Youth Development

           Child Protection Policy

We in North Down Cricket Club are committed to good practice which protects young people from harm. Members, coaches, officials and voluntary helpers in North Down Cricket Club accept and recognise their responsibility under the Children (NI) Order 1995 to provide an environment which promotes the safety of young people at all times. In order to safeguard the young people in our care we will:

1. Develop an awareness of the issues which may lead to young people being harmed.

2. Create an open environment, by identifying a 'contact person' to whom young people can turn if they need to talk.

3. Adopt child centred and democratic coaching styles.

4. Adopt child protection guidelines through codes of conduct for players and all adults working in the club. Adult may include coaches, parents, leaders and volunteers.

5. Ensure careful recruitment, selection and management procedures.

6. Ensure complaints and disciplinary procedures are included in our constitution.

7. Share information about concerns with young and parents and others who need to know.

8. Provide information as required to management committees.

9. Be involved in training made available through the various agencies, and strengthen links with these agencies.

10. Follow Governing Body guidelines on good practice for coaches.

11. Keep the Child Protection Policy under regular review.

References

1. The Children (NI) Order 1995.

2. Our Duty to Care 1992.

3. The Sports Council for Northern Ireland:  Factsheet on Child Protection.

Signed :__________________________Position :______________________

Date :_______________

Signed :__________________________Position :______________________

Date:________________

Code Of Conduct For Coaches  Members/Administrators/Officials

These guidelines have been produced to help protect anyone working with young people in North Down CC and should be followed at all times. If you have any queries regarding these please contact any Management Committee member or the person looking after Child Protection.

1. Always be publicly open when working with the younger players. Avoid situations where you and an individual younger players are completely unobserved.

2. If physical contact is necessary, it should be done openly. Care is needed as it is difficult to maintain hand positions when providing manual support if the younger player is constantly moving. Some parents are becoming increasingly sensitive about touching younger players and their views should always be carefully considered.

3. Where possible allow parents to take responsibility for their younger players in changing rooms. If groups are to be supervised in changing rooms, always ensure that adults work in pairs and that gender is appropriate. If travelling to an event is necessary, make sure that verbal (preferably written) permission is given by the parents. Parents should be asked to ensure that younger players are collected on time.

4. Where mixed teams compete away from home they should always be accompanied by at least one male and one female adult.

5. All should respect the rights and dignity and worth of all and treat everyone with equality.

6. All should place the well-being and safety of the performer above the development of performance. They should follow all guidelines laid down by CricketIreland (including the coach/player ratio) and be adequately insured. Always make sure that you are working at a level commensurate with your coaching qualifications. If you are proved negligent the coaches insurance will be invalidated.

7. Members working with younger players should hold appropriate qualifications in coaching, leadership, officiating, etc.

8. Adults should ensure that the activities which they direct or advocate are appropriate to the age, maturity, and ability of the performer e.g. they should not break rules on suitable competition for age groups. Sessions should include clear progressions and coaches should keep a clear record of all sessions undertaken, clearly planning for future sessions. It is advisable to keep a training/coaching diary.

Make sure that all players know to inform the coach of any injury or illness before, during or after the activity.

9. Adults should always promote the positive aspects of athletics and never condone rules violations, bad sportsmanship or use of prohibited substances.

10. Adults should consistently display high standards of personal behaviour and appearance as well as appropriate dress, language, and respect for equipment and facilities. It is not acceptable for adults responsible for younger athletes to consume alcohol. Adults should never encourage younger player to drink alcohol.

11. Adults should never overtly criticise players or officials judgements or use language or actions which may cause the younger players to lose self esteem or confidence.

All members must also be aware that as a general rule if does not make sense to:

* Spend amounts of time alone with younger players away from others.

* Take younger players alone on car journeys, however short.

* Take younger players to your home.

It is should arise that such situations are unavoidable they should only take place with the full knowledge of someone in charge in the Club and/or a person with parental responsibility for the younger player.

Coaches and helpers should be aware that normal car insurance does not cover them for transporting athletes to and from events.

            Members should NEVER!

* Engage in rough physical or sexually provocative games including horseplay.

* Share a room with a younger player.

* Permit or engage in any form of inappropriate touching.

* Permit younger players to use inappropriate language unchallenged.

* Make sexually suggestive comments to younger players, even in fun.

* Allow allegations made by a younger player to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.

