The KNCB attaches great importance to creating a safe sporting environment. You can read this reflected in our code of conduct, the Spirit of Cricket.
After all, everyone should be able to enjoy Cricket without worry for a lifetime. We have a lot of information available to support our athletes, coaches, and administrators.
Transgressive behavior, in any form whatsoever, has no place within our sport.
On this page, we, as the KNCB, share information regarding the theme of Social Safety with our clubs and members. Make use of it!
Together, we work towards a safe, enjoyable, and ethical sporting environment!
KNBC Social Safety Reporting Point
Reporting transgressive behavior
Do you, as an athlete, coach, administrator, parent, volunteer, or other involved party, wish to report possible transgressive behavior? Or do you wish to express concerns, discuss a dilemma, or do you have questions?
In that case, it is best to contact the confidential contact person at your own club. If you do not have this person, or if you cannot reach this person, please feel free to contact:
1. Mark Mulready (KNBC Social Safety Contact Person): 06-25351517 | meldpunt@kncb.nl
2. Peter ten Hove (KNBC Integrity Manager): 06-16084010 | meldpunt@kncb.nl
Prevention is better than cure, which is why we emphasize prevention. However, even if you take precautionary measures, you may still encounter transgressive behavior. As a club, you are not alone if you are faced with (a report of) transgressive behavior. Our social safety contact person and our integrity manager are available to discuss the steps to be taken.
Would you prefer support or advice from outside the KNCB? Or do you want to report your concerns elsewhere? Please know that you can also contact the Centre for Safe Sport Netherlands by phone, email, or via an anonymous chat system, even outside office hours.
Definitions
Within sports, we recognize various categories of integrity violations. We usually use the following 5 categories:
1. Transgressive behavior
2. Doping
3. Match-fixing
4. Financial integrity
5. Managerial integrity
Transgressive behavior
Transgressive behavior is defined within sports as: "Transgressive behavior is any form of action and/or omission that has the effect and/or consequence of compromising the dignity and/or safety of one or more persons."
A distinction can be made between three forms of transgressive behavior, namely: physical, emotional, or sexual transgressive behavior. Examples of physical transgressive behavior (LGG) include hitting, fighting, or intentionally causing someone pain. Emotional transgressive behavior (EGG) includes swearing, discrimination, bullying, and intimidating language. Transgressive behavior with a sexual connotation falls under the category of 'sexual harassment' and is discussed separately below. NOC-NSF has written a blueprint regarding transgressive behavior that serves as a guideline for how sports federations deal with transgressive behavior.
"Are you not allowed to say anything at all anymore?" Transgressive behavior must not be confused with addressing performance. Addressing underperformance, including behavior, is permitted and even necessary; it is precisely through this that the employer's expectations and the employee's capabilities are discussed and aligned, and adjustments can take place. A good conversation in a safe environment is then possible. Being addressed does not immediately create an unsafe working environment. Persisting in transgressive behavior and failing to correct this behavior does.
— Source: Nothing seen, nothing heard and nothing done - public broadcaster Van Rijn investigation - 2024
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of transgressive behavior. In the ISR’s disciplinary regulations on sexual harassment, sexual harassment is defined as: “Sexual harassment is any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal, or physical behavior with a sexual connotation (meaning) that has the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of the person, in particular when a threatening, hostile, insulting, humiliating, or hurtful situation is created.”
Examples of sexually transgressive behavior include: being spied on, being shown pornographic images, sexually suggestive jokes, the distribution of sexually suggestive photos, sexual assault, and rape.
Doping
Doping is the use of substances and methods that are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It therefore concerns not only substances, but also certain methods such as blood doping or the manipulation of urine samples. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has established a definition for doping: "A violation of one or more provisions of the doping regulations."
An infringement refers to one or more of the following acts:
• Presence of prohibited substance(s) and/or prohibited method(s)
• (Attempted) use of prohibited substance(s) and/or prohibited method(s)
• Deficient cooperation
• Whereabouts errors
• (Attempted) manipulation
• Possession
• (Attempted) trafficking
• (Attempted) administration
• Complicity
• Prohibited cooperation
• Discouragement
Match-fixing
In sports, match-fixing (also known as match manipulation, match-fixing, and game-fixing) refers to situations where the result of a match is determined entirely or partially by a participant and/or another party involved (e.g., a referee, coach, etc.) who willfully loses or cheats. A distinction is made between gambling-related match-fixing (by means of a fixer) and sports-related match-fixing. When someone influences a match or competition with the aim of generating gambling profits for themselves or others, this constitutes gambling-related match-fixing. Sport-related match-fixing occurs when the outcome of a sports match or competition is influenced for sporting reasons. Match-fixing not only violates the rules of the sport, but in many cases, it is also a violation of criminal provisions.
