Reed Cricket Club Policy Documents and Codes of Conduct (Updated to January 2022).
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General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

This Privacy Notice sets out how Reed Cricket Club aims to repay the trust you have shown by sharing your personal data within the club.
The Privacy Notice in brief
It’s important that you read the full Privacy Notice to understand what information we hold, how we may use it, and what your rights are – but if you don’t have time to read it all now, here is a short summary:
• We collect information that is either personal data (such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses)
• We collect information about our registered club members
• We collect information to provide services or goods, to provide information, to fundraise, for administration.
• We only collect the information that we need, or that would be useful to us in our aim to provide the best possible service.
• We do our very best to keep personal information secure, wherever we collect personal data online.
• We never sell your data, and we will never share it with another company for marketing purposes.
• We only share data where we are required by law,
Reed Cricket Club Privacy Notice
Reed C.C. promises to respect the personal information you provide to us. We wouldn’t want to use it in a way that you won’t expect, so our Privacy Notice explains how we protect your privacy and how you can control how we use your personal information.
If you want to change the way in which we use your data or if you have a question about how your personal information is used, please contact us using any of the methods below:
Email: cilla@richardandcilla.co.uk
Phone: 07852 299719
Postal address: 1 Rose Villas, Jacksons Lane, Reed, Royston, Herts. SG8 8AB
Who we are:
In this privacy notice, whenever you see the words ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’, it refers to
• Reed Cricket Club
How we use your personal information
We use your personal information in a number of ways to:
• provide you with the service or information you’ve requested.
• improve our website and the range of services and products we provide.
• provide you with useful information about events.
• produce surveys for you to participate in.
• keep you informed of fundraising opportunities.
• contact you with appropriate marketing messages where you have given us permission to do so.
• pass over your details when required, where appropriate to our insurers and our solicitors should you be involved in an accident or incident while on our premises or when taking part in one of our events or activities. (Playing members’ details have to be passed on to the ECB to enable registration on Saracens Hertfordshire Cricket League, Play Cricket and Juniors to the Hertfordshire Junior Leagues.)
What personal information we hold about you?
We only ask you to supply information that we need in order to provide the service you have requested. We will normally ask you to provide us with:
• Your name
• Your contact details
We may request other information where it’s appropriate and relevant, for example:
• Your bank details
• How you would like us to contact you
• Date of birth
• Accessibility or medical information where relevant to your participation in an event or activity
• Details of any accident or incident you may have been involved in while on our premises or while taking part in one of our events or activities
Where we collect your personal information from:
We collect personal information about you in several ways:
• when you contact us by mail, phone, email or live chat.
• when you complete one of our online or paper-based surveys or purchase or order an item from our online shop.
• via our local community groups.
• via an accident and incident form when you have been involved in an accident or incident on one of our premises or when attending one of our events or activities.
We understand that our member’s circumstances change and you can easily withdraw the permissions you have given us, at any time either by using our contact details in this policy or by using the methods we tell you about in our communications e.g. using the ‘unsubscribe’ link on our emails.
Who we share your data with
We do not share or sell your data to any company for marketing purposes.
Relevant Data is only supplied to Team Captains and Junior Team Managers.
How we keep your personal information safe
We take our obligations to keep your personal data safe and secure very seriously.
Within Reed Cricket Club, access to your personal information is strictly controlled on a ‘need to know’ basis. Nominated Committee members are only allowed access to your personal data if they have been sufficiently trained in data handling. We have specific technical controls in place to restrict access and these are monitored regularly. Our website is also monitored and protected to prevent it from unauthorised access.
All personal data sent to nominated members is protected. In all cases we require these persons to comply strictly with our instructions and they are not allowed to use your information for their own purposes other than Reed Cricket Club related business.
How long we keep your personal information
We keep your personal information for 5 years. This will then be renewed on completion and return of the annual registration form.
How you can find out about the information we hold about you
You have the right to request a copy of the information that we hold about you.
If you would like a copy of some or all of your personal information, please email or write to us using the contact details in this policy – we do not apply a charge for providing you with this information.
If we do hold information about you we will:
• give you a description of it.
• tell you why we are holding it.
• tell you whom it could be shared with.
• let you have a concise and clear copy of the information.
• We want to make sure that your personal information is accurate and up to date and we will be happy to correct or remove information you think is inaccurate.
What to do if you have a complaint
If you have a complaint, please contact our Data Protection Officer by writing to:
Mrs L. Robertson, Membership Secretary, RCC,
1, Rose Villas, Jacksons Lane, Reed, Royston, Herts. SG8 8AB
or sending an email to cilla@richradandcilla.co.uk
Changes to this privacy notice
This Privacy Notice was drafted with brevity and clarity in mind.
We keep our privacy notice under regular review. This privacy notice was last updated in: January 2022.

