Club Policy

At West Herts Cricket Club we will follow the ECB Code of conduct and Spirit of Cricket regulations governing players conduct on the field of play.

Specifically any club player or official:

• Will conduct themselves properly and fairly on and off the field of play.
• Will NOT engage in verbal or physical abuse or hostility to other players or members of the public.
• Will NOT engage in verbal or physical abuse or hostility to other players or members of the public.
• Will NOT engage in crude, abusive and personal sledging of other players or officials nor use abusive gestures.
• Will NOT engage in excessive and/or intimidatory appealing.
• Will welcome and respect players and guests to West Herts Cricket Club.

Any player reported, cited by the umpires or by his own captain for breach of this Code of Conduct will be requested to appear before the club's disciplinary committee as soon as possible. The committee will consist of the Club Captain or his nominated deputy, an elected member of the Playing Membership and a senior non-playing member.

If a breach of the Code is established this committee shall have the right to impose penalties.

The Committee at West Herts CC value the fact that we are a family club which promotes the playing of cricket at all levels, and the correct conduct of its members on and off the pitch through our Club Mark status and its own Code of Conduct.

WHCC has a zero tolerance policy on drugs and banned substances in and around the pavilion and whilst on club facilites.

Anyone who is found in possession of a banned substance, or is witnessed consuming a banned substance, will be subject to disciplinary action.

Members are reminded that any instances should be reported to a member of the Committee, and that they are also responsible for the actions of their guests, when present at the Club.

Adopted December 2017.

West Herts Cricket Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members.

West Herts Cricket Club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents/carers or guardians associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others.

Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with Club Safeguarding Officer and Junior Co-ordinator (Dennis Lock 07792085329).

You are expected to abide by the following junior code of conduct:.

• All members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.
• All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
• Members must wear suitable kit – training and match sessions, as agreed with the coach/team manager.
• Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.
• Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.

The Committee at West Herts CC value the fact that we are a family club which promotes the playing of cricket at all levels, and the correct conduct of its members on and off the pitch through our Club Mark status and its own Code of Conduct.

WHCC has a zero tolerance policy on drugs and banned substances in and around the pavilion and whilst on club facilites.

Anyone who is found in possession of a banned substance, or is witnessed consuming a banned substance, will be subject to disciplinary action.

Members are reminded that any instances should be reported to a member of the Committee, and that they are also responsible for the actions of their guests, when present at the Club.

All Members and Guests of West Herts Cricket Club will:

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of Cricket
• Treat everyone equally and not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief
• Not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of discrimination if witnessed
• Display high standards of behaviour
• Promote the positive aspects of Cricket e.g. fair play
• Encourage all participants to learn the Laws and rules and play within them, respecting the decisions of match officials
• Actively discourage unfair play, rule violations and arguing with match officials
• Recognise good performance not just match results
• Place the well-being and safety of Young People above the development of performance
• Ensure that activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual
• Respect Young People's opinions when making decisions about their participation in Cricket
• Not smoke, drink or use banned substances whilst actively working with Young People in the Club
• Not provide Young People with alcohol when they are under the care of the Club
• Follow ECB guidelines set out in the “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children” and any other relevant guidelines issued
• Report any concerns in relation to a Young Person to the Club Safeguarding Officer

*Members and Guests include all members and officers of West Herts Cricket Club and all guests of those members and officers, as well as all individuals who watch / attend / participate / officiate in matches hosted by the club in whatever capacity.

In addition to the above, all Club Officers and Appointed Volunteers will:

• Hold relevant qualifications and be covered by appropriate insurance
• Always work in an open environment (i.e. avoid private or unobserved situations and encourage an open environment)
• Inform Players and Parents of the requirements of Cricket
• Know and understand the ECB’s “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children”
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with Young Players, based on mutual trust and respect
• Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines with the Young Player’s full consent and approval
• Not engage in any form of sexually related contact with a Young Player. This is strictly forbidden as is sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms. The ECB adopts the Home Office guidelines which recommend the principle - “People in positions of trust and authority do not have sexual relationships with 16-17 year olds in their care”
• Attend appropriate training to keep up to date with their role and especially with respect to the Safeguarding of young People

The Committee at West Herts CC value the fact that we are a family club which promotes the playing of cricket at all levels, and the correct conduct of its members on and off the pitch through our Club Mark status and its own Code of Conduct.

