Code of Conduct for Coaches, Team Managers and Volunteers

Note: Where we refer to 'parents' we mean parents and carers inclusively. The term 'children' or 'child' describes any person under the age of 18.

As a Coach, Team Manager or Volunteer (who is officially appointed to a role on behalf of the club that involves working with young cricketers, under the age of 18) at our club or activity, we'd like you to:

• implement our safeguarding policy and procedures
• report any concerns about or allegations of abuse or poor practice to our safeguarding officer Suzy Chalk (Club Safeguarding Officer) on 07872 634716 or Julie Page (County Safeguarding Officer) on 07741 272751 / safeguarding@hertscricket.org as soon as possible
• listen to any concerns that parents or young people might have
• consider your behaviour - do not engage in any behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse
• respect your position of trust and maintain appropriate boundaries and relationships with young people. Engaging in sexual behaviour with any child under the age of 18 is illegal
• keep any coaching and safeguarding training up to date and adhere to all guidelines
• keep your DBS checks up to date and compliant
• keep children in your sessions safe by supervising appropriately, using safe methods and techniques and by putting children's safety first
• make sure you've got appropriate adult ratios of adult to participant before the session begins
• ensure equipment is fit for purpose, safe to use and accessible and take responsibility for any equipment being used
• respect children's trust and rights whilst being honest and open with them
• champion everyone's right to take part and celebrate difference in our club or by not discriminating against anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or ability
• stop play if an injury happens, administer minor first aid and call for help when necessary
• ·only use constructive and positive methods of developing children's skills, without any detriment to them
• behave appropriately online in accordance with our online safety and social media policy
• challenge and address instances of poor, negative, aggressive or bullying behaviour amongst young people
• lead by example when it comes to good sportsmanship,positive behaviour, commitment to the sport and your appearance
• develop positive relationships with parents and catch up with them regularly about their child's development
• make our club a friendly and welcoming place to be
• endeavour to avoid any physical contact with the players if at all possible.
• ·never be isolated in an area alone with any child and always ensure you have another coach, volunteer, parent or responsible adult with you

As Coach, Team Manager or Volunteer, we understand you have the right to:

• enjoy the time you spend with us and be supported in your role
• be informed of our safeguarding and reporting procedures and what you need to do if something isn't right
• have access to ongoing training in all aspects of your role
• be listened to
• be involved and contribute towards decisions within the club or activity
• be respected and treated fairly by us and our governing body
• feel welcomed, valued and not judged based on your race, gender, sexuality or ability
• be protected from physical or emotional abuse from children or parents and be supported to resolve conflicts

We expect all of our Coaches, Team Managers and Volunteers to follow the behaviours and requests set out in this code. If any staff member or volunteer behaves in a way which contradicts any of the points set out above, we'll address the problem straight away and aim to resolve the issue. If any Coach, Team manager or other volunteer is seen not to abide by this code of conduct, their actions will be reviewed by a disciplinary panel established by Boxmoor Cricket Club and based on the findings appropriate action will be taken including the potential of taking disciplinary action against you with the involvement of governing bodies and ultimately your dismissal from the organisation.

Last Bi-Annual Review Conducted June 2024