A university cricket club has been suspended for the rest of the academic year, and several players have been banned, following investigations into serious misconduct.
Concerns were raised in October about the behaviour of members of Cardiff University’s men’s cricket team during an initiation event held at a pub in the city. After investigations, the Cardiff University Students’ Union confirmed that the club has been suspended and that committee members involved will no longer be allowed to represent the university in cricket activities.
In a statement, the Students’ Union said it has a zero-tolerance policy on initiation-related behaviour. It said the actions violated its code of conduct, ignored clear guidance given to the club earlier, and raised serious concerns about student safety and welfare.
“Our approach is guided by a clear duty of care to students and a zero-tolerance position on initiation-type behaviour,” the union said, adding that while students are encouraged to take part in sports and social activities, action will be taken when standards are not met.
The Students’ Union said it is setting up a cricket programme that will be run directly by the union so that students not involved in the misconduct can continue playing. It also said any future application to form a men’s cricket club will be subject to strict scrutiny.
The union added that it will write to all sports club members to remind them of the behaviour expected from anyone representing the Students’ Union or the wider university.
Cardiff University, which is separate from the Students’ Union, said initiations are not allowed at the institution. A university spokesperson said the university will review the findings and decide whether further action is needed under student conduct rules, and urged affected students to come forward for support.
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