WHCC has a zero tolerance policy on drugs and banned substances in and around the pavilion and whilst on club facilites.

Anyone who is found in possession of a banned substance, or is witnessed consuming a banned substance, will be subject to disciplinary action.

Members are reminded that any instances should be reported to a member of the Committee, and that they are also responsible for the actions of their guests, when present at the Club.

Adopted December 2018.

West Herts Cricket Club (The Club) is committed to ensuring that all Children(*) participating in cricket have a safe and positive experience.

(*The word “Children” should be taken to mean all persons under the age of 18.)

We will do this by:

• Recognising that all Children participating in cricket (regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability) have a right to have fun and be protected from harm in a safe environment.
• Ensuring that individuals working within cricket at or for our club provide a safe, positive and fun cricketing experience for children.
• Adopting and implementing the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) “Safe Hands –Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children” and any future versions of the policy.
• Appointing a Club Safeguarding Officer and ensuring that they attend all current and future training modules required by the ECB & the NSPCC, so that they have the necessary skills to be able to undertake their role effectively.
• Ensuring that all people who work in cricket at or for our club, (such as Staff, Officials, Volunteers, Captains, Team Managers, Coaches etc.) understand that the Safe Hands Policy applies to them according to their level of contact with children in Cricket.
• Ensuring that all individuals working within cricket at or for the club are recruited and appointed in accordance with ECB guidelines.
• Ensuring that all individuals working within cricket at or for the club are provided with support through education and training so that they are aware of and can adhere to good practice and code of conduct guidelines defined by both the ECB, and by the club.
• Ensuring that the name & contact details for the Club Safeguarding Officer are available - as the first point of contact for parents, children & volunteers / staff within the club:
• as a local source of procedural advice for the club, its committee & its members
• as the main point of contact within the club for the ECB County Safeguarding Officer and the ECB Child Protection Team, and
• as the main point of contact within the club for relevant external agencies in connection with child welfare
• Ensuring that correct and comprehensive reporting procedures exist for raising and managing safeguarding and child protection concerns. Such procedures recognising the responsibility of the statutory agencies and in accordance with pre defined safeguarding and child protection procedures as defined by the ECB, Statutory agencies and Local Safeguarding Children Board LSCB guidelines and policies.
• Providing everyone connected with the club (including parents, children and volunteers) with the opportunity to voice any concerns which they have (about possible suspected child abuse, and/or about poor practice) to the Club Safeguarding Officer.
• Ensuring that all suspicions, concerns and allegations are taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
• Ensuring that access to confidential information relating to child welfare matters is restricted to the Club Safeguarding Officer and the appropriate external authorities as specified within ECB Safeguarding and child protection procedures.

West Herts Cricket Club wishes to ensure that photography and video footage use within cricket is undertaken appropriately.

Parents should not be prevented from taking pictures of, or filming their children. These are normal family practices and help mark milestones in a child’s life.

The introduction of proportionate controls on the use of photographic equipment (cameras, videos including mobile phones) is an element of general safeguarding good practice in a club.

The ECB is keen to promote positive images of children playing Cricket and is not preventing the use of photographic or videoing equipment.

Some people may use sporting events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of Children. All clubs should be vigilant about the possibility of this. These individuals could attend the local cricket club allowing people to presume they are related to a child involved.

It is also possible that is a picture and name was placed in the local paper the information could be used as a ‘grooming’ tool. Any concerns during an event should be reported to a club official or event organiser.

There may be other reasons why individuals may not wish their child’s photograph to be taken by someone they do not know personally, i.e. estranged parents looking to gain access to a child.

WHCC policy relating to the use of photographic equipment during matches, training sessions and other club occasions is.

