Gordonians Cricket Club

GORDONIANS CRICKET CLUB – PLAYERS’ HANDBOOK 

 

INTRODUCTION

At Gordonians we are passionate about cricket. This handbook should assist you understand our Club and how we would like it to operate - as smoothly and efficiently as is practical. It is essential that you take your individual responsibilities seriously as failure to do so will reflect on the rest of the Club as a collective, and could have a detrimental effect on our overall reputation. Whilst some of the following may be less relevant to you, ignorance of those that are relevant, is not acceptable. If you are unsure about anything then please discuss with your Captain or with a member of the Executive Committee. Please note that we will endeavour to notify Club members of any changes to the following by email during the season. Any changes will be updated to the Handbook as quickly as possible.

 

INDEX

 

1. Mission Statement

2. History, Background and Achievements

3. RGC Connection

4. Club Management Structure

5. Equity Policy Statement

6.Code of Conduct and Grievance & Disciplinary Review Process

7. Selection Policies (including Cup competitions and Guest Players)

8. Junior Section

9. Child protection policy

10. Player Availability and Call Off procedures

11. Teas

12.Net Practice and Coaching

13. Rules for use of facilities including artificial wicket/nets

14. Financial information including Membership Subscription & Match Fee procedure

15. Dress Code

16. Travel and expenses procedure

17. Joining the Club/Registration

18. Leaving the Club

19. How to access useful information such as Club websites, ACA Grades, SPCU and Cricket Scotland sites
20. Communication with other Club members
21. Your Business and access to Club members
22. Rules of Cricket/Umpiring/Scoring
23. Professional and Overseas Amateur
24. Sponsorship
25. Mergers and Recruitment

1. MISSION STATEMENT

•To increase participation in cricket in Aberdeen

•To establish a sustainable club structure from junior through to senior players

•To continually improve performance and produce select players

•To win all competitions entered

•To carry out our activities in an ethical manner with integrity

•To compete hard and fair and have fun

•To be a friendly, open, inclusive club with strong links to RGC, the Gordonian community and RGU

•To protect and enhance the club’s legacy & reputation

•To develop a mutually beneficial sustainable partnership with our sponsors


2. HISTORY, BACKGROUND AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Gordonians Cricket Club is an amateur sports club run by volunteers. We have strong historic links to Robert Gordon’s College school. In more recent times we have transformed in to an open and inclusive club with players from a diverse range of backgrounds. We have a proud tradition to follow. The club has produced a number of players who have played at county and even international level. We have provided 3 presidents of the local Aberdeen Grade cricket association. We are rebuilding the club from a dip in fortunes through 2000-2007. We are flourishing with increasing number of players. Our main focus is to improve the quality of our players through coaching, and developing a sustainable cricket product by starting a junior section and continuing to improve our excellent cricket facility.

The milestones in our history are:

1920's Club founded by RGC former pupils

1925 Established Seafield as home ground

1927 Entered Aberdeen Grade 1

1928 Started a second XI in Grades

1930’s Won Grade 1 on three occasions & Aberdeenshire Cup twice

1938 Started 3^rdXI

1938 1^stXI entered Strathmore Union

1940’s Won Grade 1 title once & Aberdeenshire Cup on three occasions

1950’s Won Aberdeenshire and Bon Accord cups (twice) plus Grade 2

1980’s 2nd XI won Grade 3 & Reid Cup double in 1986

1987 -2001 Employed professional player/coach

1990 2nd XI won Grade 2

1991 2^ndXI won Aberdeenshire Cup

1991 Moved from Seafield to current home at Counteswells Playing Field

1994 1^stXI won Strathmore Union

1999 1st XI won Strathmore Union League Cup, 2nd XI won Reid Cup, 3rd XI won Johnston Cup

2001 Merged with Grammar FPs CC

2002 Employed amateur player/coach

2003 Demerged from Grammar and withdrew from Strathmore Union leaving 1st XI in Grade 2 and 2nd XI in Grade 4

2004 Disbanded 2nd XI

2005 1st and only XI won Grade 3

2007 Restarted a 2^nd XI

2008 1st XI won Grade 2 and 2nd XI secured promotion from Grade 4

2009 2nd XI secured promotion from Grade 3 as runners up, 1st XI re-entered SPCU Div 2

2010 Restarted 3rd XI and added a 4th XI, 2nd XI secured promotion from Grade 2 and 1st XI were promoted as Champions from SPCU Div 2

2011 Added a 5th Sunday XI, 2nd XI won Aberdeenshire Cup and 1st XI secured promotion from SPCU Div 1 returning to Premier division after 10 years away. Junior Section launched.