* Do things of a personal nature that a younger player can do for themselves.

* Agree to meet a player on your own.

If you accidentally hurt a younger player, or cause distress in any manner, or the younger player appears to respond in a sexual manner to your actions, or misunderstands, or misinterprets something you have done, report the incident to a colleague supported by a brief written report of the incident as soon as possible. Parents/carers should be informed of the incident.

Signed: __________________________________Date:________________________________

Print Name:____________________________________________________________________

Club Position:__________________________________________________________________

Countersigned Development Officer ;_______________________________________

Disability Policy

Introduction

Northern Ireland experiences the highest prevalence of disability in the UK with 20%[1] of the population experiencing some form of disability or health related condition; that's one in five of the population. 

However, because of a complex range of economic, attitudinal and physical barriers people with disabilities as a 'group' experience the lowest participation rates in sport.  Indeed, a recent research conducted by NISRA[2] in July 2007 found that people with disabilities in Northern Ireland are half as likely to participate in sport and physical activity as non disabled people, with only 10% participating regularly.  A further 5% take part occasionally, leaving an astounding 85% of people with disabilities who never take part in any form of sport or physical activity. 

These guidelines have been prepared by Disability Sports NI to provide guidance to club officials and volunteers on how they can make their sports club more inclusive of people with disabilities.

We at North Down CC adhere to the contents of this guideline and as such commit to being an inclusive club fit for all.

Signed :_______________________________________

Position :______________________________________

Date :_________________________________________

Section 1: Inclusive Club Definition

A club which is inclusive of people with disabilities is one which has:

'Proactively planned the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of the club and has taken practical steps to bring about positive change'.

This means a club which has:

· Adopted a positive attitude about the inclusion of people with disabilities.

· Planned how people with disabilities can best participate in all aspects of the club's activities (e.g. playing, coaching and club administration).

·  Pro-actively implemented an action plan.

Section 2: Inclusion Guidelines

In order to develop a more inclusive environment clubs should consider the following issues:

2.1  Planning

Although most clubs say they are open to everyone in the community, the reality is that very few people with disabilities are actually members of sports clubs in Northern Ireland. Although no research has been conducted in Northern Ireland, recent research in England found that only 12% of young people with disabilities are members of sports clubs compared to 46% of all young people (Sport England: Young People With a Disability Survey 2000).

It is Disability Sports NI's experience that in order to attract people with disabilities, clubs need to pro-actively plan the inclusion of people with disabilities in their programmes. Ideally, this should be done as part of the club's development plan.

2.2  Access to Buildings, Facilities and Equipment

Clubs need to consider if their buildings, facilities and sports equipment are accessible to people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities. 

The following guidance documents which provide advice related to the design and management of sports facilities are available from Disability Sports NI on request:

· Access to Sports Facilities for People with Disabilities: Design Guidelines.

· Access to Sports Facilities for People with Disabilities: Management and Sports Development Guidelines. 

Disability Sports NI understands that many smaller clubs will find it difficult to meet all recommendations, but clubs should be mindful that under the Disability Discrimination Act they are required by law to make 'reasonable adjustments' to their facilities to ensure they are accessible to people with disabilities. 

2.3    Participation Options

From experience, Disability Sports NI believes that many people with disabilities can participate in most sports with little or no adaptations. However, it may be necessary to adapt some sports (rules, playing surface, court size etc) to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities, particularly those with higher levels of impairment.

Clubs should consult their governing body of sport or Disability Sports NI about the options for including different people with disabilities in their particular sport. 

As an example some participation options for the sport of association football are provided below:

·  Mainstream Participation: Players with disabilities training and competing in a mainstream club (e.g. A deaf footballer or an upper limb amputee playing for a mainstream club).

·  Integrated Participation: Disabled and non disabled people participating in the sport with some adaptations to rules or equipment (e.g. children in a youth club playing a 'zoned' indoor version of football).

·  Disability Specific participation: Disabled performers competing in a competition solely for that particular disability group (e.g.  A seven a side football competition for players with cerebral palsy or five a side indoor football for visually impaired people – both of which are paralympic sports).

2.4   Information and Promotion

Clubs should encourage more people with disabilities to participate in their activities by consulting with local disability groups, and by specifically targeting people with disabilities when promoting the club's programmes and activities. Local disability groups, special schools and adult centres will usually help with this by distributing information on behalf of your club. 

