ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOURS

Addictive Behaviour Programme

Launched on the back of the sucess of the Professional Cricketers' Helpline, the PCA in association with the ECB and Performance Healthcare (PHC), have developed the Addictive Behaviour Programme. The Programme, which will be delivered to all County academies and professional crickteters, aims are as follows:    

Aims

• Recognise the circumstances that could lead to you getting into problem relationship with substances or gambling.
• Recognise signs of problems in yourself and your team mates.
• Access professional help if required, self-manage your own problem and be able to focus on the challenges of playing cricket at the highest level.

Jason Ratcliffe, Group Director, PCA comments, "We are fortunate not to have widespread problems with addictive behaviour issues within the game, but there have been a few documented cases and it would be naive to think that it will never be an issue for players. The PCA prides itself on being proactive on behalf of the players especially with educational issues. Ultimately, our wider Personal Development Programme is about driving performance. We aim to de-clutter all aspects of players' lives to enable them to fulfil their maximum potential, giving players every chance to be as good as they hope to be.The knock on effect is that we produce better cricketers, increase standards within the game and help our National team to have increasing success"

"People from all sections of society face challenges with addictions such as alcohol, gambling, and drugs so it would be naïve to think it will never happen to a professional cricketer. Therefore, I'm delighted that the PCA have taken the positive and proactive step of developing an education and awareness programme for County Cricketers. The ECB Personal Development Coaches will work in close partnership with the PCA and Performance Healthcare to innovatively deliver the programme over the next year." Simon Timson PhD, ECB Science and Medicine Manager.

Keith Piper, now a successful 2nd XI coach at Warwickshire, has provided key input in putting the programme together. Building on the experience of his own addiction which sadly ended his cricketing career in 2005.

Click here for BBC coverage of the Addictive Behaviour Programme.  

For more information on the programme contact Jason Ratcliffe on 07768 558050 or jratcliffe@thepca.co.uk

How to get professional help

Access

• PCA Confidential Helpline
• PCA Staff
• Personal Development Coaches
• Your GP
• National helplines (eg Alcoholics Anonymous)

Assessment and/or treatment

• NHS
• Private sector
• PCA Provider - PHC - Priory Clinics
• Charities

Code on Sport Betting

Click here to read the Professional Players' Federation's Code on Sport Betting

Addictive Behaviour video

Below are role play videos of hypothetical scenarios that could possibly take place the dressing room.  

Alcohol

Drugs

Gambling

References to Warwickshire CCC by ground or clothing worn by actors is in no way reference to any issues at the club.