Bucks Cricket Competitions

2025 Season

Section 1 Rules
Section 2 Playing Conditions
Section 3 Guidance
Section 4 Code of Conduct

Contact
Competitions Organiser
Harry Gadsby - Club Development & Safeguarding Officer
[email protected] | 07514 406348

1 March 2025
Section 1: Rules
1. Entry
1.1 For a club to enter teams into the Bucks Cricket Competitions, the Junior
Coordinator must complete the entry form in full and return it to the Competitions
Organiser by 18:00 on Sunday 8th December
1.2 Clubs must be enrolled on the Safe Hands Management System (SHMS) and have
completed at least 5 out of 6 club tasks by 1st April.
1.2.1 Clubs must have at least one fully qualified Club Safeguarding Officer
added to the SHMS.
1.3 Clubs must agree to the Bucks Cricket Junior Competitions Code of Conduct.
1.4 The league and its clubs must comply with the ECB’s recreational cricket regulations
and guidance, including, but not limited to, the General Conduct Regulations and
Anti-Discrimination Regulations.
1.4.1 All regulations and guidance can be found on the ECB website:
https://www.ecb.co.uk/about/policies/regulations/recreational-cricket
1.5 Clubs within Buckinghamshire must be affiliated to Bucks Cricket. Clubs outside
Buckinghamshire must be affiliated to their local County Cricket Board.
1.6 Clubs must pay the competition registration and entry fees upon request:
• £20 entry fee per team, per competition.
• An additional £50 registration fee for clubs outside Buckinghamshire.
1.7 There is no limit to the number of teams a club can enter in any age group. Clubs
may enter a maximum of two teams into any cup competition. Clubs can have more
than one team in any division.
1.7.1 Where a club fields more than one team in an age group, it would be
considered against the spirit of the game for clubs to strengthen the second
team for crucial matches.
1.7.2 When a club plays with more than one team in the same division, both
teams will score zero points if they concede a game against another team
from their club.

2. Player Eligibility
2.1 Clubs are responsible for ensuring that players are eligible to represent both the
team and the club.
2.2 Every player must be a member of their club, having paid all relevant club
subscriptions.
2.3 Players may play for more than one club.
2.3.1 It would be against the Spirit of Cricket for clubs to actively recruit ‘ringers’
from other clubs to win trophies. Each club's priority should be to develop
its own playing pool and create the best environment to encourage player
loyalty. To police this, clubs could introduce a rule that requires players to
ask for approval before representing another club.
2.4 Players may only play for one team in a cup or plate competition. If a club has two
teams in a cup/plate, a player may only play for the team they represent first for the
remainder of the competition.

2 March 2025
 2.5 To play in a cup or plate final, ADMCL league final, or ECB Club T20 Competition
playoff fixture, all players must have already represented that club in the Bucks
Cricket Competitions during the season.
2.6 A player’s age group is defined by their age at midnight on 31 August the year prior to
the season of the competition. They may represent teams in that age group and
older during the following season.
Age at midnight on 31 August the prior
Cricket Team School Year
to the season of the Competition.
Under 9 Year 4 8
Under 10 Year 5 9
Under 11 Year 6 10
Under 12 Year 7 11
Under 13 Year 8 12
Under 14 Year 9 13
Under 15 Year 10 14
Under 16 Year 11 15
Under 17 Year 12 16
Under 18 Year 13 17
Under 19 - 18
2.7 Unless specified otherwise, all competitions are mixed-gender. Boys and girls can
play in mixed-gender competitions, but only girls can play in girls’ competitions.
2.7.1 Girls may play in a mixed-gender team two age groups down from their own
without being a registered overage player (e.g. a girl who is U15 could play in
a mixed-gender U13 team).
2.8 The regulations allow for the sensible use of a limited number of “overaged” players
in a team in the interest of “getting the game on.”
2.8.1 An overage player can be from one age group up only (e.g. an U15 player
playing in an U14 fixture).
2.8.2 Anyone who has played in a county pathway this or last season cannot be
an overage player.
2.8.3 A club official must register any overage players by adding them to this
spreadsheet, notifying the Competitions Organiser by email, and awaiting
approval before they compete: Overage Players.xlsx
2.8.3.1 Once approved registration lasts for the season but will be
monitored and can be revoked.
2.8.4 Overage players cannot play in any cup fixture, ADMCL league final or ECB
Club T20 Competition playoff fixture.
2.8.5 If an overage player has been selected, the opposition team manager must
be notified before the game. Both team managers should be acutely aware
of health and safety considerations.
2.8.6 Overage players cannot bat in the top four.

