COLTS AND GIRLS SECTION

• Colts News
• Colts Sponsors
  
• Colts Coaching Programme
  
• Policies and Code of Conduct
  
• Child Protection Policy and Guidelines

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COLTS News

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SPONSORS

We are delighted to announce our sponsors for each of the Colts age groups for 2012:

 

U 9’s – Deepdene School

 

U 10s  – RT Williams Insurance Brokers

 

 

U 11’s – Dean Wilson Solicitors

 

 

U 12’s – Property Moves

 

 

U 13’s – Nick Rivett Sport Ltd

 

 

U 14’s – That Cleaning Company

U 16‘s – Our own PNCC 100 Club

 

Girls – Wilson Sandford

 

 

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COLTS COACHING PROGRAMME

1. INTRODUCTION

   1.1 This paper sets out the coaching arrangements for the Club’s colts, which provides for three levels of coaching.

   1.2 The arrangements have been developed in order to:

• give all colts access to quality coaching and training by the Club’s coaches and others;
• allow all colts the opportunity to improve their performances to the maximum extent that they desire;
• give colts access to individual, one-to-one specialised coaching, when this is considered appropriate;
• distinguish between the foundation needs of the younger colts and the need to improve the individual techniques and skills of the colts as they grow older.
  

2. LEVELS OF COLTS COACHING

Level 1 - Foundation

This is for the under 7/8s, 9s, 10s and 11s age groups. The centre of their activity is the Sunday morning sessions (for under 7/8s and 9s) and the Friday evening sessions (for under 10s and 11s) during the summer, at Fulking. The key objectives are to enhance the boys and girls interest in cricket and to provide them with basic skills in batting, bowling and fielding.

It is a condition of attendance that the boys and girls are paid-up members of the Club and, therefore, no attendance fees are collected.

The coaching of these youngsters continues to be provided by the qualified coaches, under the overall direction of Steve Gatting, Director of Cricket & Coaching.

Level 2 - Development

This level of coaching is for all the youngsters in the Under 12s/13s/14s/15s and 16s age groups, other than those in the Academy (see below). The basis of their activity during the winter is the coaching sessions on Tuesday evenings, at the Sussex CCC Indoor School, from 7pm to 9pm. The first coaching evening is on 3 March 2009 and the last on 14 April 2009.

Their summer training takes place on Friday evenings, in May, June and July, at Fulking.

The objectives are to retain the interest of the youngsters in their cricket during the off-season and to improve their individual skills, on both a collective and individual basis.

Steve Gatting oversees the coaching, through the Club’s qualified coaches, each of whom is associated with a particular age group.

Level 3 - Advanced

This is the PNCC Academy, which contains up to 20 colts and other young men, identified as having special ability or exceptional potential, of all ages from Under 12s upwards. Those selected for the Academy members have been chosen by the Director of Cricket and Coaching and the Colts Manager (Martin Andrews).

The coaching is provided by Les Lenham, the internationally recognised coach, and other PNCC qualified coaches who work with the youngsters on an individual, one-to-one basis, during 2-hour net sessions, with up to four persons per session.

The coaching takes place on Tuesday evenings, at the Sussex CCC Indoor School, from 7pm to 9pm, between 6 January and 14 April 2009.

PNCC
October 2008

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COLTS AND GIRLS SECTIONS - POLICIES AND CODES OF CONDUCT

The Club Committee wishes to make it clear that it values greatly the Colts (Boys) and Girls Sections of the Club and is committed to providing the very best facilities for all our youngsters.

We believe that the colts/girls will be more likely to enjoy their cricket and have more fun if they are well managed and receive top quality coaching.

As part of our continuing drive to develop these arrangements, the Club has produced a Preston Nomads Cricket Club - Policy for Colts/Girls, to inform the colts/girls and their parents (or guardians) what they can expect of the Club. This is set out below.

Underpinning this Policy, are the following codes of conduct, which are attached:

* Code of Conduct for Colts/Girls;
* Code of Conduct for Parents;
* Code of Conduct for Coaches and Managers.

