Code of Conduct
1. Scope of Application
1.1 The Managing Committee of YSCLeague has charted out the Code of Conduct to ensure the integrity of the sport of cricket, promote it, and ensure the safety and well-being of its members and the students playing in the YSCLeague. This Code of Conduct (the “Code of Conduct”) is adopted and implemented as a part of YSCLeague.
1.2 The Company is issuing and adopting this Code of Conduct to provide an effective means of upholding both the spirit and the laws of the game of cricket, ensuring that all participants, including the members of the YSCLeague (players, their parents, team officials, umpires), conduct themselves appropriately and refrain from behavior that may be construed as a violation of the Code of Conduct. All matters pertaining to improper conduct of this nature shall be dealt with by the Management Committee/Disciplinary Committee fairly and expeditiously.
1.3 All matches shall be conducted in the true spirit of the game of cricket, and players, their parents, team officials, coaches, captains, and Players are requested to adopt this code.
1.4 No player or official shall, during any match, whether on or off the field of play, engage in conduct unbecoming to the game of cricket.
1.5 All members, players, parents, team officials, etc., agree to protect the spirit of the game of cricket. The spirit of the game involves RESPECT for:
a) Your opponents; b) Your own captain and team; c) The role of the Umpires; and d) The game’s traditional values.
1.6 All members, players, parents, team officials, etc., shall take utmost care and precautions for the safety and security of the students.
2. Code of Conduct for the Players:
2.1. All players, either through their parents or by themselves, are automatically bound by and required to comply with all of the provisions of the Code of Conduct.
2.2. All players and their parents agree:
a) That it is their personal responsibility to familiarize themselves with all of the requirements of the Code of Conduct, including what conduct constitutes an offense under the Code of Conduct. b) To submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Management Committee/Disciplinary Committee to hear and determine charges brought pursuant to the Code of Conduct. c) Not to bring any proceedings regarding the violation of the Code of Conduct in any court or other forum.
3. Code of Conduct Offenses for Players:
3.1 Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action that is seen to abuse this spirit can cause injury to the game itself. If any player commits any of the following acts prohibited under this Code of Conduct, the Management Committee/Disciplinary Committees shall have the right to institute appropriate proceedings through the parents of the players, as per the procedure mentioned in the organization of the Committee document.
3.2 Player will not abuse cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during coaching and matches.
3.3 Player and team officials must at all times accept the Umpire’s decision. Players must not show dissent at the Umpire’s decision or react in a provocative or disapproving manner toward an Umpire’s decision during a Match, such as:
(a) excessive, obvious disappointment with an Umpire’s decision; (b) an obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket; (c) shaking the head; (d) pointing or looking at any part of the bat when given out LBW; (e) pointing at the pad or rubbing the shoulder when caught behind; (f) snatching the cap from the umpire; (g) requesting a referral to the third umpire; and (h) arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion or argument with the umpire about his decision; (i) shall not intimidate, assault, or attempt to intimidate or assault the umpire. 3.4 Player shall not use crude or abusive language nor make gestures that are obscene, offensive, or insulting during a Match.
3.5 Player shall refrain from excessively audible or repetitious swearing.
3.6 Player shall refrain from excessive appealing during a Match.
3.7 Player shall refrain from inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between Players in the course of play during a Match.
3.8 Player shall refrain from charging or advancing towards the umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing during a Match.
3.9 Players shall refrain from deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play during a match.
3.10 Player shall refrain from throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Official, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during a Match.
3.11 Player shall refrain from using language or gesture(s) that is seriously obscene, seriously offensive, or of a seriously insulting nature to another Player, Official, Umpire, Match Referee, or any other third person during a Match.
3.12 Player shall refrain from:
(a) changing the condition of the ball by deliberately throwing the ball into the ground for the purpose of roughening it up; (b) applying any artificial substance to the ball; and applying any non-artificial substance for any purpose other than to polish the ball; (c) lifting or otherwise interfering with any of the seams of the ball; and (d) scratching the surface of the ball with a finger or thumbnails or any implement.
3.13 Player shall refrain from any attempt to manipulate a match for inappropriate strategic or tactical reasons.
3.14 Player shall refrain from intimidating an Umpire or Match Referee, whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a Match, including appealing in an aggressive or threatening manner.
3.15 Player shall refrain from threats or assaults on another Player, Official, or any other person (including a spectator) during a Match.
3.16 Player shall not conduct himself or behave in any manner that is contrary to the spirit of the game or brings the game into disrepute.
3.17 Player shall refrain from any act of violence on the field of play at all times.
3.18 Player shall neither make racially abusive comments nor indulge in racially abusive language and/or actions against fellow players, officials, members, and supporters.
