1. SCOPE OF APPLICATION
1.1 The Managing Committee of RCL has charted out Code of Conduct to ensure the integrity of the sport of cricket, promoting it, and safety and well-being of its members and the students playing in the RCL. This Code of Conduct (The “Code of Conduct”) is adopted and implemented as a part of the RCL.
1.2 Company is issuing and adopting this Code of Conduct to provide for an effective means of upholding both the spirit as well as the laws of the game of cricket and to ensure that all participants, the members of the RCL (players, their parents, team officials, umpires), conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and restrain from conducting themselves in a manner 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 tradition 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 or 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 offence under the Code of Conduct
b) To submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of Management Committee/ Disciplinary Committee to hear and determine charges brought pursuant to the Code of Conduct
c) Not to bring any proceedings, with the respect to the violation of the Code of Conduct in any court or other forum
3. CODE OF CONDUCT OFFENCES 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 cause injury to the game itself. If any player commits any of the following acts prohibited under this Code of Conduct. Thereafter, 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 organisation 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 towards an Umpire’s decision during a Match such as:
(a) excessive, obvious disappointing 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 of the pad or rubbing the shoulder when caught behind;
(f) snatching the cap from the umpire;
(g) requesting a referral to 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 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 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 threat or assault on another Player, Official or any other person (including a spectator) during a Match;
3.16 Player shall not 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 not 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 into 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 jewellery 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 with regard to 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 which 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 RCL; or
4.2 Umpires shall not disclose or comment upon any alleged breach of this Coode 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 in any way be concerned in the use of distribution of illegal drugs.
4.5 Umpires shall at all times observe and comply with the provisions of any regulation of RCL which applies to umpires including but not limited to the Operational Rules of the RCL. 4.6 Umpires shall not engage in any conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the game of cricket and/or the RCL.
4.7 The Umpires are 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 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 RCL 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 to ensure compliance of 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 by 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 such that the parents must 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 RCL, 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 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 RCL including captains, managers, coaches, team officials and match officials shall ensure the following:
a) Shall be dressed appropriately in team uniform comprising of shirt/polo shirt/blouse or trouser/skirt. Inappropriate clothing (amongst other items) including 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 match is on or in any manner distract opposing player 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 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 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 well-being and safety of the children above all other consideration, 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 behaviour 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 , behaviour 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 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 efforts 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 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 RCL, including captains, managers, coaches, team officials and match official 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 RCL, 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 determine that an offence 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 nature of offence. The committee shall also have the right to terminate the existing right of the Player/Team Official or the member to participate in RCL, depending on the seriousness of the offence committed. 7.3 The decision of the Management Committee/Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding on all the stakeholders.
8. AMANDEMENTS 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 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 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 RCL, 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 he is found to have engaged in any of the following conduct:
1. Bet on or in relation to any Match or series of matches, or on any RCL event.
2. Induced or encouraged any other person to bet on or in relation to any match or series of Matches or on any RCL event or offered the facility for such bets to be placed.
3. Gambled or entered into any other form of financial speculation on or in relation to any match or on any RCL event or induced or encouraged any other person to do so.
4. 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 RCL event.
5. Induced or encouraged any player not to perform on his merits in any match owing to any such arrangement of the kind referred to in paragraph 4 above.
6. 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 of, or the outcome of, any Match or the occurrence of any RCL 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 RCL event.
7. Received or provided any money, benefit or other reward(whether financial or otherwise) which could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Has received or is aware that any other person has received threats of any nature which might induce him 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.
11. Has engaged in any conduct which, in the opinion of the Company, relates directly or indirectly to any of the above paragraphs 1 to 11 and is prejudicial to the interests of the game of cricket.