Also attached to this Policy is the Club Equity Statement.

General Committee
April 2008

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POLICY FOR COLTS/GIRLS

It is agreed that the Club will:

1. ensure that all colts/girls are provided with equal opportunities, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability or social status;
2. safeguard and promote the well being of all colts/girls;
3. ensure that colts/girls, their parents, the coaches and managers know that they are expected, at all times, to show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others;
4. ensure high standards of behaviour from colts/girls at both practice sessions and at matches and will apply suitable disciplinary procedures in the event of persistent or serious examples of poor behaviour;
5. ensure that colts/girls, their parents, the coaches and managers are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about the Club, with the Colts Manager and Girls Manager;
6. ensure that all fixtures are properly arranged and that a match manager is available for each game;
7. ensure that all home matches are played on pitches that are safe for the age group concerned;
8. ensure that coaching/training is provided by qualified coaches;
9. ensure the suitability of all organisers, managers and coaches;
10. ensure that all organisers, managers and coaches are aware of and committed to the Club’s Child Protection Policy;
11. supervise and monitor the access to and use of practice facilities by colts/girls;
12. ensure that the bowling machine at Fulking is never used by a colt/girl, but only by a designated coach or organiser;
13. ensure that first aid kits are available in the pavilion at Fulking and provided to every age group organiser;
14. ensure that the colts/girls wear cricket helmets when required to;
15. ensure that colts/girls bowl no more overs for the Club than is recommended by the ECB for their particular age group;
16. take all possible steps to supervise the taking of any prescribed medications, in accordance with the specific requests of the colt’s/girl’s parent/guardian;
17. deal with an emergency concerning the health or welfare of a colt/girl;
18. take all steps to restrict the carrying of drinks glasses outside the immediate pavilion area;
19. carry adequate levels of insurance for public liability and personal accident cover.
    

April 2008

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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS

The following standards are expected from all PNCC colts/girls:

1. matches will be played competitively and with full commitment;
2. the opposition should be respected and treated in a sportsmanlike way;
3. the umpire’s decision must be accepted at all times and their dissent should never be shown;
4. behaviour at any match, wherever played, and at practice sessions should not cause offence to the ground authorities or any person, and local rules must be observed;
5. it is unacceptable to use foul or abusive language;
6. it is unacceptable to intimidate or deliberately distract opponents orally, or by acts of gamesmanship or aggressive behaviour;
7. it is expected that all players will keep to agreed timings for coaching and matches, or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late;
8. it is unacceptable for players to smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs whilst participating at a PNCC fixture or at a practice session;
9. it is expected that players will be dressed in smart cricket clothing, whilst playing in a match, as agreed with the team manager.
   

April 2008

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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS/GARDIANS

The Club appreciates greatly the contributions parents/guardians make to the organisation of the Colts and Girls Sections and it is hoped that they will:

1. remember that children play cricket for their own enjoyment, not yours;
2. encourage children to participate and not force them to be involved;
3. focus on the child’s effort and performance, rather than winning or losing, and never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes;
4. encourage children to participate according to the laws and etiquette of cricket;
5. encourage children to play with the PNCC ethos (i.e. playing to win, in a sportsmanlike way);
6. discourage unfair play and arguing with officials;
7. set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all;
8. support all efforts to remove verbal abuse and dissent from cricket;
9. respect officials’ decisions and teach their children to do likewise;
10. provide the age group organiser, or Colts/Girls Managers, with details of any illness which a child has (e.g. diabetes, asthma, epilepsy) and what medication may need to be supervised;
11. ensure that adequate arrangements are made for the safe collection and transportation of the children to and from matches/practice sessions;
12. supervise their children, both before and after matches and coaching sessions;
13. supervise any siblings/friends of the PNCC colt/girl at matches/coaching and practice sessions;
14. exercise strict control of their dogs at matches/practice sessions;
15. be careful when driving their car at Fulking;
16. instruct the colts that they must never go behind the pavilion bar, unless strictly supervised by a Club official;
17. support the team manager in whatever way you can.
    