3 March 2025
3. Scheduling
3.1 The Bucks Cricket Competitions are managed using Play-Cricket. All fixtures are
added to Play-Cricket by the Competitions Organiser.
3.2 Clubs may change fixtures' date, start time, home/away team and venue from the
default if in agreement with the opposition.
3.3 Junior Fixtures Secretaries must contact their counterparts from every club whose
junior teams they are due to play to confirm the date, start time, and venue of each
fixture by 6th April.
3.3.1 Changes should only be made after the 6 th April in exceptional
circumstances.
3.3.2 Meetings to provide fixtures secretaries the opportunity to meet face-to-
face will take place on the following dates:
• Wednesday 26th February, 19:00 – 21:00 at New Bradwell CC
• Thursday 27th February, 19:00 – 21:00 at High Wycombe CC
3.4 There is a default day of the week for each competition. Clubs should try, wherever
possible, to keep fixtures on these the days of the week.
3.5 It is expected that all clubs shall fulfil the fixtures once agreed.
3.6 All fixtures must be played within the competition deadlines.
3.6.1 Fixtures in divisions at ages U9 through to U15 must be completed by 31st
July; fixtures for ages older than U15 must be completed by 31st August.
3.6.2 Fixtures in Long Format competitions must be completed by 31st August.
3.6.3 Quarter-final fixtures in cup and plate competitions must be completed by
31st July; semi-finals must be completed by 17th August; and finals must be
completed on 31st August unless an alternative date is agreed with the
competition organiser.
3.7 The round 1 draw for cup and plate competitions is random, including whether a
team plays at home or away. During subsequent rounds, the team written higher in
the draw should host the fixture.
3.8 Teams that lose their first-round cup fixture will automatically be entered into the
plate – a parallel knockout cup competition.
3.9 Winners of the North and South ADMCL divisions will play in a league final to
determine the age-group winners.
3.9.1 The ADMCL league finals are hosted by the teams with the higher number of
points, or if equal by the toss of a coin. The league finals must be completed
on 31st August unless an alternative date is agreed with the competition
organiser.

4 March 2025
4. Results
4.1 All results - including Cancelled, Abandoned and Conceded – must be entered into
Play-Cricket by the home team no more than 3 days after the fixture.
4.2 The winner in all matches shall be the team with the greater score at the end of the
match.
4.2.1 If a fixture (excluding finals and cup/plate matches) ends with scores level,
then it shall be deemed a tie, and the points shared. The match shall not be
replayed.
4.2.2 If a fixture ends with scores level in knockout matches (including finals), the
winner shall be the side which has taken the greater number of wickets.
If still equal, the side with the higher score at the end of the penultimate
over shall win, and then the team that has taken the greater number of
wickets at the end of the penultimate over shall win.
If still equal, the side with the higher score at the end of the penultimate ball
shall win, and so on back through the balls until one team has scored more
runs.
4.3 In the event of adverse weather or a delayed arrival, a fixture can be reduced to a
minimum length of 10 six-ball overs per side. If overs need to be reduced, the
regulation rate is one over deducted for every 3 minutes lost.
4.3.1 The number of overs permitted by each bowler shall be reduced
proportionately to the overs lost.
4.4 When a result is precluded by bad weather or light, the following processes apply to
determine the fixture’s result.
4.4.1 If half the allocated overs of the second innings have been completed, then
the match shall be deemed to be concluded. The result shall be calculated
by the scoring rate per completed over of the side batting second as
compared with the overall scoring rate of the side batting first. If the side
batting first did not bat for their full allocation of overs, their scoring rate
shall be calculated on the assumption that they did bat for their full
allocation.
4.4.2 If less than half of the allocated overs of the second innings have been
bowled, the match may be replayed on a mutually agreed-upon date,
provided this is before the specified deadline date.
4.4.2.1 If it is not possible to rearrange a league fixture, it will be recorded
as abandoned with points shared.
4.4.2.2 If it is not possible to rearrange any knockout fixture, such as a
cup/plate fixture (excluding finals) or ECB Club T20 Competition
playoff fixture, the result will be determined by the toss of a coin.
4.4.2.3 If it is not possible to rearrange a cup/plate final or ADMCL league
final, the teams will share the competition.
4.5 If two or more teams finish on equal points after the full programme of league
matches, the final placings will be determined as follows (in order of priority):
1. If one team has beaten the other(s), then they shall finish higher.
2. The team with the best net run rate (NRR).

