Colts Policy :Witheridge Cricket Club

JUNIOR SUPERVISION AT TRAINING & MATCHES
Only children that are registered Colts of Witheridge Cricket Club are able to be left at the ground for training sessions or matches without parental/responsible adult supervision. In any event children aged 8 years old and under must have a parent or responsible adult at the ground at all times.

TRANSPORT POLICY
Witheridge Cricket Club policy is that parents or other responsible adults are responsible for transporting players to and from all matches and practice sessions and therefore the Club will not be registering Private Vehicles for the transportation of individuals in connection with any fixtures or practice sessions arranged by the Club.

The implementation of this policy is not intended to exclude any player from participation and parents or guardians should contact the Club Colts Officer if they have any problems with the transportation of players to matches or practice sessions.

CHANGING POLICY
All parents must be aware that there are circumstances under which players under the age of 16 years may find themselves changing clothes in the presence of persons over 18 years. The club requests that if any parent is not comfortable with this arrangement then it is their responsibility to ensure the following:

    Young players who do not wish to change or shower with adults are under no obligation to do so and are advised to change and shower at home.
    Parental consent must be given if Young Players are to share changing facilities with adults.
   It is the responsibility of the parent concerned to ensure that their child does not enter changing facilities at any time if consent is not given.

PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEO POLICY
Witheridge Cricket Club (‘The Club’) recognises the need to ensure the welfare and safety of all Young People in Cricket. As part of this commitment we will not permit photographs, video images or other images of Young People to be taken or used without the consent of the Parent/Guardian and the Young Player. The Club will follow the guidance issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on the use of images of Young People which is available on http://www.ecb.co.uk. The Club will take steps to ensure that these images are used solely for the purpose they are intended, which is the promotion and celebration of the Club’s cricketing activities. If you become aware that these images are being used inappropriately you should inform the Club Colts Officer or any Senior Officer immediately.

If photographs or video e.g. team or action shots, are submitted to the Press or published on the Club website individuals will not be identified. In circumstances where there is a need to identify an individual player in the Press parental permission will be sought beforehand.

Please note: the club understands that there are circumstances under which a parent would not wish their child to be photographed. Whilst the club will do all that it can to ensure the safety of children during games. It is the responsibility of the parent concerned to ensure that if necessary their child is not videoed or photographed. The club is unable to supervise individual children during cricket activities or competitions.

MISSING CHILDREN
In the event of a child going missing Witheridge Cricket Club will take the following steps:

    Ensure that any other children in their care are looked after appropriately whilst they organise a search for the child concerned.
   Inform the child’s parents if they are present at the event, or nominate an appropriate person to telephone them and advise them of the concern.
    Organise all available responsible adults by areas to be searched.
    Search the area in which the child has gone missing including changing rooms, toilets, public and private areas and the club grounds.
    Request all those searching to report back to a nominated person at a specific point.
   The nominated person should remain at the specific reference point and must be making a note of the events, including detailing a physical description of the child including approximate height, build, hair and eye colour as well as clothing the child was wearing and where / when they were last seen, as this will be required by the police. If the search is unsuccessful the police will be informed.
   A report will go to the police no later than 20 minutes after the child’s disappearance is noted, even if the search is not complete.
   Recommendations from the police will be followed.
    At any stage the child is located all adults involved including the parents, searchers and police will be informed immediately All missing child incidents will be notified to the Club Colts Officer at the earliest opportunity, who in turn will notify the County Welfare Officer.

SELECTION POLICY - JUNIORS
Team selection will be at the discretion of the team manager. The following will be taken into consideration:

    Training attendance
    Commitment to developing skills
    Listening to the Captain and Manager
    Abiding by the Laws of Cricket Respecting the Umpires decision.

JUNIORS PLAYING IN ADULT MATCHES
Witheridge CC adheres to the new ECB guidelines (Jan 2010) which cover the selection and participation of young players in open age cricket. These guidelines are designed with the welfare of the young cricketers in mind and will best help their cricketing development when they play within open age groups. They apply to boys and girls equally. Age groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31st August in the year preceding the current season (state school year groups)

Witheridge CC recognise that they have a duty of care towards all young players who are representing the club. This duty of care also extends to Leagues that allow the participation of young players in open age groups in their League. The duty of care should is interpreted in two ways:

(i) Not to place a young player in a position that involves an unreasonable risk to that young player, taking account of the circumstances of the match and the relative skills of the player.
(ii) Not to create a situation that places members of the opposing side in a position whereby they cannot play cricket as they would normally do against adult players. In addition the following specific requirements apply to young players in open age cricket

