Bidford On Avon Cricket Club

Constitution

1. THE NAME OF THE CLUB

The name of the club shall be “Bidford-on-Avon Cricket Club” (“the Club”)

2. THE OBJECTS OF THE CLUB

The objects of the Club shall be:-
2.1 The free association of all members and their families interested in the game of cricket and associated activities.
2.2 Promoting the development of cricket in the village of Bidford-on-Avon and its environs.
2.3 The development of junior and youth cricket and the future of the game.
2.4 The maintenance of the cricket ground playing facilities
2.5 The promotion of sports, games or pursuits associated with the game of cricket.

3. THE ADDRESS OF THE CLUB

The address of the Club shall be:-
Big Meadow, Honeybourne Road, Bidford on Avon, Warwickshire with the postal address c/o to the current Club Secretary of the Club

4. MEMBERSHIP

4.1 All suitable persons shall be eligible for Membership of the Club and thereafter shall be known as a Member, subject to 4.3 below. Special encouragement for junior members from local schools and beyond should be advocated.
4.2 Membership of the Club shall be divided into three categories as follows:-
• Seniors -18 and over
• Students - Full-time further education
• Juniors – eligible for Under 16s teams and under
4.3 Subscriptions for Membership, set at the Annual General Meeting, are payable by a Member by 1 June (in each year), who must be advised of the amount before the commencement of the following season or as soon as practicably possible thereafter.
4.4 A Member upon payment of their Membership shall be entitled to all privileges of Membership and shall be bound by the rules in this Club Constitution.
4.5 Members of the Club must also submit suitable Match Fees (for reference, a fee for playing in a match) to the Team Captain on the completion of each match, who in turn will be responsible for transferring these to the Treasurer.

5. CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP

5.1 Subscriptions fall due at the beginning of the playing season and must be paid prior to the 1st June each year. Any Member in arrears after that date shall cease to be a Member of the Club and the Midlands Club Cricket Conference shall be notified to prevent that person from moving from club to club without paying subscriptions.
5.2 Any Member guilty of misconduct either inside or outside the Sports Pavilion may have their Membership terminated by the Club Committee.
5.3 An appeal may be lodged within seven days, in writing, to the Chair. An appeals committee made up from three officers of the Club Committee, who have not been involved in the original decision, shall make a final decision within 28 days of the appeal being lodged. This decision is final.

6. OFFICIALS

6.1 The Club shall appoint a President, Chair, Vice-Chair, Club Secretary and Treasurer who shall be known as the Proper Officers of the Club.
6.2 The Proper Officers shall be joined by a Fixture Secretary, a First XI Captain, Bar Manager and Development Officer, these officers being known as Committee Officers who together with the Proper Officers shall form the Club Committee.
6.3 The Club shall also appoint, (if relevant), a Second XI Captain, First XI Vice-Captain, Second XI Vice-Captain, Sunday Captain, Sunday Vice-Captain, Midweek Captain and any other officers that shall be deemed necessary, the aforementioned who shall be known as the Officers but are not part of the Club Committee however maybe asked to attend a meeting of the Club Committee from time to time and therefore shall make themselves available if requested to do so.
6.4 The Chair shall take the position of Bidford Sports Association Representative and be known as one of two Welfare Officers for the Club, the Vice-Chair, the position of Cotswold Hills League Delegate for the Club and the Development Officer as one of two Welfare Officers posts for the Club or any Member duly authorised by the aforementioned officers to represent him/her in those respective positions (for ease of reference, Welfare Officers posts are described in the Club Policy).
6.5 All Proper Officers, Committee Officers and Officers (if relevant) positions shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting but the Chair can nominate posts should any of the aforementioned resign or be unavailable following their election. Interim appointments will be ratified by a quorum of the Club Committee.
6.6 Nominations for election must be made by a proposer and seconded and any Member shall be eligible for election or to propose or second any other eligible Member.
6.7 The First XI Captain, Second XI Captain, First XI Vice-Captain, Second XI Vice-Captain, Sunday Captain, Sunday Vice-Captain and Midweek Captain (if positions are relevant) shall be also known in this Club Constitution as a Team Captain and should adhere to the rules contained within Club Constitution generally and those specifically mentioning the role of Team Captain.

