A National Behaviours Framework for Wales

In Wales, the values of good behaviour, fair play, and Chwarae Teg sit at the heart of our sporting culture. Yet recent concerns raised by leagues across the country have highlighted rising instances of poor on‑field behaviour and the increasing burden this place on volunteers, particularly in matches without independent umpires.

That’s why, for the 2026 season, we’re launching a renewed nationwide commitment to the Spirit of Cricket. This campaign aims to create positive match‑day environments for everyone from players and spectators, young and old, male and female while helping to shape a distinct, proud Welsh Way of playing the game.

What’s Coming this Season?

Pre-Season

• Club Pledge: We’re going to be asking EVERY club in Wales to sign up to a club pledge / Respect Charter affirming shared values and setting the tone for the season ahead.
• Changing Room Poster: Clubs will receive a specifically designed ‘Captains set the tone & Lead with Respect Poster’ to display in all changing rooms / clubs’ accommodation.

Here’s a checklist for ALL club chairs:-

✅Sign & post on socials your commitment to the Behaviours’ Pledge
✅ Sign the online form to show you’re committed https://bit.ly/4nAgcHF
✅Place posters up on all changing room walls/ clubhouse notices.
✅Speak to all your captains to ‘own’ good on field behaviours.

In Season & Beyond 

• Looking ahead, we will be creating new online webinar modules for junior cricket to reinforce Respect and the Spirit of Cricket at all levels. More content and guidance will follow throughout the season as Wales leads the way in creating a positive, inclusive cricket culture.
• Captains Training: We’ll be asking ALL captains to attend an online training preseason to ask them to embrace this framework which looks at:
  • Pre-match rituals e.g. team huddle to remind players of the ‘Respect’ agenda.
  • During the match awareness of key positive discipline
  • Post Match Rituals: Reflections/ handshaking/thanking officials where relevant.

What We Aim to Achieve Across Wales

• Understanding the Spirit of Cricket:
  Supporting those unfamiliar with it to learn the principles and apply them through simple match‑day practices and rituals.
• Greater Cultural Awareness:
  Helping teams understand differing cricket backgrounds, languages, and traditions thus reducing confrontation, aggression, and misunderstandings.
• A Welsh Way of Playing:
  Encouraging consistent, positive pre‑match, in‑match, and post‑match behaviours that become second nature to clubs and players across Wales.

This is an exciting opportunity for Welsh cricket to come together and reaffirm the values that make our sport special. Let’s embrace Respect, champion the Spirit of Cricket, and build match‑day environments we can all be proud of.

TO find out more email mark.dixon@cricketwales.org.uk