We believe that every participant, volunteer and visitor has the right to feel included, respected and safe in all YCF activities and settings. To support this, we ensure that:
- Activities are designed to be accessible, welcoming and inclusive;
- Employees and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding, equality and diversity training;
- Environments are child-centred and participant-focused;
- Reasonable adjustments are made wherever possible to support individual needs;
- There is a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, bullying or harassment;
- We work with partners, community groups and local authorities to continually improve inclusion and safeguarding practice.
Open Age Cricket
Open age cricket refers to cricket in which children and young people (under 18) play in teams alongside adults.
The YCF & the ECB recognises that open age cricket can offer positive development opportunities, but it also presents additional safeguarding risks. As such, participation must follow ECB guidance for children playing in open age cricket and safeguarding standards. To ensure safe participation:
- Open age cricket must only take place where YCF & ECB safeguarding requirements are met;
- Clubs must ensure clear codes of conduct apply to all players, officials and spectators;
- Captains, team managers and club officials share responsibility for maintaining appropriate behaviour and boundaries;
- Children and young people must be properly supported and supervised;
- Any safeguarding or welfare concerns arising from open age cricket must be reported immediately.
Consent should be obtained from junior players and parents prior to playing open age cricket. It is recommended that consent is obtained prior to the start of each season, with the option to withdraw consent being available at any time. Club Safeguarding Officers (CSOs) are responsible for assessing the suitability of a child playing open age cricket and should discuss the risks with the player, their parents and their team Coach.
It is important that children are not included solely to make up team numbers. Matches should be treated as a development opportunity, with careful consideration given to each child’s age, maturity, experience, and learning needs throughout the game. The safeguarding and welfare of a child or young person is always the paramount consideration.
Player Dispensation
Player dispensation is the process that allows a child or young person to play outside their chronological age group, most commonly by playing up or down an age group, where this is considered appropriate. In line with YCF guidance, dispensation:
- Is considered on a case-by-case basis;
- Takes into account the player’s physical development, emotional maturity, skill level and safety;
- Requires formal approval through our dispensation process;
- Must have the informed consent of the player and their parent or carer;
- Must never compromise the safety or wellbeing of the player or others.
Dispensation is not automatic and should not be used to gain a competitive advantage. The decision must always prioritise the best interests and welfare of the child.
The Safe & Fair Cricket team at YCF is the only authorised personnel in Yorkshire to approve player dispensation.