April 2008

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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES

(Based on ECB Coaches Code of Conduct)

1. RIGHTS OF COLTS/GIRLS

Coaches should:

• assist in the creation of an environment where every colt/girl has the opportunity to participate in coaching and matches;
• create and maintain an environment where colts/girls are free of fear and harassment;
• recognise the rights of all colts/girls to be treated as individuals.
  

2. RELATIONSHIPS WITH COLTS/GIRLS

Coaches:

• should develop a working relationship with players, based on mutual trust and respect;
• must not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying);
• should promote the welfare and best interests of the colts/girls;
• never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward;
• never condone violations of the laws of cricket, rough play or use of prohibited substances;
• must avoid sexual intimacy with any colt/girl;
• must take action if they have a concern about the behaviour of an adult towards a colt/girl;
• should empower colts/girls to be responsible for their own actions and decisions.
  

3. RESPONSIBILITIES – PERSONAL STANDARDS

Coaches:

• must be fair, honest and considerate to colts/girls and their parents/guardians;
• should project an image of health, cleanliness and functional efficiency;
• must be positive role models for colts/girls at all times;
• should display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
  

4. RESPONSIBILITIES – PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Coaches shall:

• provide a safe environment that maximises benefits and minimises risks to colts/girls in achieving their goals;
• promote the positive aspects of cricket (e.g. fair play and respect for others);
• promote the execution of safe and correct practice, appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part;
• be professional and accept responsibility for their actions;
• hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover;
• make a commitment to providing a quality service to those colts/girls they coach;
• follow all guidelines laid down by the ECB and the Club;
• gain ECB coaching qualifications appropriate to the level at which they coach;
• have responsibility for ensuring that they have been individually checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.
  

The above Code of Conduct will also apply, as appropriate, to all PNCC age group and match managers.

April 2008

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EQUITY STATEMENT

Preston Nomads Cricket Club hereby declares that it is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development.

In doing so, it acknowledges and has adopted the following Sport England definition of sports equity:

“Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities, and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport, to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society”.

Preston Nomads Cricket Club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every player, coach, manager and parent, and will treat everyone equally, within its activities, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.

The Club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy the game of cricket, in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.

The Club accepts that all its members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.

The Club will deal with deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour in a very serious manner.

General Committee
April 2008

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CHILD PROTECTION POLICY AND GUIDELINES
(Adapted from ECB Guidance)

1. PRINCIPLES

The following are the principles upon which the Club’s Child Protection Policy is based:

1. the Club aims to provide the highest standards of coaching and cricket facilities for its Colts section;
2. the Club acknowledges that an environment of care, patience, understanding and encouragement is the most effective way to deal with young cricketers;
3. the Club has a firm commitment to the health, safety and welfare of the colts;
4. the Club is committed to protect all colts from any form of abuse and discrimination.
5. the Club is committed to following the ECB’s ‘Safe Hands’ policy and has adopted it in its constitution.
   

2. WHAT IS ABUSE?

Child abuse is the term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, the following being the main forms of abuse:

   i) Physical abuse
   This occurs when striking, hitting, shaking, squeezing, biting, burning or exerting excessive force on a child.
   ii) Sexual abuse
   This occurs when adults seek their own sexual gratification from youngsters.
   iii) Neglect
   This arises when an adult fails to meet or supervise the basic needs of a child, with regard to food, warmth, hygiene, clothing and    medical care.
   iii) Emotional abuse
   This occurs where a child is threatened, taunted, shouted at or berated, or where effort or progress is ignored.

In addition, it is acknowledged that as well as abuse by adults, children can abuse other children, for example by bullying and name-calling.

3. RECOGNISING AND REPORTING OF ABUSE

Colts coaches, team managers and authorised helpers are responsible for protecting children in their charge from all forms of abuse and discrimination and to ensure that they receive equal treatment, regardless of age, sex, race, culture, religion, language or ability.

The coaches, etc, therefore, need to be aware of the different types of abuse, how to recognise it and what steps to take to prevent it.

