Everton Districts Cricket Club

POLICIES

🏏 Welcome to Our Club Policies

Playing Cricket

At Everton Districts Cricket Club, our policies are more than just rules, they’re a reflection of the values that shape our community. We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where every player, parent, coach, and volunteer feels supported and empowered.


Whether you're joining us for your first season or have been part of the Everton family for years, these guidelines help ensure that our club remains a place where character is built, leadership is nurtured, and cricket is enjoyed by all.


“We believe cricket builds character and our policies ensure every member has the opportunity to grow with integrity.”


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The Everton Districts Cricket Club (EDCC) is an organisation which values behaviour that is in compliance with the laws, regulations and general expectations of Cricket Australia, Queensland Cricket and the wider community to which it renders its services and provides its function.

Traditionally, cricket has been the one sport to maintain and promote the highest level of conduct and sportsmanship. Whilst still a competitive sport, it’s continued strength relies on the preparedness to play within the spirit of the game as defined by Cricket Australia’s Spirit of Cricket expectations.

These expectations are available in the form of the Queensland Cricket Handbook and can be obtained by visiting the Queensland Cricket website at www.qldcricket.com.au.

The club does not wish to reduce the level of competitiveness or intensity with which members play the game however, it is expected that members in no way engage in conduct which may negatively impact on the reputation of the EDCC.

Where a member is deemed to have engaged in conduct that has “brought the club in to disrepute” the executive committee may, at their discretion impose a penalty upon that player as outlined later in this document.

*Note that this is a living document and may be updated by the executive committee at any times

Purpose

To meet agreed principles to ensure standard requirements of the club are known and met. It also guarantees club safety, efficiency and sociability.

Expected Behaviour


On-field Behaviour

Traditionally, cricket has been the one sport to maintain and promote the highest level of conduct and sportsmanship. Whilst still a competitive sport, it’s continued strength relies on the preparedness to play within the spirit of the game as defined by Cricket Australia’s Spirit of Cricket expectations.

These expectations are available in the form of the Queensland Cricket Handbook and can be obtained by visiting the Queensland Cricket website at www.qldcricket.com.au.

The club does not wish to reduce the level of competitiveness or intensity with which members play the game however, it is expected that members in no way engage in conduct which may negatively impact on the reputation of the EDCC.

Where a member is deemed to have engaged in conduct that has “brought the club in to disrepute” the executive committee may, at their discretion impose a penalty upon that player as outlined later in this document.


Off-field Behaviour

 The expected behaviours of members are not limited to that of players who are participating in an official club fixture. The conduct of members is expected to be at the highest level at any time they are representing or may be seen by members of the community to be representing the EDCC. Where any members engage in conduct which is seen to have “brought the club in to disrepute” the executive committee may, at their discretion impose a penalty upon that member as outlined later in this document.

Respect for Property

 All members are expected to show respect for property when representing EDCC. Examples of this include:

  • Property of the EDCC such as change rooms, club house facilities and public areas
  • Property of other organisations providing facilities such as change rooms and club house facilities

    • Where members are utilising facilities and property it is expected that said property is to be maintained in the conditions it was prior to use.

    Alcohol and Drugs

    The EDCC supports efforts to improve awareness around the adverse effects of over-consumption of alcohol and encourages its members to drink responsibly. It is expected that EDCC members will monitor their own behaviour when consuming alcohol at any club function, or function where that members conduct has the ability to impact on the reputation of the EDCC.

    Where the consumption of alcohol is involved or contributes to un-savoury behaviour by any of its members, that has the potential to damage the public reputations of the club, the EDCC reserves the right to impose penalties against that member or members, as deemed necessary by the executive committee.

    Where members are consuming alcohol during a club function or on the club premises, the EDCC reserves the right to refuse sale to persons deemed to be unduly intoxicated. No alcohol shall be consumed by a player during the hours of play.

    The EDCC in no way condones the use of illicit drugs; any members found to be in possession or under the influence whilst at the club, a club function or in any capacity as a club representative will at the discretion of the Executive Committee face a penalty outlined later in this document.

    Respect for Persons

    Members of the EDCC are expected to show due respect for all other individuals with the club and externally to the club when representing the EDCC. Examples of behaviour that will not be tolerated by the club include:

  • Assault against another individual (including sexual assault)
  • Harassment (including sexual)
  • Racial vilification in any form
  • Defaming remarks of any sort against any individual

    • Disciplinary Policy

    Where a member of the EDCC is found to be in breach of this code of conduct that member may be required to provide an explanation in writing to the executive committee, and in some cases asked to appear in person before a disciplinary team comprising three (3) members of the executive committee.

    The EDCC may impose such penalty as it sees fit based upon the breach of this code-of-conduct. Members should also be aware that where they are charged by, or found to be in breach of Qld Cricket and Cricket Australia regulations that member may face additional disciplinary requirements from the EDCC executive committee.

