Code of conduct and players' responsibilities

Code of conduct for adults

In the heat of the moment and the excitement of the match, it is sometimes difficult for club officials and parents to take an objective and balanced view about any match their team is involved in. Whilst watching your children play stoolball, we would ask you to keep the following in mind:

  • The children are not competing to satisfy your ambitions
  • The children are involved in stoolball for their enjoyment - not yours
  • You have the responsibility to encourage the children to keep to the rules of stoolball
  • Teamwork and effort are as important as winning - you should accept losing without undue disappointment
  • Do not allow a winning side to gloat over their victory
  • Never ridicule or shout at a child for making a mistake or losing - praise the things they have done well, or keep quiet
  • Set an example - applaud good play by both teams
  • Never publicly question an umpire's decision - never doubt his or her honesty
  • Verbal abuse and racial abuse are entirely unacceptable in stoolball, and against the law
  • Recognise the value and importance of the adults who are coaching you, they are giving up their time for your enjoyment

Players' responsibilities

Clothing

  1. Please look smart when you are playing in a match
  2. Do not wear anything that is valuable, in case it gets lost or stolen
  3. Ask the adult in charge of your team to find a secure place for mobile phones, money and discarded clothing and so on
  4. Stoolball equipment is expensive, take good care of it.

Timing

  1. Be early, rather than late
  2. If you are unwell, or going away, let your team manager know in good time
  3. After the match, if you did not come with your parents, get ready quickly, your team manager has probably got other things to do.

Behaviour and attitudes

  1. No bad language please, on or off the field. It isn't necessary, it's immature, and most spectators are offended by it
  2. Always respect your opponents, even if they seem not to be respecting you
  3. If your team manager is giving you advice or discussing tactics, listen to what is being said, without interruption
  4. The umpires are in charge of the game; do not argue with them even if you do not agree with their decisions
  5. Bad behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.

Jewellery

  1. It is advisable that rings should be removed before the match, if possible, or at least covered with an adhesive plaster.

Sportsmanship

  1. Winning is a good feeling, think about how the opposition feel about losing
  2. Congratulating your opponents is a sign of strength, not a weakness
  3. Always clap a batsman on to the field
  4. Remember to thank the umpires and scorers at the end of the match; they have given up their spare time to officiate at your match.