Ensuring the Safety and Wellbeing of your Young Cricketers in Senior Teams
All parents/carers want to provide the best opportunities for their child, especially when it comes to their involvement in sports.
When considering if your child should play in a Senior Cricket competition, it is important to consider not only their cricket ability and skill but also their developmental status physically, emotionally and mentally.
Children and Young people participate in sport for many reasons and it is important to have an open conversation with them about what to expect when playing in a senior team.
The club and coach are a major part of the environment and experience for any participant in sport. It is important to find the right match to effectively support their skill development and sporting goals.
Cricket can teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience. However, when young cricketers participate in senior teams, there is an increased risk that the young person is exposed to adult-related content such as bad language, alcohol consumption or smoking/vaping.
To ensure your child is safe and well-protected. Here is a checklist to consider if the team is the right fit for your child:
- Does the club follow and promote Australian Cricket's Safeguarding Children and Young People Framework?
- Does the club have a designated Child Safety Officer?
- Do all Club Volunteers have a valid Working with Children Check (or equivalent)?
- Does the club encourage involvement of or engage with parents/carers and children/young people?
- Do they ask for feedback?
- Does the club provide information and collect parents or carers consent for:
- Photography
- Livestreaming
- First Aid
- Travel Arrangements
- Emergency Contacts
- Does the club have other policies and procedures in place to protect Children and Young People including:
- Complaints Procedure
- Photography and Livestreaming Procedure
- Social Media Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Does the club have clear reporting processes for child safety concerns and other integrity issues?
If you and your child decide that they are ready to play in a senior team, here are a few tips to ensure they have a safe and positive experience:
- Communication Encourage your child to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any situation. Maintain open lines of communication with your child and their coaches.
- Preparation: Speak with your child about the potential difference of playing with friends to playing in a competitive environment and what they may have to miss out on due to their age. For example, going to a team social event at a licensed venue.
- Supervision Check in with the club that there is adequate staff/volunteer numbers to provide active supervision during training or matches.
- Get Involved: It is recommended that you or another responsible adult is present whenever your child plays or trains in senior cricket. This could be a great opportunity to get involved at the club in a volunteer role.
- Online Safety: Many teams will use social media or messaging platforms for communications, ensure that as a parent or carer you are included in all groups/messages to supervise these communications. Your child should never be contacted one-on-one by an adult involved in cricket.
- Balance: Work with coaches to ensure that there is a balance with school, social and other sporting commitments.
- Travel: If your child is travelling for training or matches with another adult ensure that you have provided the transport arrangement details to the club and that the person is aware of safeguarding requirements.
- Raise Concerns: If you or your child have concerns with activities or behaviours raise this with the Child Safety Officer, Coach or other Club Representative. By raising concerns, you are creating a safer environment for everyone.
To learn more about the Australian Cricket Framework for Safeguarding Children and Young People.
Additional Resources for Parents: