The WYCL Spirit of Cricket 2026

Respect for your opponents

Wiltshire Cricket is pleased to launch The Spirit of Cricket for the Wiltshire Youth Cricket League for the 2026 season. Feedback received through the end of season survey, verbally or during subsequent correspondence showed a desire from clubs, players, coaches, parents and supporters for a change in values and culture across youth cricket in Wiltshire.

Cricket has a long history of sportsmanship and fair play embodied by the 'Spirit of Cricket'. We all have a responsibility as guardians of the game to embrace and preserve this spirit. We believe we have created a league that is player-focused and will help develop a lifelong passion for the game.

The Spirit of Cricket is broken down into 3 areas and expected behaviours would include:

1. Respect for opponents

  • Acknowledgement of milestones
  • Courtesy and professionalism by captain/team
  • Demeanour of any interaction
  • Walking when a fielder claims a catch without needing an umpire’s decision
  • Not claiming a catch where confusion exists
  • No excessive “Sledging” or verbal criticism

2. Respect for the role of the umpires

  • Communication with officials, including verbally
  • Discussion of decisions, including dissent
  • Excessive appealing
  • Not advancing towards the umpire when appealing
  • Appealing when knowing is not out
  • Actions by captain when required

3. Respect for the game

  • Interaction with match officials (curators, scorers, staff, media etc.)
  • Respect for venue and facilities
  • Role of the captain
  • Audible obscenity

Following games clubs are being asked to answer 3 simple questions through Play-Cricket. This information is reviewed by Wiltshire Cricket, and should a club consistently fall short of the expected standard, we may contact that club to offer any help or guidance deemed necessary.

The Spirit of Cricket has not been introduced to create additional work for clubs but is seen as a positive step to ensure that all young people in Wiltshire enjoy their cricket week in, week out.

At the end of the season the top 3 clubs with the league will be awarded a trophy to recognise their achievement and commitment to The Spirit of Cricket.