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Code of Conduct for Reed Cricket Club Members and Guests *

All Members and Guests of REED 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, for example fair play;
• Encourage all participants to learn the Laws and rules and play within them, always
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 children above the development of performance;
• Ensure activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the
individual;
• Respect children’s opinions when making decisions about their participation in
Cricket;
• Not smoke, drink or use banned substances whilst actively working with children in
the Club;
• Not provide children 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 child or young person, following reporting
procedures laid down by the ECB.
* Members and guests include all members and officers of the cricket club
and all guests of those members and officers, as well as all individuals
who watch; attend; participate or officiate in matches hosted by the club
in whatever capacity.
In addition to the above, all Club Officers and appointed Volunteers will:
• Have been appropriately vetted, if required;
• 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 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. These recommend “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, especially with respect to the safeguarding of children.
(ECB Code of Conduct for Cricket Club Members and Guests – current at January 2022)

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Reed Cricket Club – Child Safeguarding and Welfare Policy Statement

Reed Cricket Club is committed to ensuring that all Children and Young People (Aged under 18) who play cricket have a safe and positive experience.
Reed Cricket Club is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for youth and junior cricketers. To help us provide that environment the Club Committee has formally adopted a set of Child Safeguarding and Welfare Policies which put in place a framework safeguarding all youth and juniors who play, train or watch cricket at Reed Cricket Club
We will do this by:
· Recognising that all Children and Young People 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 Young People.
· Adopting and implementing the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) “Safe Hands – Safeguarding (Welfare) of Young People in Cricket” policy and any future versions of the policy. (This sets out a framework to fulfil the ECB’s commitment to good practice and the protection of Young People in its care within Cricket.)
· Ensuring that all people who work in cricket at or for our club, (such as Officials, Volunteers, Team Managers, Coaches etc.) understand that the Safe Hands Policy applies either directly or indirectly to all individuals working within Cricket (in a paid or voluntary capacity) according to their level of contact with Young People in Cricket. (If anyone has any doubt as to the relevance to their own role, they should contact The Club’s Child Safeguarding Officer.)
· Ensuring that all individuals working within cricket at or for the club are recruited and selected in accordance with ECB guidelines, and are subject to an enhanced CRB check.
· Developing and implementing policies and procedures which ensure that everyone (e.g. Volunteers, Coaches, Umpires, Scorers, Team Managers etc.) understand, accept and are supported in their role and responsibility with regard to the Duty of Care for Young People.
· 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.
· Appointing a Child 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 the names & contact details for The Club’s Child Safeguarding Officer, and their role as the first point of contact for parents, children & volunteers 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 Manager, and as the main point of contact within the club for relevant external agencies in connection with child welfare, is publicised to everyone within the club.
· Ensuring that correct and comprehensive reporting procedures exist for raising and managing child welfare concerns. (Such procedures recognising the responsibility of the statutory agencies and complying with The Local Child Protection Committee Procedures.)
· 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 Child Safeguarding Officer.
· Ensuring that individuals working within cricket at or for the club are appropriately trained so that they are aware of how to respond to / manage any child welfare issues which may come to light. (Recognising that it is not the responsibility of those individuals working in Cricket to determine if abuse has taken place, but that it is their responsibility to act upon and report any concerns, so that child protection experts can then fulfil their responsibility to determine whether or not abuse has taken place.)
· Ensuring that all suspicions, concerns and allegations are taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and appropriately. (In accordance with pre defined child safeguarding and welfare procedures as defined by the ECB, Statutory agencies and The Area Child Protection Committee guidelines)
· Ensuring that access to confidential information relating to child welfare matters is restricted to the Club’s Child Safeguarding Officer and the appropriate external authorities as specified within ECB Child Safeguarding and Welfare procedures.

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Reed Cricket Club – Transport Policy

Transport to matches and practice sessions
Reed Cricket Club policy is that parents / guardians 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 Safeguarding Officer if they have any problems with the transportation of players to matches or practice sessions.
* Note: The term “responsible adult” refers to a person who has been chosen by the parent / guardian of the child or young person being transported, and under such circumstances the parent & responsible adult are deemed to have made a private arrangement.