• Photographs / images are not to be taken at matches or training without the prior permission of the parents/carers of the children. This permission can be given by proxy by the coach of each team only after parental consent for this has been granted. The coach must arrange this prior to attending matches.
• If no consent has been given for a child on the player Registration Form, then it is to be made known to the relevant person of the other team (eg. Coach / Team Manager) so that the appropriate person/s taking photos for the other team is aware and can avoid taking photos of that particular child.
• The children should be informed that a person will be taking photographs.
• The children should be informed that if they have concerns they can report these to the coach or team manager.
• Concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography should be reported to the Club Safeguarding Officer and recorded in the same manner as any other child protection concern.
• It is recommended that Cricket tournaments / festivals / events / competitions set up a camera registration book for parents to complete.

It is recommended that all Cricket Clubs adhere to the appropriate guidelines relating to publishing of images as detailed below.

Use of images of children, (for example on the web, in the media or in club or league handbooks).

• Ask for parental permission to use their child’s image and wherever possible show the image to the parents and child in advance. This ensures that they are aware of the way the image will be used to represent Cricket and the Club.
• Ask for the child’s permission to use their image. This ensures that they are aware of the way the image will be used to represent Cricket and the Club.
• If the Cricketer is named, avoid using their photograph.
• Only use images of children in appropriate kit (training or competition), to reduce the risk of inappropriate use and to provide positive images of the children.
• Encourage the reporting of inappropriate use of images of children. If you are concerned, report your concerns to the Club Safeguarding Officer.

Using Video as a coaching aid.

• There is no intention on the part of the ECB to prevent Club Coaches using video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid.
• However, Players and Parents/Carers should be aware that this is part of the coaching program and material taken in connection with coaching must be stored securely and must be deleted / destroyed when a parent requests this, or when the material is no longer needed.

The Parents/Carers and children must provide written consent via the Junior Registration Form for the use of photography and video analysis.

Adopted December 2017.

All ECB affiliated cricket clubs must have a Changing Policy which will be dependent upon the facilities available at the club, the access to those facilities and the number of children involved.

These guidelines apply to adults and children sharing changing facilities.

Please note that if children are uncomfortable changing or showering with adults at the Club, no pressure should be placed on them to do so. Encourage them to do this at home.

Principles adopted by WHCC are as follows:

• Adults must not change or shower at the same time using the same facility as children.
• Adults should try to change at separate times to children during matches i.e. when padding up.
• If Adults and children need to share a changing facility, the Club must have consent from the Parents that their child(ren) can share a changing room with Adults in the club.
• If children play for Adult Teams, they and their parents must be informed of the Club’s policy on changing arrangements.
• Mixed gender teams must have access to separate male and female changing rooms (or failing that at least have different changing times which are strictly adhered to).
• Mobile phones must not be used in changing rooms.

West Herts Cricket Club understands and acknowledges any player's/member's right to pass reasonable and considered comment on a specific match, or on the sport in general. The club does, however, expect all such social media postings to be constructive and relevant given the potentially unrestricted audience of Facebook & Twitter.

The following conditions apply to any social media posting which relates either directly, or indirectly, to WHCC. These conditions also apply to any posting that might reasonably be regarded as reflecting on the club in any way.

No social media posting may be made by a player/member which:

• Contains any threatening, abusive, insulting or indecent language.
• Discriminates on any grounds of race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, faith, sexual orientation, social class or disability.
• Is detrimental to the interests of WHCC or to the game of cricket in general, or which brings WHCC or the game of cricket into disrepute.
• The individual could reasonably be expected to know what would implicate a third party in any disciplinary or legal hearings. This may include, but is not restricted to, the copying and redistribution of any third party social media posting.
• The individual might reasonably be expected to know what would undermine the unity of a team or the standing of WHCC in general.
• Discloses any matter which is confidential to WHCC. This may include, but is not restricted to, team selection, tactics & injuries.

All players/members are reminded that while an individual's opinions may not represent those of WHCC, they can very easily reflect on the club. As such, all players/members are expected to consider the club's values as well as its long and proud history in any social media postings that they choose to make.

Any player/member failing to adhere to this code of conduct will face disciplinary measures and may be suspended or banned from representing/attending WHCC.

Given the potentially severe sanctions following any breach of the code, players/members should keep all login details and passwords secure.

Adopted December 2017.