    Grievances

    For any grievances, the matter should be referred to the team captain. If it is unresolved the next level of referral will be the Executive Committee.

    Registration / Game Fees

    Registration fees are due by the predetermined date for each season. This date will be publicised and available to all.

    Players will not be placed in teams unless a deposit for the registration fee is paid prior to the season start.

    Fill in players will be required to pay game fees for each day of play and will not be allowed to take the field until these fees are paid prior to the start of the days play.

    It is the players’ responsibility to contact the club or team captain before the Wednesday preceding the game to confirm commitment to play. This may include a confirmation to play directly after the previous game. Failure to meet this commitment to play will attract a penalty and may take the form of match suspension.

    Players Code of Behaviour

    What is expected of an Everton Districts player. Your primary goal is to have fun playing cricket.

  • Play by the rules.
  • Judge yourself by the effort that you put in, not by the result of the game.
  • Accept defeat and victory without undue joy or disappointment.
  • DO NOT ridicule or yell at a team-mate for making a mistake.
  • DO NOT sledge opposition players, you probably don’t like being sledged.
  • Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.
  • DO NOT publicly question an official’s judgement and never their honesty.
  • Be a good sport: signal boundaries; declare when you haven’t taken a catch cleanly; don’t appeal when you know they are not out; etc.
  • Respect your coach and manager.

    • Parents Code of Behaviour

    Some simple hints to help your child to learn to be ‘a good sport’.

  • Remember – Children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment, not that of the parents.
  • Encourage your child always to play by the rules.
  • Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
  • Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
  • Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
  • Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.
  • Do not publicly question the officials’ judgement and never their honesty.
  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
  • Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.

    • Coaches Code of Behaviour

    What is expected of a coach of an Everton Districts team?

  • Your primary goal is to ensure that all the children in your team have fun playing cricket. Winning is not an essential ingredient for having fun.
  • Teach your players to follow the rules.
  • Be reasonable in your demands on young players’ time, energy, and enthusiasm.
  • DO NOT ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing.
  • Develop team respect for the ability of opponents. Encourage the team to applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.
  • Develop team respect for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
  • Avoid overplaying the talented players. Every player deserves equal time and encouragement.
  • Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards.

    • Alcohol Policy for Junior BNJCA Club Games

    This policy is designed to meet the following objectives:

  • To ensure the safe and professional conduct of all Brisbane North Junior Cricket Association (BNJCA) cricket events
  • To ensure the Code of Conduct Policy is adhered to
  • To minimise alcohol related incidents and harm to the individual participants
  • To minimise alcohol related incidents and harm to spectators and general community
  • To minimise alcohol related damage to property
  • To improve and preserve the reputation of BNJCA to people in the general community

    • Introduction

    To assist in the achievement of the above objectives, BNJCA Committee has established a number of specific guidelines relating to the use or consumption of alcohol by any member involved in BNJCA events. It is vital that strict guidelines are put in place to ensure that any Cricket events or fixtures are not marred by impaired and/or unsafe performances, or negatively affected from unruly behaviour related to the consumption of liquor.

    The following guidelines outline procedures for the consumption of alcohol and outline punishments for any breach of these guidelines.

    Guidelines on the Use of Alcohol

    Participant involvement

    No participants, including coach, manager, scorer, umpire or player, will be permitted to compete in any BNJCA event if he/she is consuming alcohol or suffering the obvious effects of alcohol. Any such person/s will be asked to leave the sporting arena by the affiliated club appointed grounds official.

    Refusal to cooperate by the participant will result in immediate expulsion of that team from the game and possible disciplinary action against the individual.

    Should such an incident occur, an official written complaint from the affiliated club appointed grounds official for that event must be forwarded, through their Club President, to the BNJCA Secretary. The submissions and complaint will then be reviewed by the BNJCA Discipline Committee for possible further disciplinary action.

    This may include but is not limited to:

  • Banning of that participant attending BNJCA organised games for a defined time or banning attendance from the remainder of that teams competition
  • Expulsion of the team from that competition
  • Deduction of points from the team for that particular game
  • Deduction of points from the team from the overall standings of the competition

    • When the BNJCA Discipline Committee hands down their decision, that particular decision is final.

    Spectator involvement

    No spectators within the immediate “playing arena”* will be permitted to consume alcohol while a BNJCA cricket event is in progress, except at times and places specified by the BNJCA affiliated club. Should a spectator be suspected of consuming alcohol or suffering the obvious effects of alcohol in this area, the person/s will be asked to leave the sporting arena by the BNJCA affiliated club ground official.

    Refusal to cooperate by the spectator will result in immediate expulsion of that team from the game and possible disciplinary action against the individual. It is a responsibility of each BNJCA Affiliated Club Delegate to ensure that their Club is made aware of the standard of behaviour expected at BNJCA cricket events.