7. MANAGEMENT

7.1 The internal management of the club shall rest in the Club Committee, which shall consist of the officials mentioned in 6.1 and 6.2 above.
7.2 Rule 6.5 and 6.6 above shall apply to the election of the Club Committee.
7.3 The Club Committee shall meet at least four times per year to examine the accounts and arrange the affairs of the club (including overseeing the management of the Club Policy).
7.4 The Chair, or if not available, the Vice-Chair and four other officers of the Club Committee shall form a quorum.
7.5 Minutes shall be taken at all proceedings of the Club Committee and shall be open for inspection by any Member of the Club by applying to the Club Secretary (if not made available by other means).
7.6 The Club Committee may from time to time make, vary or revoke by-laws (not inconsistent with these rules), for the regulation of the internal affairs of the Club and the conduct of members. Until revoked, all by-laws shall be binding on the Members.

8. FINANCE

All monies belonging to the Club shall be handed to the Treasurer as soon as practicably possible.
(a) Payments of the Club to be made by cheque (or any other type of payment) must be signed (or signed off) by the Treasurer and either the Chair or Vice-Chair.
(b) All funds raised by the Club are to be solely used for the purpose of improving the facilities of the Club, and providing a subscription to the Sports Association for the Sports Pavilion (and grounds) and all monies raised for this purpose shall be handed to the Treasurer.
(c) The accounts are independently audited and approved by the Annual General Meeting.

9. CLUB POLICY

The Club Policy is to be read as being part of this Club Constitution, as attached in the Appendix, and therefore subject to rules contained within this Constitution.

10. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

10.1 The Annual General Meeting shall be held at the Sports Pavilion during November each year.
10.2 The meeting to be held for the following purposes:
(a) To receive from the Club Committee a report, balance sheet and statement of accounts for the preceding financial year.
(b) To elect the Proper Officers. Committee Officers and Other Officers (if relevant) of the Club in accordance with rules 6.5 and 6.6.
(c) To decide any resolution, properly submitted.
(d) The amount of the Membership and Match Fees to be paid by each category of Member of the Club shall be agreed and passed.
10.3 Any members desirous of moving any resolution at the Annual General Meeting shall give notice thereof to the Club Secretary, in writing, giving seven days prior notice before the meeting.
10.4 The Club Committee may at any time call a Special General Meeting and shall do so forthwith upon the requisition, in writing, of not less than ten members, stating the reason for which the meeting is required.
10.5 No business other than that specified in the notice convening the meeting shall be transacted at any Special General Meeting.

11. ALTERATION OF THE RULES

The Members at the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting shall only make alterations and additions to these rules (subject to the aforementioned being forwarded to the Club Secretary, in writing, giving seven days prior notice).

12. GUESTS

12.1 All members of other teams and clubs visiting the Club in connection with matches, organised functions or events shall be allowed access to the Sports Pavilion under the direction of Member(s) of the Club (subject to any decision made by the Club Committee). The Team Captain (for the respective team of which he is captain) is principally responsible for welcoming and engaging visiting club captains.
12.2 Members may introduce and entertain friends at the Club and there shall be a Visitors book available at the Sports Pavilion in which the Member and friend shall sign in.

13. DISPUTES

Any dispute arising out of, or not covered by these rules, shall be referred to the Club Committee, whose decision shall be final.

