 692366 (opening times 8am to 6pm Monday – Friday)

• Ripon Community Hospital, Firby Lane, Ripon, HG4 2PR – 01765 602546 (opening times for minor injuries 8am to 9pm)

• Harrogate District Hospital, Lancaster Park Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SX – 01423 885959

• Stay calm but act swiftly and observe the situation. Is there danger of further injuries?

• Listen to what the injured person is saying.

• Alert the qualified First Aider who should take appropriate action for minor injuries (First Aiders are listed below and adjacent to first aid kits).

• In the event of an injury requiring specialist treatment, call the emergency services – 999.

• The telephone number for NHS Direct is: 0845 46 47 or see www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

• Deal with the rest of the group and ensure that they are adequately supervised and safe.

• Do not move someone with major injuries. Wait for the emergency medics.

• Contact the injured person’s parent/carer/guardian.

• First aid kits are located in the kitchens at the Main Ground and the Deer Park.

• Complete an Incident/Accident Report Form and file in the relevant accident book located in the kitchens at the Main Ground or the Deer Park.

Qualified First Aiders:

• Matthew Coad 07870 806886 or 01765 608241

• Julian Corps 07917 167060

• Mark Simenacz 07769 976517

DISCIPLINARY RULES

1. BASIC PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

a. Studley Royal Cricket Club (“the Club”) shall operate a Disciplinary Policy in accordance with the current Disciplinary Rules operating within the jurisdiction of the England & Wales Cricket Board and the Yorkshire Cricket Association, except where modified below.

b. The ECB “Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket” statement, the Yorkshire Cricket Association/Yorkshire Cricket Board Policy Statement “Anti-Racism and Race Equality” and the Club’s Codes of Conduct shall operate throughout the Club.

c. These rules shall apply to all League, Cup, Representative, Junior and Indoor matches played under the auspices of the Club, and any functions involving the Club.

2. MAINTENANCE OF DISCIPLINE

a. The Club Committee is the authoritative body in respect of discipline within the Club and shall take whatever measures are required to maintain an acceptable standard of behaviour and inflict

appropriate penalties.

b. A Disciplinary panel shall be appointed by the Club Committee and will deal promptly with any complaint or incident.

3. CODE OF CONDUCT

a. All players, officials and supporters are bound by the Club Disciplinary Rules and shall conduct

themselves accordingly.

b. Unsatisfactory conduct shall include, but not be limited to:

• Dissent at an umpire’s decision or reaction in a provocative or disapproving manner, whether verbal or written.

• Physical abuse, intimidation, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, official, player or spectator.

• The use of crude, foul or abusive language or the making of offensive gestures or hand signals whether directed at an individual or otherwise.

• Sledging or deliberate distraction of an opponent and persisting appealing in order to pressurise an umpire or opponent.

• Any form of abuse or discrimination, relating to race, religion, creed, or any other nature.

• Willful damage to property, equipment or playing surface.

• The use or distribution of illegal drugs or substances.

• Ungentlemanly conduct or any other action that is likely to bring the Club or Game of Cricket into disrepute or prejudice its good name or interests.

1. BASIC PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

a. Studley Royal Cricket Club (“the Club”) shall operate a Disciplinary Policy in accordance with the current Disciplinary Rules operating within the jurisdiction of the England & Wales Cricket Board and the Yorkshire Cricket Association, except where modified below.

b. The ECB “Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket” statement, the Yorkshire Cricket Association/Yorkshire Cricket Board Policy Statement “Anti-Racism and Race Equality” and the Club’s Codes of Conduct shall operate throughout the Club.

c. These rules shall apply to all League, Cup, Representative, Junior and Indoor matches played under the auspices of the Club, and any functions involving the Club.

2. MAINTENANCE OF DISCIPLINE

a. The Club Committee is the authoritative body in respect of discipline within the Club and shall take whatever measures are required to maintain an acceptable standard of behaviour and inflict

appropriate penalties.

b. A Disciplinary panel shall be appointed by the Club Committee and will deal promptly with any complaint or incident.

3. CODE OF CONDUCT

a. All players, officials and supporters are bound by the Club Disciplinary Rules and shall conduct

themselves accordingly.

b. Unsatisfactory conduct shall include, but not be limited to:

• Dissent at an umpire’s decision or reaction in a provocative or disapproving manner, whether verbal or written.

• Physical abuse, intimidation, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, official, player or spectator.

• The use of crude, foul or abusive language or the making of offensive gestures or hand signals whether directed at an individual or otherwise.

• Sledging or deliberate distraction of an opponent and persisting appealing in order to pressurise an umpire or opponent.

• Any form of abuse or discrimination, relating to race, religion, creed, or any other nature.

• Willful damage to property, equipment or playing surface.

• The use or distribution of illegal drugs or substances.

• Ungentlemanly conduct or any other action that is likely to bring the Club or Game of Cricket into disrepute or prejudice its good name or interests.

