Hertfordshire Cricket

An Open Letter to the Hertfordshire Cricket Community

To all players, coaches, umpires, parents, club officials and administrators,

As the current season progresses, Hertfordshire Cricket feels it necessary to address, once again, the ongoing issue of poor behaviour in matches across the county.

Despite previous communications, we continue to receive an unacceptable number of reports involving conduct that falls well below the standards expected within our game. The frequency and nature of these incidents remain deeply concerning and cannot be allowed to continue.

Of particular concern is that much of this behaviour is taking place in the presence of young players. This is wholly unacceptable. Every individual involved in cricket has a clear responsibility to set a positive example and to help create an environment that is safe, respectful and inclusive. This is not optional; it is a fundamental expectation, underpinned by both safeguarding responsibilities and the values of the game.

Parents place their trust in clubs and the wider cricketing community when their children participate in open-age cricket. That trust must not be compromised. All players, without exception, are entitled to be treated with respect, dignity and professionalism.

We are therefore unequivocal: foul or abusive language, aggressive sledging, intimidation, dissent and any form of unsporting behaviour will not be tolerated. Such actions are contrary to the Spirit of Cricket and damage the reputation of the game across Hertfordshire.

Captains and club officials are reminded that they are responsible for the conduct and safeguarding of their players and members. This responsibility extends both on and off the field. Clubs are expected to take ownership of behaviour standards within their teams and to act where those standards are not met.

We also wish to make clear the impact this is having on the volunteers who sustain recreational cricket. Umpires, scorers, administrators and club volunteers should not be subjected to poor behaviour or abuse. The continued loss of valued individuals due to these pressures is a matter of serious concern, and it is entirely preventable.

Hertfordshire Cricket will not hesitate to take appropriate action where standards are not upheld. This includes working with leagues and regulatory bodies to ensure that disciplinary and safeguarding processes are applied consistently and, where necessary, strengthened.

We are calling on everyone involved in the game—players, officials, volunteers and spectators—to take immediate responsibility for their behaviour and to challenge poor conduct when they see it.

If you have any safeguarding concerns arising from behaviour on or around the cricket field, please report them promptly to your Club Safeguarding Officer or County Safeguarding Officer. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and concerns should never be ignored or left unreported.

The standards expected are clear. The responsibility is shared. The time for improvement is now.

If your club requires support in addressing these issues, we are available to assist. However, accountability rests with every individual and every club.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your commitment to protecting the integrity, reputation and future of cricket in Hertfordshire.

Julie Page
County Safeguarding Officer

Dominic Chatfield
Head of Participation