5 March 2025
 4.6 In divisions, winning and losing teams score points as follows:
Result Pairs T20 and Long Format
Win 4 15
Lose 1 0
Tie 3 10
Abandoned 2 7
Conceded 0 0
4.6.1 Bonus points are awarded to the losing team in T20, and Long Format
divisions, for taking wickets and scoring runs, as follows:
Bowling Batting – T20 Batting – Long Format
2 wickets – 1 point 60 runs – 1 point 125 runs – 1 point
4 wickets – 2 points 80 runs – 2 points 150 runs – 2 points
6 wickets – 3 points 100 runs – 3 points 175 runs – 3 points
8 wickets – 4 points 120 runs – 4 points 200 runs – 4 points
10 wickets – 5 points 140 runs – 5 points 225 runs – 5 points

5. Balls
5.1 All matches are to be played with pink or orange balls.
5.2 In hardball competitions, balls can be either re-polished or new and one match ball
should last for both innings, supplied by the home team.
5.2.1 Either team may provide a second new ball for the second innings, but this
must be agreed between both team managers before the toss and its use
must not depend on the outcome of the toss.
5.2.2 In Long Format competitions, both teams should start their innings with a
new ball provided by their own team.

6. Grounds
6.1 Grass and Non-Turf Pitches (NTP) are permitted.
6.1.1 At age groups U13 and below Clubs should assume that fixtures will be
played on a NTP; where a fixture is to be played on a grass pitch the home
side should inform the away team via email prior to the fixture.
6.1.2 At age groups U14 and above Clubs should assume that fixtures will be
played on a grass pitch; where a fixture is to be played on a NTP the home
side should inform the away team via email prior to the fixture.
7.2 Crease markings and the boundary should both be clearly marked.

6 March 2025
7. Umpires
7.1 Clubs are expected to provide their own umpires who should perform their duties
with fairness and honour, within the spirit of the game as well as to the laws. Where
necessary age-group managers, coaches, and parents may be required to stand.
7.2 Clubs reaching quarter-final and semi-final fixtures, plate finals, and ADMCL league
finals, are encouraged to seek ACO-qualified umpires who are not associated (e.g.,
not a parent or team manager) with the team playing.
7.3 Bucks Cricket will arrange Bucks ACO umpires for cup finals and ECB Club T20
Competition playoff fixtures. Where this is not possible, Clubs should revert to rule
9.2. above.

8. Trophies and Medals

8.1 Bucks Cricket will provide one trophy to the winning team of every division, cup and
plate, and 15 medals to the winners and runners-up of every cup and plate.
8.1.1 Teams that win their division must complete this form to order trophies. The
form will open on 24th July, and we will accept orders until 7th September.
Bucks Cricket will not process any orders after this date.
8.2 The winner of each division in the ADMCL will not receive a trophy; however, the
winners of the league final at each age group will. The winners and runners-up will
also both receive medals.
8.3 Trophies and medals for cup and plate finals, and ADMCL league finals will be
automatically ordered.

