Changing and showering 

Introduction

This is a “live” document, which will be regularly reviewed and updated as and when necessary.

Definitions – In this Policy the following terms/expressions shall mean:

• Worcestershire Cricket – means Worcestershire County Cricket Club and Worcestershire Cricket Foundation
• ECB – means England and Wales Cricket Board
• Child or young person – refers to persons under the age of 18
• Safe Hands – means the ECB’s cricket policies and procedures for safeguarding children within cricket.
• Coach – any individual responsible for training, mentoring, or supervising players in cricket.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe and friendly environment for children and adults when playing cricket. This policy outlines the procedures to minimize risks associated with changing and showering.

Scope

This policy applies to anyone working and playing within Worcestershire Cricket, whether on a full-time, part-time, or volunteer basis.

Policy Statement

Worcestershire Cricket is committed to offering the highest level of coaching and support. This policy is designed to ensure that this commitment is upheld, and all staff, volunteers and players are safeguarded when participating in cricket.

Parents/carers, coaches, team managers and volunteers should be aware that there are circumstances where children may find themselves changing in facilities where adults are present in the area. Cricket is unusual in that children play, compete, practice, train and socialise amongst adults. Everyone has a duty of care to ensure risks are minimised by implementing the following procedures.

While groups of children are using changing facilities, coaches and other volunteers must not enter unless absolutely necessary. The ‘Rule of Two’ must be adhered to, giving particular consideration to the gender of those using the facilities when deciding who the most appropriate adults are to enter. Such access should be announced verbally before entering.

Signage should be used to indicate when the changing room is in use by children.

Implementation

• Children should be encouraged to arrive and leave in their playing kit and are not required to change/shower at the ground
• Where possible, separate facilities should be available for children to change/shower in a different location to adults
• It is recognised that some 16 and 17 year olds may wish to change/shower alongside their adult team mates in communal changing rooms. Such a situation should be agreed in advance with the Club Safeguarding Officer, the child and the parent/carer – it is essential that no pressure is applied for a child to make any particular choice
• Mixed gender teams must always have separate and clearly signed changing facilities. If this is not possible, players should have a specific time allocated to using the changing facilities, based on their gender, and this should be strictly adhered to
• Mobile phones or any other equipment capable of capturing still or moving images should not be used in the changing room when people are changing
• It is important to note that the taking of images of adults and children in a public place without consent is often unwelcomed. ‘Targeted’ taking of images without an individual’s consent or where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy (such as a changing facility) could constitute a criminal offence. Any individual taking an indecent image of a child commits a child sexual offence
• Clubs should make their changing and showering procedures visible to all.

Transgender and Non-Binary Participants

Using gendered changing facilities can be a source of stress for transgender and non-binary participants. Consider of how to support these children to use the changing rooms that they feel comfortable with. Policies should reflect that decisions need to be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all children’s welfare.

For further information on how best to support transgender and non-binary children, please visit the websites of the below organisations.

• UK Active Transgender Guidance for Leisure Facilities

• Stonewall tips for LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Monitoring and Review

The policy will be reviewed every 2 years from the date of creation, or in the following circumstances:

• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• As required by UK Sport and/or the ECB
• Periodic audits and/or feedback from coaches
• As a result of any other significant change or event