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Reed Cricket Club – Photography / Video Policy

Photography / Video
1. All youth and junior players & their parents will be provided with a copy of the club photography / video policy, which outlines the responsibilities of parents and the club, and all parties will be expected to adhere to this policy at all times.
2. Reed Cricket Club recognises the need to ensure the safeguarding, welfare and safety of all Young people (under 18) in Cricket. The Club will follow the guidance issued by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on the use of images of young people, a copy of which is available from the Club Safeguarding Officer, or from the ECB Child Safeguarding (Welfare) website www.ecb.co.uk
3. As part of this commitment, the club (and its officials / coaches etc.) will not themselves take photographs / video or other images of young people, nor will the club authorise the taking of any images of young people without the prior written consent of the Parent / Guardian, and the Young Player (for those between the age of 12-18).
4. The club understands that there may be circumstances under which a parent would not wish their child to be photographed. It is therefore the responsibility of the parent concerned to ensure that their child is not videoed or photographed. Parents are advised that the club is unable to supervise individual children (with respect to them being photographed / videoed) during cricket activities or competitions, particularly in locations which are open to members of the general public.
5. The recording of images of young people by ECB qualified cricket coaches, as part of a legitimate coaching programme within the club will be permitted to occur, subject to prior written consent of the parent and the young person being obtained, and subject also to the qualified coach undertaking the recording, analysis and storage of any such images strictly in accordance with all ECB coaching guidelines in force at the time.
6. The club will prohibit the use of all photographic equipment in changing rooms (including mobile phones which have the capability to take photographs)
7. If photographs (e.g. team or action shots) are to be submitted to the press, be published within club literature or on the Club website, names will not be stated alongside photographs & vice versa. The only exception to this will be where a specific need exists to identify one individual due to a notable individual occurrence / achievement. In any such occurrence, written parental consent will be obtained by the club in advance of publication, on a “one off” basis.
8. The Club will take steps to ensure that any images taken by the club itself, or authorised to be taken by the club will be used solely for the purpose they are intended, which is the promotion and celebration of the club’s cricketing activities, or as a part of a legitimate programme of coaching activity approved by the Coaches’ coordinator at the Club.
9. If you become aware that any images are being used inappropriately you should inform the Club Safeguarding Officer immediately.

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Reed Cricket Club – Changing Room Policy

Changing Room Policy.
1. All youth and junior players & their parents will be provided with a copy of the club changing room policy, and all players will be expected to adhere to the policy at all times.
2. Parental consent must be given if young players (under 16) are to share changing and/or showering facilities with adults.
3. Youth and Junior players (under 16) who do not wish to change or shower with adults will be under no obligation to do so & will be encouraged to change / shower at home.
4. Players who are under 10 will be required by the club to change clothes at home, due to the club being unable to meet the current ECB guideline which requires two members of staff of the same sex as the players to supervise under 10 players whilst they change.
5. All parents will be made aware that there are circumstances under which players under the age of 16 years may find themselves changing clothes / showering in the presence of persons over 18 years – particularly if youth and junior players participate in senior cricket matches / practice sessions. If any parent is not comfortable with this arrangement then the parent must ensure that their child changes and / or showers at home. The parent must also ensure that the youth or junior player does not enter changing facilities at any time if parental consent has not been given.
6. Adults working with young teams, (i.e. whilst the youths or juniors are in their care for a youth or junior match / practice session) including, coaches or umpires will not change or shower at the same time using the same facility as young players (under 16).
7. Mixed gender teams must have access to separate male and female changing rooms, or be provided with separate times when they can change in single sex groups.
8. All photographic equipment, (including mobile phones which have a capability to take photographic images) will be totally prohibited in all changing rooms at the club.
9. If the club has disabled players with specific needs, the Coach or the Club Child Safeguarding Officer will involve them (and their carer) if they wish to be assisted to change and will ensure that they provide full consent to any support or assistance required.

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Reed Cricket Club – Code of Conduct for Parents / Guardians

• Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them.
• Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.
• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
• Never force your child to take part in sport.
• Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all.
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
• Publicly accept officials’ judgements.
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
• Use correct and proper language at all times.