APPENDIX

CLUB POLICY

INDEX

INTRODUCTION – See Section 1
CHILD WELFARE - See Section 2
CLUB WELFARE TRAINING – See Section 3
SPORTS EQUITY STATEMENT – See Section 4
CLUB CODES OF CONDUCT – See Section 5
JUNIOR SECTION INFORMATION – See Section 6
ANTI BULLYING POLICY - See Section 7
GUIDELINES ON TRANSPORTATION – See Section 8
GUIDELINES ON CHANGING – See Section 9
PHOTOGRAPHY AND USE OF VIDEO – See Section 10
GUIDELINES ON HELMETS - See Section 11
GUIDELINES ON CLOSE FIELDING - See Section 12
GUIDELINES ON FAST BOWLING – See Section 13
DATA PROTECTION – SEE SECTION 14

1. INTRODUCTION

Bidford-on-Avon Cricket Club (“the Club”) is committed to providing a quality experience in a safe, child friendly and effective environment.
Within this publication you will find information concerning all the Club procedures, policies or will advise you where these can be obtained on the Club’s website. Anyone seeking further information should contact the Chair or Development Officer of the Club (see officers details on Website for this information)
Note Child, Children or Young Persons (singular or plural) referred to in this policy apply to those members at the Club under the age of 18

2. CHILD WELFARE

The Club believes that the protection and support of Young People in Cricket is of paramount importance. Any child protection concern or disclosure must be reported directly to the Chair or Development Officer of the Club and not the ECB. It is therefore the responsibility of these officers to act as the first point of contact for any person who has a concern about Young Persons welfare and protection at the Club.
In this policy young people refer to those under the age of 18 year of age.
• Sport can have a powerful and positive influence on young people.
• It can provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement.
• It can develop valuable qualities such as self-asteem, leadership and team work.
The Club places the welfare of all young people first and adopts practices that support, protect and empower them. This child protection policy seeks to:-
• Protect Young Persons when they are in the Club’s facility/care from harm abuse or exploitation.
• Promote good practices when taking part in training, matches or social activities

The Club aims to:-

• Minimise the risk of abuse
• Ensure activities are delivered in a safe, fun and healthy environment
• Ensure young people are listened to and keep safe from harm
• Recognise that young people have a right to play cricket free from all forms of abuse and exploitation
• Acknowledge all children have equal rights
• Appreciate all young people should be encouraged to fulfill their potential
• Promote high standards of welfare, health, development and fun of children during activities

Good Practice

It is important that all individuals working with Young Persons behave in an appropriate manner. This protects Young Persons and adults within cricket.
Principles of good practice are:-
• Ensure cricket is fun, enjoyed and fair play is promoted
• Treat all young people equall with respect and dignity
• Be an excellent role model
• Put welfare of Young Persons first before winning or achieving goals
• Always work in an open environment e.g avoid private or unobserved situations
• Recognise development needs and capacity of Young Persons avoiding excessive training and not pushing them against their will
• Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism

Poor Practice

The following practice will place Young Persons and those working with them in a vulnerable position and is deemed poor practice. You should never:-
• Spend time alone with young people away from other
• Take young people to your home where they be alone with you
• Transport Young Persons in your car alone
• Transport Young Persons if you are an unregistered driver
• Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games
• Share a room with Young Persons (e.g Cricket or Cricket Club Golf Society Tours)
• Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching or physical abuse
• Allow young people to use inappropriate language unchallenged
• Make sexually suggestive comments even in fun
• Reduce Young persons to tears
• Allow allegations to go unchallenged, unrecorded or nor acted upon

Definitions of abuse

There are four main forms of abuse:-
• Neglect – where adults fail to meet a young persons basic physical needs. Neglect in cricket could include not ensuring that young people are safe, exposing them to undue cold, excessive heat and/or unnecessary risk of injury
• Physical abuse – where someone physically hurts or injures a young person by hitting, shaking, burning, biting, suffocating, scalding or causing physical harm to a young person. In addition physical abuse in cricket maybe when the nature and intensity of training and competition exceeds the capacity of a young persons body
• Sexual abuse – Where Young Persons are abused by adults or by other Young Persons or abuse may occur where coaching techniques require physical contact with a Young Persons.
• Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a young person such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on a Young Persons development. Emotional abuse in cricket may occur if Young Persons are subjected to constant criticism, name calling, sarcasm, bullying, racism or unrealistic pressure to perform to high expectations consistently. Not all situations that give cause for concern may be a breach of poor practice either within or outside cricket indicates that a young person may be being abused are:-
• Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns particularly on parts of the body not normally associated with sport
• An injury where the explanation is inconsistent
• The Young Persons describes what appears to be an abusive act
• Unexplained changes in behaviour e.g being quiet, withdrawn or an outburst of temper
• Inappropriate sexual awareness
• Engaging in explicit sexual behaviour
• Distrust of adults particularly those where a relationship would be expected
• Has difficulty making friends
• Is prevented from socialising with other Young Persons
• Displays variations in eating patterns e.g loss of appetite
• Loses weight for no reason
• Becomes increasingly dirty or unkempt

Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers

The Club believes that all Parents/Carers also have a major role to play in supporting their child’s involvement and in helping them to enjoy their sport and advises that all adults should adhere to the codes of conduct for Parents/Carers as advised below;
• Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them.
• Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.
• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
• Never force your child to take part in sport.
• Set a good example by recognizing fair play and applauding the good performances of all.
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
• Publicly accept officials’ judgments.
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
• Use correct and proper language at all times

3. CHILD WELFARE TRAINING

It is the intention of the Club that all members who either coach or assist in the activities of Young Persons will undertake some form of Child Welfare Training, be CRB checked and be aware of the Club’s policy towards Young Persons

4. SPORTS EQUITY STATEMENT

The Club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts 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.
The Club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, 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 their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse. All Club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.

5. CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT

Please see ‘Code of Conduct Policy’ under Club Documents in addition to Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers as stated above in Section 2

6. JUNIOR SECTION INFORMATION

The Club provides opportunities for Young Persons between the ages of 7/8 to 16 to receive coaching and competitive match playing opportunities (from ages of 9/10 to 16) in Cotswold Hills League organised competition structures. All coaching will be directed by coaches qualified from Level 1 or pertaining to qualify to that level and have been screened for their suitability for working with Young Persons.
Junior training sessions take place at the Big Meadow Bidford on Avon and no fee is requested for training sessions but the Club has a membership fee of £25 and this should be paid by 31 May in each year. In addition, there will be a fee of £1 for participation in a junior cricket match.
Parents/Carers of Young Persons at the Club are asked to make travel arrangements for them to and from training sessions and matches. The Club would appreciate if the Parent/Carer could arrive on the times specified by the Junior Co-ordinator and can be collected promptly. If Parents/Carers are going to be late then they should contact the Junior Co-ordinator and let them know. It is advisable for parents/carers to register a vehicle number with the Chair/Development Officer when transporting Young Persons. The Club also advises drivers of the need to check and amend their insurance as appropriate if intending to use the vehicle to transport Young Persons.
For safety it is important that the club is informed of any medical condition or allergies that may be relevant should a child fall ill or be involved in an accident whilst at the club. To this end when completing the Junior Club Membership Form, the Club would be grateful if Parent/Carers could confirm contact details together with any relevant medical conditions or allergies and ask all Parents/Carers to acknowledge the provision of the Club’s welfare policies which are published by the club. If Parents/Carers would like to talk to someone at the club about this information then they should contact the Development Officer (or Chair). All junior membership forms should be fully completed and returned to the Development Officer.
In addition we advise all Junior Members of the standards expected to be upheld whilst involved with the Club. They are as follows;
Junior Club Rules
• Members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.
• All members must respect opponents.
• Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
• Members must wear suitable kit for training and match sessions.
• Junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions.
• Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.

