PLAYER GUIDELINES
The club has a proud tradition is proud of its players and reputation. Cricket has a very long tradition; any serious cricketer will abide not only by the official rules of cricket, but also play it in the spirit intended. To be a top cricketer means to conduct yourself in a way on and off the field where other people can look up to you!
The following guidelines are intended to serve an indication of how to behave yourself!
Before the Match:
It is not your coach's or managers responsibility to get you to the match venue on time. Make sure that you arrive at the agreed meeting place in good time. Dress respectably. You may be given lifts to and from matches. Always thank the person who has given you the lift and offer to contribute to the costs of petrol. |
Players are expected to wear white on match days. The club shirt and cap must be worn with either short or long white pants, white socks and white cricket boots or sport shoes. (Cricket clothing is not a requirement for practise days, but dress in a way that allow you to play properly). Check you kit meticulously before you set out for a match. Make sure your kit is clean and in good order including t-shirts, headgear, socks and spikes. All players are expected to be smartly turned out on the field of play. |
During Matches:
Many of the following points should be obvious. However, some will be new to you. The approach to the game will be outlined by your coach and his tactics / strategy. Keep your eye on him / her at all times throughout the game. Listen and learn. Watch the game as it unfolds and ask the coach if you do not understand any tactics being employed.
Fielding:
The captain/coach may have given you your fielding positions for the opening bowlers before you take the field. |
Bowlers will make fielding changes through the captain. |
The operative word in the field is “busy”. Everything you do should be busy. Be keen to field, respond quickly and eagerly to field changes etc. Keep an eye on the captain at times when changes are likely. Encourage bowlers and fieldsmen. Be enthusiastic about the efforts and successes of other players. Try not to criticise errors; instead be ready to say “well done!”, “well fielded!”, “well bowled!”. |
Respond to batsmen in a sportsmanlike fashion. "Sledging" has become a feature at most levels of cricket, but this does not make it acceptable! Swearwords are forbidden. Trying to distract the batsman when he is facing is unsportsmanlike. Stop talking as soon as the bowler starts his run-up. Talk through your actions, not your words! |
Keep the ball off the ground and keep it polished. Ball tampering is forbidden. |
When the batsman plays the ball, return the ball immediately and without hesitation to the wicket keeper. Only throw to the bowlers end if there is a real chance to get a run-out. If nobody is backing up at the bowlers end, rather hold the ball back or throw to the wicket keeper. |
Get the ball back to the bowler as quickly as possible after it has become dead. |
Move quickly between each over. Speed up play. |
When we are batting, the two batters bat! Every other player watches and encourage the batters unless directed otherwise by the coach/manager. |
Batting:
Develop good, loud positive calling: “YES!”, “NO!”, “WAIT!” |
Keep your eyes on the ball; look for overthrows for example. Take runs quickly. Think “one and a bit”, “two and a bit”, etc. |
Run off the strip. Cross over behind the stumps. |
Make sure, if you are next to bat, that you are ready. Be ready in the unlikely event of a collapse. The problems of a collapse will be exacerbated by panicky padding up. |
| Incoming and outgoing batsmen cross on the field of play moving to or from the pavilion. |
The umpires are always treated with respect. For example, “Middle, please”. Always be polite to the umpire. All players will thank the umpires after the match – after all, you want them on your side! |