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!
Social Safety Reporting Point
Themes and definitions
- Transgressive behavior
- Sexual harassment
- Doping
- Match-fixing
- Financial integrity
- Governance integrity
The four basic requirements for social safety
- Confidential contact person
- Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)
- Club-wide code of conduct
- Qualified trainer-coaches
The High5 step-by-step plan for social safety
Social Safety Reporting PointReporting inappropriate behavior
Do you wish to report possible inappropriate behavior—whether as an athlete, coach, board member, parent, volunteer, or other involved party? Or do you want to express concerns, discuss a dilemma, or ask questions?
In that case, the best approach is to contact the confidential contact person at your own club. If your club does not have one, or if you are unable to approach that person, please feel free to contact:
1. Mark Mulready (KNCB Social Safety Contact Person): 06-25351517 | meldpunt@kncb.nl
2. Peter ten Hove (KNCB Integrity Manager): 06-16084010 | meldpunt@kncb.nl
Prevention is better than cure, which is why we place such emphasis on it. However, even when precautions are taken, incidents of transgressive behavior can still occur. As a club, you do not have to face such situations—or reports of them—alone. Our social safety contact person and integrity manager are available to discuss the steps to be taken.
Would you prefer support or advice from outside the KNCB, or to report your concerns elsewhere? You can also contact the *Centrum Veilige Sport Nederland* (Centre for Safe Sport Netherlands) by phone, email, or via an anonymous chat system—including outside office hours.
Themes and definitions
Within sport we recognize different categories of integrity violations. We usually use the following 5 categories:
1. Transgressive behavior
2. Doping
3. Match fixing
4. Financial Integrity
5. Administrative integrity
In the context of sports, transgressive behavior is defined as: "Any form of action or omission that has the intent or effect of compromising the dignity and/or safety of one or more individuals."
A distinction can be made between three forms of transgressive behavior: physical, emotional, and sexual. Examples of physical transgressive behavior include hitting, fighting, or intentionally inflicting pain on someone. Emotional transgressive behavior encompasses verbal abuse, discrimination, bullying, and the use of intimidating language. Transgressive behavior with a sexual connotation falls under the category of 'sexual harassment' and is discussed separately below. NOC-NSF has developed a blueprint regarding transgressive behavior that serves as a guiding principle for how sports federations handle such behavior.
"Does that mean you can't say anything at all anymore?"
Transgressive behavior should not be confused with addressing someone regarding their performance. Addressing inadequate performance—including behavior—is both permissible and necessary; it is precisely through such discussions that employer expectations and employee capabilities are aligned, and adjustments can be made. This allows for a constructive conversation in a safe environment. Being called out on something does not automatically create an unsafe working environment; persisting in transgressive behavior and failing to correct it, however, does. — Source: Saw nothing, heard nothing, and did nothing – public broadcaster investigation by Rijn – 2024
Sexual harassment is a form of transgressive behavior. In the ISR’s disciplinary regulations regarding sexual harassment, sexual harassment is defined as: “Any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal, or physical behavior with a sexual connotation that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, particularly when creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive, humiliating, or hurtful situation.”
Examples of sexually transgressive behavior include: being spied on, being shown pornographic images, sexually explicit jokes, the distribution of sexually explicit photos, sexual assault, and rape.
The KNCB is committed to fair, ethical, and healthy sport. Preventing doping use is a top priority in its anti-doping policy. We achieve this through education and testing, in collaboration with partners such as NOC*NSF, the Doping Authority, and the ICC.
The KNCB adheres to the doping regulations of the Doping Authority—the Dutch authority responsible for doping testing and education. Its mission is to ensure doping-free sport in the Netherlands. The Anti-Doping Policy Implementation Act (Wuab) provides the legal basis for the Doping Authority to carry out its duties; it is monitored in this regard by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). You can find information on the risks involved, as well as the rights and obligations of athletes and support personnel regarding doping tests, at dopingautoriteit.nl.
Doping refers to the use of substances and methods prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It involves not only substances but also specific 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 anti-doping regulations."
A violation refers to one or more of the following acts:
• Presence of prohibited substance(s) and/or prohibited method(s)
• Use (or attempted use) of prohibited substance(s) and/or prohibited method(s)
• Failure to cooperate
• Whereabouts failures
• Tampering (or attempted tampering)
• Possession
• Trafficking (or attempted trafficking)
• Administration (or attempted administration)
• Complicity
• Prohibited association
• Discouragement
You can find more information here.
The Prohibited List
Whereabouts
Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)
Doping Guide (Dopingwaaier)
Doping Authority E-learning Platform
The Doping Authority organizes numerous in-person educational sessions on clean sport for athletes and their support personnel. In addition, the Doping Authority offers an e-learning platform, which you can find here. This platform allows you to prepare for clean sport participation—whenever it suits you and at your own pace.