    Making the step up from junior to open age cricket is a significant event in any player’s cricket Experience. We will ensure that the player’s safety, personal development needs and overall cricket experience are considered.
    There is no definitive age at which they should be introduced to open age cricket but determine each case on an individual basis dependent on their ability and stage of cognitive and emotional maturity to take part at this level, taking into account the requirement that no Junior Cricketers younger than the age group of under 13 can play in open age cricket.
    ECB Fast Bowling Directives and Fielding Regulations will always be adhered to for junior players in open age cricket. All young players who have not reached their 18th birthday must wear a helmet with a faceguard when batting and either a helmet or faceguard when standing up to the stumps when keeping wicket. A young player acting as a runner must also wear a helmet even if the player they are running for is not doing so.
    Any player in the Under 13 age group must have explicit written consent (see junior registration form) from a parent or guardian before participating in open age cricket.
    We will provide an opportunity for players to show their talents in an appropriate way. Children who are just used as fielders will not fully experience the game.
    We will be supportive at all times for all forms of effort even when children are not successful. Try and put them in situations where they will experience some success (however small) and ensure plenty of praise and encouragement.
   We will try and involve them in all aspects of the game wherever possible i.e. socialising, team talks, practice, decision making etc. so that they feel part of the team.
    We require that a parent, guardian or other identified responsible adult is present whenever a player in the Under 13 age group plays open age cricket. This could include the captain or other identified adult player.

    Above all we believe that children’s early experiences will remain with them always and will often determine whether they want to remain playing the game or give up and do something else!

WEARING OF CRICKET HELMETS BY YOUNG PLAYERS
Witheridge Cricket Club adhere to the ECB Safety Guidance on the Wearing of Cricket Helmets by Young Players as follows:
In February 2000 the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued safety guidance on the wearing of helmets by young players up to the age of 18. The guidance recommends that:

   Helmets with a faceguard or grille should be worn when batting against a hard cricket ball in matches and in practice sessions.
    Young players should regard a helmet with a faceguard as a normal item of protective equipment when batting, together with pads, gloves and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box).
    Young wicket keepers should wear a helmet with a faceguard when standing up to the stumps.

The original guidance allowed parents or guardians to give their written consent to allow a young player not to wear a helmet.
However, now parental consent not to wear a helmet should not be accepted in any form of cricket.

FAST BOWLING MATCH DIRECTIVES
Witheridge Cricket Club has adopted the ECB Fast Bowling Directive as follows:
Age  Max. overs per spell  Max. overs per day
Up to 13  5 overs per spell  10 overs per day
U14, U15  6 overs per spell  12 overs per day
U16, U17, U18, U19  7 overs per spell  18 overs per day
For the purpose of these Directives a fast bowler is defined as a bowler to whom a wicket keeper in the same age group would in normal circumstances stand back to take the ball.

Having completed a spell the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of his* spell have been bowled from the same end. A bowler can change ends without ending his current spell provided that he bowls the next over that he legally can from the other end. If this does not happen his spell is deemed to be concluded. If play is interrupted, for any reason, for less than 40 minutes any spell in progress at the time of the interruption can be continued after the interruption up to the maximum number of overs per spell for the appropriate age group. If the spell is not continued after the interruption the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell before the interruption have been bowled from the same end. If the interruption is of 40 minutes or more, whether scheduled or not, the bowler can commence a new spell immediately. Once a bowler covered by these Directives has bowled in a match he cannot exceed the maximum number overs per day for his age group even if he subsequently bowls spin. He can exceed the maximum overs per spell if bowling spin, but cannot then revert to bowling fast until an equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell have been bowled from the same end. If he bowls spin without exceeding the maximum number of overs in a spell the maximum will apply as soon as he reverts to bowling fast. Captains, Team Managers and Umpires are asked to ensure that these Directives are followed at all times.
For guidance it is recommended that in any 7 day period a fast bowler should not bowl more than 4 days in that period and for a maximum of 2 days in a row.
Age groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31st August in the year preceding the current season.

ANTI BULLYING POLICY
Witheridge Cricket Club are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our members (adult and children) so they can train and play in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all members (adult and children) should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a ‘telling’ club. This means that ‘anyone’ who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the staff and officials.

    All officials, coaching and non-coaching staff, children and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is, what the policy is and what should happen if bullying arises.
    Witheridge Cricket Club will not tolerate bullying.
    Witheridge Cricket club will take bullying serous. All members (adult and children) should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
    Members should report any bullying to the Club Colts Officer.
    In cases of serious bullying, the incident will be reported to the ECB Child Protection Team for advice via the County Welfare Office.
    Parents should be informed, if appropriate, and will be asked to come in to a meeting to discuss the problem.
    If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted.
    The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly.
    An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour.
    In cases of adults reported to be bullying cricketers under the age of 18, the ECB will be informed and will advice on action to be taken.
    Bullying can be:
        Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding kit, threatening gestures).
        Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
        Racist: racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
        Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
        Homophobic: because of, or focusing on the issues of sexuality
        Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
        Cyber: all areas of interest, such as email and internet chat room misuse.
        Mobile threats by text messaging and calls. Misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera and video facilities