2012 3rd XI won Reid Cup, Reunion Dinner held
2013 Disbanded 4th XI
2014 3rdXI promoted to Grade 3, 90th Anniversary Reunion Weekend with Dinner and matches
2015 1st XI won 3 Counties Cup and CS Challenge Cup, 2nd XI won Bon Accord Cup. 1st XI runners up in SPCU NE Championship losing Play Off to CSL Eastern Premier champions. 2nd XI promoted to Grade 1 and 3rd XI lost in Reid Cup Final.
2016 1st XI won Strathmore Union, retained 3 Counties Cup and retained CS Challenge Cup. Disbanded 3rd XI
2017 2nd XI won Bon Accord Cup, 1st XI CS Challenge Cup runners up
2018 1st XI won 3 Counties Cup, 2nd XI promoted to Grade 1. U-13 Juniors won Scottish Cup.
2019 2nd XI Aberdeenshire Cup runners up
2020 Club Secretary recognised by Cricket Scotland as Adult Volunteer of the Year. Season start deferred by global coronavirus pandemic.

3. RGC CONNECTION

Gordonians Cricket Club (GCC) owes its existence and name to former pupils of the Aberdeen based independent school, Robert Gordon’s College (RGC). The school was founded in 1750 and the cricket loving former pupils (called Gordonians) started our club in 1925. The club has always been and will always be connected with the school and its former pupil network and has always played at the school’s sports playing field, formerly Seafield in Thorngrove Avenue (1925-1990) and now, since 1991, Countesswells. The club’s constitution is linked to the former pupils Gordonian Association (the Association). Whilst the school looks to FP’s sports clubs (rugby, hockey and cricket) to contribute to the running costs of Countesswells, the school and the Association provide a significant subsidy to the true commercial cost to have access to such a fantastic facility, the envy of many and continuously improving through regular investment. There is an implicit expectation that the club is led by an FP and field a significant number of FP players. GCC is represented on the Association committee and the school’s Gordonian Committee, part of RGC’s governance management process. All of the above provides the club with a strong identity and brand name. Consistently the FP network has been a source of significant financial support and sponsorship of the club. Over time the club has, along with other FP founded sports clubs, naturally and wisely reduced its total reliance on schoolchildren and FP’s. We became an open club some years ago and now have a majority of members who are not RGC FP’s. Nonetheless, it remains strategically important to maintain positive relationship with RGC, its staff and the FP network. Our past, present and future is connected to RGC. One of club objectives is to develop closer relations with the school which were affected by the move from Seafield, the contraction of our club 2002-2007, the strong pull from Aberdeenshire CC and society and education curriculum changes shortening the school season. The club President, committee and Junior coaches are working hard to strengthen relations. This is very much a team effort. We are committed to increasing the number of RGC pupils and Gordonians playing for our club. The key elements to this objective are:

Work of Exec Committee

Excellent relations with Countesswells ground staff

Offering a junior section – coaching, training and matches

Playing matches v school, helping school with umpiring

Website, players’ handbook

The key relationships are:

RGC Director of Finance (currently GCC President A Lowden)

RGC Sports Staff – Head of Sport Craig Harper and Head of Cricket Ross Horne

RGC Countesswells Ground staff – Head groundsman Donny Reid

RGC cricket players – 2020 1^st XI captain - TBC (& other year groups)

RGC Development Office (Alumni section) - Laura Thom

GCC’s RGC liaison - Paul Gray

RGC;s Counteswells Playing Field Committee members – Convenor Walter Stephen & A Lowden

Gordonian Association members – President Walter Stephen, Secretary Alan Adie

Gordonians/GCC VP’s - link Alan Adie

Sponsors – TBC

4. CLUB MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

 

The club is managed by an Executive Committee (Exec) initially comprising of the President, Secretary and Treasurer. Thereafter these members have the power to co-opt as many persons to the Executive Committee to assist with running of the club as they deem necessary. The appointment of the following positions and/or formation of sub-committees are delegated to the Exec:

 

SELECTION CONVENER
JUNIOR CONVENER (must be suitably qualified) and COACHES

CRICKET COMMITTEE (To include Selection Convener, Junior Convener and Captains of 1^st, 2^nd, 3rd and Sunday XI’s. If Captains are unable to attend any meeting they may send their Vice Captain to act on their behalf at the meeting)
RGU LIAISON