E-learning modules are available for:
• (Aspiring) elite athletes: Bronze, Silver, and Gold
• Trainer-coaches: levels 3, 4, and 5
• Parents: Basic and Advanced
• Sports administrators and officials
• (Para)medical support personnel
Anyone can create a free account and complete the various e-learning modules. You will receive a certificate upon completion of a module.
Athletes and support personnel who do not speak Dutch can use ADEL, WADA’s e-learning platform.
In sports, the term "match-fixing" (also known as competition manipulation or game-fixing) refers to situations where the outcome of a match is wholly or partially determined by a participant and/or another involved party (such as a referee or coach) who deliberately loses or cheats. A distinction is made between betting-related match-fixing (involving a "fixer") and sport-related match-fixing. Betting-related match-fixing occurs when someone influences a match or competition to generate betting profits for themselves or others. Sport-related match-fixing occurs when the outcome of a sporting event or competition is influenced for sporting reasons. Match-fixing not only violates sports regulations but, in many cases, also constitutes a violation of criminal law.
Financial integrity in sports refers to upholding fairness, transparency, and accountability in financial activities within the sports industry. It entails avoiding financial misconduct, fraud, conflicts of interest, and other unethical practices that could compromise the integrity of sports competitions—all with the aim of protecting the reputation and credibility of the sport. Examples of areas where financial integrity is crucial include player transfers, the timely payment of players, sponsorship arrangements free from conflicts of interest, the responsible management of club funds, and the maintenance of transparent financial statements.
Governance integrity entails accepting the responsibility associated with a position and being willing to be held accountable for it. The Good Sports Governance Code forms the foundation 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 responsibility and acts as a role model. The Good Sports Governance Code is based on four essential principles: responsibility, democracy, society, and transparency. Board members and supervisory officials of these Dutch sports organizations account for their compliance with the Code during the general meeting and in the annual report. Publishing key governance documents—such as the annual report, statutes, board regulations, the rotation schedule for board members, the complaints procedure, VCP contact details, and regulations regarding sexual intimidation, transgressive behavior, doping, and match-fixing—is a fundamental requirement for good sports governance. The Good Sports Governance Code helps mitigate risks related to governance integrity.
The code offers new board members the opportunity (a so-called “toolkit”) to watch videos, complete e-learning modules, and take a self-assessment.
The four basic requirements for social safety in sports (the ‘Four Vs’)
To achieve social safety in sports, it is important to start with the basics—a foundation that all sports clubs should meet. This helps eliminate unnecessary risks and establishes key prerequisites for preventing transgressive behavior.
The ‘Four Vs’ are:
We aim to get as many clubs and organizations as possible excited about the ‘Four Vs’ so that they start implementing them. This landing page provides more information on the ‘Four Vs,’ how clubs can implement them, and offers useful tips, tools, and best practices.
Your club can draw upon these resources—for instance, by utilizing the available materials and information. Consider using them to structure your website or schedule communications, but also to take a critical look at your own organization: is there currently enough information regarding social safety, and is it easy to find? The theme pages for associations, municipalities, and clubs provide further details on how to address this topic in practice. We also offer webinars for municipalities and local stakeholders, and we would be happy to keep you updated via our newsletter. Together, we are working towards a socially safe sports environment for everyone.
Confidential Contact Person (VCP)
Appoint a Confidential Contact Person (VCP) for Your Club
As a club, you do your utmost to provide your members with a pleasant and safe sporting environment. Yet, no matter how hard you strive for this, there is always a possibility that someone might cross a line on or around the pitch. Anyone who feels they are a victim of inappropriate behavior, witnesses such behavior, or has concerns about the safety of the sporting environment needs an easy and confidential way to reach out.
It is a good idea for the club to appoint a Confidential Contact Person (VCP). A VCP serves as an accessible point of contact within the club for anyone with comments, questions, concerns, or observations regarding a safe sporting environment, or for those who have experienced (potential) inappropriate behavior. A VCP is easy to find and approachable for athletes, parents, coaches, trainers, volunteers, board members, staff, spectators, and community police officers.
A listening ear
Working alongside the board, you—as a Designated Safeguarding Officer (VCP)—help prevent issues by fostering a positive and fair sports culture. Should an incident occur despite these efforts, you serve as a listening ear for anyone who has experienced transgressive behavior. As a VCP, you are not required to resolve the matter yourself or impose sanctions; instead, you assist the person who contacts you in taking the appropriate next steps, ideally in consultation with the club board. You guarantee that all reports of transgressive behavior are handled confidentially and ensure that information is treated with discretion. As a club VCP, you can always turn to the KNCB for advice. The federation employs a Social Safety Contact Person and an Integrity Manager, partly to provide this advisory support to clubs.
