Safeguarding

The Rowledge Cricket Club (the Club) is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and accepts our responsibility to safeguard Adults at Risk involved in all levels of Cricket in England & Wales in accordance with legislation.

Safeguarding means protecting an adults right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.

The Club Safeguarding Adults Policy applies to all individuals involved in Cricket.

Legislation in England and Wales defines an ‘Adult at Risk’ as any person aged 18 years or over, who has care and support needs, who is experiencing (or at risk of) abuse or neglect, and as a result is unable to protect themselves from the abuse, neglect, or the risk of the risk of it.

Legislation in both areas commits to putting the adult at the centre of decision making, empowering adults to make decisions for themselves with support from others where appropriate.

The aims of our Safeguarding Adults Policy is to:

• Stop abuse or neglect wherever possible.
• Prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to adults with care and support needs.
• Safeguard adults in a way that supports them in making choices and having control
• about how they want to live.
• Promote an approach that concentrates on improving life for the adults concerned.
• Raise awareness so that cricket communities, alongside professionals, play their part in identifying and preventing abuse and neglect.

Principles

This policy is based on the following principles:

• All adults, regardless of age, ability or disability, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status and pregnancy and maternity have the right to be protected from abuse and poor practice and to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment.
• The Club will seek to ensure that our sport is inclusive and make reasonable adjustments for any protected characteristics, ability, disability, or impairment. We will also commit to continuous development, monitoring and review.
• There is zero tolerance to the abuse of adults.
• The rights, dignity and worth of all adults will always be respected.
• We recognise that ability and disability can change over time, such that some adults may be additionally vulnerable to abuse, in particular those adults with care and support needs.
• Safeguarding adults is everyone’s business and responsibility.
• All allegations will be taken seriously and responded to quickly in line with the Club’s Safeguarding Procedures.
• The Club recognises the role and responsibilities of the statutory agencies in Safeguarding Adults and is committed to complying with the procedures of Local and Regional Safeguarding Adults Boards

Making Safeguarding Personal

Making safeguarding personal’ means that adult safeguarding should be person led and outcome focussed. It engages the person in a conversation about how best to respond to their safeguarding situation in a way that enhances involvement, choice, and control. As well as improving quality of life, well-being, and safety.

Wherever possible discuss safeguarding concerns with the adult to get their view of what they would like to happen and keep them involved in the safeguarding process, seeking their consent to share information outside of the organisation where necessary.

There may be circumstances where you need to share information with other agencies to protect an individual.

Confidentiality

It is important that information is treated as confidential as far as is reasonably possible to build trust and respect. If you think that sharing information with another person such as the Safeguarding Officer/Coach/Manager could help the person, encourage the person to disclose information themselves with the people who need to know. If they do not wish to do this, explain to the individual that you will need to inform others such as the Safeguarding Officer and the reasons why, and seek their clear and specific consent to this.

Relevant Polices

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies:

• The Club and EBC Safeguarding Procedures
• Safe Hands Policies
• General Conduct Regulations

Our Safeguarding Officer’s details are below

• Beth Eyres, bethan_eyres@hotmail.com, 07870 230111
• Peter Brinsden, pbrinsden@googlemail.com, 07831 500036

RCC January 2024

Rowledge Cricket Club (the Club) is committed to ensuring all Children (i.e. all persons under the age of 18) participating in cricket have a safe positive and fun experience, whatever their level of involvement.

RCC will do this by:

• Recognising all children participating in cricket (regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability) have the right to have fun and be protected from harm in a safe environment.

• The welfare of all children is paramount.

• Ensuring individuals working within cricket at, or for, our Club provide a welcoming, safe, and fun experience for children.

• Providing an environment where the views of children, parents and volunteers are sought and welcomed on a range of issues. This will help us create an environment where people have the opportunity to voice any concerns (about possible suspected child abuse/neglect, and/or about poor practice) to the Club Safeguarding Officer. (Details of the County Safeguarding Officer will be made available, in case the Club Safeguarding officer(s) are unavailable, or the concern relates to the Club Safeguarding officer(s)).

• Adopting and implementing the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children” and any future versions of this document.

• Ensuring all individuals working within cricket at, or for, the Club are recruited, where practicable, and appointed in accordance with ECB guidelines and relevant legislation including guidelines on vetting checks.

• Appointing a Club Safeguarding Officer(s) and ensuring they attend all current and future training modules required by the ECB.
  • As the first point of contact for parents, children and volunteers/staff within the Club
  • As a local source of procedural advice for the Club, its committee and members
  • As the main point of contact within the Club for the ECB County Safeguarding Officer and the ECB Safeguarding Team, and
  • As the main point of contact within the Club for relevant external agencies in connection with child safeguarding. Ensuring correct and comprehensive reporting procedures exist for raising and managing safeguarding concerns

• Our Safeguarding Officer’s details are below
  • Beth Eyres; bethan_eyres@hotmail.com, 07870 230111
  • Peter Brinsden; pbrinsden@googlemail.com, 07831 500036

• Ensuring all suspicions concerns and allegations are taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

• Ensuring access to confidential information relating to child safeguarding matters is restricted to those who need to know in order to safeguard children – including the Club Safeguarding Officer and the appropriate external authorities, such as the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), as specified within ECB child safeguarding Procedures.

• Ensuring all individuals working within cricket at, or for, the Club are provided with support, through education and training, so they are aware of, and can adhere to, good practice and Code of Conduct guidelines defined by the ECB, and the Club.