3.19 Player shall not deliberately distract any other player.
3.20 Player shall not indulge in any act of violence on the field of play.
3.21 Player should be punctual for both training and matches.
3.22 Player must wear helmets and any other protective equipment required in all matches for their safety.
3.23 Player must remove any jewelry which they are wearing during the match or training session.
3.24 No alcohol shall be consumed by players or match officials during the hours of play.
3.25 Player shall adhere to the dressing requirements and present oneself for play in a suitable smart manner. Clean and acceptable sports clothing shall be worn.
3.26 Player shall comply with the conditions of entry of each tournament regarding clothing and advertising regulations.
3.27 Player shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in match-fixing or betting as set out in Appendix A of this Code of Conduct.
4. Code of Conduct for Umpires:
4.1 Umpires shall not make or cause to be made any public pronouncement or media comment that is detrimental to:
(a) the game of cricket in general; or (b) any particular match between the teams in which any such umpire is involved; or (c) the YSCLeague.
4.2 Umpires shall not disclose or comment upon any alleged breach of this Code of Conduct or the Code of Conduct for players and team officials or any hearing, report, or decision arising from any such alleged breach unless such disclosure is required under the provisions of this Code of Conduct for players and team officials.
4.3 Umpires shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in match-fixing or betting as set out in Appendix A of this Code of Conduct.
4.4 Umpires shall not use or be concerned in the use of the distribution of illegal drugs.
4.5 Umpires shall at all times observe and comply with the provisions of any regulation of YSCLeague that applies to umpires, including but not limited to the Operational Rules of the YSCLeague.
4.6 Umpires shall not engage in any conduct that is prejudicial to the interests of the game of cricket and/or the YSCLeague.
4.7 The Umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play in the field. The Umpires are authorized to intervene during a match in cases of:
a) Time-wasting; b) Damaging the pitch; c) Dangerous or unfair bowling; d) Tampering with the ball; or e) Any other action that they consider to be unfair.
4.8 No alcohol shall be consumed by umpires during the hours of play.
4.9 Umpires shall meet the standards of a first-class Umpire and shall not fail to observe the same owing to an arrangement relating to betting on the outcome of any Match or on the occurrence of any YSCLeague event.
5. Code of Conduct for Parents/Legal Guardians:
5.1 Parents shall encourage their children to learn the laws of the game of cricket and to play within the spirit of those laws and ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct.
5.2 Parents should discourage unfair play and disputes with officials/coaches on and off the field of play at all times.
5.3 Parents should guide their child to recognize good performance and not just results and should set a good example by recognizing fair play and applauding the good performances of all.
5.4 Parents should inculcate the spirit of true sportsmanship in their children and never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
5.5 Parents should support their child’s involvement and help them to enjoy cricket and to develop within it and not try to impose their expectations on the child.
5.6 Parents should use correct and proper language at all times, ensuring that the parents discipline themselves and their language in front of children. Children would want to look up to their parents and not be ashamed of them.
5.7 Parents should and ensure that their children condemn all violence and never question the decision of an official.
5.8 Parents should never ridicule a player for making a mistake. They should respect their efforts and applaud all good play from both teams.
5.9 Parents should at all times be friends and courteous to the opposition – players, managers, coaches, parents, and supporters alike.
5.10 Parents must understand that even if the children are under the direct supervision of the managers/coaches for the YSCLeague, the parents are still at all times responsible for the well-being, safety, security, and the compliance by the children of the Code of Conduct.
5.11 Parents shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in match-fixing or betting as set out in Appendix A of this Code of Conduct.
6. Code of Conduct for Coaches/Captains/Managers/Coaches/Team Officials:
6.1 All captains shall:
(a) Instruct all players to avoid time-wasting. Incoming and outgoing batsmen are expected to pass on the field of play; (b) Instruct bowlers to return to the start of their run-up quickly and be ready to bowl without time-wasting; (c) Instruct all fieldsmen to move quickly between overs and whenever required to change position, i.e. field setting and changes be undertaken without time-wasting; (d) Ensure that players conduct themselves in a manner that conforms to the traditional image of the game of cricket.
6.2 All other members of the YSCLeague, including captains, managers, coaches, team officials, and match officials, shall ensure the following:
a) Shall be dressed appropriately in team uniform comprising of a shirt/polo shirt/blouse or trouser/skirt. Inappropriate clothing (among other items) includes jeans, flip-flops/sandals, and beach/Bermuda shorts. The Umpire will decide if a coach or team Official is inappropriately dressed.
