How We Play Our Cricket

At Canterbury & Western Suburbs Cricket Association, we believe that how we play the game matters as much as the result. Our representative program is built on a set of values that we expect every coach, player, and supporter to understand, embrace, and demonstrate — on and off the field.

We play to win, but never at the expense of the spirit of cricket.

We are competitive. We prepare hard, we play hard, and we want to win. But we never pursue victory at the cost of our integrity, our opponents' dignity, or the spirit of the game. We accept umpires' decisions without dissent, we congratulate the opposition on their successes, and we conduct ourselves with grace in both victory and defeat.

We are firm but fair.

Our coaches set high standards and hold players to them. We are direct, honest, and demanding — but always in a constructive and respectful way. We do not belittle, humiliate, or single out players. Feedback is given to build players up, not to tear them down.

We develop every player.

Every player in a C&WSCA representative team has been selected because we believe in their potential. Every player has a defined role in the team, and it is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that role is communicated clearly, implemented consistently, and given a genuine opportunity to be fulfilled. We do not favour individuals. We do not sideline players without reason. We give every player the opportunity to contribute and participate whenever the match situation allows.

We take a positive approach.

We coach and play with energy and encouragement. We celebrate good performances — with bat, ball, and in the field — and we back our players when things don't go to plan. Our dugout and sidelines should be a source of support, not criticism. Parents, coaches, and team staff are expected to model the positive environment we are trying to create.

We respect everyone involved in the game.

This means our own players and teammates, our opponents, the umpires, the parents and carers on both sides, and anyone else involved in the day. Respect is not optional — it is a core expectation of every person who represents this association. We do not argue with umpires. We do not sledge opponents. We do not tolerate behaviour that demeans or disrespects anyone involved in our game.

We are a team - not a collection of individuals.

No player is bigger than the team. No result depends on one person. We foster camaraderie, shared purpose, and collective resilience. We back each other through the highs and the lows, and we never give up — on the game, or on each other.

We represent something bigger than ourselves.

When a player pulls on a C&WSCA representative shirt, they carry the reputation of this association with them. We expect them to do so with pride, humility, and a genuine commitment to the values above. The same applies to every coach, manager, and official who represents us.