• Ensuring all people who work in cricket at, or for, our Club (such as staff, officials, volunteers, team managers, coaches and so on) have a responsibility for safeguarding children, and understand how the “Safe Hands Policy” applies to them

RCC January 2024

RCC are committed to ensuring cricket is open, and accessible, to all members of the community and they are supported to achieve their potential in any capacity whether as a player, employee, volunteer, coach or official. This principle applies regardless of, age, race, disability, ability, gender, religion or belief, sexual orientation or background.

Children with disabilities should enjoy cricket in a safe environment. RCC will ensure disabled children or children with special needs and autistic spectrum disorders are welcomed into the Club.  Once RCC have been informed the of the child’s disability the appropriate RCC officers/volunteers will discuss with each child and their parents/carers their abilities and identify what they may need some assistance with and the different arrangements that can be put in place to allow them to participate at various levels of the game.

Disability

Disability has many definitions and not all disabilities are readily identifiable. While some disabilities, especially visible ones, are easy to identify, there are many which are not as obvious. Many disabled people have these less obvious disabilities including – learning difficulties, sight or hearing conditions, mental health issues, and long-term progressive impairments/illness’ such as epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

 Vulnerability

RCC is an ECB Clubmark accredited Cricket Club and we adhere to the ‘Safe Hands’ Policy for Safeguarding Children in Cricket. Safeguarding of all children including disabled children is a priority for the Club.  RCC recognise disabled children may be at increased risk of abuse and neglect including an increased risk of bullying. Disabled children may also be less likely to understand, resist and communicate their abuse. 

Support

To ensure a disabled child feels welcome and can participate in Club activities RCC Safeguarding Officers and appropriate age level Coaches will, once we have been informed the of the child’s disability, discuss their needs and abilities with the child and their parents/carers. The child(ren), parents and carers in many cases will be able to offer RCC practical advice on adaptations to equipment, environment and coaching practices or other arrangements that can be made to enable them to participate in cricket and enjoy their cricketing experiences. This support plan will be regularly reviewed as the child’s skills develop and on any changes in the child’s condition which may affect their safety in the cricketing environment.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is an essential aspect of protecting all RCC’s children and young people, including  disabled children and young people.   Staff and Volunteers working with children must be vetted as per the ‘ECB Guidance on Roles in Cricket that require a Vetting Check’. The Club is responsible for ensuring that this happens.   In addition RCC has developed specific, ECB recommended, safeguarding policies and procedures which are available in our Key Documents folders, these include but are not limited to:

Code of Conduct for Coaches Working with Children

Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers Working with Children

These documents underpin RCC’s safeguarding principles and apply to all children and young people.  These Codes recognise children and young people, including disabled children and young people, may need to be touched in order to help them understand, acquire or visualise a cricket posture.  It must be remembered that the guidance detailed below applies equally to all children and young people. In addition, it is a requirement of the Codes that adults working with children and young people must be appropriately dressed and professional when operating in a cricket environment and never touch a child inappropriately.

As a responsible adult they only use physical contact if its aim is to:

• Develop sports skills or techniques
• Treat an injury
• Prevent an injury or accident from occurring
• Meet the requirements of the sport

They should seek to explain the reason for the physical contact to the child i.e. reinforcing the teaching or coaching skill. Unless the situation is an emergency, the adult should ask the child for permission.

Physical contact should always be intended to meet the child’s needs NOT the adult’s.

 Physical contact guidance for working with children and young people

• If a child becomes injured during a junior session and the injury requires the child to be carried to a place of treatment, always seek support from another adult before moving the child.
• Any first aid administered should be in the presence of another adult or in open view of others.
• If the child seems uncomfortable in any way with the physical contact, stop immediately.
• If the child you are working with is visually impaired, you should tell them who you are and ask their permission before you come into physical contact with them.
• Never attempt to adjust the grip of a child when in the normal batting stance position.
• Never find yourself in a situation where you are the only adult present around children, e.g. in changing rooms, showers, or on a minibus.
• Where physical contact is for motivational or celebratory reasons, agree with the children, teachers or other appropriate adults that to praise good performance a ‘High Five’ or similar action will be used.
• Never help children dress e.g. to put on pads, helmets, or clothing unless they request this and genuinely require assistance.
• Never help children to put on an abdominal protector.
• Never take on one to one coaching with a child unless another adult or parent is present.
• If you need to communicate with a child for the purposes of organising junior cricket or passing on cricket information, use a parent’s mobile telephone number.

If any of the following incidents take place or you observe them, you MUST report them to the Club Safeguarding Officer and make a written note of the event using the Safeguarding Referral Form and inform parents where appropriate if:

• You accidentally hurt a child.
• A child seems distressed in any manner.
• A child acts in a sexually inappropriate manner.
• A child misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done.

Responding to disclosures, suspicions and allegations

There may be a number of reasons where an adult finds it necessary to report a concern including:

• In response to something a child has said.
• In response to something they have seen, for example observations of significant behaviour or mood changes.
• In response to signs or suspicions of abuse, for example visible bruising or other injuries.
• In response to allegations made against a member of staff or volunteer.
• In response to allegations made about a parent, carer or someone not working within cricket.
• In response to bullying.
• In response to a breach of code of conduct/poor practice.
• Observation of inappropriate behaviour.

