Edinburgh University Cricket Club faces compulsory training following culture complaints

The club said the “worst case scenario” would be a yellow card. It claimed this would “massively limit [it] socially,” meaning “no ball, no tour.”

The Edinburgh Tab understands the complaints against the cricket club include “general misogyny and sexual comments,” “classism” and “boys on tour” attitude.

The club also said it had tried to negotiate with the Sports Union about the actions taken against it. It described the treatment as “unfair and unjust” and said the Sports Union was unwilling to change its position. 

The cricket club expressed feeling collectively penalised by the SU, which it argued was putting pressure on it to achieve a high training attendance figure.

The club has urged its members to attend one of two training sessions during Welcome Week, saying everyone who attended would be “helping the club massively.” Members were also encouraged to bring friends and flatmates to boost attendance.

The club described itself as being in a “desperate situation.” However, it said it hoped that, after “this tricky start,” the past could be put behind it and the club could focus on the new academic year.

A spokesperson for the executive committee of Edinburgh University Cricket Club said: “The club has indeed been approached by the Sports Union as a result of actions (or non-actions) by previous club members. The club wholeheartedly condemns the past actions that have resulted in this.

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“This is not a necessarily ‘sanction’ upon the club by EUSU. This is part of a process of improvement which we accept. We ask that this is reflected in your wording.

“While the club may have reservations about aspects of the process we are being asked to follow (which we have communicated with EUSU), we are in agreement that changes need to be made. We started to make inroads last year, and this year’s executive committee is committed to continuing to improve the club culture and environment.

“After this, we will continue to work closely with EUSU and our club members to continue to improve the club’s culture. EUCC strives to be a welcoming and inclusive club for all.”

The Sports Union’s current code of conduct says its rules apply to affiliated clubs and their members, requiring all members to conduct themselves appropriately.

The university cricket club currently describes itself as having four men’s XIs, two women’s XIs and a social fifth XI, alongside a substantial social programme.

The Sports Union has been contacted for comment.