RGC LIAISON

TOUR SUB-COMMITTEE

COACHING/TRAINING (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)

FUND RAISING
PR/COMMUNICATION/WEBSITE &SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE (INCLUDING SPONSORS)

SOCIAL CONVENER – ENTERTAINMENT/SOCIAL/CATERING/AWARDS DINNER
ARCHIVIST/HISTORIAN

HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS

FINANCE/SECRETARIAL/MEMBERSHIP (INCLUDING FIXTURES and FIXTURE CARD)

5. EQUITY POLICY STATEMENT

• This club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following definition of sports equity:
• Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognizing inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.
• The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.
• The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.
• All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.
• The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures.

6. CODE OF CONDUCT AND GRIEVANCE & DISCIPLINARY REVIEW PROCESS

Code of conduct for players:

• Arrive for training and matches in good time to prepare thoroughly;
• Turn up with appropriate kit for the activity;
• Always warm up and cool down properly;
• Play for fun and enjoyment – not just to please others and/or coaches;
• Learn and play by the rules;
• Actively discourage unfair play, rule violations and arguing with match officials;
• Do not argue with match officials and/or captains/coaches – use your energies for playing better;
• Be a good sport – win with modesty, lose with dignity;
• Respect other people – treat them as you would wish to be treated;
• Treat everyone equally and not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief;
• Co-operate with coaches, team-mates and opponents;
• Think about improving your skills after training and competition;
• Inform the captain of any injury as soon as possible;
• Thank officials and opponents after competition.

Grievance & Disciplinary Review Process

Introduction

The club has expanded quickly and is an inclusive sports organisation. We now have five senior sides, a junior section and a large number of players, both long term club members and shorter term members. We aim to play and practice the game competitively and fairly, respecting our team-mates and opponents both on and off the field in personal and written contact. We also aim to respect and comply with the rules of the competitions in which we play. To align with the ACA and good practice, the management committee have developed and approved the following process aimed at ensuring we can address any grievance or disciplinary issues within the club in a fair and timely manner thus upholding the reputation of the club and our members.

Rules

Follow ACA playing conditions and rules of competition (and SPCU if different). Follow GCC Code of Conduct. Treat each other with respect and in a way we would expect to be treated ourselves.

Process

If a player raises a grievance or a potential matter of discipline is identified, the matter will be considered by the GDC. The GDC will have the authority to censure, temporarily suspend or expel a club player. No fine process exists.

Grievance& Disciplinary Committee (GDC)

• Members – Grievance & Discipline Officer(GDO) (appointed by the management committee), club or team captain and one other senior player can be co-opted by the GDO;
• Complaints in writing within 5 days;
• Hearing within 10 days of complaint;
• Player represented (if more than one player involved, both players will be invited);
• Decision recorded in writing.

Right of appeal to Management Committee

• Appeal Committee members – President, Club Captain (if not already involved), Secretary & any other player co-opted by President);
• Appeal to be in writing;
• Hearing within 10 days of appeal;
• Decision recorded in writing;
• Questions

If anyone has any questions about the process, please discuss them with the club secretary or president.

7. SELECTION POLICY (INCLUDING CUP COMPETITIONS AND GUEST PLAYERS)

SELECTION OF TEAMS WILL BE MADE BY CAPTAINS (OR VICE CAPTAINS ON AUTHORITY OR IN ABSENCE OF TEAM CAPTAIN) IN ORDER FROM 1^STXI to 4^THXI. SELECTION SHOULD TAKE IN TO ACCOUNT THE NEED OF EACH XI TO HAVE WICKETKEEPING AND BOWLING CAPACITY. ONCE TEAMS ARE PUBLISHED THESE WILL ONLY BE AMENDED DUE TO CALL-OFFS OR PLAYERS VOLUNTEERING TO STEP DOWN IN THE EVENT OF ANY SCHEDULED MATCH BEING CALLED OFF. ANY OTHER CHANGES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED TO TEAMS ONCE PUBLISHED ARE TO BE DISCUSSED AND AGREED BETWEEN CAPTAINS OF TEAMS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED. IN THE EVENT OF ANY DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN CAPTAINS, THE SELECTION CONVENER WILL HAVE FINAL SAY OVER ANY SELECTION MATTER. THE 5^THXI SELECTION WILL BE BASED ON AVAILABILITY AND PRIMARILY AGREED BETWEEN 5^THXI AND 1^STTEAM CAPTAINS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SELECTION CONVENER.