 Responding to a child who tells you about abuse

 You need to:

• Stay calm; do not show disgust or disbelief.
• Keep an open mind.
• Do not dismiss the concern, make assumptions or judgements.
• Listen carefully to what is said and take the child seriously. Let the child know that if what they tell you makes you at all concerned about them or someone else, you will have to pass the information on to someone who can help them.
• Ask questions for clarification only and at all times avoid asking questions that suggest a particular answer.
• Reassure the child they have done the right thing by telling you.
• Tell them what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared.
• Be very careful not to promise that you will keep the information to yourself.
• Record in writing what was said using the child’s own words. Do this as soon as possible, using the RCC/ECB safeguarding referral form.
• BE AWARE that the child may use the word ‘complaint’ rather than allegation.
• Report the incident to the Club Safeguarding Officers.

 Never 

• Approach any alleged abuser to discuss the concern.
• Rush into actions that may be inappropriate.
• Make promises you cannot keep.
• Take sole responsibility. Always consult someone else (the person in charge or the designated Club Safeguarding Officers) so you can begin to protect the child and gain support for yourself.

Recording the incident and confidentiality

Information passed to the ECB, children’s social care, LADO and/or the police needs to be as helpful as possible, which is why it is important to make a detailed record at the time of the disclosure/concern. Use the RCC/ECB Safeguarding Form wherever possible.

Information needs to include the following:

• Details of the child, for example, age/date of birth, address and gender.
• Details of the parent or guardian and whether they have been informed or not.
• Details of the facts of the allegation or observations.
• A description of any visible bruising or other injuries.
• The child’s account, if it can be given, regarding what has happened and how.
• Witnesses to the incident(s).
• The name, address and date of birth of any alleged offender.
• Any times, dates or other relevant information.
• A clear distinction between what is fact, opinion or hearsay.
• A signature, date and time on the report.

RCC January 2024

RCC has formally adopted the ECB’s “Safe Hands’ Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy Statement”.

RCC has produced a safeguarding policy statement based on the guidance.

RCC holds the views that:

• Safeguarding is about creating a culture where the game interacts with children as participants in cricket, be this as players, officials, coaches, spectators, or volunteers.
• Safeguarding in cricket is all about providing a safe and welcoming environment tailored to the needs and requirements of children.
• It is about making sure they have fun, are safe, and have a great time.
• By seeking the views and opinions of children RCC will create an environment here children feel able to share any concerns they may have.
• Key to this is the recruitment and vetting of the many invaluable individuals who give so much to children in cricket.
• Through safe recruitment and vetting practices, RCC can endeavour to make sure that we have the right people teaching, instructing, training, caring for and supervising children in the game. A thorough recruitment and vetting process also ensures the individual is aware of their particular safeguarding responsibilities in that role.
• RCC is committed to ensuring all children who take part in cricket, have a safe positive and fun experience, whatever their level of involvement
• The welfare of all children is paramount
• All children within cricket, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability, have the right to enjoy the game in an environment safe from abuse of any kind
• RCC recognises the importance of safeguarding children within the game and is committed to developing, and implementing, policies and procedures which ensure that everyone knows, and accepts, their responsibility in relation to a duty of care for children
• RCC is committed to ensuring there are correct and comprehensive procedures for responding to, recording and reporting child safeguarding concerns
• RCC will endeavour to ensure all suspicions and allegations will be taken seriously, managed and dealt with swiftly and appropriately in line with ECB policy and procedures
• RCC recognises that appropriate safeguarding is not just about preventing abuse but providing the best environment for children to enjoy themselves and the game of cricket
• RCC is committed to ensuring that safeguarding and protecting children is central to its development of the game and as such has adopted and implemented this “Safe Hands” Safeguarding Policy
• RCC has appointed a Club Safeguarding Officer to ensure that appropriate procedures are followed
• RCC recognises the responsibility of the statutory agencies and is committed to working with Local Safeguarding Children Boards and Local Authority Designated Officers and complying with their procedures and the statutory guidance “Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018”
• RCC is committed to promoting sound recruitment procedures and good practice for all individuals working within cricket whether in a paid or voluntary capacity
• RCC will ensure that individuals will receive support through education and training, to be aware of, and understand, best practice and how to manage any safeguarding issues which may come to light
• RCC recognises that it is not the responsibility of those individuals working in cricket to determine if abuse has taken place, but it is their responsibility to act upon and report any concerns

The RCC Constitution includes the adoption of the ECB “Safe Hands” Safeguarding Policy and RCC has created a “Club Safeguarding Policy Statement”

In addition, there are a number of key Policies in the Safeguarding Programme that RCC will ensure all members understand are fundamental to the effectiveness of safeguarding in cricket.

1. All cricket participants should recognise and follow a Code of Conduct 

RCC provides codes of conduct for all cricket participants – Young Players, Coaches, Members, Staff, Volunteers and Guests. These codes of conduct provide participants with details of acceptable, and unacceptable behaviour, and the expectations of others in relation to good operational practices.

2. Juniors require adequate supervision 

A minimum of two adults are required at every session and additionally the appropriate ratio of adults and children must be met.

3. All adults who work with children in cricket, either as a volunteer or paid must be recruited appropriately. This includes being vetted for their suitability to work with children 

Vetting Procedures include the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and/ or non-UK equivalent checks

4. Physical contact should always be intended to meet the child’s needs not the adult’s 

It is obvious that adults should never touch a child inappropriately. A responsible adult should only use physical contact if its aim is to:

• • Develop sports skills or techniques
  • Treat an injury
  • Prevent an injury or accident from occurring
  • Meet the requirements of the sport

The adult should explain the reason for the physical contact to the child, reinforcing the teaching or coaching skill. Unless the situation is an emergency, the adult should ask the child for permission.