b) Must not coach when the match is on or in any manner distract opposing players or disrupt play; c) Must not delay the game by coaching in any form; d) Must not verbally abuse or intimidate in any form, such as shouting or making gestures, towards or in any other way distract any spectator, tournament official, technical official, opposing coach, or opposing team official, or opposing player; e) Must not attempt to communicate in any way with opposing players or coaches or team officials or use any electronic device for any purpose, including, for example, mobile phones, laptop computers, or similar devices; f) Must not make or attempt to make any unwelcome, abusive, or intimidating physical contact in any way with any spectator, tournament official, technical official, opposing players, coaches, or team officials. g) Must not bring the sport into disrepute through media comments, either pre, during, or post-tournament that relate to tournament officials, technical officials, opposing coaches or team officials, and/or players, that are personal in nature, imply bias, or question their integrity; h) Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport; i) Place the well-being and safety of the children above all other considerations, including the development of performance; j) Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect; k) Do not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward. Recognize good performance, not just match results; l) Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance; m) Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience, and ability of the player(s); n) Co-operate fully with specialists, e.g., other coaches/managers, officials, and medical staff; o) Promote the positive aspects of the game, i.e., sportsmanship and fair play and never condone violations of the laws of the game, behavior contrary to the spirit of the game or relevant rules and regulations, or the use of prohibited substances or techniques; p) Instruct all players to avoid time-wasting. Incoming and outgoing batsmen are expected to pass on the field of play; q) Ensure that their actions serve the best interests of the players from both sides; r) Ensure the match is conducted in a manner that serves the best interests of children; s) Instruct members, players, team officials, parents, and spectators of their obligation to behave in a manner that serves the best interest of children at all times; t) Make every effort to remove members, players, team officials, parents, and spectators from the venue of the match who are not behaving in a manner that serves the best interests of children to ensure the safety and protection of the children at all times; u) No alcohol shall be consumed by players or match officials or managers or coaches during the hours of play.
6.3 All other members of YSCLeague, including captains, managers, coaches, team officials, and match officials, shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in match-fixing or betting as set out in Appendix A of this Code of Conduct.
6.4 All other members of the YSCLeague, including captains, managers, coaches, team officials, and match officials, shall take utmost care and precautions for the safety and security of the students.
7. Sanctions
7.1 Where the Management Committee/Disciplinary Committee determines that an offense under the Code of Conduct has been committed, it will impose an appropriate sanction on the Player or Team Official or the respective member.
7.2 The Management Committee/Disciplinary Committee shall consider the term for which the Player/Team Official or such other member shall be suspended based on the nature of the offense. The committee shall also have the right to terminate the existing right of the Player/Team Official or the member to participate in YSCLeague, depending on the seriousness of the offense committed.
7.3 The decision of the Management Committee/Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding on all the stakeholders.
8. Amendments and Interpretations
8.1 The Code of Conduct may be amended from time to time by the company, with such amendments coming into effect on the date specified by the Company.
8.2 The headings used for the various articles of the Code of Conduct are for the purpose of guidance only and shall not be deemed to be part of the substance of the Code of Conduct or to inform or affect in any way the language of the provisions to which they refer.
8.3 If any article or provision of the Code of Conduct is held invalid, unenforceable, or illegal for any reason, the Code of Conduct shall remain otherwise in full force, apart from such article or provision, which shall be deemed deleted insofar as it is invalid, unenforceable, or illegal.
Appendix A
Any participant or member of the YSCLeague, including but not limited to players, parents, umpires, coaches, managers, captains, and team officials, shall be in breach of this Code of Conduct under Article 3.3 if they are found to have engaged in any of the following conduct:
Bet on or in relation to any Match or series of matches, or on any YSCLeague event.
Induced or encouraged any other person to bet on or in relation to any match or series of Matches or on any YSCLeague event or offered the facility for such bets to be placed.
Gambled or entered into any other form of financial speculation on or in relation to any match or on any YSCLeague event or induced or encouraged any other person to do so.
Was a party to contriving or attempting to contrive the result of any match or to any aspect of any match or the occurrence of any YSCLeague event.
Induced or encouraged any player not to perform on their merits in any match owing to any such arrangement of the kind referred to in paragraph 4 above.
Received from another person any money, benefit, or other reward (whether financial or otherwise) for the provision of any information concerning the weather, the Teams, the state of the ground, or the outcome of any Match or the occurrence of any YSCLeague event unless such information has been provided to a newspaper or other form of media in accordance with an obligation entered into in the normal course and disclosed in advance to YSCLeague event.
Received or provided any money, benefit, or other reward (whether financial or otherwise) that could bring them or the game of cricket into disrepute.
Received any approaches from another person to engage in conduct such as that described in any of the above paragraphs 1 to 7 and has failed to disclose the same in writing to the company.
Is aware that any other Umpire or individual has engaged in conduct or received approaches such as described in any of the above paragraphs 1 to 9 and has failed to disclose the same in writing to the Company.
Has received or is aware that any other person has received threats of any nature which might induce them to engage in conduct or acquiesce in any proposal made by an approach such as that described in any of the above paragraphs 1 to 10 and has failed to disclose the same in writing to the Company.
Has engaged in any conduct which, in the case of a person who is not an official, is likely to be prejudicial to the interests of the game of cricket or in the case of an official, is likely to prejudice the exercise of the official’s function in any match or the interests of the game of cricket.
Has failed to disclose to the Company full details of any approaches or invitations to engage in conduct of the sort described in any of the above paragraphs 1 to 12.