9. Disputes and Discipline

9.1 Breaches to the Bucks Cricket Competitions' Rules, any of the supporting
regulations, guidance and codes of conduct, or any other dispute or incident
must be reported using this form: https://forms.office.com/e/Xc4y8cfw8W
9.2 Reports will be reviewed and, depending on their nature, dealt with by the
Competitions Organiser, competitions management group, disputes and discipline
panel, and/or County Safeguarding Officers.
The disputes and discipline panel comprises of Ian Hodgson, Stuart Beck and
Yolanda Harris.

7 March 2025
10. Vitality U13 and U15 Club T20 Competitions
The ECB run an U13 and U15 national T20 competition in the format of a knockout cup.
One team is entered to represent Buckinghamshire in each age group and play against
teams from across the country. The qualification for teams in Buckinghamshire is
integrated into the Bucks Cricket Competitions, as detailed below. Full details of the
Vitality U13 and U15 Club T20 Competitions can be found on the website.
10.1 The teams in the North and South U13 & U15 Premier Leagues who score the
most points from their first 4 matches, by close of play on Sunday 15th June, will
playoff to represent Bucks in the ECB competition.
10.1.1 If no team has played 4 matches by Sunday 15th June then it will be the
highest number of points from 3 matches, and so on.
10.1.2 If points are level the team with the higher net run rate will proceed to
the playoff fixture.
10.1.3 Points earned from intra-club matches do not count towards
qualification.
10.2 The playoff fixture is hosted by the team with the higher number of points; they
should offer three dates should to the opposition.
10.2.1 The U13 playoff fixture must be completed, and the result added to Play-
Cricket by Sunday 29th June.
10.2.2 The U15 playoff fixture must be completed, and the result added to Play-
Cricket by Sunday 13th July.
10.3 No player who has played for any other club (in Bucks or any other county) during
the season so far, can play in any of the 4 qualifying fixtures or the playoff fixture.
10.3.1 If an ineligible player plays, the club will forfeit (qualification to/the game
itself) the playoff fixture; as they will also if they break any of the player
eligibility criteria in rule 2.
10.4 Teams who qualify for the playoff, play the fixture on the understanding they could
be representing their club and county in the national competition and therefore
must be committed to play and prioritise all games in that tournament.
10.5 The U13 and U15 playoff fixtures are played under the same playing conditions as
the North and South U13 & U15 Premier Leagues.

8 March 2025
Section 2: Playing Conditions
The Laws of Cricket shall apply with the following exceptions:

11. Pairs
11.1 Batting
Each team shall commence their innings with 200 runs.
The batting team shall be divided into pairs and each pair shall bat for 4 overs.
Batters cannot be ‘out’, but 5 runs shall be deducted from the team’s total every
time a batter is dismissed. A batter who has been dismissed should not face the
next ball; batters should change ends after a dismissal, if necessary, to achieve
this.
A batter cannot be given out Leg Before Wicket in windball matches.
11.2 Bowling
Each player (excluding the wicket keeper) must bowl at least two overs. Where the
wicket keeper keeps wicket for the entire innings then 2 players may bowl 3 overs.
2 runs will be awarded to the batting team for any wides and no balls that are
bowled. There will be no extra ball, except in the last over of an innings when extra
balls must be bowled and 1 run awarded to the batting team.
11.3 General
Should a side take to the field with fewer players than expected, then the captain
or team manager of the opposing side may decide prior to each innings, which
player(s) may bat again, and which should be allowed to bowl the additional
overs.

12. General
12.1 Where a batter must retire, they can return to batting once all other batters have
been dismissed.
12.2 In selected competitions, when a bowler bowls a no-ball, the immediate next ball
is a free hit, in which the batter cannot be dismissed by any methods other than
those applicable for a no-ball.
12.3 In U17 and U19 competitions, teams may select 12 players but can only bat 11
and only have 11 on the field at any one time.
12.4 Clubs should ensure girls teams play in coloured trousers.
12.5 In mixed competitions the fielding team can have a maximum of 5 fielders on the
boundary at any time; in girl’s competitions the fielding team can have a
maximum of 4 fielders on the boundary at any time.
A 30-yard fielding circle is not required.
12.5.1 U15, U17 and U19 T20 Premier Leagues/Division 1s: the fielding team
can have a maximum of 2 fielders outside the 30-yard-cricle for the first 6
overs. From overs 7-20 they are allowed a maximum of 5 fielders outside
the 30-yard-circle.
If agreed by team managers, fixtures in other age groups and divisions
may be played using these rules.