RCC’s Duty of Care 

Any individual, organisation, club, County Board squad etc. has a duty of care to ensure the safety and welfare of any child, to safeguard and protect them from reasonably foreseeable forms of harm.

Safeguarding is about all of us acknowledging this duty of care and putting practical measures in place to minimise the likelihood of foreseeable harm arising.

To demonstrate this duty of care, RCC:

• Has constitutionally adopted the ECB’s “Safe Hands” Policy
• Has a defined Safeguarding Policy Statement
• Will follow the ECB reporting mechanism for concerns
• Has recruited, appointed and organised the training of a Club Safeguarding Officer
• Has a “player profile system” to enable adults to exercise their duty of care in an emergency situation
• Has adopted the ECB Code of Conduct for Members and Guests
• Has adopted the Codes of Conduct for Coaches
• Has ensured that the following policies and procedures exist within the Club:
  • Procedures for recruiting and appointing appropriate volunteers and/or paid staff including training and support for these volunteers or staff
  • Procedures for health and safety/risk assessment, including adherence to ECB policies/guidance on the wearing of helmets, fielding regulations, net safety, bowling directives, first aid, fluid intake, junior players in Open Age cricket and other similar matters
  • Discipline procedure – which MUST follow the Safe Hands guidance on matters involving any person under the age of 18, with an appeals mechanism
  • Anti-bullying policy and procedures for dealing with bullying
  • Changing rooms and showering policy
  • Photography, video, social media and live broadcast policy including the use of images
  • Transport policy
  • Supervising children at cricket sessions policy
  • Guidance on welcoming and safeguarding children with a disability
  • Missing children policy
  • Procedures for managing children away from the club
  • Procedures for working with external partners; (i.e. club personnel undertaking cricket activities in schools, local authorities or similar organisations, on a voluntary or paid basis)
  • Guidance on the use of Social Media, texts and email

RCC’s Safeguarding Responsibilities  

The specific responsibilities of organisations in regard to safeguarding are set out clearly in Government guidance “Working Together to Safeguard Children – a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children” 2018.

‘Working Together’ 2018” states:

“There are many sports clubs and organisations including voluntary and private sector providers that deliver a range of sporting activities to children. Some of these will be community amateur sports clubs, some will be charities. All should have the arrangements described in this chapter in place and should collaborate to work effectively with the safeguarding partners as required by any local safeguarding arrangements. Paid and volunteer staff needs to be aware of their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, how they should respond to child protection concerns and how to make a referral to local authority children’s social care or the police if necessary.”

These responsibilities are:

1 A clear line of accountability for the commissioning and / or provision of services designed to safeguard and promote the welfare of children 

What does this mean for RCC? 

If somebody is delivering something on your behalf, you need to be satisfied about their safeguarding arrangements. They need to know who to report any concerns or incidents to in your organisation. Lines of accountability must be set out and clear 

2 A Senior Board Level lead, with the required knowledge, skills and expertise, or sufficiently qualified and experienced to take leadership responsibility for the organisation’s safeguarding arrangements 

What does this mean for RCC? 

A Committee Member must take responsibility for making sure the responsibilities outlined here are met. 

3 A culture of listening to children and taking account of their wishes and feelings, both in individual decisions and the development of services 

What does this mean for RCC? 

This is the golden thread that must run through all our work – we need to ask about and understand the needs of all the under 18s we work with – from juniors to talented 17 year old players. Systems must be in place to seek their views and act upon them or respond. 

4 Clear policies for dealing with allegations against people who work with children 

What does this mean for RCC? 

The ECB reporting procedure as set out in ‘Safe Hands’ must be followed.  Concerns must be shared with the Club Safeguarding Officer, the County Safeguarding Officer, or the ECB Safeguarding team as soon as possible.  

5 Clear whistleblowing procedures and …escalation policies for staff to follow if their child safeguarding concerns are not being addressed within their organisation or by other agencies 

What does this mean for RCC? 

People need to know where to report concerns if they are not satisfied they are being dealt with – and should be encouraged to do so. It must be made clear to people how to go ‘up the chain’ to make sure issues are dealt with. There should be no repercussions for doing so.

6 Arrangements which clearly set out the processes for sharing information with other practitioners and with safeguarding partners 

What does this mean for RCC? 

The ECB provides guidance on this matter – so long as the Child Safeguarding Procedure is followed and concerns are reported, the ECB Safeguarding Team will provide the lead on Information Sharing. 

7 Designated practitioners for child safeguarding. Their role is to support other practitioners …to recognise the needs of children; including protection from possible abuse…roles should always be explicitly defined in job descriptions.  Practitioners should be given sufficient time, funding, supervision and support to fulfil their child welfare and safeguarding responsibilities effectively 

What does this mean for RCC? 

A Designated Club Safeguarding Officer / County Safeguarding must be in post.  

8 Safe recruitment practices and ongoing safe working practices for individuals who…work regularly with children, including policies on when to obtain a criminal record check 

What does this mean for RCC? 

The ECB provides guidance on which roles in cricket require ECB vetting through an ECB DBS check. RCC follow this guidance. 

9 A culture of safety, equality and protection within the services you provide 

What does this mean for RCC?  

