LOUGHTON CRICKET CLUB
ECB COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
To all Loughton Qualified Coaches
Please ensure you read a copy of the ECB Coaches Code of Conduct leaflet.
A copy is displayed on the Club Notice Board
All Loughton Coaches are required to adopt the ECB Coaches Code of Conduct.
Cricket coaches play a crucial role in the development of the game and in the lives of the players they coach.
Good cricket coaches ensure that individuals in cricket have positive experiences and are therefore more likely to continue in the game and achieve their potential.
Coaching, as an emerging profession, must demonstrate at all levels, a high degree of honesty, integrity and competence. The need for cricket coaches to understand and act on their responsibilities is of critical importance to the game, as is the concept of participation for fun and enjoyment as well as achievement. This is implicit within good coaching practice and promotes a professional image of the good practitioner.
This code of conduct reflects all that is best in good cricket coaching practice.
Implementation:
This code reflects BEST PRACTICE in coaching across the broadest spectrum of roles and responsibilities. The ECB acknowledges that not all coaches will necessarily fulfil all of these functions. However it strongly endorses the SPIRIT as well as the CONTENT of this code to its coaches.
All coaches holding recognised ECB qualifications are required to abide by this code.
This code:
- Is a constituent part of a policy and procedure for dealing with allegations and complaints
- Is used as the definitive guide and benchmark measure of coaching practice in determining any needs for sanctions against a coach
- Is fully integrated into the cricket coach education process
- Is assessed as part of the cricket coach accreditation process
- Is supported by the appropriate training and resources
Sports Coach UK has developed a suite of training resources that underpin many of the concepts contained within this Code of Conduct. These are:
· Safeguarding & Protecting Children
· Equity in Your Coaching
· The Responsible Coach
· Coaching and the Law
GOOD CRICKET COACHING PRACTICE NEEDS TO REFLECT THE FOLLOWING KEY PRINCIPLES
Statement: Cricket Coaches must respect and champion the rights of every individual to participate in cricket.
Issues (I) and Actions (A):
I: Cricket Coaches should – assist in the creation of an environment where every individual has the opportunity to participate in cricket.
A: Treat all individuals in cricket with respect at all times
I : Cricket Coaches should – create and maintain an environment free of fear and harassment
A: Do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, disability, sexuality, age, occupation, religion or political opinion.
Do not condone or allow to go unchallenged any form of discrimination.
I: Cricket Coaches should – recognise the rights of all players to be treated as individuals
A: Do not publicly criticise or engage in demeaning descriptions of others.
I: Cricket Coaches should – recognise the rights of players to confer with other cricket coaches and experts.
A: Be discreet in any conversations about players, cricket coaches or any other individuals.
I: Cricket Coaches should – promote the concept of a balanced lifestyle, supporting the well-being of the player both in and out of cricket.
A: Communicate with and provide feedback to players in a manner which reflects respect and care.
Statement: Cricket Coaches must develop a relationship with players (and others) based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect.
Issues (I) and Actions (A):
I: Cricket Coaches – must not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying)
A: Be aware of the physical needs of players, especially those still growing, and ensure that training loads and intensities are appropriate.
Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines with the player’s full consent and approval.
Do not engage in any form of sexually related contact with an under age player. This is strictly forbidden as is sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms.
I: Cricket Coaches – should promote the welfare and best interests of their players
A: Inform parents or guardians immediately if you are at all concerned about the welfare of a child
Discuss with parents and other interested parties the potential impact of the programme on the player
I: Cricket Coaches – must avoid sexual intimacy with players either while coaching them or in the period of time immediately following the end of the coaching relationship.
A: Arrange to transfer a player to another cricket coach if it is clear that an intimate relationship is developing.
I: Cricket Coaches – must take action if they have a concern about the behaviour of an adult towards a child.
A: Know and understand the relevant ECB or employer policies and procedures in this regard
Follow the reporting procedures laid down by your ECB or employer if you have a concern – non-action is unacceptable.
I: Cricket Coaches - should empower players to be responsible for their own decisions.
A: Respect players’ opinions when making decisions about their participation in cricket.
Encourage players to take responsibility for their own development and actions
Allow players to discuss and participate in the decision-making process
I: Cricket Coaches – should clarify the nature of the coaching services being offered to players.
A: Discuss and agree with players what information is confidential
Inform players or their parents of the requirements of cricket.
Inform players or their parents of any potential costs involved in accessing the coaching services on offer.
I: Cricket Coaches – should communicate and co-operate with other organisations and individuals in the best interests of players.
A: Be aware of and communicate on any conflict of interest as soon as it becomes apparent.
Do not work with any other cricket coach’s player without first discussing or agreeing it with both the coach and the player involved.
Identify and agree with players which other experts or organisations could offer appropriate services.
- RESPONSIBILITIES – PERSONAL STANDARDS
STATEMENT:
Cricket Coaches must demonstrate proper personal behaviour and conduct at all times
Issues (I) and Actions (A):
I: Cricket Coaches – must be fair, honest and considerate to players and other in cricket.
A: Operate within the rules and spirit of cricket
Educate players on issues relating to the use of performance enhancing drugs in cricket and co-operate fully within UK Sport and ECB policies.
Maintain the same level of interest and support when a player is sick or injured.
I: Cricket Coaches – should project an image of health, cleanliness and functional efficiency.
A: Display high standards in use of language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation.
I: Cricket Coaches – must be positive role models for players at all times
A: encourage players to display the same qualities
Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs before or while coaching.
This reflects a negative image and could compromise the safety of your players.
Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in cricket.
- RESPONSIBILITIES – PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
STATEMENT:
To maximise benefits and minimise the risks to players, cricket coaches must attain a high level of competence through qualifications and a commitment to ongoing training that ensures safe and correct practice.
Issues (I) and Actions (A):
I: Cricket Coaches will – ensure that the environment is as safe as possible, taking into account and minimising possible risks.
A: Follow the guidelines of your ECB or employer.
Only allow participation if there is no risk to the player.
I: Cricket Coaches will – promote the execution of safe and correct practice.
A: plan all sessions so that they meet the needs of the players and are progressive and appropriate.
I: Cricket Coaches will – be professional and accept responsibility for their actions
A: Maintain appropriate records of your players
Recognise and accept when it is appropriate to refer a player to another cricket coach or specialist.
I: Cricket Coaches will – make a commitment to providing a quality service to their players
A: Seek to achieve the highest level of qualification available
Attend Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain up to date knowledge of technical developments in cricket.
Attend CPD to maintain up to date knowledge and understanding of other issues that might impact on both you and your players.
I: Cricket Coaches will – actively promote the positive benefits to society of participation in cricket
A: Be aware of the social issues and how cricket can contribute to local regional or national initiatives.
I: Cricket Coaches will – contribute to the development of cricket coaching as a profession by exchanging knowledge and ideas with others
A: Actively participate in recruitment and education opportunities in cricket
Actively contribute to local, regional and national initiatives to improve the standards and quality of cricket coaching both in cricket and sport in general.
Practise in an open and transparent fashion that encourages other cricket coaches to contribute to or learn from your knowledge and experience
Engage in self-analysis and reflection to identify your professional needs
Seek continuous professional development opportunities to develop your cricket coaching skills and update your knowledge.
Manage your lifestyle and cricket coaching commitments to avoid burnout that might impair your performance.
I: Cricket Coaches will – gain ECB coaching qualifications appropriate to the level at which they coach cricket.
A: Do not assume responsibility for any role for which you are not qualified or prepared.
Do not misrepresent your level of qualification.