• Repeated infringements of the Spirit of the Game either by an individual or a team, where each infringement, in itself, does not merit any immediate disciplinary action. (Such instances will result in a Disciplinary Hearing and the captain will be held responsible for the conduct of his team.)

• Unacceptable behaviour, by word or action, at any function organised by the Club.

4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTAINING DISCIPLINE

a. Club

The Club has the overall responsibility for the behaviour of its members and maintaining discipline and, if it fails properly to control or discipline any person associated with the club with regard to misconduct, it may be answerable to a charge of ‘Unsatisfactory Conduct’ from the Leagues.

b. Captain

The Captain and, in the case of junior teams, the Manager of the team, is responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit of the game as well as within the laws. Failure to take suitable action against an offender may render the captain or manager liable to a charge of ‘Unsatisfactory Conduct’.

5. ACTION TO BE TAKEN FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT

In the event of an incident occurring, Studley Royal Cricket Club will instigate investigation and take appropriate action against offenders, irrespective of whether the incident has been reported to the League.

6. PLAYERS

a. Outstanding Disciplinary Action

i. No player who is currently under suspension or involved in uncompleted disciplinary action imposed by any other league or member club of another league may play in matches for Studley Royal Cricket Club.

ii. Studley Royal Cricket Club must endeavour to check the disciplinary record of any player whom they intend to sign from a club in another league.

iii Studley Royal Cricket Club may refuse to register any player until the Club is satisfied that the player’s disciplinary status is acceptable.

b. Representative Games 

Players representing other sides are subject to the Club Disciplinary Rules and will be answerable for any disciplinary transgressions.

c. Overseas and Contracted Players 

Each contracted or overseas player is subject to the Club Disciplinary Rules.

7. REPORTING AN INCIDENT

a. Any complaint about incidents of misconduct or improper behaviour must be notified in writing to the Club Secretary no later than 10 days following the incident. Any complaints reported outside this time will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Club Chair. The complaint should be supported with evidence such as written statements from witnesses and other documents.

b. Upon receipt of such complaint, the Club Secretary shall give notice to the Respondent and copy the evidence in support.

8. CONVENING A DISCIPLINARY HEARING

The Club shall convene a Disciplinary Hearing within 14 days of receipt of the complaint and shall notify the Complainant and the Respondent of the date. It is the responsibility of the Complainant and the Respondent to present evidence, including arranging the attendance of witnesses, at the Disciplinary Hearing.

9. DISCIPLINARY HEARING

a. The hearing is not a Court of Law but an enquiry into the circumstances giving rise to the complaint. No legal representation will be allowed. The Disciplinary Committee shall comprise 3 members who shall be one of the Club’s Trustees and two committee members. The trustee member shall chair the hearing. The Disciplinary Chair shall appoint one of the members to make a written note of the Disciplinary Hearing. The decision, penalty and other matters arising for determination at the Disciplinary Hearing shall be on the basis of a simple majority vote. In the event of a split decision, the Disciplinary Chair shall have the casting vote.

b. No person who is connected in any way with the complaint shall be involved in convening or officiating at the Disciplinary Hearing or on an Appeal. If this rule prevents the Director of Cricket, trustee or other officer from fulfilling a function under these rules, that function shall be delegated by the Club Committee to another officer or person.

c. The decision of the Disciplinary Committee shall be given at the meeting, to be confirmed in writing as soon as possible thereafter by the Club Secretary and will be put into effect at the date thereof subject to any possible appeal. In the event of an appeal being lodged, the penalty shall be suspended until determination. No further discussion or submissions will be taken at the meeting.

d. The Disciplinary Chair shall determine the conduct of the hearing which shall be in accordance with the procedures laid down hereafter.

10. PENALTIES

The Disciplinary Committee shall impose such penalties as they consider appropriate in accordance with the schedule of penalties laid down by the Club from time to time which shall be published.

11. APPEAL PROCEDURE

a. The Complainant and the Respondent may appeal the decision of the Disciplinary Committee. An appeal against the decision of the Disciplinary Committee shall be given in writing, setting out the reasons thereof, and must be received by the Club Secretary no later than 7 days from the date of the decision to be appealed against. The Disciplinary Appeal Committee shall have the power to accept an appeal out of time only in exceptional circumstances.

b. Upon receipt of the Appeal, the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Disciplinary Appeal Committee and give no less than 7 days’ notice to the complainant and the Respondent.

c. The Appeal is also not a Court of Law and no legal representation shall be allowed. The Disciplinary Appeal Committee shall comprise 5 members who shall be two trustees and 3 committee members excluding any who comprised the Disciplinary Committee whose decision is under appeal. In the event that there are insufficient qualified persons to sit on the Disciplinary Appeal Committee, the Club may appoint other members of the Club to sit. The Disciplinary Appeal Committee shall nominate one of its members as Chair. The Chair shall appoint one of the members to make a written note of the appeal hearing.

d. The Disciplinary Appeal Committee shall have the power to uphold or vary the decision and to uphold, increase or decrease the penalties (if any) imposed or to order a fresh hearing.

e. The decision of the Disciplinary Appeal Committee shall be final and binding on all parties and shall be confirmed in writing by the Club Secretary as soon as possible thereafter.

f. The Chair shall determine the conduct of the appeal which shall be in accordance with the procedures laid down hereafter.