Selection of teams for Cup Competitions will be the responsibility of the respective team Captains or, in their absence, their appointed Vice Captain. It is hoped that Captains will select players for Cup games who have regularly played in that particular Grade, and particularly those who have paid an Annual Sub. In the event of any dispute from any Captain or player, the Selection Convener will have final say over any selection matter.

THE CLUB WILL ADOPT A ‘GUEST PLAYER’ POLICY WHEREBY ‘GUEST PLAYERS’ WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED IN THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES – IF THEY ARE PAID-UP PLAYERS TO OUR RGU PARTNERSHIP TEAM OR ‘JUNIORS’ WHO MAY BE SELECTED FOR THE SUNDAY XI (THIS MAY ALSO INCLUDE PARENT/GUARDIAN OF THE JUNIOR INVOLVED). ANY CLUB MEMBER UNHAPPY WITH A ‘GUEST PLAYER’SELECTION CAN REFER THE MATTER IN THE FIRST INSTANCE TO THE SELECTION CONVENER, THEN, IF NOT HAPPY, FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. CIRCUMSTANCES MAY ARISE WHEREBY LACK OF PLAYERS MAY NECESSITATE THE CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONAL ‘GUEST PLAYERS’. ANY SUCH SELECTION MUST BE APPROVED BY THE SELECTION CONVENER WHO MUST THEN OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM A MAJORITY OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. USE OF JUNIORS AS PERMITTED BY ABERDEENSHIRE GRADES RULES WILL BE ALLOWED SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF ANY CLUB MEMBER TO RAISE THE MATTER WITH THE SELECTION CONVENER AND, IF REQUIRED, WITH THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

8. JUNIOR SECTION

 

Gordonians Cricket Club (GCC) has a long and proud track record of fostering the playing and development of cricket in the North East of Scotland, Aberdeen area. Yet interestingly to date, the club has only fielded a junior side for very short periods and not for some years. At the turn of the 21^stCentury, GCC contracted. There were a number of reasons -wider socio-economic, changes in education, the legacy of the schools move from the old club ground at Seafield and so on. This contraction to one Grade side was nearly terminal.

 

Since 2007, the GCC committee has reenergised the club. We believe we have created a strong and positive culture around enjoying the sport whilst competing in whatever we do. Our aspiration is to establish a sustainable cricket club within the Cricket Scotland Top Club programme thus fostering cricket in Aberdeen. We want to make GCC an attractive cricket product for all people of any age. We believe GCC would compliment the larger ACC and SDCC, providing further quality capacity for developing cricketers in Scotland. Club members would gain a positive life experience in a co-operative team environment. We wish to establish mature links with a number of Aberdeen schools including but not limited to RGC. Funding sources may comprise, club funds, sponsorship, Cricket Scotland, RGC, GA.

 

We formed a junior section in May 2010. We have a junior sub committee and a Child protection policy in place. Our qualified coaches supported by willing club volunteers offer indoor and outdoor cricket coaching at Countesswells - through the winter under the rugby stand and in the summer at nets. The juniors, depending on ability and physique, will hopefully play for our Grade 3 and SPCU Sunday XI development sides to get some exposure to senior cricket.

Please encourage all children you know to give cricket a chance. If interested contact Andy Lowden (President) on 07807 349810 or andylowden@btinternet.com

 

9. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

 

  GCC adheres to the Cricket Scotland Child Protection policy. This can be found under the Junior Section link on the left hand column.

10. PLAYER AVAILABILITY AND CALL OFF PROCEDURE

 

At the beginning of the season, all players will be allocated to a particular team ‘squad’ for administrative purposes. The Captain of that squad will then contact that player on a weekly basis to check their availability. Players may be moved to a different ‘squad’ if it is thought that they are more likely to be selected in that alternative ‘squad’. Players will be advised of this by the respective Captain(s). It is essential that the player responds positively to any availability request as promptly as possible, be this by email, text, phone, or in person. A lack of response or a slow or non-committal response may result in the player not being selected at all, or eventually being selected for a lower grade team.

