Equality Policy
Junior Cricket Premier League
Equality and Anti-Discrimination Policy
Version 1.0 · May 2026 · Applies to all JCPL participants and activity
Policy owner Justin Taundi — Founder, JCPL
Contact welfare@jcpl.co.uk
Legal framework Equality Act 2010 · ECB Equity Policy · ECB Safe Hands Policy
Applies to All JCPL match days, league communications and franchise activity
Linked policies JCPL Safeguarding Policy (v2.0) · JCPL Code of Conduct
Next review date May 2027 or following any significant change in equality legislation
Version history v1.0 — May 2026 (initial)
This policy applies to all JCPL participants — players, Franchise Coordinators, coaches, umpires, match officials, volunteers, parents and spectators. It exists alongside, and does not replace, the JCPL Safeguarding Policy. Where a matter involves both discrimination and the welfare of a child, both policies apply.
1. Statement of Commitment
The Junior Cricket Premier League (JCPL) is committed to equality of opportunity and the elimination of discrimination in all its activities. The JCPL believes that cricket should be accessible, welcoming and fair for every player, coach, official, volunteer and spectator — regardless of who they are.
The JCPL actively works to create an environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect, differences are valued, and no one is disadvantaged by characteristics that are irrelevant to their participation in cricket.
This commitment is not passive. The JCPL takes positive steps to promote equality, challenge discrimination when it occurs and ensure that our competition is genuinely open to everyone.
2. Legal Framework
This policy is grounded in the Equality Act 2010, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of a protected characteristic. The JCPL also adopts the ECB’s Equity Policy, which sets the framework for equality in recreational and junior cricket in England and Wales.
2.1 Protected Characteristics
The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination on the basis of the following nine characteristics:
Age Disability Gender reassignment
Marriage & civil partnership Pregnancy & maternity Race
Religion or belief Sex Sexual orientation
The JCPL additionally recognises socioeconomic background as a relevant characteristic in junior sport, and takes active steps — including the Access Fund — to reduce barriers to participation based on income or deprivation.
2.2 Types of Discrimination
The Equality Act 2010 recognises four main types of discrimination:
Direct discrimination — where a person is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic (e.g. refusing to select a player because of their race)
Indirect discrimination — where a rule or practice applies to everyone but disadvantages people with a particular protected characteristic (e.g. a kit requirement that a player cannot meet due to their religion)
Harassment — unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment
Victimisation — treating a person less favourably because they have raised a discrimination concern or supported someone else who has
3. Scope — Who This Policy Applies To
This policy applies to all individuals in connection with JCPL activity, including:
Players (U9–U13) and their parents and guardians
Franchise Coordinators, coaches and team managers
JCPL Match Referees, umpires and officials
JCPL volunteers
Parents, guardians and spectators at JCPL match days
Any organisation (club, academy, school) participating in the JCPL as a franchise
This policy applies at all JCPL match days, finals days, training sessions connected to JCPL activity, and in all digital communications conducted in connection with the JCPL.
4. Our Commitments
4.1 Equal Access and Participation
The JCPL is open to players of all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status
The JCPL is mixed by default — boys and girls participate together. Where sufficient demand exists, a girls-only competition pathway is offered
The JCPL Access Fund provides funded franchise places for teams from lower-income areas, removing financial barriers to participation
Venue selection will consider accessibility for players and spectators with disabilities wherever practicable
The JCPL will make reasonable adjustments to its format, kit requirements or match day arrangements to accommodate players with disabilities or specific needs
4.2 Selection and Treatment
All decisions about player selection, team composition, officiating appointments and volunteer roles will be made on the basis of relevant merit, ability and availability only. No selection decision will be influenced by any protected characteristic.
4.3 Kit and Uniform
Where a player’s religious or cultural practice requires a modification to the standard kit (for example, wearing a hijab, patka or other religious garment), this is permitted provided the modification is safe for match play. Franchise Coordinators should notify the JCPL in advance if any player requires a kit modification.
4.4 Language and Communication
Avoid language that stereotypes, demeans or excludes people based on any protected characteristic
Use gender-neutral language in official communications wherever appropriate
Consider accessibility when producing written materials
5. Responsibilities
5.1 JCPL as League Operator
Setting and communicating equality standards that apply to all franchises
Taking action when discrimination is reported or observed
Making reasonable adjustments to reduce barriers to participation
Reviewing this policy annually
Promoting equality actively — not only responding to complaints
5.2 Franchise Coordinators
Ensuring all players in their franchise are treated equally and with respect
Briefing players, coaches, parents and spectators on this policy before the first match day
Challenging discriminatory language or behaviour when they observe it
Reporting any discrimination incident to welfare@jcpl.co.uk
5.3 Players
Players are expected to treat all other players, officials and adults with respect and fairness. Discriminatory language, gestures or behaviour toward any player will not be tolerated.
5.4 Parents and Spectators
Discriminatory language, comments or behaviour directed at any player, official or other spectator will result in the individual being asked to leave the venue. Repeat incidents may result in the associated franchise receiving a formal warning.
5.5 JCPL Officials and Volunteers
All JCPL Match Referees, umpires and volunteers are expected to treat all participants equally and without favour. Any official who behaves in a discriminatory manner will be suspended from JCPL duties pending investigation.
6. Zero Tolerance — What Will Not Be Accepted
The JCPL operates a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination. There is no threshold below which discriminatory behaviour is acceptable.