    Further disciplinary action may be taken, if so desired by the BNJCA, upon receipt of an official written complaint from either the Club official, opposition Club official or umpires appointed by BNJCA for that event. The submissions and complaints will then be reviewed by the BNJCA for further disciplinary action. This may include but is not limited to:

  • Banning of that spectator from other BNJCA events
  • Expulsion of the team from that competition
  • Deduction of points from the team for that particular game
  • Deduction of points from the team from the overall standings of the competition

    • * The playing arena is the area including the actual playing surface and any areas in which spectators could view the event, unless within a pre‐approved licensed area. For instance, the “playing arena” for a cricket match on an oval would require no consumption or effects of consumption to be visible anywhere on that particular Oval or adjacent areas (i.e. adjoining oval/s, grassed hill, under cover area etc).

    Disputes Between Teams

    Disputes between teams on game days normally arise from rule interpretation or on field sledging / behaviour not in the spirit of the game. At all times the coach / manager is to communicate with the coach / manager of the opposing team prior to the commencement of the first day of play. This is to clarify how the game will be played and to develop a relationship from the outset.

    Coaches / managers are to keep a rule book in their kit at all times.

     If a coach / manager considers the other team to be sledging or not playing within the true spirit of the game they are to have a quiet / confidential chat to the opposing coach / manager at the first drinks available drinks break. Outlining specific examples, in a non-aggressive manner, is mandatory. It is suggested a solution also be provided at this time. This could be the behaviour of the players or the spectators the same rules apply.

    Failure to resolve the dispute on game day (respective coaches / managers) requires the incident / dispute to be bought to the attention of the Everton Districts Cricket Club management committee President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, in consultation with the full committee. The appropriate person will take the incident / dispute up with their counterpart within the offending club in an attempt to resolve the incident / dispute. The BNJCA management committee will also be notified.

    Failure to resolve the incident / dispute at club level will require the intervention of the BNJCA management committee who may wish to:

  • Mediate between the parties and the respective clubs; or
  • Bring the incident / dispute to the Queensland Junior Cricket governing body.

    The most important point in this section is for coaches / managers to make every endeavour to:
  • Develop a relationship with the opposing coach / manager prior to the commencement of the first day’s play;
  • Communication of team and club philosophy is suggested; and
  • Discuss the observation of an incident / issue at the first available drinks breaks in a non-aggressive, non-threatening and confidential manner is mandatory.

    • Disputes Between Team Members

    This may occur between players or parents. At all times the team coach / manager is to adjudicate between the parties.

    If it is a behavioural problem the issue / dispute is to be bought to the attention of the Everton Districts Cricket Club management committee President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, in consultation with the full committee, who will discuss the issue / dispute directly with the offending party / parties.

    If the incident / dispute is serious in nature (i.e. physical or verbal assault / abuse) the discussion will be followed up in writing.

    The process and outcome will remain confidential to the Everton Districts Cricket Club management committee. Continuation or repetition of the incident / dispute may result in the player or family being requested to leave the club. At all times these incidents / disputes are to be written into an incident report and lodged with the club Secretary who will retain the reports on file.

    Disputes Over Fees or Payments

    All issues / disputes of this nature are to be dealt with by the Everton Districts Cricket Club management committee President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, in consultation with the full committee.

    Fees will be set at a general meeting of the Everton Districts Cricket Club prior to the commencement of the new season.

    Club Treasurer automatically assumes responsibility for ensuring all players are fully paid or have arrangements in place to provide periodic payments.

    Club Treasurer is to provide a report at finalisation of the incident / dispute to be held as a record by the club Secretary.

    Disputes with Club Administration

    Any disputes regarding club administration are to be dealt with by the Everton Districts Cricket Club management committee President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, in consultation with the full committee.

    Complaining party is to provide their concerns in writing and will be invited to discuss these with the management committee.

    Full committee of the Everton Districts Cricket Club will decide on the appropriate resolution, which may require a motion at the next AGM.

    Disputes with Brisbane City Council
    Any dispute of this nature is to be discussed with the full committee of the Everton Districts Cricket Club will decide on the appropriate resolution.

    At all times the club is to administer and manager within the boundaries of the registered lease.

    At all times these disputes must be written up by the club Secretary who will retain the document as a record.

    Disputes within the Committee

    All committee members are to giver equal time putting their argument for or against a particular topic, issue or policy direction.

    The Committee is to vote on an issue / dispute with majority decision to be final. All committee members agree to abide by the decision.

    Each committee member is responsible for ensuring their position is stated clearly and in person so there is no confusion within the group.

    The Committee is governed by the following club mission, vision and positioning statements.


    Our Vision
    To provide facilities for playing, competing in, training for and otherwise participating in the game of cricket.

    Our Mission
    To provide facilities for the meeting, refreshment and accommodation of members and persons interested in the game of cricket and opportunities for spectators to view the said game.


    Our Positioning Statement
    To promote and encourage the game of cricket in the Everton Park district. The Committee is also governed by the requirements under incorporation administered by the Office of Fair Trading.