When availability is requested, players should also advise if they are available for any Sunday matches and MUST advise if they are unable to travel outwith Aberdeen, or have to leave early, or indeed, may be late to a match. Captains are entirely free NOT to select a player who cannot guarantee to be able to play for the full length of a match. If a player is not available for a full match it is possible that they may be selected for a lower grade team and it would be appreciated if they could assist the Club by turning out for that team for as long as they can manage.

Any selected player who then has to call off for any reason must appreciate that this has a knock on effect on all the selected teams for that day, and this may cause problems for the Captains and other players who may have to move teams to cover their absence. The later the call off, the greater the inconvenience that will be caused to others. Any player calling off must speak to the Captain of the team he for which he has been selected. If he gets no reply from the Captain, he must contact the Vice Captain or thereafter the Club Secretary. It is NOT acceptable to call off by email or text. If a player is going to be late for a match then he must speak to the Captain or Vice Captain or if they are unavailable, somebody who is due to play in the team they are playing for, or thereafter, the Club Secretary. If a player is going to be late for the start of a match, it is up to the Captain of that team as to whether he selects a replacement if such an option is available.

11. TEAS

Catering is deemed by the club for visiting teams as a minimum of 2 of each of the following: fresh sandwiches (you can make your own or buy from a shop), savoury snack and confectionery. Storage boxes will be provided in the kitchen at Countesswells and you should put your sandwiches in the box appropriate to the match you are involved in. It is not acceptable that any player “forgets” to bring the opposition teas. The Club and captains will provide tea/coffee, sugar and milk. It is essential that the kitchen and dining area are left tidy and that any mess is cleared away. Cups and any cutlery must be prepared for loading in to the dishwasher.

12. NET PRACTICE AND COACHING

 

The Secretary will notify players as to when indoor and outdoor nets start and finish. NO nets/training can be done at Countesswells outwith the times notified unless agreed with the Club Secretary as this has a financial implication to the Club (the Secretary must then seek permission of the relevant groundstaff). Players must leave the facility before the time notified. Players must respect any staff who oversee any facility being used by the Club. Players must also treat the facilities with due care and attention and behave in a safe manner with regard to the health and safety of any other person using the facility. Players must pay for any damage caused by an act of wilful negligence or vandalism. Attendance at nets is optional but players not attending nets should be aware that this may influence selection and how they are used during games by their respective Captain. Nets will usually be run by the Professional and/or the Overseas Amateur. If they are not in attendance, the nets will be run by the most senior coach or, in their absence, by the most senior Captain, or at their instigation, by a suitable senior Club member. Whilst full participation is encouraged, players will not have to do anything at nets with which they are not comfortable. Nets are open to Club members and RGU members only. Non members may attend nets but only with the approval of the Executive Committee and they may be expected to make some form of financial contribution. Juniors may only attend Senior nets if permission is given by the Junior Convener and if suitable PVG arrangements are in place.

13. RULES FOR USE OF FACILITIES INCLUDING ARTIFICIAL WICKET/NETS

All facilities at Countesswells must be treated with respect. They belong to RGC and NOT to Gordonians Cricket Club. Any intentional damage caused to the facilities will be the personal responsibility of the individual involved. Countesswells will be managed by a member of RGC Groundstaff on match days and any instruction or guidance from them will be adhered to without any form of dissent or dispute. Spiked footwear is not permitted on any artificial surface.

14. FINANCIAL INFORMATION INCLUDING MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION & MATCH FEE PROCEDURE

 

The Club will appoint an Auditor for its accounts at each AGM. The accounts will be submitted for approval at the AGM.

Subscription Standing Order Option

1st and 2nd XI’s		3rd and 4th XI’s		RGU players
Employed £130		Employed £110		All teams £60*
Unemployed/Student £75		Unemployed/Student £75

*Only available if the player has paid their RGU membership fee.

 

The above is designed to benefit those players who will be playing on a regular basis. Players can choose to pay their subscription either by direct debit (4monthly charges) or in one lump sum payment.

The decision between who is a 1^st/2^nd XI player and those who are 3^rd/4^th XI players is obviously not black and white but we expect most players to have an idea of which team they will be playing in. However, prior to the season starting the captains will be discussing which players they believe will feature in their teams throughout the season. We will use the squad lists produced by the captains for the purposes of classifying the annual sub due from each player. This is not a one-way process and if you think you have been allocated to the wrong team, please inform us.

 

Membership Fee & Match Fees Option

 

For those who may not be playing regularly, we will offer the option of paying a match fee on the day of the game. Please note that those choosing this option will be subject to a membership fee, over and above the match fee, for every 5 games played (see below for further details).