Racial abuse or language — including slurs, derogatory terms, or behaviour targeting a player’s race, ethnicity or national origin
Religious or cultural discrimination — including mocking a player’s religious practice, dress or belief
Sexism and gender discrimination — including treating female players, coaches or officials as less capable or less welcome
Homophobia and transphobia — including language, gestures or behaviour targeting a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity
Disability discrimination — including mocking, excluding or making assumptions about a player based on a disability
Discriminatory harassment — any unwanted conduct relating to a protected characteristic that creates a hostile, humiliating or offensive environment
Victimisation — treating anyone less favourably because they have raised a discrimination concern
Discriminatory behaviour toward a child is both a breach of this policy and a potential safeguarding matter under the JCPL Safeguarding Policy. Both policies will apply and the concern will be handled accordingly.
7. Reporting a Discrimination Concern
7.1 How to Report
Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination in connection with JCPL activity should report it. You do not need to be the person directly affected to make a report.
Report to the JCPL. Send details to welfare@jcpl.co.uk. Include: what happened, when and where, who was involved, any witnesses, and the exact words or actions used.
On match days. Report to the JCPL Match Referee immediately. The Match Referee has authority to remove any individual from the venue whose behaviour is discriminatory.
If you are unsure whether something counts. Report it anyway. It is the JCPL’s role to assess the concern, not yours to determine whether it meets a threshold.
If the concern involves a child. Also refer to the JCPL Safeguarding Policy and report to the JCPL Designated Safeguarding Lead.
7.2 Anonymous Reporting
Anonymous reports may be submitted to welfare@jcpl.co.uk. The JCPL will take all reports seriously regardless of whether the reporter identifies themselves. However, anonymous reports may limit the JCPL’s ability to investigate or take formal action.
7.3 External Bodies
Yorkshire Cricket Board (YCB): yorkshirecb.com — for concerns about JCPL activity in Yorkshire
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB): ecb.co.uk/equity — for concerns about ECB-affiliated activity
Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS): 0808 800 0082 — for advice on rights under the Equality Act 2010
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC): equalityhumanrights.com — for formal complaints under the Equality Act
8. Investigation and Sanctions
8.1 Investigation Process
When a discrimination concern is received, the JCPL will acknowledge receipt within 48 hours, assess whether immediate action is required, investigate the concern promptly and confidentially, and communicate the finding to relevant parties.
8.2 Sanctions
Where a discrimination concern is upheld, sanctions may include:
Formal warning Written warning to the individual and, where relevant, the Franchise Coordinator
Points deduction Deduction of league points from the associated franchise
Suspension from match days Individual suspended from attending one or more JCPL match days
Removal from JCPL Individual permanently removed from participation in the JCPL
Franchise suspension Franchise suspended from one or more phases pending compliance
Referral to YCB / ECB Serious incidents referred to the Yorkshire Cricket Board or ECB
8.3 Appeals
Any individual or franchise subject to a sanction may appeal in writing to welfare@jcpl.co.uk within 14 days of the decision. The outcome of the appeal is final.
9. Positive Action and Inclusion
Girls’ cricket: The JCPL is mixed by default. Where sufficient demand exists, a girls-only competition pathway is offered. Female participation is tracked and reported as part of ECB reporting obligations.
Lower-income communities: The Access Fund removes financial barriers by providing funded franchise places for teams where the majority of players come from IMD Decile 1–4 postcodes.
Disability: The JCPL will work with any franchise to make reasonable adjustments for players with disabilities. The JCPL’s no-dismissal, pairs batting format is by design more inclusive than traditional formats.
Faith and culture: The JCPL will consider scheduling requests from franchises whose players have faith or cultural observance commitments and make reasonable adjustments where practicable.
Ethnic diversity: The JCPL actively recruits franchises from diverse communities across Yorkshire and will monitor the ethnic diversity of its player base as part of annual reporting.
10. Confidentiality
All discrimination reports and investigations are treated with confidentiality. Information is shared only with those who need it to investigate or resolve the matter. The person raising a concern will be protected from victimisation. Any attempt to retaliate against a person for raising a discrimination concern is itself a breach of this policy.
11. Relationship with Other JCPL Policies
JCPL Safeguarding Policy (v2.0) Where discrimination involves or affects a child, both the Safeguarding Policy and this policy apply. The child’s welfare takes precedence.
JCPL Code of Conduct Discriminatory behaviour is a breach of the Code of Conduct as well as this policy.
JCPL Franchise Agreement Franchises agree to comply with this policy as part of the Franchise Agreement. Serious breaches may result in termination.
ECB Safe Hands Policy The ECB’s national safeguarding policy, adopted in full by the JCPL. The ECB also operates its own equity framework at national level.
12. Policy Review and Communication
This policy will be reviewed annually in May, or following any significant change in equality legislation, ECB guidance, or the JCPL’s own operations. It is published at jcpl.co.uk and provided to all Franchise Coordinators before the first match day of each phase.
Questions about this policy or concerns about equality in the JCPL should be directed to welfare@jcpl.co.uk. The JCPL is committed to responding to all equality enquiries within five working days.
Quick Reference — Reporting and Contacts
JCPL — Report a concern
Email (all concerns)
welfare@jcpl.co.uk
Match day: tell the JCPL Match Referee immediately
External contacts
Yorkshire Cricket Board: yorkshirecb.com
ECB Equity: ecb.co.uk/equity
EASS Helpline: 0808 800 0082
EHRC: equalityhumanrights.com
This is version 1.0 of the JCPL Equality and Anti-Discrimination Policy, effective May 2026. It should be read alongside the JCPL Safeguarding Policy (v2.0) and the JCPL Code of Conduct. Questions should be directed to welfare@jcpl.co.uk.