These matters need to be at the centre of your thinking, planning and review. 

10 Recruitment and training: staff must be competent to carry out their responsibilities for safeguarding, staff should be given a mandatory induction, including familiarisation with child protection procedures and all practitioners should have regular reviews of their own practice to ensure they have knowledge skills and expertise that improve over time 

What does this mean for RCC? 

Safeguarding knowledge and skills need to be central to recruitment, training and review for staff and volunteers in the organisation 

Definitions of Abuse, Cricket Examples of Possible Abuse, and Common Indicators of Possible Abuse

EVERYONE involved in children’s sport have a responsibility to be able to recognise and respond to signs and indicators of child abuse. 

It is hoped that this will be a useful reference, particularly those in roles connected with children.

Recommended process/activities 

• All involved in children’s sport need to be familiar with the information below.
• When reading the information outlined in this section, remember:

It is not the responsibility of those working in cricket to decide that child abuse may be occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns. 

Guidance 

Defining abuse 

Any person may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. Children can be abused by adults or other children.

The effects of abuse can be extremely damaging and if untreated, they may follow a person into adulthood. For example, a person who has been abused as a child may find it difficult or impossible to maintain stable, trusting relationships and may become involved with drugs or prostitution, attempt suicide or even abuse a child in the future.

The definitions of abuse are detailed below: 

• Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child.
• Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm.
• Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger.
• They may be abused ‘online’ and by text, email, or other electronic messaging by an adult or adults, or another child or children.

Common Indicators of Abuse 

Important note……please remember

It is not the responsibility of those working in cricket to decide that child abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns. 

All those in cricket who work with children need to be aware of indicators of abuse to ensure that the sport provides effective safeguarding. Your concerns may be raised by something you see (or hear) and /or something someone says. If you find yourself wondering if you should share your concerns, the answer is YES!

The following may because you concern, and may be indicators of abuse and / or neglect:

• Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries
• An injury and the explanation for it seem inconsistent
• The child describes what appears to be an abusive act involving him/her
• Someone else (a child or adult) expresses concern about the welfare of another child
• Unexplained changes in behaviour (for example, becoming very quiet, withdrawn or displaying sudden outbursts of temper)
• Inappropriate sexual awareness
• Unexplained access to material goods, clothes, activities etc.
• Goes missing for periods of time.
• Engaging in sexually explicit behaviour
• Distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected
• Difficulty in making friends
• Stops, or is prevented from, socialising with other children
• Displays variations in eating patterns, including overeating or loss of appetite
• Loses weight for no apparent reason
• Becomes increasingly dirty or unkempt
• Excessive fear of making mistakes

It should be recognised that this list is not exhaustive and the presence of one or more of the indicators is not proof that abuse is actually taking place, but maybe indicative of a need to report concerns.

Some changes in behaviour can be caused by changes at home, for example, if bereavement occurs.

All involved should encourage parents/carers to inform the coach or Club Safeguarding Officer of any significant changes which may affect the behaviour of their child

RCC January 2024

Rowledge Cricket Club (RCC) is committed to ensuring that all children, young people and adults at risk who take part in cricket have a safe, positive and fun experience whatever their level of involvement.

Everyone who is involved in cricket has a shared responsibility to support this by promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk.

Individually and collectively, RCC are signed up to the ECB Safe Hands Policy and are committed to delivering the ECB Safeguarding Standards.

We recognise our individual and collective safeguarding responsibilities and accountabilities.

We commit to:

• Implementing preventative safeguarding measures and creating safe, enjoyable and inclusive cricket settings.
• Having a clear, simple process in place for reporting concerns.
• Ensuring safeguarding concerns regarding children and adults at risk are managed appropriately and thoroughly in conjunction with the ECB, Statutory Agencies and other organisations as appropriate.

This commitment is made by our Club Trustees, Club President, Club Chair and Club Management Committee to show our commitment to delivering the Safeguarding Standards for Cricket as set out by the ECB through the Safe Hands Policy.

Our Club Safeguarding Officer is Bethan Eyres who can be contacted on 07870 230111 or email bethan_eyres@hotmail.com. You can also contact our County Safeguarding Lead Heidi Langrish on 07773 394218 or email cso@surreycricket.com.

Reporting a safeguarding concern

If you or someone else has a safeguarding concern, please share it (anonymously if you wish). If someone is at imminent or immediate risk, you must phone the Police or Local Social Services immediately – following which please contact our Club or County Safeguarding Officer (details above) for local advice and support.

ECB Safeguarding Team 020 7432 1200 or safeguarding@ecb.co.uk

Surrey Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) 0300 123 1650 (option 3) or LADO@surreycc.gov.uk

NSPCC on 0808 800 5000

Childline on 0800 11110 or by post Childline Post Freepost 1111 London N1 OBR

If someone is in immediate danger, call the police (999)

RCC January 2024

Please use this form to report any safeguarding concerns to the Club Safeguarding Officer: Bethan Eyres: bethan_eyres@hotmail.com

If you have a problem completing this form or would like advice about reporting a concern, please email  safeguarding@ecb.co.uk providing  your contact details so that we can obtain further information from you, if required.

In an emergency and/or if you are concerned that someone is at immediate risk of harm, please call the police without delay on 999.

Do not delay in reporting, fill in as much information as you can and send in. Additional information can follow on. The Club Safeguarding Officer will liaise with the ECB Safeguarding and with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on your behalf as appropriate.

