CODE OF CONDUCT 

Approved at GC  26 January 2025

Highgate Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club seeks to maintain the highest standards of behaviour among all of its members and officials. We set out below the key principles of our policy which applies equally to our cricket and tennis sections. Any alleged breach of these standards of behaviour will be dealt with according to our Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure.

KEY PRINCIPLES 

Respect and Behaviour 

  1. Club members and Club officials must show tolerance, courtesy, good manners, fairness, honesty and integrity in their dealings with Club members, officials, Club members’ guests, playing and social visitors.
  2. Club members must not verbally, physically or emotionally abuse any other members, officials or guests in any way
  3. Club members must not act or do or say anything (physically and/or verbally and / or in writing) in a violent, threatening, intimidating, harassing or deliberately provocative way or in a way which may reasonably be interpreted as such (which interpretation may arise from the repetitive nature, cumulative effect and/or pattern of behaviour), or which is, or may reasonably be interpreted as, intended to offend, insult, humiliate, ridicule or cause harm or fear.
  4. Club members must not use any language, or make any communication or statement, on or off the cricket pitch or the tennis court (including in e-mail, online, on social networking platforms or on group chat or messaging applications or sites) whether orally or in writing, that is or may be contrary to, or not compliant with, any  standards set out in this Code of Conduct.
  5. Club members must not use audible obscenities or make obscene gestures of any kind while at the club or representing the club.
  6. Club members must, if so requested, cooperate fully with any  investigation into a complaint or alleged breach of this Code of Conduct and provide comprehensive, honest and accurate information and responses.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

  1. The Club is opposed to discrimination in any form. All Club members have a responsibility to help to create a safe, inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable environment and make everyone feel welcome and ensure that membership of the club is a positive experience.
  2. The Club values diversity. Club members must not unlawfully discriminate against anyone, or treat anyone unfavourably, by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, nationality, religion, belief, sex or sexual orientation;

Safety and Responsibility

Club members will act responsibly and look to protect and ensure the safety of everyone at the Club at all times and particularly to consider the well-being and care of vulnerable individuals, junior players and visitors.

Fair Play

A. Club members will respect the rules of the sports of cricket and tennis and address disputes with dignity and appropriate language.

B. Club members must not do anything, on or off the cricket pitch or the tennis court, that is or may be or may be interrupted as:

(a) unsporting,

(b) insulting,

(c) contrary to the integrity of the game of cricket or tennis.

Club Reputation

Club members must endeavour to protect and further the Club’s good reputation at all times. When representing the Club, all players and officials will observe the principles in this Code of Conduct.
In addition to the above key principles, all members shall comply with all rules, regulations, policies, codes of conduct, protocols and procedures adopted or issued from time to time by the ECB or the LTA.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of behaviours at the club, or when representing the club, which will normally be regarded as a breach of the Code of Conduct:

  1. Misuse of confidential Club information or breach of confidentiality.
  2. Misuse of the Club’s database, internet & email system.
  3. Whilst at the Club or representing the Club:

(a) Possession, distribution, sale, or use of any illegal drug.

(b) Serious incapacity through alcohol or being under the influence of illegal drugs.

(c) Disorderly conduct or any physical violence.

(d) Theft.

(e) Indecent behaviour.

  1. Physical, verbal or psychological bullying of members (wherever or however that occurs) or visitors to the Club.
  2. Malicious or careless destruction, or deliberate misuse of property belonging to the Club, or its employees, members or non-members.
  3. Deliberate attempts to breach, undermine or subvert the processes of democracy provided for in the Club’s constitution.