Policy approved 5 June 2026
- Representative players and their parents are required to comply with NSJCA’s code of conduct and for competitions run by CNSW, CNSW’s code of conduct, which is here. NSJCA’s code of conduct is contained in NSJCA Competition Rules (the ‘Blue Book’) and is below.
- Where players or parents of players contravene either CNSW’s or NSJCA’s codes of conduct, the Sub Committee is to advise NSCJA’s Executive Officer. Such contraventions may result in sanctions, including removal from NSJCA’s representative cricket program and/or prevention from participation in subsequent seasons.
NSJCA Code of Conduct
NSJCA has adopted the following Codes of Conduct for all its stakeholders. Please make yourself familiar with the Code as it applies to you:
Players
- I will always play by the rules and in the Spirit of the Game.
- I will never argue with an Official. If I disagree with a decision, I will inform the captain, coach, or manager during a break or after the competition.
- I will control my temper. I understand that verbal abuse of officials, sledging other players, and deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable behaviour in any sport. Abuse of equipment or displays of bad temper are not acceptable or permitted.
- I will work equally hard for myself and my team.
- I will be a good sport and applaud all good play whether by my team or the opposition.
- I will treat all players in my sport as I like to be treated. I will not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
- I will wear proper and approved cricket attire and required safety equipment at all times on the field of play.
- I will cooperate with my coach, team members and opponents.
- I will display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
- I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, ability, or cultural background.
- I will thank the opposition and officials at the end of the game.
Parents
- I won’t pressure my child in any way – I know that this is their game, not mine!
- I will never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game – before, during or after the game. I realise that good fun is more important than a good win.
- I will not use bad language, nor will I harass players, coaches, officials, or other spectators.
- I will encourage my child to play within the rules and Spirit of the Game, and respect officials’ and coaches’ decisions – no matter what.
- I will teach my child to respect the efforts of their opponents.
- I will remember that children learn best by example, so I will applaud good play by both my child’s team and their opponents.
- I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
- I will focus on my child’s and their team’s efforts and performance – not the score.
- I will thank the coaches, officials and other volunteers who give their time to conduct the game for my child.
- I will volunteer my services and help when asked by a coach or official.
- I will not arrive at the field intoxicated or drink alcohol to excess at junior games.
- I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, ability, or cultural background.
Coaches
- I will remember that players participate for pleasure and that winning is only part of the fun.
- I will never ridicule or yell at players for making a mistake or not winning.
- I will be reasonable in my demands on players’ time, energy, and enthusiasm.
- I will operate within the rules and Spirit of the Game and teach my players to do the same.
- I will ensure that the time that players spend with me is a positive experience. All players are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
- I will avoid overplaying the talented players and understand that average players need and deserve playing time.
- I will not use bad language, nor will I harass players, officials, spectators, or other coaches.
- I will ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
- I will display control, respect, and professionalism to all involved in the sport including opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents, and spectators. I will encourage my players to do the same.
- I will show concern and caution towards sick and injured players and follow the advice of a physician or their parents when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
- I will obtain appropriate training or qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young players.
- I will not arrive at the field intoxicated or drink alcohol to excess at junior games.
- I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, ability, or cultural background.
Umpires & Officials
- I will place the safety and welfare of players above all else.
- I will show concern and caution towards sick and injured players.
- I will give all players a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, or religion.
- I will be impartial, consistent, objective, and courteous when making decisions.
- I will accept responsibility for my actions and decisions.
- I will condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for the individuality of players.
- I will avoid situations which may lead to or be construed as a conflict of interest.
- I will be a positive role model in behaviour and personal appearance and ensure my comments are positive and supportive.
- I will be a good sport as I understand that actions speak louder than words.
- I will always respect, remain loyal to, and support other officials.
- I will keep up to date with the latest Laws of Cricket and NSJCA Rules, trends and principles of their application.
- I will emphasise the Spirit of the Game rather than the errors.
- I will refrain from any form of personal abuse towards players, parents, or other officials.
- I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, ability, or cultural background.
NSJCA reserves the right to amend this Code of Conduct at any time without notice. Any player, parent, coach, or official who breaches this Code of Conduct may be subject to warning, counselling, suspension, or expulsion from NSJCA activities or venues at the discretion of the Executive Committee. The above Code of Conduct has been adapted from the NSW Sport & Recreation’s guidance as well as Cricket Australia code of conduct.
Umpires are the sole judges of implementing the code of conduct at individual games. Specific guidance on player conduct is provided in Section 32 and any breaches of the code of conduct should be managed as per the guidance provided in Section 32.3 of the Bluebook.
The Spirit of Cricket (from the MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code – Preamble)
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 Cricket.
The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, umpires and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches, and parents.
Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket:
- Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents, and the authority of the umpires.
- Play hard and play fair.
- Accept the umpire’s decision.
- Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct and encourage others to do likewise.
- Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.
- Congratulate the opposition on their successes and enjoy those of your own team.
- Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.
According to Law 1.4 (Responsibility of captains), the captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.
Fair and unfair play
According to Law 2.6 (Fair and Unfair Play) the umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play. The umpires may intervene at any time, and it is the responsibility of the captain to act where needed.
The umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of:
- Time wasting
- Damaging the pitch
- Dangerous or unfair bowling
- Tampering with the ball
- Any other action that they consider to be unfair
The Spirit of Cricket involves RESPECT for:
- Your opponents
- Your own captain and team
- The role of the umpires
- The game and its traditional values
It is against the Spirit of Cricket and the Laws:
- To dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action, or gesture
- To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire
- To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance:
- To appeal knowing that the batter is not out
- To advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
- To seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one’s own side