Safeguarding Referral Form

RCC January 2024

The RCC policy for if you have a concern about a child or about the behaviour of an adult in cricket is to follow the ECB Child Safeguarding procedure as published.

ECB Safeguarding Procedure

The expectation is simple: if you have a concern, you must share it. Taking no action may leave a child or children at risk of harm, and is not an option.

There are three steps involved in taking appropriate action: Respond – Record – Report

• Respond to the concern or allegation (stay calm, reassure, listen)
• Record the relevant information ( make notes)
• Report the relevant information ( share your concerns)

Reasons for taking appropriate action to report / share concerns

There may be a number of reasons why an individual may have a concern. These include:

• Something a child has said
• Possible signs or suspicions of abuse
• Allegations made against a member of staff or volunteer
• *BE AWARE – allegations are often made as ‘complaints’. If you hear a complaint which raises concerns about a child or children, treat it initially as an allegation or safeguarding concern.
• Allegations made about a parent, carer or someone not working within the sport
• Bullying
• Breach of code of conduct/poor practice
• Observation of inappropriate or worrying behaviour
• A feeling that something is not right

This is not a definitive list – IF IN DOUBT, SHARE YOUR CONCERN

Step 1 Responding to disclosure, suspicions and/or allegations

Anyone responding to disclosure, suspicions and/or allegations must always:

• Stay calm; do not show disgust or disbelief
• Ensure the child is safe and feels safe
• Listen carefully to what is said
• Ask questions only where they are really necessary to clarify what you are being told. (Always avoid asking leading questions)
• Keep an open mind – do not make assumptions or judgments, show disgust or disbelief
• Take the concern seriously
• Reassure the child and stress that they are not to blame
• Be honest and explain you will have to tell someone else to help with the situation. (Do not agree to keep secrets between you and the child)
• Maintain confidentiality – only tell others if it will help protect the child
• Always consult someone else (the person in  charge or the designated officer) so you can  begin to protect the child and gain support  for yourself

 Never: 

• Approach any alleged abuser to discuss the concern 
• Rush into actions that may be inappropriate
• Make promises you cannot keep 
• Take sole responsibility. Always consult someone else (the person in charge or the designated officer) so you can begin to protect the child and gain support for yourself 

Step 2 Recording the incident 

Information passed to the ECB, children’s  social care, police and/or the LADO (Local  Authority Designated Officer) must be as  helpful as possible, which is why it is important  to make a detailed record at the time of  the disclosure/concern. The RCC Incident Reporting Form (which can be found in within Key Documents) should be used wherever possible.

Information recorded must include the following:

• Details of the child including full name, age/date of birth, address and gender
• Details of the parent or guardian and whether they have been informed or not
• Details of the facts of the allegation or observations  – a brief summary of the incident / concern/ situation/ discussion
• A clear distinction between what is (known to be) fact, opinion or hearsay
• A description of any visible bruising or other injuries
• The child’s account, if it can be given, of what happened and how
• What the safeguarding concerns, if any, are (this may be a matter of opinion – this is acceptable but you must clearly identify opinion and differentiate it from fact)
• Details of the person alleged to have caused the incident/injury including the name, address and date of birth or their approximate age
• Witnesses to the incident(s)
• What action – if any – you take
• Why these actions are the best course of action at this point in time
• Any times, dates or other relevant information
• A signature, date and time on the report
• Where the incident or concern is about a specific child or children you should use the form provided in ‘Safe Hands’ for this purpose.
• If you wonder whether to share the information then you have answered the question – yes, you should.

Step 3 Reporting 

Please remember : 

It is everyone’s duty to report suspected cases of abuse or concern to protect children. It is for the professionals to decide if abuse or neglect has taken place.

The principle strand of the “Safe Hands” safeguarding policy is the provision of an appropriate mechanism to provide correct, and comprehensive, reporting procedures for concerns. The ECB has a reporting framework which operates on three levels.

1. The primary level involves the RCC Club Safeguarding Officer: Bethan Eyres – bethan_eyres@hotmail.com.
2. Supporting the Club Safeguarding Officer is the County Safeguarding Officer (County WO) who is appointed by, and accountable to, the Surrey County Cricket Board: Heidi Langrish – telephone 07773 394218 or email cso@surreycricket.com
3. Supporting the County Safeguarding Officer is the ECB Safeguarding Team, part of the  ECB’s Integrity Unit

In the first instance: share your concern with the RCC Club Safeguarding Officer

If he or she is not available, or it is not appropriate to share the concern with them, speak to your County Safeguarding Officer.

If that is not possible, contact the ECB safeguarding Team at safeguarding@ecb.co.uk

If you believe a child may be in danger, or if a crime may have been committed – do not hesitate to contact the Emergency Services.

RCC January 2024

Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility, so whatever your role in cricket, everyone should understand the importance of keeping children, young people and adults safe in cricket. With this in mind, we invite everyone to complete the ECB online Introduction to Safeguarding.

Rowledge Cricket Club is committed to ensuring that everyone involved in cricket has an appropriate level of safeguarding training.

Current training available

• ‘Introduction to Safeguarding’ is a new online safeguarding course for ALL individuals involved in cricket. It is a free, 30 minute, introduction providing basic knowledge and advice on creating a safe cricket environment for everyone, recognising signs of abuse and what to do if you have any concerns or if you are approached by anyone with concerns that they may have.