West Herts Cricket Club (THE CLUB) in all its activities, is fully committed to the principles of equality of opportunity in cricket, and to ensuring that its employees, members and all other individuals working or volunteering for THE CLUB, and participating in or watching THE CLUB’S activities are treated fairly and are able to conduct their activities free from discrimination, harassment or intimidation.

• THE CLUB, in all its activities will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably against on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, parental or marital status, pregnancy, religion or belief or sexual orientation.
• THE CLUB will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of individuals.
• THE CLUB will endeavour to create access and opportunities for all those individuals who wish to participate, and are lawfully eligible to participate, in its activities.
• THE CLUB will ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that its employees, members and volunteers adhere to these requirements and this policy
• This policy is fully supported by THE CLUB’s officers and [management committee] who are responsible for the implementation of this policy.
• Will NOT engage in excessive and/or intimidatory appealing.
• Will welcome and respect players and guests to West Herts Cricket Club.

THE CLUB is committed to the investigation of any claims when brought to its attention, of discrimination, harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, and reserves the right to impose such sanction as it considers appropriate and proportionate, where such is found to be the case.

• In the event that any employee, member, volunteer, participant or spectator feels that he has suffered discrimination, harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation, they should report the matter in writing to the management committee of THE CLUB.
• Any such report should include: details of what occurred; when and where the occurrence took place; any witness details and copies of any witness statements.
• If the accused individual is a non-employee, the [management committee]:
• may decide (at its sole discretion) to uphold or dismiss the complaint without holding a hearing;
• may (at its sole discretion) hold a hearing at which both parties will be entitled to attend and present their case;
• will have the power to impose any one or more of the following sanctions on any person found to be in breach of any policy: (a) warn as to future conduct; (b) suspend from membership; (c) remove from membership; (d) exclude a non-member from the facility, either temporarily or permanently; and (e) turn down a non-member’s current and/or future membership application; and
• will provide both parties with written reasons for its decision.
• A party may appeal a decision of the [management committee] to the relevant County Cricket board by writing to the relevant County Cricket Board within 3 months of THE CLUB’s decision being notified to that party.
• If the nature of the complaint is with regard to the [management committee] of the THE CLUB, the complainant may report the complaint directly to the relevant County Cricket Board.

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the THE CLUB in consultation with the England and Wales Cricket Board Limited.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT

West Herts Cricket Club is strongly committed to encouraging a safe environment when members are participating in Club activities. The safety, health, well-being of each individual is always our paramount concern.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY.

To support our Health and Safety policy statement we are committed to the following:

• Undertake regular, recorded risk assessment of the Club premises and all activities undertaken by the Club.
• Create a safe environment by putting health and safety measures in place as identified by the assessment.
• Ensure all Club officials and Coaches are given the appropriate level of training.
• Ensure that all members are made aware of the Club’s “Health and Safety Policy” and their responsibilities therein.
• Appoint a competent Club member to assist with health and safety responsibilities.
• Ensure that normal operating procedures (particularly pertaining to COVID protocols) and emergency operating procedures are in place and known by all members.
• Provide access to adequate first aid facilities and a qualified first aider at all times.
• Report any injuries or accidents sustained during any Club activity or whilst on Club premises.
• Ensure that the implementation of the policy is reviewed regularly and monitored for effectiveness.

AS A CLUB MEMBER YOU HAVE A DUTY TO:

• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and those others who may be affected by your actions.
• Co-operate with Club officials and Coaches on health and safety issues.
• Correctly use all equipment provided by the Club.
• Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health,safety or welfare.

CLUB HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER

Dennis Lock

GENERAL INFORMATION AND RELATED POLICIES

• First Aid Kits held in pavilion and with Coaches/Match Managers.
• Accident book held in Pavilion.
• Local Hospital Watford General Vicarage Road. Watford, WD18 0HB phone 01923 244366. Emergency Phone 999.
• Safeguarding Policy.*
• Code of Conduct/ Inclusion Diversity Policies. *
• Photographic/Changing Room/Social Media/Anti-Bullying Policies.*

*All policies to be found on Club website. www.westhertscc.co.uk/policies