The coaches, etc are not responsible for determining whether or not abuse has taken place, but if they have any suspicion of this, they are responsible for alerting a Club Welfare Officer, who will then contact the appropriate agencies so that they can make enquiries and take the necessary action. Reporting of such matters should never be delayed.

4. SUPPORT FROM THE CLUB

Any coach, team manager or other person who reports suspected abuse will be supported fully by the Club’s General Committee.

It is expected that the report will be made by the Club Welfare Officers to the authorities on a confidential basis, and that the Club Welfare Officers will advise the Colts Manager, or Director of Cricket, or Chairman as appropriate.

Should it be proven subsequently that abuse had occurred; the Club will deal severely with any perpetrator.

5. CHILD PROTECTION ACTION

The Club has developed the following child protection procedures in place:

   i) Good practice guidelines for coaches, team managers and authorised helpers;

   ii) Indicators for the recognition of abuse;

   iii) Details of the local agencies for the reporting of abuse;

   iv) Declaration forms, to be signed by all coaches, team managers and authorised helpers, regarding previous criminal history.

It is the responsibility of the Colts Manager to ensure that all coaches, team managers and authorised helpers are issued with this policy document, the good practice guidelines and the local contact list. The Colts Manager is also responsible for ensuring that each one of them signs the declaration form.

PNCC
October 2008

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES IN THE CARE OF COLTS
(Issued to all coaches, team managers and authorised helpers)

Coaches, team managers and authorised helpers (i.e. coaches, etc.) should be sensitive to any concerns about abuse and act on them at an early stage. They should also offer appropriate support to those who report concerns.

Good Practice in the Care of Children

The following are examples of care that should be taken when dealing with colts:

• Always be publicly open when working with children. Avoid situations where you are working completely unobserved;
• Wherever possible, parents should take on the responsibility for their children in the changing rooms. If groups have to be supervised in the changing rooms, always ensure coaches, etc work in pairs. Encourage an open environment (i.e. no secrets);
• Where there are mixed teams, a male and female coach/helper should always accompany them;
• If any form of manual support is required, it should be provided openly and according to guidelines provided by the ECB. Care is needed, as it is difficult to maintain hand positions when the child is constantly moving. Parents’ views should always be obtained in advance;
• If you accidentally hurt a child, if he/she seems distressed in any manner, or if he/she appears to be sexually aroused by your actions, report the incident immediately to another colleague. You should also make a brief written note of the incident and ensure that the parents are informed;
• Do not spend excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others;
• Never take children alone on car journeys, however short, except with the express consent of the parents or team manager;
• Never take children to your home where they will be alone with you;
• Never engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay;
• Never share a room with a child;
• Never allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching;
• Never allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged;
• Never make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun;
• Never do things of a personal nature for children they can do for themselves;
• Never allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.
  

Listening to Children

The first responses to child abuse are crucial, regardless of how knowledge of the abuse arises. Often children will be frightened, confused and feeling vulnerable. Listen carefully to the child. He/she should be reassured in a calm manner that they are safe, and have done the right thing by telling.

Do …

• keep calm and reassure the child or whoever discloses;
• listen carefully to any disclosures;
• emphasise that any claims are being taken seriously;
• say that it will be necessary to involve someone else, to ensure that the abuse stops;
• take accurate, factual notes (e.g. names, times, dates and places, details of any visible injuries and a description of the allegation);
• report the incident or allegation to one of the Club Welfare Officers.
  

Don’t …

• panic;
• make judgements;
• agree to keep secrets;
• approach the alleged abuser.
  

PNCC
October 2008

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RECOGNISING ABUSE

Typical indicators of abuse include the following, but this list is not exhaustive:

• Injuries that are inconsistent with normal play or sports injuries, of an unusual type or in an unusual location on the body;
• Inconsistent or unreasonable explanations of injuries by a child or parent;
• Inconsistent or inappropriate behaviour, such as sexually suggestive remarks or actions, mood swings, uncharacteristic quietness/aggression, or severe tantrums;
• Social isolation;
• Over or under-eating, weight gain or loss;
• In appropriate, unkempt or dirty clothing;
• Self inflicting injury;
• Open distrust of, or discomfort with a parent or coach, etc;
• Delayed social development, poor language or speech;
• Excessively nervous behaviour, such as rocking or twisting hair;
• Low self esteem.
  