•  ‘Safeguarding for Specialist Roles’ is the new online safeguarding course for individuals in cricket who are working with children and young people. Coaches, Officials, Committee Members, Captains and Club Safeguarding Officers are required to complete the Safeguarding for Specialist Roles Course (a generic module lasting 1 hour) followed by the appropriate top up role specific course (a mini module lasting 20 minutes) as below:
  • Safeguarding for Coaches
  • Safeguarding for Officials (Umpires and Scorers)
  • Safeguarding for Captains and Team Managers
  • Safeguarding for Committee Members and Club Safeguarding Officers
• The course is valid for 3 years.
• If you perform more than one role above, choose the element most aligned to your main role. Whilst there is only a need to complete one top-up module, you are welcome to complete as many as you wish.

The (old) Safeguarding Young Cricketers (SYC) qualification is valid for 3 years from date of attainment; the (new) Safeguarding for Specialist Roles (SSR) qualification is a direct replacement of the SYC and only needs to be completed when the SYC has expired or if no safeguarding qualification is in place.

SSR courses for non-coaching roles are available from Surrey as follows (each link includes the generic and specific top up module):

• Umpires and Scorers
• Captains / Team Managers
• Committee Members

Access to SSR courses for coaches will automatically be available in Coaches’ ECB e-learning systems.

RCC January 2024

February 2024

Dear Member,

Rowledge Cricket Club welcomes you to the Club. We hope that you and your children will enjoy being a club member and will enjoy the cricket coaching, training and matches, as well as the social interactions available.

The aim of this letter is to provide helpful information to you as members. Please feel free to ask me or any committee member or coach if you have any questions not answered in this letter. A full list of officers, committee members, coaches and officials can be found on the RCC website and on the notice board in the pavilion.  If you would like to meet a member of the Club in private to share or request any specific information, we would be happy to arrange a time, please feel free to get in touch. Club main contacts are,

• Club Chairman: Carl Baker; carl@carlbaker.co.uk
• Club Secretary: Richard Fulham; richfulham@gmail.com
• Club Safeguarding Officers: Bethan Eyres; bethan_eyres@hotmail.com and Peter Brinsden; pbrinsden@hotmail.com
• Youth Manager: Mike Hinchliffe; mikeyhinchliffe@gmail.com
• Junior Manager: James Hildreth; james@jameshildreth.com
• Marketing and Events Manager: Haidee Goodwin; goodwinhaidee@gmail.com
• Membership Secretary and Administrative Officer: Kate Hornsby; katejhornsby@gmail.com

We are a community-based club run predominantly by volunteers. We welcome any offers of help from all our members and hope that you will feel able to get involved; we expect all of our parents/guardians to help in some way. We really appreciate the level of support received from our parents/guardians which ranges from coaching, umpiring, scoring, BBQ’ing, administrating and more. We calculate that we receive around 1,500 volunteering sessions a year without which the Club could not operate.

We are an ECB Clubmark accredited Cricket Club and we adhere to the ‘Safe Hands’ Policy for Safeguarding Children in Cricket. This is available to view online at https://www.ecb.co.uk/safeguarding, or the RCC website under the Club Documents menu. All of the adults at the Club who work with children meet the necessary criteria and are checked and vetted by the ECB, this includes the enhanced DBS and ‘Barred List’ check (formerly known as CRB checks).  As part of the Clubmark requirements RCC has a wide ranging development plan which covers the Club history, assets, key developments, current actions and future plans.  A summary of our development plan is available on the RCC website.

Whilst we hope your child will be happy and content at the Club, we understand that sometimes questions, concerns or difficulties may arise. Please feel able to raise these as soon as possible, so we can rectify things at the earliest opportunity. If you have a question regarding coaching, please approach the coach in the first instance. Our coaches will be happy to speak to you before or after training or at another convenient time. Please do not interrupt coaching sessions, as this may distract the coach when he or she needs to be supervising the children.

If you have any concern about your child or another child, or about the behaviour of any adult at the Club, please speak to me, the Club Safeguarding Officer by email bethan_eyres@hotmail.com.  (If your concern is about me, you may contact the County Safeguarding Officer Heidi Langrish on telephone 07773 394218 or email cso@surreycricket.com.)

If you have questions about kit requirements, training times, pick up arrangements etc. please speak to your Coach.

All members and parents/guardians of members are reminded that on registration you and your children confirm that you are aware of and agree to abide by all Club Policies including,

• Safeguarding (including training available for ALL involved in cricket)
• Codes of Conduct
• Policies and Procedures
• Accident and Injury
• Regulations and Guidance

All documents are available to view on the RCC website under the Club Policies & Documents menu; in the Policy Folder in the Pavilion; and posted, where relevant, on the Club’s notice boards.

We do hope that you and your children enjoy being a member of the Rowledge Cricket Club, and if you have any concerns, please do let me know.

