Youth Charter introduced
The club has re-introduced a Youth Charter for the 2003 season.

The charter was first used back in 1997 by Nick Board (a man ahead of his time!) and has been re-introduced as part of the Active Sports rules and guidelines.

The aim is to have a set of rules for players and parents/guardians.

The 2003 BTCC Youth Charter
YOUNG PLAYERS’ COMMITMENT

·                     Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.

·                     Always play to the laws of the game and, even more importantly, to their spirit.

·                     Always accept the umpires’ decision without question and never show dissent either on the field of play or off it.

·                     Always control your temper and don’t engage in cheating, intimidation, sledging or any acts of gamesmanship such as over appealing or over applauding.

·                     Remember cricket is a team game and work equally hard for your teammates and yourself. Don’t try to do everything yourself and encourage and support your fellows, particularly your captain, in all their efforts.

·                     Always be sporting and respect the opposition. Applaud their good play sincerely, compliment them on it and chat with them afterwards.

·                     Remember that behaviour off the field is as important as on. Always be polite and friendly and make a point of thanking all those involved in making your game possible: the umpires and scorers, the grounds men, those responsible for refreshments and your manager and coach. Always leave the changing rooms as tidy as you found them (or tidier).

·                     Always co-operate with your team manager and or coach. Treat them with respect, listen hard and follow their guidelines and rules. Don’t let them down at the last minute and take your practices as seriously as your matches.

·                     Be loyal to your club. Try to help actively and willingly in all the chores connected with the game.

·                     Your club puts a lot of time and money into giving you opportunities and deserves support over the years, not just for a glory season.

·                     Remember that you depend heavily on your parents’ help and behave accordingly. Be helpful at home and make sure you keep up with all your other commitments, such as homework!!

 PARENTS’ COMMITMENT

·                      Remember that your child’s enjoyment is the most important thing. Do not try to force an unwilling child to participate.

·                      Always encourage your child to play within the laws and the spirit of the laws of the game. Support any action taken by team managers and coaches to reinforce this. Applaud good play by the opposition and others in your child’s team as much as you applaud good performance by your own child.

·                      Respect all officials and their decisions both at the time and afterwards, and insist that your child does the same. Don’t question their judgement publicly and never question their honesty.

·                      Make sure that you always behave in a manner that encourages respect for the spirit of the game, the officials, the opposition and the rest of your team. Don’t be sarcastic or publicly question the manager’s selections or decisions.

·                      Help and support your child in developing his/her talents but don’t press them too hard and try to live your own sporting glory through them. Be supportive rather than yell or be sarcastic when a young player makes a mistake.

·                      Remember that cricket is a team game and all players are entitled to their fair chance. However talented your child may be, don’t expect them to always open the batting and the bowling and have first call on nets as well. Support and encourage all members of your team.

·                      Respect and support team managers and coaches who don’t have to give up their time for your child. Listen carefully to their advice to your child, respect their decisions and don’t criticise them behind their backs or to your child. If you have a point to make, ask to have a quiet and private word with them.

·                      Ask yourself how can you help. Your club will welcome those with cricket expertise who can become properly involved with some coaching, umpiring or scoring. Everyone can find a role somewhere, helping with transport or refreshments, running a social event or a ‘seconds’ stall or helping with fund raising.

·                      Try to make sure that your child is neatly turned out and respects his/her own and the club equipment. There is no need to rush out and spend lots of money when children are growing out of things rapidly and there are often good seconds available within the club. Seek the advice of your team manager about what equipment is necessary and where you can best obtain it.

·                     One of the lessons of cricket is loyalty. Remember that clubs put a lot of time and money into supporting young players. Support your child’s school and club and encourage your child to be a loyal, long-term member of both.