Background & Purpose

Macclesfield Pool League (MPL) prides itself on being a community-driven competition that welcomes players of all ages and backgrounds. As part of a renewed focus on youth engagement and player development, it is vital that we establish clear behavioural expectations regarding the treatment of junior players (under 18s) by adult participants, teams, and venues.

The following policy aims to:

Protect youth players from verbal intimidation, abuse or inappropriate conduct.

Encourage a more welcoming and developmental environment for young talent.

Safeguard the integrity and reputation of the league.

 

Core Principles

Respect at All Times

Youth players should be treated with the same level of respect and sportsmanship afforded to adult competitors — with the added responsibility of acknowledging their age and vulnerability.

Zero Tolerance on Verbal Barracking

Shouting at, mocking, or attempting to intimidate youth players — especially mid-frame — is completely unacceptable. Such behaviour will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and treated seriously.

Captain & Venue Responsibility

Captains are responsible for managing their own players and ensuring behaviour is appropriate. Likewise, venues hosting fixtures involving youth players should be made aware and prepared to step in if needed.

 

Code of Conduct (Youth Fixtures)

The following rules should be adhered to ahead of any fixture involving an under-18 player:

No direct shouting at youth players mid-frame

No derogatory comments before, during or after frames

No deliberate psychological pressure, including loud celebrations or off-putting conduct

Applause and encouragement should be respectful and sportsmanlike

Captains must inform opponents in advance if a youth player is expected to play. A pre-match handshake and acknowledgment of the code is encouraged.

In instances where a youth player may need to leave the match early, Macclesfield Pool League supports requests for their frames to be played out of turn. However, opposition captains are under no obligation to agree to this and are fully entitled to maintain the scheduled playing order.

 

 

 

Enforcement & Consequences

First Reported Incident:

Written warning issued to individual(s) and/or team

Fixture review by the MPL committee

Second Incident (Same Individual or Team):

Immediate 2-match suspension for the offending player

Potential fine or deduction of league points

Serious/Malicious Behaviour (Single Offence):

Immediate referral to full committee

Potential season ban or permanent exclusion

Reports must be submitted within 72 hours of the incident, ideally by both captains, and can be supported by witnesses if needed.

 

Respecting junior players isn’t just good conduct — it’s essential to the League’s future.