PRCC - Club Policy on Equity, Welfare and Conduct. (2)

Club Policy on Equity, Welfare and Conduct.

6. Notes for Parents / Carers

(A short guide to the E.C.B. Policy "Safe Hands" - The Welfare of Young People in Cricket)

Background

The Policy requires Clubs to take action in a number of areas and this guide is to inform Parents and Carers about them. A copy of the full policy document is available for perusal from the Club Welfare Secretary and can also be seen on the E.C.B. website.

The Club works in conjunction with both the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Cricket Boards which have adopted the England and Wales Cricket Board Policy set out in "SAFE HANDS". This seeks to ensure the safety of young people in Cricket. The Cherwell Cricket League and Umpires Associations have also adopted the Policy.

The Club Policy is intended to accept and address:
1. our duty of care to young people through a published policy statement.
2. the issues of good practice in the guidance, which cover amongst others:
• the appointment of umpires and scorers
• the use of photography (see below)
• changing facilities (see below)
• transportation (see below)
• alcohol and illegal substances
• bullying and harassment
3. issues related to the recruitment and selection of Cricket Staff, Coaches, Umpires and Volunteers:
• checks and references
• training
• supervision and monitoring
4. Welfare Officer responsibilities
• our response to allegations
• reporting procedures
• informing parents
5. monitoring young people away from the Club
• transport
• communication with parents
• insurance

The documents also contain guidance for parents/carers, which is reproduced here in full.

"You should ensure:
• The Club/County Board has adopted the ECB Welfare of Young People Policy.
• Coaches and volunteers are carefully recruited and suitably qualified
• Coaches, volunteers, Umpires, Scorers and Team Managers have been screened to check their suitability to work with young people.
• Coaches and volunteers are working to a code of conduct.
• The Club/County Board offers regular training to staff and volunteers.
• There are clear guidelines with regard to travelling to events.
• Parents are encouraged to become involved.
• Young people are encouraged to talk about their experiences of cricket and their Club and we ensure they know how to voice their concerns if they are not happy about the situation"

The use of photography and recorded images

• We will not permit photographs, video images or other images to be taken or used without the consent of the Parent/Carer and the Young Player.
• The club will follow the guidance set out in the "Safe Hands" policy.
• Where images are taken the club will ensure that they are used solely for the purpose intended and if submitted to the press or published on the club's website individuals will not be identified without prior consent.
• An exception to this practice is made for organised senior team photographs although we accept the right of the Parent/Carer and/or the Young Player to ask to be excluded.

Transport to matches and practice sessions

• We have asked members to ensure that vehicles are fully insured and roadworthy and have arranged to list those who have provided appropriate details to us (click here for our form - Word 40 KB).
  However this is voluntary and absence from the list does not indicate that those who have not registered lack appropriate cover etc.
• Bearing all this in mind it is the policy of the Club that parents/carers should be responsible for the transportation of players to matches and practice sessions. Where this is not possible and the Club undertake transport arrangements, every effort will be made to ensure that the transport used is "fit for purpose".

Club changing facilities

It is assumed that parents/carers accept that Children and Young People will change with adults when playing cricket, either matches or practice sessions where these are not specifically 'junior' sessions or matches. That said, the following policy will apply:
• Young players uncomfortable with changing or showering with adults are under no obligation to do so and are advised to change and shower at home.
• If young players are sharing changing facilities with adults, parents have the option to supervise them whilst they are changing. The club will make reasonable efforts to facilitate this.

Please ensure that, as parents or carers, you are aware of the Policy of the Club, which is in support of the "SAFE HANDS" document, and ensure that the policy is implemented through your active involvement. Through this policy we try to ensure that Cricket continues to provide a safe, friendly and enjoyable experience for all.

Princes Risborough Cricket Club