Code of Conduct and Club Policies.

Working With Children Checks (WWCC)

As part of the recent adjustments to state law and in line with Cricket Australia, all parents, players and members involved with Junior Cricket must have a valid Working with Children Check and provide a copy to the Junior Coordinator .

 The club also asks for all Senior Captain’s and Committee members to provide a copy of their WWCC to the Junior Coordinator for safety purposes.

Parents Code of Behaviour

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in cricket.
• Remember, children are involved in cricket for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage your child to play by the rules.
• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
• Children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Respect officials decisions and teach children to do likewise.
• Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, ability, cultural background or religion.

Players Code of Behaviour

• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with an umpire. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the umpire in an appropriate manner during a break or after the game.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in cricket.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
• Treat all participants in cricket as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
• Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents or coaches.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Coaches Code of Behaviour

• Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.
• Never ridicule or yell at a young player for making a mistake or not coming first.
• Operate within the rules and Spirit of Cricket and teach your players to do the same.
• Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
• Display control and respect to all those involved in cricket. This includes opponents, coaches, umpires, administrators, parents and spectators. Encourage your players to do the same.
• Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
• Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up-to-date with the latest cricket coaching practices and principles of growth and development of young people.
• Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the players skill development.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, ability, cultural background or religion.

 Umpires Code of Behaviour

• In accordance with Cricket Australia guidelines, modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people.
• Compliment and encourage all participants.
• Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all participants.
• Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors.
• Encourage and promote rule changes which will make participation more enjoyable.
• Be a good sport yourself – actions speak louder than words.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest available resources for umpiring and the principles of growth and development of young people.
• Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
• Place the safety and welfare of participants above all else.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

 Racial & Religious Vilification Code

Cricket Australia has adopted a Racial and Religious Vilification Code which has been adopted for all national competitions.

The code states that a player will not engage in any conduct or act towards or speak to any other player in a manner which offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies the other player based on that player’s race, religion, colour, descent, nationality or ethnic origin. Guidelines exist for breaches of the code e.g. In some instances, it may result in the withdrawal of coaching accreditation.

Circumstances where adults are involved with a breach of the code should be dealt with seriously and remedial action should be a mandatory requirement by our club and associations. In more serious cases, a conciliation procedure should be considered and conducted by a representative of the Equal Opportunity Commission in the state/territory where the breach has purportedly occurred.

The conciliation should involve the complainant, umpire/officials who initiate the complaint, the respondent, and supporting documentation.

A complaint should:

• Be in writing;
• Outline the circumstances of the allegations made; and
• If possible, be accompanied by any supporting documentation including witness statements or video evidence.

In the instance where players are in breach of the code, an emphasis to educate the player to understand the code should be paramount and remedial or punishable action should be appropriate to the age and understanding of the player in question.

 Healthy Club Policy

This policy applies to all members, committee, coaches, players, visitors and volunteers of the Mount Martha Cricket Club.

MMCC is an Accredited Club under the Goods Sports Program, due largely to our adherence to policies as set out by the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF), and our pro-active stance and approach, and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the Victorian Commission Gambling & Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).

Alcohol

MMCC is committed to ensuring responsible service of alcohol supporting and promoting strategies to minimise harm from alcohol use. Where alcohol is available:

• No alcohol will be served to patrons under the age of 18 years or to intoxicated patrons.
• Responsible server training will be provided for all members who serve alcoholic drinks.
• We have ensured all committee members who are able to have obtained an RSA.
• All elements in the renewal and maintenance of our Liquor Licence are fulfilled with observance to the redline area and up to date maintenance of all Compliance Registers
• Lower strength and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
• Safe transport options for patrons will be encouraged.
• Food will be made available.
• Tap water will be made available free of charge.

 Drugs Policy

MMCC is committed to supporting and promoting strategies to prevent drug use and also to reduce risk of harm associated with drug use.

• The use of illicit and performance enhancing drugs will not be allowed in any facilities currently in use by MMCC.
• Use of illicit drugs will not be glamorised or promoted.

 Smoking Management Policy

MMCC recognises that smoke free environments protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke and contribute to reducing tobacco consumption levels. In accordance with the ADF:

• Tobacco products will not be sold by the MMCC.
• All indoor areas of the MMCC, including all social, changeroom and toilets are permanently smoke free.

Sun Protection Policy

MMCC recognises that exposure to UV radiation has potentially negative health effects and will therefore support sun safe practices. 

• MMCC hats will also be available to purchase.
• Sunscreen is encourage for all players, coaches and spectators.

First-Aid Policy

MMCC recognises that an unsafe environment has the potential to negatively impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community and constantly works with council to correct any outlying issues.

MMCC has First Aid facilities located at the bar and visitors changeroom. MMCC does it’s best to ensure that a member of the club with First Aid training is always present during training, matches and events. If you have any safety or first aid concerns please notify a member of the committee.

• Appropriate first aid equipment will be made available at all training sessions and competition.
• Warm-up, stretch and cool down routines will be conducted at all training and competition sessions.

Safe Transport Policy

MMCC in alignment with ADF and VCGLR recognises that it is our moral responsibility to assist and ensure a safe passage home for all members should they become intoxicated.

• This may be in the form of providing a phone or using an app to contact the various ride share companies,
• When possible an adult member will also assist by providing a lift home.

