International Cricket Masters Coaches Code of Conduct 2023

Our coaches at ICM have a vital role to play in safeguarding children in cricket. Coaches are a focus for children and their activities. The ECB Coaching Philosophy states that good coaching is about providing a fun and safe environment in which people, particularly children, can enjoy their first experience of cricket, gain some success, and be motivated to want to go on playing.

The philosophy ties into the ECB’s own core values and in particular the ‘Enjoyment’ value which the ECB has identified as central to the ethos of the ‘Safe Hands’ Programme.

The guidance is intended for all those involved in coaching whether they hold coaching qualifications or not, although all of our coaches do hold the relevant ECB qualifications:

• Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each person and treat each equally within the context of the sport
• Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance
• Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect and hold the relevant qualifications whilst being covered by appropriate insurance
• Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward
• Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
• Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players
• Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and where appropriate, the parents/carers) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach
• Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player
• Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g Fair Play) and never condone violations of the laws of the game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the laws of the game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques
• Coaches, players and Team Officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs
• Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance at all times
• Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language or behaviour. (The above policy has been developed from ‘ECB Guidance on Codes of Conduct for Coaches from the Club “Safe Hands” Crickets Policy for Safeguarding Children, which reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the National Association of Sport Coaches)

ICM Player Code of Conduct 2023

The adults at the academies should help to make cricket safe and fun. This is the job of players participating in ICM academies and games too, which means respecting other players and the people who are there to help players excel. Thereby, the adherence to the following code of conduct for players is imperative that they:

• Be accepting to what the coach or umpires ask you to do in the rules of the game
• Being prepared and on time for training and games
• Playing to the best of your ability
• Respecting the coach and other helpers
• Never swearing at or insulting anyone, including other players
• Telling your parents or carers where you are, or if you are going to be late
• Following advice from coaches to keep you safe and injury free
• Never bullying other players either yourself or in a group bullying can happen between children, peers or adults and children. It means things like: name calling, belittling, giving only negative feedback, hitting, shoving, stealing, damaging belongings, spreading rumours, making threats, sending/posting nasty messages, intentionally leaving people out
• If you are worried about something, don’t keep it to yourself. Speak to an adult who you know and trust such as a parent, teacher, your cricket coach, the Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer (CWPO), a guidance teacher, doctor or school nurse

Spectators Code of Conduct 2023

Spectators, carers, guests and parents must adhere to the following when attending and supporting the children and young people at International Cricket Masters Cricket Academies:

• Spectators must remember that children play for fun and to learn cricket
• Spectators must stay outside the field of play and in the Spectator’s Area (where provided), unless otherwise invited by club coaches
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
• Always respect the match officials’ decisions
• Applaud effort and good play as well as success
• Let the coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
• Encourage the players to respect the opposition and match officials
• Never criticise a player for making a mistake – remember that mistakes are an important part of learning
• Pass on any concerns that I have about the wellbeing or welfare of a child to a Club official I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken by ICM and the appropriate regulatory officials