1st and 2nd XI’s (match fees)		3rd and 4th XI’s (match fees)
Employed £8		Employed £6
Unemployed/Student £4		Unemployed/Student £4

PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR ANY T20 MATCH, FEES WILL BE HALF THAT NOTED ABOVE.
JUNIORS UNDER THE AGE OF 16 (or still at school) £2.50 FOR EACH ‘SENIOR’ MATCH.
A MATCH FEE WILL BE PAYABLE IF A GAME CANNOT BE COMPLETED BUT THE FIRST INNINGS HAS BEEN COMPLETED. IN THIS CASE, THE FEE WILL BE HALF THE NORMAL MATCH FEE.

Membership fees

Employed Unemployed/Student

After 5 games £25 £15

After 10 games £15 £10

After 15 games £10 £5

Choices

Each player will be issued with a registration form, on which we ask you to state how you will be paying for your cricket for the season; either by the annual sub method or the match fee and membership fee method. A cut off date for paying the annual sub will be advised to players and after that date, it will only be permissible to pay by the match fee/membership fee method.

Sunday – SPCU Div 3

For the team in the SPCU Division 2, with matches being played on a Sunday, the match fees applicable for this team will be £5 (employed), £4 (student/unemployed) and £2.50 for Juniors as noted earlier. These match fees will apply to everybody, with the exception of those who have paid the annual sub.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the club treasurer.

 

15. DRESS CODE

The standard of dress code for all players is normal cricket whites inclusive of white cricket footwear (boots or shoes) or official club coloured clothing. If you have a Club playing shirt showing the logo of our sponsor’s, Arrowdawn, please wear it as first choice.

Coloured logo T-shirts, football shirts, non-white trousers etc. Will NOT be acceptable. If you are new to playing cricket and/or not sure how often you will play and therefore whether the financial commitment is worthwhile, please talk to your captain or a committee member before each game, as we may be able to help.

Where warmth is a priority, preference is to wear your own or borrow a white (cricket) sweater(s). Extra clothing for warmth (i.e. under armour) can be worn but please make sure the top layer is cricket white.

This dress code should be strictly adhered to at all times when representing Gordonians Cricket Club on match days or on any other occasion where the wearing of cricket whites would be deemed appropriate to the event.

1^st team players are expected to have their own kit, and everybody is expected to have their own box (abdo guard). Team kit bags will be available for all other sides but the quality of kit available is liable to be used kit, and may not be ideal for the needs of some individuals. The availability of helmets for juniors is very limited and if selected for a side, and you do not own a suitable helmet, please inform your Captain immediately in order that he can source a helmet.

You should note that spikes cannot be worn on the artificial wicket and you should check the selection email which will advise if you are playing on a non grass wicket.

For training and coaching purposes, you are encouraged to wear a light coloured plain top when bowling.

16. TRAVEL AND EXPENSES PROCEDURE

 

The Club will always be indebted to those who drive to away matches and take fellow Club members with them. Captains should ensure that the Club adheres to relevant Child protection issues if they are responsible for transporting Juniors to any form of Club activity.

In an ideal world, the Club would take responsibility for refunding drivers fully for petrol costs incurred in travelling to away matches. Historically this has not been the case but for 2012, we intend to trial an expenses policy with a view to improving this in future.

The travel policy will only apply to matches that involve travelling more than 40 miles from Aberdeen and will only apply to matches in the SPCU as payment of travelling expenses is not permitted in the Aberdeenshire Grades. The mileages involved will be drawn up by the Club Treasurer who will also administer the refunding of expenses.

For 2012 we will refund up to 3 drivers 10p a mile for eligible away travel. The driver’s details will be included on the Captains Match Return form, which will be passed to the Treasurer as soon as practical after each game. Policy would not be to refund drivers who decide to travel alone to away matches.

17. JOINING THE CLUB/REGISTRATION

 

The Club will consider applications to join the Club from anybody irrespective of whether they have attended RGC. Prospective members should email the Club providing some information with regard to any previous cricketing experience. The Executive Committee reserves the right to decline any application to join the Club without providing any reasons.

A Registration form will be provided which will request information which the Club deems appropriate to your membership. 

18. LEAVING THE CLUB

 

If you intend to leave the Club, you should advise the Club Secretary as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the rules that may surround moving to another Club whether it be within the SPCU or ACA Grades or within any other competition the Club may be involved in.