9 March 2025
 Division Players Batter Retires Overs / Bowler Pitch Length (yds) Ball Size (oz) Extra Ball Free Hits
U9 Pairs 8 - 2 15 - Last Over Only No
U10 Pairs 10 - 2 17 4.75 Last Over Only No
U11 Pairs 10 - 2 17 4.75 Last Over Only No
U12 Pairs 10 - 2 19 4.75 Last Over Only No
U12 T20 11 25 balls 3 19 4.75 Yes No
U13 T20 11 25 balls 3 19 4.75 Yes No
U14 T20 11 40 balls 3 22 5.5 Yes No
U15 T20 11 40 balls 3 22 5.5 Yes No
U17 T20 11 40 balls 3 22 5.5 Yes Yes
U19 T20 11 - 4 22 5.5 Yes Yes

Girl’s Division Players Batter Retires Overs / Bowler Pitch Length (yds) Ball Size (oz) Extra Ball Free Hits
U11 Pairs 10 - 2 17 - Last Over Only No
U13 Pairs 10 - 2 19 4.75 Last Over Only No
U15 T20 11 40 balls 3 20 5.0 Yes No
U18 T20 11 - 4 22 5.0 Yes Yes

Long Format Players Batter Retires Overs / Bowler Pitch Length (yds) Ball Size (oz) Extra Ball Free Hits
U13 11 - 7 19 4.75 Yes No
U14 11 - 7 22 5.5 Yes No
U15 11 - 7 22 5.5 Yes No
U17 11 - 7 22 5.5 Yes No

Cup / Plate Players Batter Retires Overs / Bowler Pitch Length (yds) Ball Size (oz) Extra Ball Free Hits
U13 11 - 4 19 4.75 Yes Yes
U15 11 - 4 22 5.5 Yes Yes
U17 11 - 4 22 5.5 Yes Yes
Girls U13 11 - 4 19 4.75 Yes Yes
Girls U15 11 - 4 20 5.0 Yes Yes

10 March 2025
Section 3: Guidance
This section is designed to support club volunteers by providing additional miscellaneous
information and advice to ensure players, volunteers, and parents have the best possible
experience of the competitions. Unlike the Rules and Playing Conditions, following the
guidance is optional and should be used when appropriate and beneficial.

Balls
Windball • Softest
• No protective equipment required
• Plastic bats can be used

Incrediball • Hybrid ball type for transitioning

players from windball to hardball
• Full protective equipment required
(helmet, pads, gloves, box)
• Wood bats should be used

Hardball • Hardest
• Full protective equipment required
(helmet, pads, gloves, box)

Bucks Cricket branded balls can be purchased from AJ Sports, who sponsor the Bucks
Cricket Competitions: https://buckscricketcomps.play-cricket.com/ball_orders

11 March 2025
Scheduling
When (re)scheduling any fixture clubs should attempt to be as flexible as possible. It is
understood that some dates might be more awkward or difficult, while others are favourable.
Clubs may have to settle for dates for that are not ideal. Flexibility from all clubs allows more
cricket to be played.

Getting the Game On

If either side is struggling to field a team on the agreed date a discussion between managers
must take place as soon as the problem is identified. Options to “get the game on” must be
discussed. The opposition may be able to provide some additional players or agree to lend
substitute fielders. Teams might consider using over aged players (rule 2.8). The main
objective is to “get the game on”, rather than secure the points.

Before a Fixture
It is good practise for an official to contact every opposition a week before their scheduled
fixture to reconfirm the details (start time, venue, etc.), and compare team strength.
On the day of the fixture Team Managers/Coaches (and umpires if available) should have a
pre-match discussion where they agree discuss the following:
• Both teams understanding of the playing conditions including free hit, retirement,
maximum bowler’s overs, and fielding restriction rules.
• Interpretation of wides and no balls to ensure that these are called consistently
throughout the fixture.
• Discussing the strength of both sides so that, where possible, game decisions can be
adjusted to ensure players face opponents of a similar ability.
• Confirm who will be umpiring and scoring, and the method of scoring.
• Confirm what refreshments are being supplied and if a very hot day, whether to
schedule additional breaks.

