Code of Conduct

Sunbury Cricket Club

Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

Sunbury Cricket Club is committed to creating a positive, inclusive and respectful environment where cricket is played and enjoyed in the spirit of fair competition and community values.

Adults are role models and help shape behaviour and standards for our youth. We uphold high expectations through club policies, Cricket Victoria conduct frameworks and the Good Sports program.

Participation in the Club is a privilege, not a right. All members—players, parents, coaches, volunteers and supporters—are required to comply with this Code and may be subject to disciplinary action where expectations are not met.

2. General Expectations of All Members

All members must:

2.1 Representing the Club

Demonstrate respect, honesty, and integrity when acting as a club member
Uphold the club’s reputation at training, matches, functions and public events
Conduct themselves responsibly when wearing club apparel or representing the club

2.2 Behaviour at Club Events

Behave respectfully toward other members, guests, clubs and officials
Refrain from abusive, intimidating, discriminatory or unsporting behaviour
Follow all club event rules, responsible service of alcohol requirements and Good Sports guidelines
Ensure behaviour does not endanger others, cause conflict or damage Club standing

3. Player Behaviour

Players are expected to:

Play by the rules and respect the game
Never argue with umpires; allow captains/coaches to manage concerns appropriately
Control their temper—verbal abuse, sledging, provoking or intimidating others is not permitted
Work hard for themselves and the team
Show sportsmanship and applaud good play from both sides
Treat all participants with fairness and respect
Never bully or take unfair advantage of others
Cooperate with teammates, coaches, volunteers and opponents
Participate for enjoyment and development, not solely results
Respect every person’s dignity, rights and background

4. Parents & Guardian Conduct

Parents and guardians must:

Encourage participation for enjoyment
Promote playing by the rules and fair effort over winning at all costs
Support skill development through positive reinforcement
Never ridicule or verbally abuse children for errors or losses
Respect umpires, officials and opposition teams; avoid public criticism
Applaud strong play from both sides
Value the role of volunteer coaches and helpers

5. Spectator Expectations

Spectators are expected to:

Model respectful and sportsmanlike behaviour
Avoid profanity, harassment or abuse toward players, coaches, officials or other spectators
Respect officials’ decisions
Applaud good performances from all sides
Never ridicule children or use aggression
Encourage play in accordance with laws and the spirit of cricket

6. Breaches of the Code

A breach of the Code occurs where:

Conduct is contrary to expectations in sections 2–5
A member brings, or risks bringing, Sunbury Cricket Club into disrepute
A person engages in harassment, bullying, discrimination or unsafe conduct
Directions of coaches, officials or committee members are ignored
Behaviour online, at events or in the community damages the Club’s reputation

7. Disciplinary Process

The Club will manage all conduct issues fairly, confidentially and without bias.

7.1 Reporting

Complaints or concerns must be submitted in writing to the Secretary or President as soon as practicable.

7.2 Initial Review

The Executive Committee will appoint an Investigation Panel of three (3) senior club members to:

Determine whether the matter relates to this Code
Consider informal resolution, mediation or education
Refer serious or repeated cases for formal investigation

7.3 Formal Investigation

In the event a formal investigation is warranted, the Investigation Panel will continue to collect information through:

Interviews with parties involved
Written statements
Reports from coaches, team managers or officials
Independent review where appropriate

7.4 Member Rights

A member subject to investigation is entitled to:

Written notice of the allegations
Reasonable time to respond
Present their version of events and evidence
Attend meetings with a support person
Have decision makers free from conflict of interest

8. Possible Outcomes

Disciplinary outcomes will be recommended to the Sunbury Cricket Club Executive Committee. Decisions will be proportionate and may include:

Verbal or written warning
Mediation or education session
Removal from playing, coaching or volunteer roles
Temporary suspension from training, matches or club activities
Loss of leadership positions (e.g., captaincy, coaching)
Deregistration from playing participation
Suspension or expulsion from membership

9. Expulsion

Expulsion may be imposed only following completion of due process
It requires a majority vote of the Sunbury Cricket Club General Committee
The member will receive written notification and reasoning
Expulsion takes effect immediately unless specified otherwise

10. Appeals

Members may lodge an appeal within 14 days of notification
Appeals will be heard by at least three independent members not involved previously on the Investigation Panel.
The Appeals Panel decision is final

11. Confidentiality & Records