Anti-bullying Policy

This policy applies to all members, committee, coaches, players, visitors and volunteers of the Mount Martha Cricket Club.

MMCC is committed to providing a Friendly, Fun, Caring and Safe environment for all members and opposition to train, play or spectate. No bullying or anti-social behaviour of any kind will be tolerated.

What is Bullying?

 Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying can be:

• Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding kit, threatening gestures).
• Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.
• Racist: racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.
• Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.
• Homophobic: because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality.
• Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, teasing.
• Social/Cyber: all areas of internet, such as e-mail, Twitter and Facebook. Mobile phone threats by text messaging and calls.

Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Members who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. All cricket clubs have a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.

Policy Objectives

• All club and association administrators, coaching staff, children and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is.
• All members should know what the club policy is on bullying, what they should do if bullying arises and follow the policy when bullying is reported.
• As a club we take bullying seriously. Members should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
• Bullying will not be tolerated.

Signs & Symptoms

A member may indicate signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Everybody should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a member:

• Says they are being bullied.
• Changes their usual routine.
• Is unwilling to go to the club.
• Becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence.
• Comes home with clothes torn or belongings damaged.
• Has unexplained cuts or bruises.
• Is frightened to say what is wrong.
• Gives improbable excuses for any of the above. These signs and behaviours may indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.

 Procedures

1. Report bullying incidents to a Club Committee Member.
2. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be reported to the State or Territory Cricket Association for advice.
3. Parents should be informed and will be asked to attend a meeting to discuss the problem.
4. If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted.
5. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated, and the bullying stopped quickly.
6. An attempt will be made to help the bully (or bullies) change their behaviour.

 Prevention

The following four step non-compliance strategy will be followed if anyone breaches the BTCC Antibullying Policy.

1. Assume the person is unaware of the policy.
2. A staff member or club representative will approach the person breaching the policy and ask them to refrain from the behaviour and remind them about the policy and why it matters.
3. If an offence continues, a senior club member will verbally warn them again and hand over a formally written letter or behaviour contract to sign and return. The letter will outline the Anti-bullying Policy and state that if the person continues the behaviour they will be asked to leave.
4. If the bullying does continue then the patron will be reported directly to the relevant Cricket Association and asked to leave the club.

 Social Media Policy

The following policy a Social Media Policy which applies to all members of Mount Martha Cricket Club.

Mount Martha Cricket Club recognises that social media is an important part of the way members communicate. We actively encourage members to participate in social media and share their experiences in cricket. We recognise the importance of the internet and other social platforms to improve and increase the flow of information, shaping public thinking about our organisation, members, sponsors and stakeholders. MMCC has developed and maintains its own online social media presence through which it delivers content to its members and the public to develop and increase opportunities to engage with our club and its members.

However, our public reputation is valuable, as are the reputations of its affiliates, members, sponsors and stakeholders, and as such MMCC expressly prohibits any communication on social media that is defamatory, obscene, proprietary, and misrepresentative of the MPCA, the Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union (VMCU), Cricket Victoria, or Cricket Australia for commercial purposes.

 Social media is a broad and changing concept. It generally refers to interactive electronic forums or online media where people are communicating, posting, participating, sharing, networking or bookmarking.

For the purposes of this policy, social media extends to:

1. a) electronically communicated material, whether written, photographic, video, or audio, which is accessible by more than the member alone;
2. b) Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Wikipedia, and other related domains;
3. c) Blogs; social networking sites; instant messaging; social bookmarking, media sharing and collaborative editing websites;
4. d) Any other forum which might reasonably be classified as social media as that term is generally understood; and
5. e) Any other forum for public comment.

When using social media, a person must not:

1. a) Abuse others or expose others to content that is offensive, inappropriate or for an illegal purpose;
2. b) Impersonate or falsely represent any other person or cricket entity, including MMCC, stakeholders or partners;
3. c) Abuse, harass or threaten any other person or entity, including MMCC, MPCA, VMCU, Cricket Victoria or another member;
4. d) Make defamatory or libellous comments;
5. e) Use obscene, offensive, insulting, provocative or hateful language;
6. f) Post material that infringes the intellectual property rights of others;
7. g) Intrude upon the privacy of other members of the MMCC, without the consent of such members;
8. h) Interfere with the conduct of any event run by the MMCC or with the role and responsibilities of the MMCC;
9. i) Violate security measures instituted at any facility of the MMCC or its affiliates;
10. j) Comment in a way that may be construed as harming the reputation of him or herself, another member, MMCC or its sponsors and stakeholders;
11. k) Without authority, post internet addresses, links to websites, email addresses or other personal information on social media platforms operated by the MMCC.

Consequences

We encourage Members to report detected breaches or suspected breaches of this Policy to the MMCC committee, and any use of Social Media which is likely to harm our reputation. In circumstances of a breach or suspected breach of this Code of Conduct, the MMCC committee has the power to:

1. a) Make a necessary public comment such as a correction, clarification, contradiction or apology;
2. b) Issue a formal warning;
3. c) Report any breach of any law to any local authority or wronged party;
4. d) Take any disciplinary action available to it under the Cricket Victoria Member Protection Policy and the Rules of the MPCA; or
5. e) Exercise any of its available rights at law.

MMCC expressly reserves the right to take any action, including dealing directly with Social Media providers, to remove any posted material that it considers to be in breach of this policy.