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ECB Fast Bowling Directive

The Fast Bowling Directives are designed to raise awareness of the need to nurture and protect our young fast bowlers through their formative years, and have been welcomed by a significant number of coaches and managers. Research has shown that fast bowlers are by far the most likely players to be missing playing and training time due to injury.
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.
Under 13
5 overs per spell 10 overs per day
Under 14 & Under 15
6 overs per spell 12 overs per day
Under 16, U17, U18 & U19
7 overs per spell 18 overs per day
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.
In matches of 20 overs or less per team where the competition regulations only allow bowlers to bowl less than or equal to the number of overs specified as the maximum in a spell in the Directives the provisions requiring an equivalent number of overs from the same end to have elapsed before a subsequent spell can commence shall not apply (e.g. in any age group competition where a maximum of 4 overs per bowler is allowed these may be bowled at any time in the innings irrespective of the number of spells bowled).
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.
*Any reference to he/his should be interpreted to include she/her.
(ECB Fast Bowling Directive – current at January 2022)
Captains, Team Managers and Umpires are asked to ensure that these ECB Directives are followed at all times.

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ECB Fielding Regulations

The ECB has regulations covering the minimum fielding distances for young players in all matches where a hard ball is used.
No young player in the Under15 age group or younger shall be allowed to field closer than 8 yards (7.3 metres) from the batter’s position on the popping crease on a middle stump line, except behind the wicket on the off side, until the batter has played at the ball. 

For players in the Under 13 age group and below the distance is 11 yards (10 metres). 

These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet. 

Should a young player in these age groups come within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back. 

In addition any young player in the Under 16 to Under 18 age groups, who has not reached the age of 18, must wear a helmet and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box) when fielding within 8 yards (7.3 metres) from the batter’s position on the popping crease on a middle stump line, except behind the wicket on the off side. Players should wear appropriate protective equipment whenever they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk. 

These fielding regulations are applicable to all cricket in England and Wales. Age groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31st August in the year preceding the current season.
(ECB Fielding Restrictions for Young Players – current at January 2022)
Captains, Team Managers and Umpires are asked to ensure that these ECB Directives are followed at all times.

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Reed Cricket Club – Anti-Bullying Policy (Current at January 2022)

Statement of intent:
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our 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 children should be able to tell, and know, incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING club. This means anyone who knows bullying is happening is expected to tell someone who can do something about it.
What is bullying?
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying can take many forms:
• Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (for example: hiding kit, or making threatening gestures)
• Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
• Racist: racial taunts, graffiti and/or gestures
• Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
• Homophobic: because of, or focusing on, the issue of sexuality
• Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours and teasing
• Cyber: bullying behaviour online or via electronic communication (email and text, social media etc) Misuse of associated technology, such as camera and video facilities
Why is it important to respond to bullying?
Bullying hurts. No one should be a victim of bullying. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Children who are bullying also need to learn different ways of behaving. Cricket clubs have a responsibility to respond promptly, and effectively, to issues of bullying.
Objectives of this policy
• All adults and children at the club should have an understanding of what bullying is
• All officials, coaching and non-coaching staff should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported
• All children and parents should know what the club policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises
• As a club, we take bullying seriously. Children and parents should be assured they will be supported when bullying is reported
• Bullying will not be tolerated
Signs and symptoms:
A child may indicate, by signs or behaviour, that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of signs and investigate if a child:
• Says they are being bullied
• Changes their usual routine
• Is unwilling to go to the club
• Becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
• Comes home with clothes torn or belongings damaged
• Has possessions which are damaged or go missing
• Asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully)
• Has unexplained cuts or bruises • Is frightened to say what’s wrong
• Gives improbable excuses for any of the above In more extreme cases, the child:
• Starts stammering
• Cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
• Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
• Is bullying other children or siblings
• Stops eating
• Attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying is a possibility and should be investigated.
Procedures
• Report bullying incidents to the Club Safeguarding Officer
• In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be reported to the ECB Safeguarding Team for advice via the County Safeguarding Officer
• Parents should be informed and invited 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 18, the ECB must always be informed and will advise on action to be taken.
Prevention
We will use ‘Kidscape’ recommended methods to help children prevent bullying. These may include:
• Developing a children’s code of conduct (see guidance in ‘Safe hands’
• Agreeing behaviour contracts
• Having discussions about bullying and why it matters

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ECB Guidance for clubs on the use of Social Media, texts and email (Current at January 2022)