Financial Integrity
Financial integrity in sports refers to maintaining fairness, transparency, and responsibility regarding financial activities within the sports industry. It encompasses avoiding financial misconduct, fraud, conflicts of interest, and other unethical practices that could harm the integrity of sports competitions. All of this is aimed at protecting the reputation and credibility of the sport. Examples where financial integrity is important include player transfers, timely payment of players, sponsorship without conflicts of interest, responsible handling of club funds, and maintaining transparent annual accounts. Administrative Integrity
Administrative integrity entails accepting the responsibility associated with the position and being willing to account for it. The Code of Good Sports Governance forms the basis for integrity. The code serves as a compass for the ethical and socially responsible governance of every sports organization in the Netherlands. Every board member has a role model function and a responsibility. The Code of Good Sports Governance adheres to four essential principles: responsibility, democracy, society, and transparency. Board members and supervisors of these sports organizations in the Netherlands account for compliance with the Code during the general meeting and in the annual report. Publishing key governance documents is a fundamental requirement for good sports governance, such as the annual report, articles of association, board regulations, rotation schedule, complaints procedure, VCP data, and regulations regarding SI, GOG, Doping, and match-fixing. The Code of Good Sports Governance contributes to limiting administrative integrity risks.
Code of Good Sports Governance
Good sports governance forms the basis for integrity in our sport. The Code of Good Sports Governance, which the KNCB adheres to, has existed since 2005. This code provides a compass for strong, ethical, conscious, and socially responsible governance. The code was subsequently revised due to the increasing societal value and professionalism of sports. The new code was developed by representatives of sports federations, sports clubs, and sports companies. The code was adopted during the General Assembly (AV) of NOC*NSF in May 2021.
Content of the new code
Four principles of good sports governance are central to the revised code:
Responsibility
Democracy
Society
Transparency
Based on these principles, the Federation Board must give substance to strong and conscious governance with a clear course. The code is anchored in the “Minimum Quality Requirements” of NOC*NSF.
Thanks to the comply-and-explain principle, board members are required to provide (more) accountability regarding compliance with the code. The 'comply and explain' principle guarantees the four principles mentioned earlier in practice. Regarding 'transparency', for example, a board member must be able to justify how he or she arrived at a choice regarding a specific decision.
The new code offers the opportunity (a so-called “toolkit”) for new board members to watch videos, complete e-learning courses, and perform a self-assessment.
The four basic requirements for Social Safety in sports (four V's)
NOC*NSF considers it important that all athletes can participate in sports freely, enjoyably, and in a safe environment. Without transgressive behavior. This starts with a good foundation: the 4 V's for safety (basic requirements for social safety). The 4 V's provide a solid foundation: clubs that meet the 4 V's contribute to building a socially safe sports environment.
The Foundation of Social Safety
To achieve social safety in sports, it is important to start at the foundation. A foundation that all sports clubs should adhere to. By doing so, we eliminate unnecessary risk and ensure important preconditions regarding the prevention of transgressive behavior.
The 4 Vs are:
What can sports do right now?
We aim to get as many federations, municipalities, and local organizations as possible enthusiastic about the 4 Vs, so that sports clubs can get to work with them. This landing page contains more information about the 4 Vs, how clubs can implement them, and useful tips, tools, and good examples. This information is freely available: because the sooner clubs work on social safety, the better.
Your organization can draw on this. For example, by using the available material and information. Consider setting up the website, for scheduling communication moments, but also to critically examine within your own organization whether there is currently sufficient information available regarding social safety and whether this is easy to find. The theme pages for federations, municipalities, and clubs contain more information on how to get started with the theme in terms of content. Webinars are also offered to municipalities and local parties, and we are happy to keep you informed via a newsletter. This is how we work together towards a socially safe sport for everyone.