Before leaving you should ensure all Subs or Match Fees are paid up to date or the Club will contact the appropriate League Committee and activate any rules which may prevent your participation in that League until debts are cleared.

 

19. HOW TO ACCESS USEFUL INFORMATION SUCH AS CLUB WEBSITES, ACA GRADES, SPCU AND CRICKET SCOTLAND SITES

 

Please see the ‘Links’ section on the left hand menu to access sites of interest

20. COMMUNICATION WITH OTHER CLUB MEMBERS

 

The use of the e-mail system within the club is encouraged, as its appropriate use facilitates communication and improves efficiency. Its inappropriate use, however, can cause many problems ranging from minor distractions to legal claims against the club. This section sets out the clubs view on the correct use of the e-mail system.

The e-mail system is available for communication on matters directly concerned with the business of the club. Members using the e-mail system should give particular attention to the following:

The standard of presentation: the style and content of an e-mail message must be consistent with the standards that the club expects from written communications.

Only those members in an elected position may use the club secretary’s account, and only those officials may send emails concerning club information once agreed by the club President or executive committee member.

The appropriateness of e-mail: e-mail should not be used as a substitute for face to face communication. Poorly worded and hasty messages, sent without proper consideration, can cause stress, unnecessary misunderstandings and damage relationships within the Club.

The visibility of e-mail: if the message is confidential, the user must ensure that the necessary steps are taken to protect confidentiality.

Team selection will be communicated by email unless you make an alternative arrangement with your normal match day Captain. If you are asked to acknowledge receipt of the email you should communicate with your Captain immediately.

Using the Club email contact list is not permitted unless approved by a member of the Executive Committee who will assess whether the usage is appropriate.

 

21. YOUR BUSINESS AND ACCESS TO CLUB MEMBERS

 

It is not permitted to mailshot Club members for business purposes. The Club will however, be happy to consider adding some form of ‘advertising’ for your business, or that of your friends, to Club emails, or to any Club website, if the Executive Committee deem it appropriate, of interest to members, and potentially advantageous to members. The Committee will be particularly happy to circulate any offers of discounts to members, assuming they meet the above conditions. You should email the Club Secretary if you wish to discuss any form of ‘advertising’.

 

22. RULES OF CRICKET/UMPIRING/SCORING

 

All players should familiarise themselves with the laws of cricket and it is Club policy that we not only adhere to the laws, but also to the spirit of cricket. If other Clubs choose to ignore or bend the laws, or behave outwith the spirit of the game, it is for your team Captain to deal with matters as they arise, or refer to the Executive Committee who will consider whether any form of protest or report is appropriate.

If neutral umpires are provided their decisions must be respected. It is likely that the majority of matches will be umpired by the teams involved. Again, umpiring decisions must be respected. Any disquiet with the decision making should be referred to your Captain. Your Captain may be able to request a change of umpire if their ability or impartiality is in doubt.

The Club would appreciate if players would make themselves available to umpire and/or score during games. This must be done fairly and with impartiality at all times. Whilst the Club will take action against misbehaviour by opponents, we will equally apply sanctions to Club members who also behave in a manner that is not in line with the laws or spirit of the game.

Information on the laws of cricket, umpiring and scoring, can be found on the ACA Grades website.

http://www.acagrades.org.uk/node/31

http://www.acagrades.org.uk/node/32

The Club will try to provide information on how to score within the cover of our scorebooks.

23. PROFESSIONAL and OVERSEAS AMATEUR

The Committee shall ensure that the engagement of any Pro and Amateur(s) fully comply with the rules of whichever leagues with which we are involved. We will not 'bend' rules when engaging a Pro or Amateur. If the engagement of a Pro is dependent on sponsorship, the Committee will check that the sponsor is happy with the Pro they have identified before finalising a contract.

24. SPONSORSHIP

 

The Committee will ensure that any sponsorship received is ethical and appropriate to the public image of the Club. If the Club has a main sponsor, the Committee will ensure that any secondary sponsorship does not conflict with the main sponsor, and that the main sponsor is happy for the Club to receive any additional sponsorship.

25. MERGERS and RECRUITMENT

 

The Constitution of the Club does not allow for a merger with a different Club. Any player recruitment must not include any inducements which do not comply with any league rules. Whilst we are an open Club, the Committee reserves the right to review and decline the membership of any individual at any time without the need to advise that individual of the reasons surrounding their decision.