Code of Conduct

GENEVA SRI LANKA CRICKET CLUB

(Effective from the 2026 Cricket Season)


1. INTRODUCTION

The Geneva Sri Lanka Cricket Club (GESLCC), established in 1982, is one of the oldest cricket clubs in Geneva. GESLCC is a private, independent club dedicated to promoting the game of cricket in Switzerland.

The club consists of Club Management and registered playing members. This Code of Conduct applies to all players at all times during their registration with GESLCC.


2. BACKGROUND

Following incidents and concerns regarding player behavior in previous seasons, the GESLCC Management introduced a formal Code of Conduct to guide player behavior and professionalism.

The purpose of this Code is to:

  • Promote discipline, respect, and sportsmanship

  • Strengthen team unity and club reputation

  • Provide a clear framework of responsibilities and expectations

Every player has a personal duty to understand, respect, and comply with this Code.


3. SCOPE OF THE CODE

This Code of Conduct covers the following areas:

  • Membership obligations

  • Player responsibilities

  • Breach of Code and disciplinary action

  • Ground conduct

  • League matches (CSPL / T20 / other formats)

  • Friendly matches and tours

  • Practices, transport, accommodation, and refreshments

  • GESLCC Academy participation (from 2026)


4. MEMBERSHIP

  1. All players must be registered members of GESLCC and must pay the applicable annual membership fees, unless otherwise stated by club policy.

  2. Membership entitles players to participate in club cricket activities and competitions during the season.

  3. Once registered with the Swiss Cricket Governing Authorities, players must comply with:

    • Club rules

    • Tournament regulations

    • This Code of Conduct

  4. Any breach may result in disciplinary action, depending on severity.


5. PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 General Responsibilities

  1. Players are playing members only and hold no authority in club management or executive decisions.

  2. Players must possess basic cricket knowledge, with competence in at least one discipline (batting, bowling, or wicketkeeping). Fielding is mandatory for all players.

  3. Squad size for league competitions will be:

    • Minimum: 12 players

    • Maximum: 20 players

  4. Players are expected to be available for all league and competition matches throughout the season.


5.2 Availability & Absence

  1. Absence from a scheduled match will be treated as a violation, except due to:

    • Illness

    • Physical injury

  2. In such cases, the player must inform the Club Manager in advance with sufficient justification.

  3. If a medical certificate is provided, the player will not be penalized under Clause 5.2.4.

  4. If absent due to illness or personal reasons:

    • The player may miss subsequent matches

    • Reserve players will be prioritized

    • The player will be placed at the bottom of the squad, with future selection decided by management based on team performance and other factors


5.3 Match Day Conduct

  1. Only 11 players may play at any time; remaining squad members will act as reserves.

  2. Reserve players must assist with club duties (scoring, scoreboard, umpiring, etc.) without objection.

  3. All players must report to the ground at least one hour before the official match start time.

  4. Players must respect all ground conditions, regardless of size, layout, or location.

  5. Players must approach each match with a positive and professional mindset.

  6. The Captain’s decision is final during matches.


5.4 Respect & Team Discipline

  1. All players must treat teammates, officials, and opponents with mutual respect.

  2. Discrimination based on nationality, race, religion, or political belief will not be tolerated.

  3. Captaincy decisions must be respected at all times.

  4. Seniority or past performance does not guarantee selection or preferential treatment.

  5. Team selection is conducted by the Team Manager in consultation with the Coach and must not be interfered with.


5.5 Team Strategy & Preparation

  1. A pre-match team meeting must be held 30 minutes before the toss.

  2. Match strategy will be decided collectively by:

    • Team Manager

    • Captain

    • Players

  3. Once a decision is made, all players must commit fully, regardless of personal opinions.

  4. Success or failure is considered a collective team outcome.


5.6 Playing for Other Clubs

  1. Players registered with GESLCC may not play for any other club, including:

    • League matches

    • Tournaments

    • Tours

  2. Exception:

    • If GESLCC has no scheduled match, a player may participate in a friendly match only, with prior approval from club management.

  3. Players must maintain physical fitness and prioritize GESLCC commitments.


5.7 Practice, Dress & Logistics

  1. Players must attend scheduled practices and demonstrate commitment.

  2. Players must be aware of official match start times.

  3. Players must wear clean white cricket attire, upholding the club’s image.

  4. Players are responsible for:

    • Their own meals

    • Transportation to and from matches

  5. On special occasions, the club may provide refreshments at management discretion.


6. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

  1. Any breach of this Code will be investigated by Club Management.

  2. Players found guilty may face:

    • Immediate suspension

    • Temporary or permanent removal from the club

  3. Suspended players may not represent GESLCC until reinstated by management.

  4. In serious cases, GESLCC will notify:

    • Swiss Cricket Governing Bodies

    • Geneva Cantonal Service de Sports

    • Ville de Genève

    • European Cricket Council (ECC)

  5. Disciplinary actions may be published on the club website, including player names.


7. GESLCC ACADEMY – ADDITIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT (FROM 2026)

The GESLCC Academy will be free for all registered playing members from 2026.

GESLCC invites juniors and seniors (men and women) to join the club and enjoy the 2026 cricket season.

Academy Participation Rules

  1. Players must hold a valid residence status in Switzerland.

  2. Players must be reliable and available on weekends.

  3. Players must commit to three (3) consecutive seasons with GESLCC.

  4. Players must select their preferred format based on skill:

    • T10

    • T20

    • 40-over format

  5. Players must understand:

    • The format they sign up for

    • Competition rules set by Swiss authorities

  6. Players may not transfer to another club within three years without a valid reason (e.g., relocation).

  7. Transfer penalties within the same region:

    • After 1st year: CHF 1,000

    • After 2nd year: CHF 1,500

    • After 3rd year: CHF 2,500

  8. No penalty applies after completing three full consecutive seasons.

  9. Transfer documents will not be signed if penalties are unpaid.

  10. Players must respect and respond promptly to Team Coordinators.

  11. Any player who fails to respect the Team Coordinator, Captain, or Vice-Captain will be immediately discharged from the club.