Get started and stay informed
For municipalities and local parties
Confidential Contact Person (VCP)
Appoint a VCP as a club
As a club, you do everything you can to offer your members a pleasant, safe sporting environment. But no matter how hard you try, there is always a chance that someone crosses a line somewhere on or around the pitch. Anyone who feels like a victim of unwanted behavior, witnesses it, or is concerned about a safe sporting environment must be able to contact us about this easily and confidentially.
It is advisable for an association to appoint a Confidential Contact Person (VCP) for this purpose. A VCP serves as an accessible point of contact within the association for anyone who has comments, questions, concerns, or signals regarding a safe sports environment or has experienced (potentially) inappropriate behavior. A VCP is easy to find and approach for athletes, their parents, coaches, trainers, volunteers, board members, staff members, spectators, and community police officers.
A listening ear
Together with the board, as a VCP, you contribute to prevention by creating a positive and honest sports culture. If things do go wrong, you serve as a listening ear for the person who has experienced inappropriate behavior. As a VCP, you are not required to resolve the matter or impose sanctions. However, you do help the person contacting you to take the appropriate next steps, if possible in consultation with the club's board. In all cases, you guarantee that reports of inappropriate behavior are treated confidentially. You handle information discreetly. As a club's VCP, you can always turn to the KNCB for advice. As an association, we employ a Social Safety Contact Person and an Integrity Manager, partly due to this advisory role towards clubs.
Job Profile
If you wish to appoint a VCP as a club, or if you are interested as a volunteer in fulfilling this role within an association, check out this animation and a VCP job profile here for more information.
Certificate of Conduct (VOG)
Proof of good conduct
A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is a document issued by the Ministry of Justice and Security stating that a person's past behavior poses no objection to the requested purpose, for example, working with minors at a cricket club. A VOG is also known as a 'proof of good conduct'.
Requiring volunteers to present a VOG is one of the measures you, as a board, can/must take to reduce the likelihood of transgressive behavior within the club. It reduces the risk that individuals who have committed offenses in the past can hold a position at the sports association and commit offenses there again.
Apply for free
Sports clubs can make use of the Free Certificate of Conduct Scheme. If, as a sports club, you meet a number of criteria and are admitted to the scheme, you can apply for a Certificate of Conduct for volunteers free of charge. Due to the GDPR, a sports club must have a policy in place that meets a number of preconditions. To support this, NOC*NSF has developed a model. Sports clubs can use this model to establish their own Certificate of Conduct policy. This model is a shortened version of it. This model is a shortened version of this. You can find additional information about this and about how to apply for VOGs at: Apply for VOG.
The KNCB advises clubs to apply for a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) for all officials (board and committee members, trainers/coaches) in any case. In doing so, the KNCB recommends using the following application codes:
It does not offer a rock-solid guarantee that you will keep transgressive behavior at bay. However, by making a VOG mandatory, you do reduce the chance of things going wrong. Moreover, you show that you take the social safety of your members, volunteers, and visitors seriously. It is wise to repeat this request at least every three years.
Recruitment Interview
In addition to this, it is advisable to conduct a recruitment interview with every volunteer who becomes active within your club. You do this, among other things, to discuss the rules of conduct within your club and, if necessary, have them signed. Furthermore, you gain more insight into 'what kind of person you are hiring'. Why does someone want to do this work, and where do they come from? Has this person been active as a volunteer elsewhere? Are there references available to check? Anyone with something to hide will be exposed or back out during such a conversation.
Making volunteers members
Make your club's volunteers members. This binds them to the rules we have agreed upon within the sport and, potentially, to those of your association as well. The codes of conduct then apply to them. This means that someone can also face disciplinary action should something go wrong.
The process
What does a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) mean for the club?
The government has created useful information for this: What exactly is the VOG? Read more about it here.
How does a club make use of the Free VOG Scheme?
Applying for a free VOG is simple. However, before a club registers for the Free VOG Scheme, it must meet the conditions.
After this, as a club, you can go through the following five steps:
When is a volunteer eligible for the free VOG scheme?
To be eligible for the free VOG, a volunteer must meet the criteria (come into contact with youth/vulnerable groups). This applies to both volunteers who perform a function at a sports club and volunteers who work directly for a federation (federation volunteers). Other officials in sports (for example, persons who receive more than just a volunteer allowance) are not eligible for a free VOG.