Role Profile
If your club is looking to appoint a Designated Contact Person (VCP), or if you are a volunteer interested in taking on this role within an association, check out this animation and the VCP role 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 indicating that a person's past conduct poses no objection to the intended purpose—such as working with minors at a cricket club. A VOG is also known as 'proof of good conduct'.
Requiring volunteers to present a VOG is one of the measures a board can—or should—take to reduce the likelihood of transgressive behavior within the club. It lowers the risk that individuals with a history of misconduct could take on a role at the sports club and reoffend.
Apply for free
Sports clubs can make use of the Free VOG Scheme. If your sports club meets certain criteria and is admitted to the scheme, you can apply for a VOG (Certificate of Conduct) for volunteers free of charge. To comply with the GDPR, a sports club must have a policy in place that meets specific requirements. NOC*NSF has developed a template to assist with this. Sports clubs can use this template to establish their own VOG policy. This document is a shortened version of that template. Additional information on this topic and on how to apply for VOGs can be found at: Applying for a VOG.
The KNCB advises clubs to apply for a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) for all officials—including board and committee members, as well as trainers and coaches. In doing so, the KNCB recommends using the following application codes:
While a VOG does not offer an absolute guarantee against inappropriate behavior, making it mandatory reduces the risk of such incidents occurring. Moreover, it demonstrates that you take the social safety of your members, volunteers, and visitors seriously. It is advisable to repeat this process at least every three years.
Screening interview
In addition to this, it is advisable to conduct a screening interview with every volunteer who becomes active in your club. One reason for doing this is to discuss the club's rules of conduct and, if applicable, have them signed. It also gives you a better idea of the kind of person you are dealing with. Why does the person want to do this work? Where do they come from? Have they volunteered elsewhere? Can references be checked? Anyone with something to hide will likely give themselves away or drop out during such an interview.
Enrolling volunteers as members
Make your club's volunteers official members. This binds them to the rules agreed upon within the sport—and potentially those specific to your association—meaning the codes of conduct apply to them. Consequently, they can face disciplinary action should anything go wrong.
What does a VOG mean for the club?
The government has created a handy information guide on this: What exactly is a VOG? Read more about it here.
How can 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 requirements.
As a club, you can then proceed with the following five steps:
When is a volunteer eligible for the free VOG scheme?
To qualify for the free VOG (Certificate of Conduct), a volunteer must meet specific criteria (involving contact with young people or vulnerable groups). This applies both to volunteers holding a position at a sports club and to those working directly for a sports federation (federation volunteers). Other individuals involved in sports—such as those receiving remuneration exceeding the standard volunteer allowance—are not eligible for a free VOG.
Which organizations are eligible for the free VOG scheme?
Non-profit sports organizations where the work is carried out by volunteers and the above criteria are met are eligible to participate in the free VOG scheme.
Support via the expert pool
A pool of experts is available to work with you—as a board member—and the club to determine how to implement the VOG scheme effectively and sustainably. These experts have 15 hours of support time available per club. If you would like to make use of this club support, please contact vog@nocnsf.nl.
You can find further information and support here.
Codes of Conduct
KNCB “Spirit of Cricket” Code of Conduct
What to expect from one another
To prevent unwanted behavior, it is helpful for a club to define what constitutes desired behavior: how do you want to interact with one another at the club? What do you expect from each other in order to create a positive, fair, and open sports culture? Draw up these rules of conduct in consultation with your members and ensure they become an active part of club life.
Codes of conduct by target group
Code of conduct for officials
Code of conduct for referees and officials
Codes of conduct for athletes
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.
There are many situations where you need to weigh up whether a particular course of action is appropriate and sensible. Establishing agreements in advance helps with this assessment. This applies not only to how members interact within the club but also to international anti-doping regulations and disciplinary rules regarding sexual harassment. Knowing this ensures you understand the proper course of action if something goes wrong or if you witness a violation of these rules.
Implementing codes of conduct: suggestions
Competent trainers and coaches
Trainers, coaches, and supervisors play a vital role in creating a socially safe sports environment. Therefore, ensure they possess the necessary foundational knowledge—for instance, by completing a coaching course. Offering the 'A Bit of an Educator' e-learning module can be a great first step.
In addition, make sure your trainers, coaches, and supervisors know the proper procedures to follow in the event of potential transgressive behavior.
Support your trainers and coaches—for example, by establishing shared agreements regarding the club's pedagogical and instructional climate, and by holding periodic evaluations to discuss dilemmas.
The High5! Step-by-Step Plan
Working on social safety within your club
As a board, you want to foster a safe sports environment but aren't sure where to start? Don't worry—the Centre for Safe Sports Netherlands (Centrum Veilige Sport Nederland) has developed a handy tool for this. It guides you simply through what can sometimes be a complex subject. You can find the High5! step-by-step plan here.
Here’s to a safe sports environment—good luck!