Additional indicators, which may also signal sexual abuse, include:

• Recurring abdominal pain;
• Reluctance to go home;
• Recurring headaches;
• Flinching when approached or touched.
  

PNCC
October 2008

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COMMON SITES FOR NON-ACCIDENTAL INJURY

The most common sites for non-accidental injury are:

• Ears – pinch or slap marks, bruising;
• Cheek and side of face – bruising, finger marks;
• Eyes – bruising, particularly both eyes;
• Mouth – torn frenulum;
• Skull – fracture, bruising or bleeding under skull (from shaking);
• Shoulders and neck – bruising, grasp marks;
• Chest and upper and inner arms – bruising, grasp marks;
• Back, buttocks and thighs – linear bruising, outline of belt/buckle, scalds/burns;
• Genitals – bruising;
• Knees – grasp marks.
• scalds/burns;
  

Bruises are likely to be frequent, patterned (e.g. finger and thumb mark) and old and new in the same place.
Burns and scalds are likely to have clear outline, splash marks around burn area, unusual position (e.g. back of hand) and indicative shapes (e.g. cigarette burns, bar of electric fire).
Suspicious injuries are bite marks, fingernail marks, large and deep scratches or incisions (e.g. razor blades)
Sexual abuse may result in unexplained soreness, bleeding or injury in genital or anal area.

PNCC
October 2008

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LOCAL CONTACT LIST

The Sussex Cricket Board County Welfare Officer

Eddie Hick
Telephone: 01273 859086; Mobile: 07712890011; eddie@hick4.freeserve.co.uk

The Preston Nomads Club Welfare Officers are:

Steve Gatting
21 Woodland Drive,
Hove,
BN3 6DH
Telephone: 01273 881606; Mobile: 07879415594; stevegatting@sky.com

Andy Smith
31 Foredown Drive
Portslade
BN41 2BD
Telephone; 01273 880313; Mobile 07970734354; smithad@aol.com

The other relevant Preston Nomads Cricket Club officers are:

Martin Andrews
Colts Manager,
52, Eley Drive,
Rottingdean,
BN2 7FG
Telephone: 01273 276417; Mobile: 07732 928553; martin.andrews20@ntlworld.com

David Bowden
Former Chairman,
28 Woodland Drive,
Hove,
BN3 6DL
Telephone: 01273 555561; dbrb@lineone.net

PNCC
October 2008

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CHILD PROTECTION DECLARATION FORM

Person disclosure of all coaches, team managers and authorised helpers, working in contact with young people and children.

Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence or been subject of a Caution or Bound Over order?

Yes …..

No ……

If “Yes”, please state the nature and date(s) of the offence(s):

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Have you ever been subject to any disciplinary action or sanctions relating to Child Abuse?

If “Yes”, please give details:

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You are required to self-certify that you are not known to ANY Social Services Department as being an actual or potential risk to children, and that you have not been disqualified or prohibited from fostering children, or had any rights or powers in respect of any child vested in or assumed by a local authority, or had a child ordered to be removed from your care.

Signed ………………………………………….. Dated ……………………………........

Name …………………………………………………………………………………...........

Any Surnames previously known by …………………………………………………..

Address …………………………………………………………………………………........

Date of birth ………………………Place of birth ……………………………………....

You are advised that under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 as amended by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Amendment) 1986, you should declare all convictions (including “spent” convictions). You should advise the Club of any convictions incurred by you after completion of this form.

You are advised that the Club reserves the right to make reference to the Local Authority Social Services Department and Police Records to verify the information given by this form. This form will be held securely by Preston Nomads Cricket Club.

PNCC
October 2008

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