Which organizations can participate in the free VOG scheme?
If the organization is a non-profit sports organization where the work is carried out by volunteers and the above criteria are met, it is possible to participate in the free VOG scheme.
Support via the expert pool
A pool of experts is available who can work with you as a board member and with the club to determine how you can implement the VOG scheme effectively and sustainably. The experts have 15 hours available per club to provide support. If you would like to make use of club support, please contact vog@nocnsf.nl.
More information
For even more information and support, you can go here.
Codes of Conduct
KNCB “Spirit of Cricket” Code of Conduct
What you can expect from each other
To prevent unwanted behavior, it is good for a club to describe what constitutes desired behavior: how do you *want* to interact with each other at the club? What do you expect from each other to create a positive, fair, and open sports culture together? Establish these rules of conduct in consultation with your members and ensure they come to life within your club.
Rules of Conduct per Target Group
Code of Conduct for Referees and Officials
Code of Conduct for Elite Athletes
Codes of Conduct for Board Members, Coaches, and Referees
The club can adopt these codes of conduct and supplement them with its own club-specific rules.
Many situations can be imagined in which you yourself must weigh whether what you are doing is sensible and sensible. Making agreements in advance helps with this assessment. We are not only talking about how you interact with each other within the club, but also about international anti-doping rules or the disciplinary regulations regarding sexual harassment. You will then know what to do if something goes wrong, or if you detect a violation of these rules.
Suggestion for applying codes of conduct
Competent trainers and coaches
Trainers, coaches, and supervisors play an important role in creating a socially safe sports environment. Therefore, ensure that they have the basic knowledge regarding this in order. For example, by completing a trainer training course. Offering the e-learning module ‘een beetje opvoeder’ (a bit of an educator) can already be a good first step.
In addition, ensure that your trainers/coaches/supervisors are also aware of the procedures for dealing with potentially transgressive behavior.
Support your trainers and coaches. For example, by making agreements with each other regarding the pedagogical and didactic climate at the club, and by periodically evaluating and discussing dilemmas together.
The High5! Step-by-Step Plan
Getting to work on Social Safety with the club
As a board, you want to work towards a safe sports climate, but aren't sure how to start? No worries; the Centre for Safe Sport Netherlands has developed a handy tool for this. It guides you through this sometimes complex matter in a simple way. You can find this High5! Step-by-Step Plan here.
Towards a safe sports climate, good luck!
Doping has no place in sport
The KNCB stands for fair, ethical, and healthy sport
The KNCB values fair, ethical, and healthy sport. Prevention of doping use is paramount in the anti-doping policy. We do this through education and controls in collaboration with partners such as NOC*NSF, the Dutch Anti-Doping Authority, and the ICC.
The KNCB adheres to the doping regulations of the Dutch Anti-Doping Authority, the leading Dutch authority in the field of doping controls and education. Doping-free sport in the Netherlands is its mission. The Anti-Doping Policy Implementation Act (Wuab) provides the Anti-Doping Authority with the legal basis for carrying out its tasks. It is monitored in this regard by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). On dopingautoriteit.nl, you will find information regarding the risks and the rights and obligations of athletes and support staff during doping controls.
For education on doping, please refer to the website of the Dutch Anti-Doping Authority.
Doping Guide
The Doping Guide has always been one of the most important tools in educating top athletes and sports coaches. Previously, as the name suggests, it was released as a laminated fan. Since 2014, the Dopingwaaier has been updated and converted into an App (iOS and Android) and a mobile website (for other systems). The content of the App is partly new and partly familiar.
Doping Authority E-learning Platform
The Doping Authority organizes many in-person education sessions on clean sport for athletes and support staff. In addition, the Doping Authority has an e-learning platform, which you can find here. Through this platform, you prepare yourself for practicing clean sport. Whenever it suits you and at your own pace.
There are e-learning modules for:
Everyone can create a free account and complete the various e-learning modules. Upon completion of a module, you will receive a certificate.
Non-Dutch speaking athletes and coaches can use ADEL, WADA's e-learning platform.
ICC Anti-Doping Code
Click here for the ICC Anti-Doping Code.
WADA Education Initiatives
Click here for WADA's Education Initiatives regarding Anti-Doping.
More information about anti-doping policy and controls, especially intended for elite athletes, can be found on this page.