Keeping the Game Moving

Team managers and umpires are encouraged to actively “keep each game moving”. They
might consider the following:
• In T20/Pairs fixtures, bowling half the overs from one end, before switching ends to
bowl the remaining overs.
• Encouraging players to run between fielding positions between overs.
• Discouraging constant field changes and long discussions between captain and
teammates.
• Ensuring batters are ready to face the next ball when the bowler reaches the top of
their mark, and that new batters are ready to take strike within 90 seconds of the
previous dismissal.
• Taking no longer than a 10-minute interval between innings.

Courses
Bucks Cricket runs Coaching, Umpiring, Scoring, First Aid, Safe Hands, Grounds
Management and Young Volunteers courses. For more information or to book onto any of
these, please see our website.

12 March 2025
Play-Cricket
Clubs are encouraged to use Play-Cricket Scorer to score all fixtures. This video is a guide on
how to get started: https://youtu.be/ovdRNN95oCU?si=KevCmbqPtuK7Djap
With issues concerning the use of Play-Cricket or Play-Cricket Scorer, the Play-Cricket Help
Centre is a useful resource: https://play-cricket.ecb.co.uk/hc/
You can also email the Help Desk with any questions at [email protected]

Contacts
Bucks Cricket staff are committed to supporting clubs beyond administrating the Bucks
Cricket Competitions. We can advise clubs on matters including governance, affiliation and
safeguarding; facilities; junior cricket and national programmes; volunteers, recruitment and
training; school engagement; funding; women and girl’s cricket; and disability cricket. For
more information, please visit our website or contact any of the team by email:

Harry Gadsby – Club Development & Safeguarding Officer

[email protected] | 07514 406348

Claire Munday – Women & Girls Development Officer (North Bucks and Milton Keynes)
[email protected]

Maisie Taylor - Women & Girls Development Officer (Aylesbury and the Chilterns)
[email protected]
Tanya Westney - Women & Girls Development Officer (South Bucks)
[email protected]

George Morris – Milton Keynes Development Officer

[email protected]

Emma Boswell-Harris – Head of Participation

[email protected]

13 March 2025
 Junior Competitions Code of Conduct

When considering the design of the competitions, our underlying philosophy in relation to junior cricket
centres primarily around these 4 elements: Participation v.s. Competition, Defining Success for Junior Cricket,
Adapting to the Stages of a Child’s Development and the Spirit of Cricket.

PARTICIPATION VS. COMPETITION

Whilst everyone playing competitive sport aims to compete, winning games is not the primary goal
of junior cricket. Bucks Cricket organises junior competitions to provide a framework to maximise
participation for all junior cricketers. We want to see as many young people play cricket for as long as
possible and to continue into a lifelong participation within the game at all levels. To do that children need
to be provided with meaningful involvement in fixtures and a match experience that makes them want to
keep playing cricket. Our competition rules provide flexibility to allow clubs to agree on changes to the
rules to “get the game on”.

The objective for each Club should be to develop its own player pool in a safe, inclusive and
enjoyable environment. No matter the level that players start the season at, the focus should be on
continual improvement and fostering a love of the game that endures into adulthood. Cricket is a fantastic
game to help young people learn life skills, such as team-work, learning new skills, and managing success
and failure with grace. If the players’ abilities lead them to winning games, it should of course be
celebrated. However, club officials should not lose sight of what success is in the bigger picture, and the
positive role they can have on the health of cricket participation, not only within their Club, but within
Buckinghamshire overall.