Everyone in cricket is reminded that the Relevant Codes of Conduct apply online and in text and email communications, just as they do in the ‘real world.’ Many cricket clubs have formally adopted this expectation into their constitution and / or disciplinary processes.
Social Media
Social Media, when used properly, is exciting and opens up a lot of opportunities, but at times it can seem strange and even intimidating for people who did not ‘grow up’ with it. Facebook, Twitter, texting, Blackberry messenger, online gaming and personal emails are everywhere. By following some simple guidelines potential pitfalls can be avoided, and Social Media can be safely used as a promotional tool and a means of communication for the club.
Club Officials / Coaches / Managers
Facebook and Twitter accounts are great for promoting your club and cricket in general, as well as being a fun way to unwind and stay in touch with friends: it is essential to keep these two worlds separate. You should have separate cricket-club related and personal pages; all contact with players should be through the former, and strictly in relation to training, coaching, matches and cricket related activity. You should also adjust the privacy settings for your personal account so that content is only visible to accepted ‘friends’. This will keep younger players safe from material that may be unsuitable for them, and will reduce the risk of your online interactions from being viewed with suspicion.
Although younger players may see you as a friend, and may request to be your ‘friend’ on a social media site, you should direct them to the cricket- club related page and keep all contact professional. What they might consider innocent, friendly contact may not be seen as such by their parents, people at the club and others.
It is also important to be mindful of any content you post online via the cricket-club related page; remember:
You are representing the club
Your communications should conform to ‘Safe Hands’ policy and guidance. Ensure that nothing you post could cause personal distress or be seen as inappropriate for children. If you wouldn’t put it on the club notice board, it doesn’t belong on the club’s social media pages
You should have consent before posting any personal information online – this includes photographs where an individual can be identified. Remember the picture/no name guidance for under 18s If you are in charge of a social media page for your club, league, panel etc., further guidance has been provided by the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU): http://www.nspcc.org. uk/Inform/cpsu/resources/briefings/social_ networking_services_wdf69029.pdf.
Texts and emails – Contacting Under 18 players
The Children Act defines a person under 18 years as a child
• You should make arrangements for under 18s via their parents or carers; this includes text and email messages.
• It is understood that in the case of over 16’s this may not be ideal for yourself or the parents. An acceptable exception to this rule is to text or email the parent and to copy in the 16 or 17 year old, with the parent’s prior consent. This means the parent is able to monitor communications, but the 16 or 17 year old receives the information directly.
• If you receive any responses from that appear inappropriate they should be brought to the attention of the parent or carer.
• You should not engage in individual text or email conversations with a 16 or 17 year old without their parent receiving the same messages from you.
• All contact with children should be in relation to coaching, matches and cricket-related activity.
Social Media: Do’s and Don’ts Coaches / Managers / Clubs
DO:
• Have separate social media accounts for cricket-club related and personal use.
• Keep your photos and personal information private.
• Apply the Codes of Conduct and appropriate professionalism to your behaviour online, by text and email.
• Obtain consent before posting any personal information online – this includes photographs where an individual can be identified.
• Remember the picture/no name guidance for under 18s Coaches / Managers / Clubs
DO NOT:
• Send text messages to youths and juniors – make arrangements via their parents.
• Send private messages to children and young people via social media.
• Invite or accept children and young people to become “friends”.
• Send inappropriate text messages or post messages on social media that are offensive, nasty or derogatory in any way.
Adult players in Open Age teams
Please be mindful of who may have access to material you share via social media, including Facebook, twitter and other platforms.
If you have concerns regarding social media, texts and emails
If you suspect that someone is using social media in an unsafe or inappropriate manner, you should report their behaviour to your Club Safeguarding Officer, the County Safeguarding Officer, or the ECB Safeguarding team – email safeguarding@ecb.co.uk If you believe that an offence has been committed, or that someone’s use of social media is placing a child is at risk of harm, inform the police immediately.