Yours faithfully,

Bethan Eyres

Bethan Eyres, Club Safeguarding Officer

bethan_eyres@hotmail.com

Training times for summer 2024 (unless informed otherwise by the Administrative Officer or your coach) are:

• YR to Y4 (male/female) – Friday evenings, 6.30-7.30pm at the Rowledge Recreation Ground from May 3rd
• U11 (male/female) – Friday evenings, 6.30-7.30pm at Frensham Heights Sports Field from May 3rd
• U13 (male) – Thursday evenings, 6.30-8pm at Frensham Heights Sports Field from May 2nd
• U13 Girls – Friday evenings, 6.30-7.30pm at the Rowledge Recreation Ground from May 3rd
• U15 (male) – Tuesday evenings, 6.30-8pm at the Rowledge Recreation Ground – Date TBC
• U17/19 (male) – Monday evenings, 6-7.30pm at the Rowledge Recreation Ground  – Date TBC
• Men – Thursday evenings, 6-8pm at the Rowledge Recreation Ground – Date TBC
• Women and U16 Girls – Wednesday evenings, 6.30-8pm at Frensham Heights Sports Field from May 2nd

Match dates:

• All Men’s, Women’s and Youth match dates are detailed on the Club website Fixtures Calendar

Important junior and youth safeguarding messages for coaching/ training sessions, matches and club events:

Drop off / collection arrangements for winter nets and summer training 

• Please ensure that your child (or group of children if you are lift sharing) is/are personally handed over to and collected from the coach at each session. Late cancellations are infrequent but possible and so we ask you to please ensure that all children are delivered and collected safely at all sessions. We will always do our utmost to notify you of any changes to scheduled sessions as soon as possible but please do not rely on this.
• Please ensure children are dropped off punctually at the start of sessions and collected promptly at the end of sessions.
• If a member is knowingly going to be late delivering or collecting their children please take all reasonable steps to inform the appropriate Coach/Club Staff as soon as possible. Coaches will provide contact details for coaching/ training sessions and specific contact details for each match.
• If a member has been unable to get in touch, the Coach/Club Staff will take all reasonable steps to contact the parent/carer or an alternative adult contact, as listed in the child’s online membership application, to make alternative arrangements bearing in mind all safeguarding precautions required.
• It is the Club’s policy that children do not leave the playing facility without notifying the appropriate Coach/Club Staff that they are doing so.
• For Junior and Youth age groups, children will not be permitted to leave the playing facility unless the Coach/Club Staff has handed the child to or seen/ been in contact with their parent/carer (depending on child’s age)
• It is also the policy of the Club that parents/carers do not take their children away before the ground is tidied away (where required) and the Coach/Club Staff is able to release the players in a controlled way.

Friday night junior coaching on the Rowledge Recreation Ground

• Friday night cricket on the Rowledge Rec through the summer is recognised as a focus within the village for club members and friends to meet and ‘wind down’ at the weekend. We have a BBQ, fresh pizza, the sweetie stall and the bar is open from 6.30pm. While the sun shines and the children enjoy their cricket, adults can enjoy a catch up and a relax.
• Please note that on Fridays children remain the responsibility of their parent/guardian until the start of the training session (6.30pm) at which point parents/guardians should hand their children over to their coach
• During the training session (6.30-7.30pm) the children are the responsibility of the coaches and as such the children are not permitted to leave the training area for their age group, for example to purchase drinks or sweets or go to the toilet, without the express permission of the coach and unless accompanied by an adult if the coach requires. Coaches will remind children of this fact at training sessions, but please also remind your children and also be mindful of this yourself – if you do remove your child from their training area for any reason you must inform their coach first.
• At the end of the training session (7.30pm), parents/guardians are required to collect their children from the coach and the children are once again the responsibility of their parent/guardian

 General Information:

Training and matches:

• Please ensure your child,
  • wears suitable sports footwear and clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions (no spikes if training or matches are in the fixed nets or on the artificial wicket)
  • brings a cap, wears sun-cream (SPF30+) and re-applies during breaks, covers up (collars and sleeves, trousers), wears suitable sunglasses and seeks shade in breaks if sunny
  • brings a drink
  • brings their bat if required (normally from U11 upwards)
• Players in open groups from U11 up and female groups from U13 up must bring full protective equipment for hardball training and matches that meets safety regulations including helmet, abdo guard, leg pads, thigh pads, gloves – coaches can provide advice on this
• Match playing members will need RCC green match shirts and black trousers for match days
• For younger year groups, please also ensure your child has been to the toilet before arriving
• Parents/guardians are not always required to stay for matches/training however,
  • on a rotational basis, one adult per child member is requested to assist coaches on a few match days (umpire/score/coach’s assistant) and a few training sessions
  • if you are not comfortable helping with the training / matches, there are more ways to help, please get in touch

Coaching at RCC:

• As a club we take coaching seriously, we have around 25 qualified coaches.
• Almost all of our coaches are volunteer parents/guardians who the Club have supported to become ECB qualified. There are several levels of qualification offered from foundation though to skilled coach. Our coaches develop and progress in their coaching as their children develop and progress in their cricket.
• We rely on our volunteer parent/guardian coaches in order to deliver our successful junior and youth sections.
• Each year group is coached by two-three of their parents/guardians, and we always need more.
• For the 2024 season we need new coaches to begin the training process in year reception, one, two and four

Our coaches do a fantastic and worthy job and we would strongly urge and encourage others to join up too.  If you can help, please contact James Hildreth -james@jameshildreth.com.

Communications from the Club:

• Communication will be by email and app notifications delivered via Pitchero, the Club membership database
• Coaches and team managers may also communicate additional training and match day information via personal email, the Pitchero app or WhatsApp
• All communication will go to parents/guardians and not to children and young people
• The Club will permit 16-17 year olds to be included on team WhatsApp groups and to receive Pitchero notifications only with the express permission of their parents and if their parent is also copied

Feedback:

• Feedback from children, young people and parents is encouraged by the Club and the Coaches.
• Feedback will allow us to review whether what we are providing is the best to meet our children and young player’s needs, so please get in touch.