Strikers Cricket Academy

Coaching & Conduct Policy

Document Version: 1.0
Effective Date: March 17, 2026
Last Updated: March 17, 2026

1. Coaching Authority

1.1 Coaching Decisions

All coaching decisions at Strikers Cricket Academy are made by the coaching staff at their sole discretion. These decisions include but are not limited to:

• Team selection for matches and tournaments
• Playing time allocation during matches
• Batting order and bowling assignments
• Player development plans and progression
• Training session structure and focus areas
• Program level recommendations and promotions
• Position assignments and role development

1.2 Merit-Based Decisions

Coaching decisions are made based on the following criteria:

• Skill level — demonstrated ability in training and match situations
• Effort and attitude — commitment to improvement and team culture
• Attendance and consistency — regular participation in training sessions
• Team needs — tactical requirements for specific matches or tournaments
• Sportsmanship — conduct on and off the field

Parent relationships, financial contributions, seniority of enrollment, or personal connections do not influence coaching decisions.

1.3 Parent Input

Parents are welcome to:

• Ask questions about their child's development and progress
• Share relevant information about their child's health or well-being
• Provide constructive feedback through appropriate channels (app messaging or email)
• Request periodic progress updates from coaching staff

However, parent input does not override coaching decisions. Coaches will consider all feedback but retain final authority over all team and development matters.

2. Expected Conduct — Parents and Guardians

2.1 Positive Conduct

Parents and guardians are expected to:

• Support all players on the team, not just their own child
• Cheer positively and encourage effort, not just outcomes
• Respect coaches, staff, match officials, and opposing teams
• Communicate concerns calmly and through appropriate channels (not during sessions or matches)
• Model good sportsmanship for their children
• Trust the coaching process and allow coaches to do their job during sessions

2.2 Prohibited Conduct

The following behavior is not acceptable and may result in consequences:

• Coaching from the sidelines or contradicting coach instructions during sessions
• Confronting coaches, staff, or other parents in an aggressive, threatening, or disrespectful manner
• Publicly criticizing coaches, players, or the academy on social media or in group chats
• Pressuring coaches about team selection, playing time, or batting order
• Bullying, intimidating, or harassing any player, parent, coach, or staff member
• Attempting to influence coaching decisions through personal relationships or lobbying other parents
• Creating factions, cliques, or divisive behavior among families
• Using profane, abusive, or discriminatory language at any academy event

3. Expected Conduct — Players

3.1 Training and Match Conduct

Players are expected to:

• Follow all coach instructions and safety guidelines
• Arrive on time, warmed up, and ready to train
• Give full effort during training sessions and matches
• Treat teammates, opponents, and officials with respect
• Accept coaching feedback constructively
• Support and encourage teammates
• Take care of academy equipment and facilities

3.2 Sportsmanship

Players must:

• Play within the spirit of the game
• Accept umpire decisions without argument
• Congratulate opponents after matches regardless of result
• Not engage in sledging, taunting, or unsportsmanlike behavior
• Not use profane or abusive language

4. Consequences of Violations

4.1 Progressive Response

Depending on the severity of the conduct violation, Strikers Cricket Academy may take the following actions:

• Verbal warning — a private conversation addressing the behavior
• Written warning — formal notice via email documenting the violation
• Temporary suspension — removal from sessions or matches for a specified period
• Membership termination — permanent removal from the academy without refund

4.2 Immediate Termination

Strikers Cricket Academy reserves the right to terminate membership immediately, without prior warning and without refund, in cases of:

• Physical aggression or threats of violence against any person
• Severe bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior
• Behavior that poses a safety risk to players, staff, or other families
• Repeated violations after written warnings
• Any conduct that, in the academy's sole judgment, is fundamentally incompatible with our values and community

4.3 Academy Discretion

Strikers Cricket Academy has sole discretion in determining whether conduct violates this policy and what consequences are appropriate. Decisions regarding conduct violations are final.

5. Communication Channels

For questions, concerns, or feedback about coaching or conduct:

• App messaging — preferred for quick questions and updates
• Email — admin@strikerscricket.com for formal concerns
• Scheduled meetings — request via email for in-depth discussions about your child's development

Please do not raise coaching concerns during training sessions or matches. Coaches need to focus on all players during those times.

6. Acknowledgment

By agreeing to this policy, I acknowledge that:

• Coaching decisions are made by the coaching staff and are final
• I will communicate respectfully and support all players on the team
• I understand the consequences of violating this policy, including potential membership termination without refund
• I will model good sportsmanship and positive conduct for my child