ECB Guidance for Parents / Carers and children / young people on the use of Social Media, texts and email
Parents / Carers
This generation is growing up with the internet as part of their everyday lives, and that’s a good thing. It’s a great place for them to learn, to have fun and to chat with their friends. Of course, it’s important to make sure that they’re safe while they do it.
• Remember: it is against Facebook’s rules for your child to have an account if they’re under thirteen years old. This is to prevent them from being exposed to potentially inappropriate content. You will find all you need to know about keeping young teens safe on Facebook on their official safety page for parents: http://www.facebook.com/safety/groups/parents/ There are some key tips which can significantly help to reduce the risks involved with social media and the internet.
• Make sure that your family computer is in a main living area, and the screen is positioned so that you can see what’s going on. Google have some more advice on their family safety pages: http://www.google.co.uk/familysafety/advice.html
• Most importantly of all, it’s important that your child feels they can talk to someone if they are being bullied online, or if they’ve been exposed to something that makes them upset or uncomfortable. You may also want to have a look at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre’s guide to the internet for parents and carers: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/Parentsold
• Provide the club with your email and/or telephone number to receive texts and emails regarding your child’s matches and training, if the club requests this.
Parents / Carers DO
• Make sure you are aware of who your child has contact with online and via text
• Be aware of The ECB and the club’s expectations for coaches and social media
• Talk to your children about using social media.
• Provide your mobile number / email address if requested, so the club can contact you
Children and Young People
The internet is a great place to learn and to have fun with your friends, and the best way to have fun is to make sure that you stay safe. You should think about the points below whenever you use the internet, or speak to people online or by text: If someone isn’t your friend in real life, they aren’t your friend on the internet.
Be careful when accepting friend requests. Sometimes people on the internet aren’t who they say they are. If you’re not 100% sure, don’t risk it.
Remember to change your privacy settings so that only your friends can see information about you, your wall posts and your photos.
If someone is sending you messages or texts that you are worried about, you should tell your parents, an adult you trust, your teacher or your club’s welfare officer.
• Remember that your coach is a professional, just like your teachers. They should not be your friend on Facebook, and should not be texting or messaging you.
• You can expect them to make arrangements for coaching and matches via your parents.
• Bullying can happen online too, and it’s known as cyber-bullying. If you, or someone you know, has had this happen to them you should tell an adult that you can trust.
• Don’t be afraid to tell someone if you have concerns.
• Have a look at the Think You Know page on the internet for more information about staying safe online: http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/Young people
DO
• Keep your photos and personal information private
• Conduct yourself in a respectful and courteous manner on social media as you would at home, in school or at cricket.
• Tell a professional or an adult that you trust if you are worried or concerned about online behaviour or unwanted contact/ communication. Young people
DO NOT
• Send inappropriate text messages or post messages on social media that are offensive, nasty or derogatory in any way
• Accept any friend requests from people you don’t know or you feel uncomfortable accepting.

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ECB Whistle Blowing Policy (Current at January 2022)

The ECB is committed to maintaining a culture where it is safe, and acceptable, for all those involved in cricket to raise concerns about unacceptable practice and misconduct.
You may be the first to recognise something is wrong but you may not feel able to express your concerns out of a belief that this would be disloyal to colleagues, or you may fear harassment, victimisation or disadvantage.
These feelings, however natural, must never result in a child continuing to be unnecessarily at risk. Remember, it is often the most vulnerable children who are targeted. These children need someone like you to safeguard their welfare. Those involved in the sport must acknowledge their individual responsibilities to bring matters of concern to the attention of the relevant people. and/or agencies. Although this can be difficult, it is particularly important where the welfare of children may be at risk.
The ECB assures all involved in cricket that they will be treated fairly and that all concerns will be properly considered. In cases where the suspicions prove to be unfounded, no action will be taken against those who report their suspicions/allegations, provided they acted in good faith and without malicious intent. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects whistle blowers from victimisation, discipline or dismissal where they raise genuine concerns of misconduct or malpractice.
Reasons for whistle blowing
Each individual has a responsibility for raising concerns about unacceptable practice or behaviour:
• To prevent the problem worsening or widening
• To protect or reduce risk to others
• To prevent becoming implicated yourself
What stops people from whistle blowing?
• Starting a chain of events which spirals
• Disrupting work or training
• Fear of getting it wrong
• Fear of repercussions or damaging careers
• Fear of not being believed
What happens next?
• You should be given information on the nature and progress of any enquiries
• All concerns will be treated in confidence. During the process of investigating the matter, every effort will be made to keep the identity of those raising the concern unknown, except to the minimum number of individuals practicable
• Your Club Safeguarding Officer, County Safeguarding Officer and the ECB have a responsibility to protect you from harassment or victimisation
• No action will be taken against you if the concern proves to be unfounded and was raised in good faith
• Malicious allegations may be considered a disciplinary offence
ECB Whistle Blowing Procedures
Should suspicions be raised via a “tip off”, the person receiving the tip off should attempt to obtain the following information from the informant:
• Name address and telephone number
• Names of individuals involved
• The manner of the alleged incident/s or circumstances
• Whether they will submit any evidence (if applicable)
• How they became aware of the nature of the allegation
• You should not attempt to deal with any allegation or suspicion yourself, rather inform your Club Safeguarding Officer or your County Safeguarding Officer or the ECB Safeguarding Team.
Specifically do not:
• Inform the person about whom the concern was raised
• Inform any other members, participants or employees
• Commence your own investigation
• Annotate or remove evidence
• Delay in reporting the suspicion
Also do not assume:
• “All is well, otherwise it would have been spotted earlier”
• “It doesn’t matter” or “no harm will arise”
• “Ignore it as it is not my responsibility”
• “Someone else must have reported it already”
Who do I tell?
The first person you should report your suspicion or allegation to is your Club Safeguarding Officer. If for any reason you cannot, or do not wish to report the matter to your Club Safeguarding Officer, you should refer to your County Safeguarding Officer. If you cannot, or do not wish to, report the information to either of these, then please contact the ECB Safeguarding Team by email on safeguarding@ecb.co.uk or telephone 020 7432 1200. Alternatively you can also contact Public Concern at Work on 020 7404 6609 or whistle@pcaw.org.uk
Feedback
The amount of feedback relating to the issue will vary depending on the nature and result of the investigations. However, where possible, those who have raised concerns will be kept informed of the progress and conclusion of investigations, although they may not be informed of the detail unless they would need this information in order to safeguard children.