MANAGING CHILDREN AWAY FROM THE CLUB
Witheridge Cricket Club will communicate the following to parent/carers:

    Why the trip is planned – its reason / purpose.
    When the trip will take place, date, times including time of departure and estimated time of return.
    Where the trip is to – destination, venue.
    Meetings points – at the home and/or the away venue as appropriate.
    Staffing arrangements – name and contact details for the team manager responsible for the trip
    Kit / equipment requirement.
    Cost implications – i.e. competition fee, spending / pocket money, any cost of transport.
    Name and contact number of the person acting as the ‘Club Home Contact’
    Arrangements for food and drink.

MANAGING CHILDREN AWAY FROM THE CLUB INCLUDING OVERNIGHT STAYS
Witheridge Cricket Club will:

    Identify suitable venues and facilities for both the cricket and accommodation - If possible, ensure a visit to the tour facilities and venues is made before the trip, to enable an effective risk assessment to take place. (If this is not possible, a risk assessment should be sought from the tour operator or facilities management in advance of the trip)
    Conduct a risk assessment.
    Analyse insurance cover required.
    Will contact staff at the chosen accommodation in advance to ensure all accommodation is clean and has access to sufficient toilet and bathing facilitie.s
    Confirm that: players will not share a bed, male and female players will not share a room, staff do not share a room with players, players of vastly differing ages do not share a room.
    Establish if rooms are equipped with satellite TV, and whether inappropriate programmes may be available. (It may be possible to arrange for these programmes to be disconnected)
    Check the accommodation policy for extras on bills, breakages and lost keys.
    Ensure the needs of players with disabilities are met.
    Check where the staff accommodation will be and ensure players know which rooms staff are in and how to contact them if necessary.
    Where possible, ensure rooms are not scattered around the hotel on different floors but grouped together.
    Discuss the club’s code of conduct and discipline policy.
    Ensure all dietary requirements are catered for.
    Arrange a meeting with the parentsand players, prior to the trip to provide all relevant details.

    The following information will be communicated to parents in writing:
    An itinerary giving as much detail as possible.
    The duration of the trip.
    Details of accommodation with address and contact number.
    Names of all cricket staff.
    Codes of conduct for staff and players.
    Emergency procedures and telephone contacts.
    Child safeguarding procedures.
    Details of insurance.
    Date for paying deposit.
    Details of transport.

   Witheridge CC will obtain the following written and signed information from parents/guardians prior to the trip:
    Signed consent form accepting the code of conduct and detailing:
    Any specific medical information such as allergies and current medication.
    Special dietary requirements.
    Consent for emergency medical treatment.
    Agreement to pay the fee.
    Confirmation that contact details have not changed.

   Witheridge CC will ensure that players are prepared for touring by:
    The Tour Manager and coaches will meet with players prior to the trip to agree:
    Expectation of the players.
    Clothing list.
    Codes of conduct/behaviour – this should be signed by all young players with their parents' permission.
    Their responsibility for their own property.
    Staff roles and responsibilities.
    Emergency procedures
    Support if they become homesick, are unhappy, or need to speak to someone in confidence.

    Witheridge CC’s Home Contact will be provided with the following additional information:
    Contact numbers for the accommodation.
    Telephone numbers for the nearest police to the accommodation.

    Witheridge CC will ensure the following guidance and protocols are followed, as needed, during the tour:
    Concerning the general safeguarding of players:
    The Team Manager must ensure players are safe throughout the tour.
    Players must know the whereabouts of staff at all times, including which rooms staff are in and how to contact them if required.
    Staff must know they have a common law duty of care to act as a prudent parent would.

    Concerning the medical welfare of players:
    Medical details and relevant information must be carried by a member of staff
    Staff must be aware of any specific medical conditions that may occur i.e. epilepsy, asthma, diabetes Staff should have access to calling the emergency services and the minimum first aid provision.
    A first aid kit should be carried.
    Staff must act in an emergency and take life saving action in extreme situations.

    If an emergency occurs, the Team Manager must:
    Establish the nature of the emergency and names of any casualties.
    Ensure the rest of the team are safe and supervised.
    Ensure all members of the party are aware of the situation and follow emergency procedures.
    Ensure a member of staff accompanies any casualties to hospital.
    Notify the police if necessary.
    Complete an ECB incident reporting form.
    Ensure no one in the group speaks to the media. All media enquiries should be managed through the ECB Marketing and Communications Department at Lord’s.
    Contact the Club Home Contact, who will:
        Contact parents and keep them informed.
        Liaise with club staff, and if necessary, the ECB.
        Liaise with the media contact if applicable.
        Report the incident to insurers.