7. ANTI BULLYING POLICY

The Club does not accept or condone bullying in any way and will address all forms of Bullying and harassment. Everyone involved within the Club environment, whatever there role, has a responsibility to work to stop bullying. To this end we advise that to help a victim and prevent bullying in Cricket an individual should;
• Take all signs of bullying very seriously
• Encourage all Young Persons to speak and share their concerns, help the victim to speak out and tell the Development Officer/Chair
• Create an open environment
• Investigate all allegations and take appropriate action to ensure the victim is safe
• Reassure the victim that you can be trusted and will help them, although not promising to not tell of what has been said
• Keep a record of what has been said
• Report any concerns to the Development Officer/Chair
The Club also recognises and advises that in the event of any occurrence of bullying or harassment brought to the attention of the Development Officer/Chair, the Club will;
• Inform the bullies parents/carer
• Try to get the bully to understand his/her behaviour
• Provide support as required to the coach of the victim
• Impose sanctions as necessary and as advised through ECB legislation
• Encourage and support the bully(ies) to change behaviour
• Discuss with families to report on progress
• Keep a written record of action taken
The Club also advises that in accordance with ECB legislation and as advised throughout this publication the first point of contact in all cases if there is a suspicion of bullying or harassment taking place should be the Development Officer/Chair who will advise of the correct procedural route to be taken through club policy.

8. GUIDELINES ON TRANSPORTATION

Please see Section 2 and 6 above for guidelines on transportation of Young Persons

9. GUIDELINES ON CHANGING

As part of its commitment to provide a safe and child friendly environment for Young Persons the Club advises the following practices will be adhered to with regards to changing;
• Players aged 10 and under will be supervised at all times in changing rooms by at least one and wherever possible two members of the Club of the same gender
• Parents/Carers are not permitted in the changing room when Young Persons are changing
• Adults working with Young Persons shall not shower at the same time using the same facility as the young players
• Mixed gender teams will have access to separate male and female changing rooms
• If Young Persons play for adult teams they will change in the same changing rooms as Adults (over 18 years of age) but subject to the points below
• Any parent/carer who does not wish their child to change with persons over 18 must ensure that the Young Person comes changed to the cricket activity and/or does not enter the changing rooms
• If young people are uncomfortable changing or showering, no pressure will be placed on them to do so
• Any person with a disability shall be communicated with, along with their carers, to identify the most suitable method of changing and provide full consent to any support or assistance required

10. PHOTOGRAPHY AND USE OF VIDEO

The Club is keen to promote the positive images of cricket and is therefore not banning the use of photographic equipment i.e photography for team photos or using video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid. The Club asks Parents/Carers to provide consent for the use of photography and video analysis whilst in the club environment by completing in full and returning a Junior Members Application Form to the Development Officer.
If any parent/carer does not wish their child to be photographed or videoed then it is their responsibility to ensure that it does not occur.

11. GUIDELINES ON HELMETS

Directives and guidelines as advised by the England and Wales Cricket Board recommend that a cricket helmet is worn by Young Persons when batting and when standing up to the wicket when wicket keeping against a hard cricket ball in matches and all practice sessions.
In line with the ECB guidelines and directives the Club advises that Young Persons shall not be allowed to bat or stand up to the stumps when wicket keeping without a helmet during any club cricketing activity without written parental/carer consent.
In addition all Club Coaches and Team Managers are advised to ensure that a young persons wear a helmet with a faceguard as a normal item of protective equipment when batting against a hard ball or standing up to the wicket when wicket keeping.

12. GUIDELINES ON CLOSE FIELDING

The Club also advises that in adherence to ECB policy that Young Persons under the age of 13 years old shall stand no closer than 11 yards from the stumps until the batsman has played at the ball. For those under 15 years of age the distance decreases to 8 yards. Exceptions are of course made for the wicketkeeper and fielders behind the wicket on the off side.

13. GUIDELINES ON FAST BOWLING

In adherence to ECB policy all fast bowling directives will be followed during club cricketing activities. They are as advised below;
Age Max. overs per spell Max. overs per day
Up to 13 4 overs per spell 8 overs per day
Under 14 & 15 5 overs per spell 10 overs per day
Under 16 & 17 6 overs per spell 18 overs per day
Under 18 & 19 7 overs per spell 21 overs per day
For the purposes of the directives a fast bowler is defined as a bowler to whom a wicket-keeper in the same age group would in normal circumstances stand back to take the ball.

14. DATA PROTECTION

The Club advises that all data and personal information requested and held by the Club shall be stored securely, confidentially and shall not be used for personal gain.