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ECB Concussion and Head Injury Guidelines (Current at January 2022)

HEAD INJURY ADVICE.
If you notice any change in behaviour, vomiting, dizziness, worsening headache, double vision or excessive drowsiness, please contact your medical team or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

Important Points:
Rest (physically and mentally), including training or playing sports, until symptoms resolve and you are medically cleared;
No alcohol;
No prescription or non-prescription drugs without medical supervision.

General advice:
To recover more quickly, it is important to:
• Rest from stressful situations, including school, college or work until you feel recovered;
• Undertake a Graded Return to activities including use of computers at work and at school, video games and more rigorous activity;
• Avoid contact sports until you have completed the required return to sport programme.

Medical Help:
If symptoms fail to disappear after 10 days or you become concerned about worsening signs, please see your GP.

Specifically:
• it may be normal to experience mild headache, nausea, or difficulties concentrating or tiredness for a short period;
• No sleeping tablets;
• Do not use aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication or sedating painkillers;
• Do not drive until medically cleared;
• Do not train or play sport until medically cleared.

If you are concerned contact your GP / NHS 111, attend A&E or call an ambulance 999/112.

Extracted from the ECB Concussion and Head Injury Guidelines – refer to Concussion in Cricket on www.ecb.co.uk (Current at March 2021)

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ECB Guidelines for Youth and Junior Players in Open Age Cricket.

The ECB has issued guidance covering the selection and participation of young players in open age group cricket. This is to help clubs decide when to select young players in open age group cricket and how best to help their cricketing development when they play within open age groups. The guidance applies to boys and girls. The ECB keeps these guidelines under review. Put simply, the overall aim is to allow young players to develop in safety, but not to spoil the game for adults. For the avoidance of doubt, this guidance applies to training and nets as well as games, for men’s and women’s cricket, and for the indoor game.
The guidance is as follows:
General
• Making the step up from youth and junior to open age group cricket is a significant event in any player’s cricket experience. Ensure the player’s safety, personal development needs and overall cricket experience are considered.
• Clubs, squad coaches and managers must take into account the requirements on age detailed in this guidance.
• Each case is to be determined on an individual basis, depending on the player’s ability and stage of cognitive and emotional maturity to take part in open age cricket. The minimum age guidance provided below must be followed.
• Youths and Juniors should be involved in all aspects of the game wherever possible i.e. socialising, team talks, practice, decision making and so on, so they feel part of the team.
• Children will often feel more comfortable and able to perform if they have a family member or friend also playing in the side.
• Remember, 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The captain should inform the Umpires of under 18s in the side.
Restrictions
ECB Helmet wearing Guidance, Fast Bowling Directives and Fielding Regulations should always be adhered to for youth and junior players in Open age group cricket.

Minimum Age
The minimum age for Open Age cricket is the U13 age group. Players must be in Year 8, and 12 years old on the 1st September of the preceding year.
This applies to all Club and District players who are not in a County or Area squad (or Region in Wales). Written parental consent is required.
Exceptionally, players who are selected in a County U12 squad (or Regional squad in Wales) in spring for a summer squad – are also eligible to play Open age cricket.*
Please be aware that at under 12 level the ECB recommends that the focus is on participation rather than Talent I.D, and many counties no longer run under 12 squads. Inclusion of ANY Under 12s in Open Age teams should be an exception and not an expectation.
* providing they are at least 11 years old, are in School Year 7 on 1st September in the year preceding the season, and have written parental consent to play.
It is essential clubs and coaches recognise the ‘duty of care’ obligations they have towards young players in Open Age cricket
The duty of care should be interpreted in two ways:
• 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
• 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 guidelines note the need for clubs and leagues to recognise the positive experience young players should have in open age cricket. Clubs should 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.
ECB Guidance Note – current at January 2022.

