Cricket Etiquette

Please note that during the COVID-19 Pandemic, to ensure the health and safety of all players, umpires, coaches, volunteers and spectators, certain rule changes are in place that may differ from standard laws of play.

Find out more about our COVID Safe Plan
Find out more about COVID and Returning to Training

EDCC is dedicated to achieving excellence in all that we do. Our pursuit is to create a culture of inclusiveness, a place that is safe and fun for players, coaches, officials, parents, volunteers, spectators and opponents.

Within the Spirit of Cricket, there are certain unwritten laws or practices that should be followed as a means of respecting the game, your opponents and your team.

Fair play
  • According to the Laws of Cricket, 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 or coach to act where required.
  • The captain and coach are always responsible for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit of the game and within the Laws.
  • Captains, coaches and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match.
  • Every player is expected to make an important contribution by playing the game in good spirit and fairness.
  • Examples of where a player fails to comply with the instructions of the umpire include:
    • Criticising, by word or action, the decisions of an umpire;
    • Showing dissent;
    • Behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute.

Respect
The spirit of the game involves respect for:
  • Your opponents.
  • Your captain, coach and team.
  • The role of the umpires.
  • The traditional values of cricket.

It is against the spirit of the game to:
  • Dispute an umpire’s decision by word, act or gesture.
  • Direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire.
  • Participate in cheating. Such instances include:
    • Appealing when knowing the batter is not out;
    • Advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing;
    • Seeking to distract an opponent, either verbally or by harassment, with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one’s own side.

Umpires Managing the match
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.

Toss of the coin
  • The home team captain tosses the coin - the opposition captain calls.
  • The toss of the coin should be out on the pitch to be played upon.
  • Captains should always shake hands prior and after the toss.

Entering the playing field for commencement of play
  • Umpires are always the first to enter the playing field.
  • The fielding side then takes the field, led by their captain.
  • The two batters enter after the fielding team.

During play
  • The batting team should sit together on the sidelines, where shade is available (except where individuals may be warming up in preparation for batting).
  • It is normally the responsibility of the batting side to keep any score board up-to-date.

Leaving the field
  • The batters are always first to leave the playing field.
  • The fielding team follows the batters.

Bowlers’ and fielders’ ground marking
When marking their run-up, bowlers should refrain from damaging the grass or surface.

This is in the interests of the participants and as a sign of respect for those responsible for preparing the surface.

The same applies to fielders who mark the ground as an indication of their positions on the field.

Acknowledgement of milestones
  • Where appropriate, teams should acknowledge milestones during the game.
  • After the game, all players should acknowledge the opposition and match officials by shaking hands.

Support staff and spectators
  • The home team captain is to invite the umpires, opposition captain, and team for an appropriate post-match gathering to present the Spirit of Cricket award and reflect on the game to encourage friendship.
  • Coaches, administrators, parents, and spectators should respect the nature of the game and accept that it is the responsibility of umpires and the team captains to conduct a match in the appropriate manner.
  • Any noise from the sidelines (other than appropriate recognition of good performance or effort), or any signals or form of communication to players is not in the best interests of the game.
  • Any communication can be via the 12th player at drinks breaks or during breaks in play where teams leave the field.
  • Barracking from the sidelines should always be of a positive nature.