Introduction

The WPHCCC has a "Participation over Results" policy in Junior Cricket - Kanga, Girls and Boys. Coaches are encouraged to make sure that all players get equal amounts of batting and bowling over a full season - especially in the younger age groups.

The Club Executive wants to see the development of cricket at a Junior level rather than necessarily winning trophies. For our Club, measuring success is about retaining or increasing the number of children playing cricket from the previous season by providing greater opportunities for all team members.

Our objective is to remind us all that:

• children play to satisfy themselves and not adults or members of their own peer group
• cricket must be administered, taught and provided for the good of all children who want to play the game. It is their game!

Player's Code

• Cricket should be cool, mad and legendary to play. Play because you want to - not just to please your parents or coach.
• Play by the rules and spirit of the game
• Don't be a dag by arguing with umpires. Leave it to your coach or manager to ask any questions - during a break in the game not during the game
• No tantrums. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is dumb and not good enough
• 'Put in' for yourself and your team - your team's performance will benefit and so will your own
• Be a good sport; acknowledge good play, by your team and your opponent
• Don't be a victim and take it out on others. Bullying or taking unfair advantage of any player is not on.
• Co-operate with your coach, manager, team-mates, umpires and opponents - without them you don't have a game.

Parent's Code

• Don't force a child to play cricket
• Remember, children are involved in cricket for their enjoyment, not yours
• Focus on your child's efforts and performance rather that winning or losing
• Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a game. Turn defeat into victory by helping children improve their skills and sportsmanship.
• Children learn best by example; applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team
• Always publicly accept the umpire's judgement and never question their honesty
• Verbal abuse such as sledging is not acceptable
• Respect Officials' decisions and teach children to do likewise. Officials are volunteers and without them, your child won't have a game!
• Differences (gender, ability, cultural) are irrelevant - treat everyone with respect and dignity.

Spectator's Code

• Children play cricket for their own fun; they are not there to entertain you and they are not miniature Australian players
• Be on your best behaviour; don't use bad language, harass players, coaches or umpires
• Show respect for the opposition, without them there would be no game - applaud good play from both teams
• Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during the game
• Respect the umpire's decision - always
• Encourage players to play within the laws and spirit of the game.

Coaches Code

• Young people participate for the fun of competing - not just the winning.
• Think about measuring your success by the number of children wanting to play next season rather than just win-loss ratios
• Put things in perspective and move on after adversity - look for the learnings.
• Look at it from a kid's perspective and see what they consider to be fun. Encourage lots of laughter and a sense of fun
• Make mistakes, give it a go - get involved and don't take yourself too seriously.
• Never ridicule or yell at a younger player for making a mistake or not coming first
• Be reasonable in your demands on players' time, energy and enthusiasm
• Sudden change - practice adapting to it. Try players in unfamiliar positions and multi-skill every player
• Operate within the rules and Spirit of Cricket and teach your players to do the same. Show control and respect to everyone involved in cricket. Encourage your players to do the same
• Avoid overplaying the talented players; all young players need and deserve equaltime, attention and opportunities
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of players
• Get appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest cricket coaching practices, principles of growth and development of young people
• Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate
• Praise in public but never criticise in front of their peers
• Give everyone a 'fair go' Gender, ability, cultural background or religion doesn't matter.

Umpires Code

• Place the safety and welfare of players above all else
• Modify the rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people - within the rules of cricket
• Compliment and encourage all participants
• Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions
• Act on unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents
• Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors
• Encourage and promote rule changes that will make participation more enjoyable
• Be a good sport yourself - actions speak louder than words
• Keep up to date with the latest available resources and the principles of growth and development of young people
• Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive - you set an example - you are a role model
• Give all young people a 'fair go' regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion
• Enjoy your time in the middle - your enthusiasm is infectious.