Woodham Mortimer Cricket Club Code of Behaviour & Disciplinary Process
Executive Summary
This Code provides WMCC members with clear expectations for Club membership and the General Committee with a consistent framework for upholding behavioural standards.
Contents
- Expectations
- Standards
- Process
- Actions
- Fast-Track
- Suspensions
- Appeals
- Conflicts
- Contact
- Conclusion
1. Expectations
All WMCC members are expected to:
- Treat teammates, opponents, officials, spectators and volunteers with respect.
- Follow the Laws and Spirit of Cricket.
- Respect captains, officials and Club representatives.
- Behave responsibly when representing WMCC, both on and off the field.
- Contribute positively to the Club and support their teammates.
- Protect the reputation of WMCC.
2. Standards
WMCC will not tolerate:
- Abuse, bullying, intimidation or threats.
- Discrimination or harassment.
- Aggressive or abusive behaviour towards players, officials or spectators.
- Deliberate or serious unsporting behaviour.
- Damage to Club or third-party property.
- Serious or repeated offensive behaviour.
- Inappropriate conduct on social media or online platforms relating to the Club.
- Any behaviour likely to bring WMCC into serious disrepute.
This Code applies at matches, training, club events, away fixtures and when otherwise representing WMCC.
3. Process
Step 1 — Report
A member, opposition player/official, captain or other relevant person submits a report to the Disciplinary Committee.
Step 2 — Investigate
The Disciplinary Committee investigates the matter and considers relevant evidence and information.
Step 3 — Findings
The Disciplinary Committee provides its findings and recommendation to the Chairman.
Step 4 — Player Liaison
The Chairman communicates the findings to the individual and the Club Welfare Officer, who acts as an impartial Player Liaison Officer.
The Welfare Officer provides a point of contact and supports the individual in understanding and responding to the process.
Step 5 — Right to Respond
The individual has the right to respond and provide additional information or evidence.
Their response should be submitted through the Welfare Officer.
Where material new information is provided, the Disciplinary Committee may reopen or continue its investigation.
Step 6 — Decision
The appropriate action is determined in accordance with the level of action proposed:
Level 1 decisions are confirmed by the Disciplinary Committee.
Level 2 suspensions are recommended by the Disciplinary Committee and voted on by the General Committee.
Level 3 matters are referred to the General Committee for a membership decision.
4. Actions
The level of action will depend on the seriousness and circumstances of the incident. Members do not necessarily have to progress through each level.
Level 1 — Written Warning
A formal written warning is issued and recorded by the Club.
Level 2 — Written Warning + Suspension
A formal written warning is issued, together with a match suspension. The number of matches will be recommended by the Disciplinary Committee and approved by the General Committee. If an elected club official reaches this stage, their position may also be relinquished following a vote by the General Committee.
Level 3 — Membership Review
The matter is referred to the General Committee, which decides whether the member should remain in the Club, subject to the WMCC Constitution.
5. Fast-Track
The Disciplinary Committee may recommend direct referral to Level 3 where behaviour is sufficiently serious.
This may include violence, threats, serious abuse, discrimination, safeguarding concerns, serious damage to property, or conduct likely to cause serious harm to the Club or its reputation.
Safeguarding concerns will be referred to the Club Welfare Officer and dealt with in accordance with the Club's safeguarding procedures and applicable ECB requirements.
The General Committee makes the final membership decision.
6. Suspensions
Where appropriate, a member may be temporarily suspended from matches or Club activities while a serious matter is investigated.
This is a precautionary measure and does not constitute a finding of misconduct.
7. Appeals
The individual will be given an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.
Disciplinary matters will be handled fairly, objectively and confidentially.
A member may appeal a disciplinary decision to the Chairman within 14 days. Membership appeals will follow the WMCC Constitution.
8. Conflicts
Any member of the Disciplinary Committee or General Committee who has a personal involvement in, or conflict of interest relating to, a disciplinary matter must declare this and take no part in the investigation, recommendation or decision.
9. Contact
To make a formal complaint, please contact a member of the Disciplinary Committee. Current contact details can be found here:
https://woodhamcc.secure-club.com/pages/page_39699/Sub-Committees.aspx
10. Conclusion
Level 1: Written Warning
Level 2: Written Warning + Match Suspension
Level 3: General Committee Membership Review