12. NOTIFICATION AND RECORDING OF OFFENCES

All information relating to Disciplinary matters will be retained by the Club and be available to all Officers of Clubs and Leagues affiliated to the ECB.

DISCIPLINARY HEARING PROCEDURE

1. INTRODUCTION

a. The parties to the complaint situation will be the “Complainant” who has referred the matter to the Club and the “Respondent” who is answering to the allegations.

b. There is no restriction on the evidence that can be presented, provided it is relevant and that it is fair to allow it. Evidence in support of the complaint may include material that was not supplied in accordance with Paragraph 7 of the Club Disciplinary Rules if such further evidence is provided to the Respondent prior to the Disciplinary Hearing.

c. The standard of proof applied by the Disciplinary Committee will be on the basis of balance of probabilities rather than any complaint having to be proved beyond any reasonable doubt.

2. PRELIMINARY PROCEDURES

a. The Chair will conduct the hearing and introduce the members of the Disciplinary Committee. The Complainant will introduce those witnesses to be called in support of the complaint. The Respondent will then introduce those witnesses who will be called in response to the complaint.

b. The Chair will outline the procedure to be adopted at the hearing. It is not a Court of Law but an enquiry into the incident and no legal representation is allowed.

c. The Respondent will be asked whether the allegations made are admitted or denied before the hearing proceeds in the manner set out.

3. THE HEARING

a. The evidence supporting the complaint shall be presented. Any witnesses called may give oral evidence in support of any written statements. The witnesses may be asked questions by members of the Disciplinary Committee and thereafter, the Respondent will be able to do likewise. The witness will then be asked to leave the meeting. The next witness, if any, will do the same. No witness will be allowed to ask questions of the Respondent.

b. After the evidence in support of the complaint has been given, the Respondent will have the opportunity to produce evidence in response to the complaint. Members of the Disciplinary Committee and then the Complainant may ask questions of any witnesses called.

c. At the conclusion of the evidence in response to the complaint, each of Complainant and the Respondent may make a closing statement, before each is asked to leave the hearing to enable the Disciplinary Committee to deliberate and consider their decision.

d. The Disciplinary Hearing may be adjourned if the Disciplinary Committee consider it appropriate.

4. THE DECISION

a. The Disciplinary Committee will first of all reach a decision on the complaint based on a majority.

b. The Complainant and Respondent will be invited back into the hearing and the decision of the Committee will be given.

c. If the complaint is proved, the Respondent will be given an opportunity to address the Disciplinary Committee Club on the penalty to be imposed. The Complainant and the Respondent may be asked to leave the room while the Disciplinary Committee considers the penalty to be imposed. The Respondent will be invited back into the hearing to be informed of the penalty, if any, to be imposed.

d. The Chair will inform the Complainant or Respondent of the right of appeal and the steps that need to be taken.

e. The Chair will close the meeting and will not allow any further submissions or comments either about the decision, penalties imposed or any other matter.

5. ATTENDANCE OF THE RESPONDENT

The hearing may take place in the absence of the Respondent for all or any part of it. If the Respondent does not intend to attend the Disciplinary Hearing, he or she may make written representations on the complaint or on the penalty to be imposed.

DISCIPLINARY APPEAL PROCEDURE

1. INTRODUCTION

a. The Disciplinary Appeal Committee will hear appeals from the decisions of the Disciplinary Committee. The person bring the appeal is known as the appellant. The other party shall be known as the appeal respondent.

b. An appeal will have been lodged within 7 days of the decision, giving reasons for the basis of the appeal, being the only matters that the Disciplinary Appeal Committee will consider.

c. The Disciplinary Appeals Committee will have copies of the case papers including the notes from the Disciplinary Hearing and the notice of appeal.

d. The appeal will not be a rehearing but a review of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee.

2. PROCEDURE

a. The Chair will open the meeting and introduce the members of the Disciplinary Appeal Committee.

b. The appellant will be given the opportunity to address the committee and make submissions regarding the decision and/or penalty that was imposed.

c. The appeal respondent will be invited to make any submissions in support of the decision and/or penalty.

d. Members of the Disciplinary Appeal Committee may ask questions during the submissions.

d. On conclusion of the submissions, the appellant and the appeal respondent will be asked to leave the hearing and the Disciplinary Appeal Committee will then consider its decision.

e. The appellant and the appeal respondent will be invited back into the appeal to hear the decision.