Cricket Etiquette and Spirit of Cricket

In this lesson you will learn what makes cricket's approach to fair play special. The Laws of Cricket, written by MCC, begin with a preamble on the Spirit of Cricket. It explains that cricket owes much of its appeal to being played not only within the Laws but also within the spirit of the game. In simple terms, that means playing hard but playing fair, respecting everyone involved, and making sure the game is enjoyed. The Spirit of Cricket applies to all cricket, from international matches to community leagues like the Winn Family T-20 League.

• The Laws open with the Spirit of Cricket preamble
• Play within the Laws and the spirit
• Play hard but play fair
• Applies at every level of cricket

In this lesson you will learn why captains matter so much. The Spirit of Cricket makes clear that the major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, although all players, umpires and, in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents also play their part. A captain sets the tone for the team's behaviour, both through example and by stepping in if a team-mate's conduct falls short. Good captains shake hands with the opposition and umpires, accept decisions graciously, and make sure their team represents the league well. Every player can help their captain by setting a good example too.

• Captains carry the major responsibility for fair play
• Everyone involved shares responsibility
• Captains lead by example
• Captains step in if standards slip

In this lesson you will learn how to treat the match officials. Umpires make decisions on every ball, often in a split second, and their decisions are final. The Spirit of Cricket asks players to accept the umpire's decision without showing dissent. That means no arguing, no gestures of disappointment, and no waiting at the crease after being given out. If a captain has a genuine concern, it should be raised calmly and privately at an appropriate moment. Many community umpires are volunteers, so thanking them after the match is always good practice.

• The umpire's decision is final
• No dissent by word or action
• Raise genuine concerns calmly and privately
• Thank the umpires after the match

In this lesson you will look at respect for everyone else on the field. The Spirit of Cricket asks players to respect their opponents and their own team-mates, to celebrate their own success without disrespecting others, and to congratulate the opposition on their successes. Applauding a new batter onto the field, recognising a fine catch or a half-century by an opponent, and shaking hands at the end of the match are long-standing traditions. Sledging, meaning abuse or insults aimed at opponents, has no place in the game. These traditions help make cricket a welcoming game for everyone.

• Respect opponents and team-mates
• Celebrate without disrespecting others
• Applaud fine performances by either side
• Sledging and abuse have no place

In this lesson you will learn about the appeal. Only the umpire can give a batter out, and normally only after the fielding side appeals by asking a phrase such as how is that. The Spirit of Cricket expects appeals to be genuine, so players should only appeal when they believe the batter may be out. Repeated or aggressive appeals designed to pressure the umpire are against the spirit of the game, as is claiming a catch you know has touched the ground. Some batters choose to walk when they know they are out, a personal choice that reflects honesty.

• Only appeal when you believe the batter may be out
• Never claim a catch you know was grounded
• Avoid excessive or aggressive appealing
• Walking is a personal choice reflecting honesty

In this lesson you will learn the everyday etiquette expected at cricket. Arrive on time and ready to play. Do not walk behind the bowler's arm or in front of the sightscreen while play is in progress, and wait until the end of an over to move around the boundary. Keep noise and phones considerate near the players. Look after the ground and facilities, and help clear up afterwards. Be welcoming to visiting teams and new members. Small courtesies like these make a big difference to everyone's enjoyment at grounds like Winnston Park.

• Arrive on time and ready
• Do not walk behind the bowler's arm during play
• Move around the boundary between overs
• Welcome visitors and look after the ground

In this lesson you will learn how the Laws deal with poor behaviour. Law 42, Players' Conduct, gives umpires the power to act against unacceptable behaviour, with offences graded in four levels by seriousness. They range from lower-level offences such as showing dissent or excessive appealing, through more serious misconduct such as threatening behaviour, up to the most serious offences such as physical violence. Penalties can include five penalty runs and, for the more serious levels, a player being suspended from the match. Competitions may also take further disciplinary action, so check the WFA competition regulations.

• Law 42 covers Players' Conduct
• Offences are graded in four levels
• Penalties include five penalty runs
• Serious offences can lead to suspension