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ECB Guidance Note: Safety Measures for Helmets within Recreational Cricket

The ECB has recently announced new helmet safety measures, which are being introduced with a view to reducing the risk of head and facial injuries within the game. The purpose of this brief note is to assist Leagues and Clubs at the recreational level to understand the key elements of these changes and what they mean.
Players over the age of 18
The ECB strongly recommends that all adult recreational cricketers should wear helmets for certain activities, preferably which meet the most recent British Safety Standard (see below). This recommendation applies to batting against all types of bowling, wicket-keepers standing up to the wicket (who may as an alternative wear face protectors) and fielders fielding closer than eight yards from the batter’s middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side.
Under 18s
The position in relation to U18s currently remains unchanged, and is governed by the ‘ECB Guidance on the Wearing of Cricket Helmets by Young Players’ (www.ecb.co.uk/youngplayershelmetguidance). In essence, batters and wicket-keepers standing up to the stumps must wear head protection when playing or practising. That Guidance should be referred to in full for the position in relation to u18s.
British Safety Standard
The latest British Safety Standard is BS7928:2013 (for adults, youths and juniors). The full list of helmets meeting this standard is available at www.ecb.co.uk/helmets.
For wicket-keeping face protectors the relevant British Safety Standard is BS7929-2:2009 (again, for adults, youths and juniors).
The ECB understands that there is currently no specific women’s helmet and as a consequence no specific standard for women’s cricket helmets. As the size of the standard women’s cricket ball is between the standard men and junior balls, it is recommended that women use helmets that have been tested against both the men’s and junior sized ball, or at least against the junior size ball (as that could potentially get through the gap above the face guard on a men’s helmet).
What do Leagues and Clubs need to do?
Whilst it is strongly recommended that all adult recreational cricketers wear helmets in the on-field circumstances detailed above, it is not mandatory for them to do so. For the avoidance of doubt, Leagues or Clubs do not need to go above and beyond the ECB’s recommendation by forcing their cricketers to wear helmets.
However, Leagues and Clubs in recreational cricket should ensure that their cricketers are made aware of the ECB’s above recommendation in relation to helmets, including the need to check that any newly purchased helmets meet the latest British Safety Standard. The ECB recommends that Leagues and Clubs bring the link above i.e (www.ecb.co.uk/helmets) to the attention of their cricketers and encourage all cricketers to carefully consider their own health and safety regarding helmet use.
Leagues and Clubs should always ensure that they have adequate public liability insurance.
ECB Guidance Note – current at January 2022.
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Reed Cricket Club recommends the wearing of Helmets when batting in all recreational cricket irrespective of age.
Refer to: www.ecb.co.uk/helmets
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ECB Safety Guidance on the Wearing of Cricket Helmets by Young Players

In February 2015 the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued updated safety guidance on the wearing of helmets by young players up to the age of 18. In brief, the guidance recommends that:
• helmets with a faceguard or grille must 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 must wear a helmet with a faceguard, or a wicketkeeper face protector when standing up to the stumps.
With the assistance of schools, cricket clubs and leagues, the wearing of helmets by young players is now standard practice in cricket throughout England and Wales. Helmets are widely available and are covered by an updated British Standard (BS7928:2013). A face protector represents an alternative head protection system for young wicket keepers. Wicketkeeper Face Protectors are covered by a new British Standard (BS 7928 – 2 :2009). The ECB strongly recommends that wherever possible youth and junior players use head protectors that have been tested against junior sized cricket balls.
Parental or guardian written consent allowing a young player not to wear a helmet should not be accepted in any form of cricket.
This guidance applies to all players up to the age of 18, both in adult cricket and in all youth and junior cricket played with a hard cricket ball.

The guidance also applies during all practice sessions. Any individual taking responsibility for players should take all reasonable steps to ensure that this guidance is followed at all times.
The ECB asks that the guidance is communicated to the parents or guardians of all young players through clubs and schools, and that young players are not allowed to bat or stand up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard ball without wearing appropriate protection.
ECB Guidance Note – current at January 2022.

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All Policies, Directives and Guidance are current as at January 2022.
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