Code of Conduct Policy

Sunbury Cricket Club

Code of Conduct Policy

Policy Owner

Sunbury Cricket Club Executive Committee

Approval Authority

Sunbury Cricket Club Executive Committee

Review Cycle

Every two (2) years or earlier if required by changes to legislation, Cricket Victoria policy, or Good Sports guidelines

Related Documents

1. Policy Statement

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

The Club expects the highest standards of behaviour from all members and participants and upholds the principles of respect, fairness, responsibility, and safety in accordance with:

  • Cricket Victoria policies and conduct frameworks
  • The Good Sports Program
  • Applicable laws, regulations, and Club by-laws

Participation in the Club is a privilege, not a right. Failure to comply with this Policy may result in disciplinary action.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all Sunbury Cricket Club members and participants, including but not limited to:

  • Players (junior and senior)
  • Parents and guardians
  • Coaches and team officials
  • Volunteers and committee members
  • Spectators and supporters

This Policy applies to conduct:

  • On and off the field
  • At training, matches, meetings and club functions
  • While travelling with the Club
  • While wearing Club apparel or representing the Club
  • Online, including social media, where conduct impacts the Club

3. General Standards of Conduct

All persons covered by this Policy must:

(a) Act with respect, honesty and integrity at all times
(b) Uphold the reputation, values and best interests of the Club
(c) Behave in a manner that is inclusive, safe and respectful
(d) Refrain from abusive, intimidating, discriminatory or unsafe behaviour
(e) Follow lawful directions from Club officials
(f) Comply with Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements and Good Sports guidelines
(g) Ensure their conduct does not bring the Club into disrepute

4. Player Conduct

Players must:

(a) Play by the rules and respect the spirit of cricket
(b) Respect umpires, officials, opponents and teammates
(c) Refrain from sledging, verbal abuse, intimidation or provocation
(d) Demonstrate sportsmanship at all times
(e) Never engage in bullying, harassment or unfair conduct
(f) Participate for enjoyment, development and team success

5. Parent and Guardian Conduct

Parents and guardians must:

(a) Encourage participation for enjoyment and development
(b) Promote fair play and respect for the rules
(c) Support children through positive behaviour and encouragement
(d) Respect umpires, officials, coaches and opposition teams
(e) Refrain from criticism, ridicule or verbal abuse
(f) Acknowledge and support the role of volunteers

6. Spectator Conduct

Spectators must:

(a) Model respectful and sportsmanlike behaviour
(b) Refrain from abusive, aggressive or offensive conduct
(c) Respect decisions of umpires and officials
(d) Encourage play consistent with the spirit of cricket
(e) Ensure behaviour does not negatively impact the Club environment

7. Breaches of Policy

A breach of this Policy occurs where a person:

(a) Acts contrary to the standards set out in this Policy
(b) Brings, or risks bringing, the Club into disrepute
(c) Engages in bullying, harassment, discrimination or unsafe conduct
(d) Fails to comply with Club policies or lawful directions
(e) Engages in conduct online or in the community that damages the Club’s reputation

8. Disciplinary Management

All alleged breaches of this Policy will be managed fairly, confidentially, and in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

8.1 Reporting

Concerns or complaints must be submitted in writing to the Club Secretary or President as soon as practicable.

8.2 Initial Review

The Executive Committee may:

  • Assess whether the matter falls within this Policy
  • Seek informal resolution, mediation or education
  • Refer serious or repeated matters for formal investigation

8.3 Investigation

Where required, the Executive Committee may appoint an Investigation Panel to gather information through:

  • Interviews
  • Written statements
  • Reports from officials
  • Independent review where appropriate

8.4 Failure to Attend Meetings and Interim Measures

(a) Members are expected to attend scheduled disciplinary or investigation meetings unless reasonable notice and justification is provided.
(b) Failure to attend without reasonable excuse may result in interim measures being imposed.
(c) Interim measures may include temporary suspension from some or all Club activities.
(d) Interim measures are administrative and precautionary only and do not constitute a finding of guilt.
(e) Members must be notified in writing and provided a reasonable opportunity to participate in the process.

8.5 Member Rights

Members subject to this process are entitled to:

  • Written notice of allegations
  • Reasonable time to respond
  • A fair and impartial process
  • The opportunity to be heard
  • A support person at meetings
  • Decision-makers free from conflict of interest

9. Disciplinary Outcomes

Outcomes will be proportionate to the breach and may include:

  • Verbal or written warning
  • Education or mediation
  • Removal from roles or duties
  • Temporary suspension from Club activities
  • Loss of leadership positions
  • Deregistration from playing participation
  • Suspension or termination of membership

10. Expulsion

Expulsion may only occur following completion of due process and:

  • Requires a majority vote of the Executive Committee
  • Must be communicated in writing with reasons
  • Takes effect immediately unless otherwise specified

11. Appeals

(a) Members may lodge an appeal within fourteen (14) days of notification
(b) Appeals will be heard by an independent panel not previously involved
(c) The decision of the Appeals Panel is final

12. Confidentiality and Records

(a) All matters will be handled discreetly and confidentially
(b) Secure records will be maintained by the Club Secretary
(c) Information will only be disclosed where required by law, policy, or governing body

Policy Status

Adopted: January 2026
Next Review: January 2028