THE PREAMBLE - The Spirit of Cricket
Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within the Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse the spirit causes injury to the game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.
1. THERE ARE TWO LAWS WHICH PLACE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TEAM'S CONDUCT FIRMLY ON THE CAPTAIN.
RESPONSIBILITY OF CAPTAINS
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.
PLAYER'S CONDUCT
In the event of a player failing to comply with instructions by an umpire, or criticising by word or action the decisions of an umpire, or showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to the other umpire and to the player's captain, and instruct the latter to take action.
2. FAIR AND UNFAIR PLAY
According to the Laws the umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play. The umpires may intervene at any time and it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where required.
3. THE UMPIRES ARE AUTHORISED TO INTERVENE IN CASES OF:
Time wasting
Damaging the pitch
Dangerous or unfair bowling
Tampering with the ball
Any other action that they consider to be unfair
4. THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME INVOLVES RESPECT FOR:
Your opponents
Your own captain and team
The role of the umpires
The game and its traditional values
5. IT IS AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME:
To dispute an umpire's decision by word, action or gesture
To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire
To indulge in cheating or any sharp practise, for instance:
(a) to appeal knowing that the batsman is not out
(b) to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
(c) to seek or distract an opponent either verbally or by harrasment
with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of
enthusiasm and motivation of one's own side
6. VIOLENCE
There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.
7. PLAYERS
Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match.
Every player is expected to make an important contribution to this.
Spirit Of Cricket - Lord's version
Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only according to the Laws, but also within the Spirit of Cricket. The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, match officials and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents.
Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket.
Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires.
Play hard and play fair.
Accept the umpire’s decision.
Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise
Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.
Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team.
Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.
Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.