Safeguarding

Should you have an immediate concern about a child where their safety is at immediate risk, please contact the Police on 999.

Yorkshire Cricket is committed to creating and maintaining a positive sporting environment. All disclosures, incidents and concerns reported are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly in a timely manner. Where needed, Yorkshire Cricket will work in consultation with external and statutory agencies such as the ECB, NSPCC, Children Social Services and the Police. If you have any concerns relating to a child or adult involved in Yorkshire Cricket our online report form should be completed. 

We encourage anyone dealing with a safeguarding disclosure, incident, allegation or concern, to follow the three R’s:

	Ensure the environment for a conversation is a safe space for everyone involved Stay calm, listen and clarify detail Be mindful or your body language and move away from any distractions Use open-ended questions and follow the pace of the individual disclosing Try to control your own emotions, remembering that the disclosure may be difficult for someone to share Be honest and explain you will have to tell someone in order to help the situation, and that you cannot keep a secret Share the concern as early as possible
	Make notes of the conversation as soon as possible and with as much detail as possible Be as accurate as you can about what you have seen, heard and or been told Use calm and neutral language Poor practice can likely be dealt with locally however you must still record it Add the date and time to notes taken, including your signature where possible If the disclosure is potentially a crime or abuse, contact the police immediately
	Report your concerns as soon as possible using our online report form If reporting concerns about an adult at risk, speak with them and ask for their consent before sharing Only share information with people on a need-to-know basis, with your Club Safeguarding Officer in the first instance, or with our Lead Safeguarding Officer

All efforts should be taken to maintain appropriate confidentiality and information only shared on a need-to-know basis. In any case where you are unsure as to what to do, contact our Safeguarding Team using safeguarding@yorkshireccc.com. 

Yorkshire Cricket recognise that the talented and elite players moving through our Player Pathway have the right to train and compete in a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment. Whilst we endeavour to provide fantastic experiences and reward for our players, we know that there are certain factors within elite sports that make young elite players more vulnerable to abuse and the effects of poor practice coaching. The following factors can contribute to the vulnerability of both young and adult elite athletes. The Ann Craft Trust provides more detail on these contributing factors and offer solutions to mitigate risk of abuse.

Finding the Balance

It can be challenging for young elite athletes to find the right balance therefore Yorkshire Cricket’s coaches work closely with players and parents to help maintain and restore a healthy balance. We communicate openly with players and their parents, and together we create a schedule that includes training and competitions, revision and exams, as well as time for relaxing and socialising with family and friends. The CPSU offer lots of advice on how best to support talented and elite players.

The Yorkshire Cricket Board are committed to providing an environment that is safe, welcoming and friendly, for both children and adults, to enjoy the game of cricket that is free from abuse, harm and neglect. The Yorkshire Cricket Board continue to create and develop a culture where children and adults feel safe and provide an environment where they are encouraged and listened to.

Yorkshire Cricket Board Safeguarding information, including policies, procedures and key contacts can be accessed or downloaded via their website.