Playing cricket in senior teams is a great way to progress your skill development, have fun, make friends, and stay active.
Before joining a senior competition, make sure to discuss it with your parent or carer. Even if you have advanced skills or abilities, it's important to ensure that you are ready to enter a ‘senior’ environment.
If you and your parents decide you are ready to play senior cricket here are some tips to help you stay safe and enjoy the game:
- Professional Boundaries: Ensure that your relationship with coaches and teammates stay respectful and professional. Private messages, gifts, or special treatment can be seen as unfair and are inappropriate.
- Positive Guidance: Coaches and teammates should support you with positive and constructive feedback and encouragement. Abusive yelling, name-calling, or put-downs are not okay, and you should speak up to a trusted adult if it occurs.
- Supervision: Always ensure that you are supervised during training and matches. Avoid one-on-one situations with adults and make sure there are always other club representatives present.
- Physical Contact: Coaches and volunteers should seek permission before any physical contact. For example, if they are providing guidance on batting grip or technique. Where possible verbal instructions or demonstrations should be preferred.
- Online Communication: Communicate with your coaches and teammates through official channels. Never communicate one-on-one with adults online; include your parents or guardians in any electronic communication.
- Understanding the Risks: Recognise that playing in senior teams may expose you to adult-related content and behaviours. Be vigilant and aware of your interactions and environments.
- Safe Spaces: Use changerooms and attend social functions only if they feel safe and appropriate for you. Request for separate spaces or different arrangements if you need them.
- Reporting Concerns: If you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or unsure about anything, speak with your parents or trusted adult. Understand how and who to report any concerns to – It is okay to speak up, even if you are not sure it’s a big deal.
All young cricketers are encouraged to read and understand Australian Cricket’s Framework for Safeguarding Children and Young People.