Ponteland Cricket Club Child Protection Policy

Introduction

The Club relies on the development of junior cricketers for its survival both long and short term and it recognises that it owes a special duty of care to them.

To ensure a duty of care to all members of the Club (Seniors as well as Juniors), Ponteland Cricket Club will adopt and implement the “Safe Hands and Welfare of Young People in Cricket” policy issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and any future versions of that policy. This policy has been developed in collaboration with the NSPCC and other sporting bodies. Full details are available on the ECB website.

We have created the position of Club Welfare Officer who will be elected annually and sit on the main Club Management Committee. He/she will attend the relevant training courses run by the ECB. The general duties and responsibilities of the Club Welfare Officer are available here.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks for coaches, junior team managers and others who have regular or significant contact with children will be carried out via the ECB. All Club members not CRB checked will be asked to complete a Self Declaration Form.

Responsibilities of Club Members Coaches and Volunteers working with Young Cricketers

To complete self declaration forms or CRB checks, as required by ECB policy guidelines, to provide assurance that undesirable persons will not gain access to our junior cricketers
To provide a safe and secure environment for our junior cricketers
To act as role models for our junior cricketers in terms of personal behaviour
To generate an atmosphere where cricket can be enjoyed, teamwork and fair play is encouraged, and skill levels are enhanced
To provide information to parents regarding fixtures and coaching sessions either directly or via the Club notice boards in the Leisure Centre or Club changing room

Responsibilities of Parents

To ensure that contact details and other relevant information are provided to the Club on the Player Profile Form

To ensure they are available if required during coaching sessions and games

To make sure their child is ready to start on time and is suitably clothed

To ensure that they are present in good time to collect their children after practice sessions and games

To encourage their children in terms of enjoyment, teamwork, and fair play

To discuss with the Club any problems which their child may have

To provide the Club with details of any medical condition/injury of their child which ought to be brought to the Club’s attention

Responsibilities of Junior Cricketers

To respect others in the Club both fellow juniors and senior Club members, coaches, and volunteers

To wear and care for appropriate protective equipment provided by the Club or parents to minimise the risk of injury

To listen and learn from coaches and other volunteers especially regarding safety of themselves and others

To remind busy parents of the details of games and coaching sessions

To tell their parents or a senior club member if they have problems

To take a full part in team activities with others so that everyone can have a good time