SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT

Farnham Cricket Club is firmly and enthusiastically committed to providing an environment that is safe, welcoming and friendly for children and for all people to enjoy the game of cricket.

The Club has adopted the ‘Safe Hands’ Safeguarding Policy which has been developed by the England and Wales Cricket Board for the safeguarding and protection of children in the game of cricket. It is based upon providing an enjoyable environment that meets the needs and requirements of children- an environment in which children are asked for and are able to offer their views and opinions is a safer environment and is one in which children feel more able to share concerns, and everyone feels more able to challenge poor practice or behaviour.

In furtherance of this Policy, Club Officers and appointed volunteers will:

• Have been appropriately vetted if required, before taking on their role
• 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
• Attend appropriate training to keep up to date with their role, especially that relating to the safeguarding of children
• 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”

In addition to the above, the Club’s detailed Policies and procedures to give effect to its approach to Safeguarding include guidelines on incident reporting and response, guidance on wearing helmets, codes of conduct for members and children, and other issues such as photography and transport. These Policies can be found elsewhere on our website.