STAGES OF A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT

Coaching and management approaches should flex depending on the age and stage of the
cricketers. Early on in their cricket journey, players should try a bit of ‘everything’ (bat, bowl, field, captain,
keep wicket, etc.) The purpose of results (team and individual) at this phase is to create learning
opportunities.
As cricketers reach the latter teenage years, players’ individual key strengths, roles become clearer and
performances more relevant. We should support them to be well-rounded cricketer technically, tactically,
physically, and mentally – and as teammates. Remind them why they started playing the game in the first
place - and to relax, enjoy it and keep learning.

THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET

In the Junior Competitions, the responsibility for maintaining the Spirit of Cricket rests with the Team
Managers and Coaches. The Spirit of Cricket applies just as much to spectators as well as players, captains,
coaches, and officials. Bucks Cricket expects all clubs to educate their players and their parents in the Spirit
of Cricket.

The Spirit of Cricket involves respect and sportsmanship towards your opponents, your own
captain, team, all officials, coaches and team managers.

It is against the Spirit of Cricket to:

• Dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action, gesture, or direct abusive language towards an
opponent or Umpire.
 • Indulge in cheating, sharp practice, appealing knowing the batsman is not out or advancing towards
an Umpire aggressively when appealing.
• Seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment (coaches and umpires are
encouraged/urged to stamp out sledging).

PARTICIPATING CLUBS AGREE TO:

Take responsibility for the actions of their members and take adequate steps to ensure the good
behaviour of their members and supporters towards players and umpires.

Where disputes arise between Clubs - Club Chairs, Junior Coordinators and Team Managers will take
responsibility for ironing these out in a positive spirit with the opposing Club. Only if the Club’s senior
leadership are not able to resolve these differences, will a correspondence be sent to the Bucks Cricket
Junior Competitions Organiser, who will pass it onto the Bucks Cricket disputes panel.

Tackling discrimination and promoting greater inclusion and diversity across the game is a priority as we
strive to stamp out any form of discrimination and to make the game more inclusive and grow
participation. We ask Clubs to play an active role in making Cricket a game for everyone and by noting that
Bucks Cricket is fully signed up to the ECB Anti-Discrimination code.

Speak to your Team Managers, Coaches and Junior Player Parents at the start of each season to set
expectations for the season and create a two-way dialogue between the Club and its members on how to
enhance the children’s experience of cricket.

COACHES AND MANAGERS AGREE TO:

Create a positive playing environment:

1. Create a positive relationship with the opposition and communicate clearly prior to the game
regarding setup and ensuring a positive experience is created for the participants
2. Adapt to what is needed at different ages/stages of a young cricketer’s development
3. Provide fair opportunities for all players to realise their potential
4. Provide encouragement, support and guidance as appropriate
5. Ensure club umpires operate in an independent manner

PLAYERS AGREE TO:

• Remember playing cricket is fun – do not do it simply to please parents and coaches
• Abide by the Spirit, as well as the letter, of the laws of cricket
• Always accept the umpire’s decision and not to show any dissent
• Play cricket in a competitive manner but maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship.
• Accept victory and defeat with dignity and grace.
• Not to use foul or abusive language on or off the field.
• Not to attempt to intimidate or deliberately distract opponents by acts of gamesmanship or
aggressive behaviour.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
• Co-operate with coaches, officials, team-mates, and opponents - remember without them there
would be no game

PARENTS/GUARDIANS (FAMILIES) AGREE TO:

• Understand that the overall aim of junior cricket is for long-term development and continual
improvement of its players and teams, without a fixation on short-term results
• Encourage and help the player to realise their potential, including abiding by this Code of Conduct
• Support the player without pressure, praise good work and refrain from criticising lapses.
• Foster an enjoyment of the game that will endure no matter what level they play at.
• Set a good example to the player and create a positive environment for everyone involved
• Communicate with the Club officials, keeping them informed about matters affecting the player
• Not go on to the field or to give advice about the game to their child at any stage of the match.
• Not enter the dressing room at any stage of the match except in exceptional circumstances, such as
injury, when this may be waived at the discretion and invitation of a team official.
• Ensure their child remains with the team during the duration of the match to ensure greater team
spirit and aid their child’s cricket education.
• Not undermine the role of the manager/coach during or after matches, by giving different advice to
that which your child has been given.