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Safeguarding

Junior Cricket Premier League (JCPL) Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

The England and Wales Cricket Board Limited (ECB) and Junior Cricket Premier League (JCPL) are committed to ensuring that all Young People who play Cricket have a safe and positive experience.

Junior Cricket Premier League (JCPL) is committed to developing and implementing policies and procedures, which ensure that everyone knows and accepts their responsibility in relation to a duty of care for Young People. It is committed to ensuring that there are correct and comprehensive reporting procedures, by promoting good practice and sound recruitment procedures for all individuals working within Cricket. Junior Cricket Premier League (JCPL) recognises that it is not the responsibility of those individuals working in Cricket to determine if abuse has taken place, but it is their responsibility to act upon and report any concerns.

The Club have taken on board the ECB Policy – Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children – and this can be found at the bottom of this page.

This policy sets out a framework to fulfil the ECB’s commitment to good practice and the protection of Young People in its care within Cricket.

A variety of titles have been used within this Policy document to describe the people working in Cricket, such as ‘Staff’, ‘Official’, ‘Volunteer’, ‘Team Manager’ etc. This 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 you have any doubt as to its relevance to your role please contact the ECB Welfare Case Officer.

Underpinning Principles

All Young People within Cricket, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability, have the right to be protected.

All Young People participating in sport and in particular Cricket have a right to do so in a safe environment.

Adults working within Cricket will provide a safe, positive and fun Cricketing experience for Young People.

Adults, Volunteers, Coaches, Umpires and Scorers will understand and be supported in their role and responsibility with regard to the Duty of Care for Young People.

Individuals will receive support through Education and Training, to be aware of and understand best practice and how to manage any welfare issues which may come to light.

All suspicions and allegations will be taken seriously, managed and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

Junior Cricket Premier League recognises the responsibility of the statutory agencies and is committed to complying with the Local Area Child Protection Procedures.

It is the responsibility of the child protection experts to determine whether or not abuse has taken place, but it is the responsibility of all those working within Cricket to report any concerns

1. Statement of Intent

The JCPL acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to providing a safe environment for all participants. We subscribe to The ECB’s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures and endorse the “Respect” program.

2. Key Principles

  • The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
  • All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, faith, or belief.
  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

3. Role of the League and Member Clubs

The JCPL requires all member clubs to:

  1. Appoint a Club Welfare Officer (CWO): Who must have completed the ECB’s Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officers Workshop.
  2. Ensure Safer Recruitment: All coaches, medics, and officials working with children must have an in-date, ECB-accepted Enhanced DBS Check.
  3. Adhere to the Respect Codes of Conduct: Ensuring players, parents, and coaches maintain a positive environment.

4. Reporting Concerns

If you have a concern about a child’s welfare or the behavior of an adult toward a child, you must report it immediately.

  • Internal League Contact: Any safeguarding matter within the JCPL should be directed to the League Welfare Officer.
    • Email: welfare@jcpl.co.uk
  • Urgent Risk: If a child is in immediate danger, contact the Police (999) or the NSPCC (0808 800 5000).
  • County FA: You may also contact your local County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) for independent guidance.

5. Anti-Bullying

The JCPL has a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying. This includes physical, verbal, and emotional bullying, as well as cyberbullying via social media or messaging apps. Clubs are expected to have their own internal anti-bullying policy that aligns with the ECB and JCPL standards.

6. Use of Images and Digital Communication

  • Photography: Parents/guardians must give consent for photography. No images should be taken in changing rooms or of injured players.
  • Messaging: Coaches and officials must not communicate with minors via private social media or personal messaging. All league-related communication should go through parents/guardians or CC’d group chats.

7. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or following any significant changes in FA safeguarding legislation.