All club promotional literature should also make it clear that people with disabilities are welcome at the club. It is also a good idea to use positive images of people with disabilities participating in your sport.

2.5  Coach Education and Training

Although most coaches/volunteers have the skills to include people with disabilities in their particular sport, they often lack the knowledge or confidence to work with people with disabilities.  To help overcome this knowledge/confidence gap, clubs should encourage key personnel from their club to attend appropriate Disability Awareness Training.

Disability Sports NI runs a range of 'Disability Inclusion Training' courses including one course specifically designed for sports clubs.  Further information on how to book a course is available from Disability Sports NI.

Club coaches should also complete their governing body's disability specific coaching module or course.  If the governing body does not currently have such a course, the club should write to their governing body encouraging them to develop such a course.

In addition, Coaching Ireland has recently developed a 'Coaching People with Disabilities' workshop which is aimed at existing coaches.  Further information on how to access this workshop is available from Disability Sports NI.

2.6  Club Administration and Management

In order to identify members with disabilities and any particular needs they may have, clubs are advised to include some questions on 'disability' in their membership forms. A template club membership form is included in Clubmark NI Template 4.  By using this form clubs can capture relevant information and plan their programmes accordingly.

It is also good practice to use font size 14 in all membership forms to aid anyone who is partially sighted, as well as providing the forms in alternative formats on request (e.g. large print etc). 

Clubs should also consider if their current pricing policy (e.g. membership fees) is disadvantaging people with disabilities. As most people with disabilities in Northern Ireland tend to be on benefits/low incomes, they may find it difficult to afford club membership fees. Ideally, Disability Sports NI recommends that clubs have a waged/unwaged pricing policy. If this is not possible they should consider alternative pricing policies or initiatives which encourage membership by people with disabilities.

Section 3: Coaching Guidelines

3.1 Inclusive Coaching Tips

Many people with disabilities will have the ability to participate fully in coaching skills and drills with little or no adaptations.

However, for some people with more limited functional ability or for those with limited experience of basic movement skills, it is important to adapt your skills sessions, drills and playing sessions to fully include them. Remember, if you are not sure what a person's ability level is, ask them what they can/cannot do and adapt your drills/sessions accordingly.

Generally speaking, this can be achieved by either modifying the rules used during training and/or competition or by adapting the equipment normally used in your sport.   A list of general coaching tips is provided below but clubs should also consult their governing body of sport about coaching advice specific to their particular sport.

Modifying Rules

· Make the game easier or harder by altering some of the rules.

· Adjust the size of the playing area.

· Vary the size of the goal/target area.

· Create different zones for players of different abilities.

· Alter the ways to score.

· Allow the sport to be played from a seated position.

· Vary the distance that needs to be covered (bearing in mind that being closer to a partner when catching or passing allows less response time).

· Allow the practice of skills from a static position before introducing movement.

· Allow players to play in different ways (e.g. seated on the floor).

· Give players more reaction time by allowing more than one bounce before hitting is required.

Adapting Equipment

· Use larger or softer balls to make hitting, catching and throwing skills easier.

· Slow games down by using balls with less bounce.

· To aid partially sighted people use brightly coloured balls or balls with internal bells.

· To vary the speed of play use slower balls or objects like balloons, bean bags or sponges.

· To assist retrieval by people with mobility difficulties use balls that have a string attached.

· Use bats or racquets with a larger contact area to give participants quicker success.

· In racquet sports, use a tee stand so the ball can be served or hit from a stationery position.

· To facilitate wheelchair users, use longer hockey sticks or bats.

· Grips can be added to equipment to make it easier to handle and control.

· For those with very limited grip, bats and racquets can be strapped to the players hand or wrist.

3.2 Communication Tips

Good communication skills are vital in any coaching situation.   When coaches are working with players/athletes with a disability they should consider the following points:

Communicating with People with Physical Disabilities

In general, coaches should communicate with people with physical disabilities in the same way as they would with anyone else.  However, you may find the following practical communication tips useful:

· Speak in a manner appropriate to the age of the player/athlete.  Be careful not to patronise adults by being simplistic or over familiar.

· When speaking to wheelchair users, do so at their eye level by crouching or by sitting on a chair.  This makes communication easier and is regarded as being polite by wheelchair users.

· When adapting skills or techniques, discuss them with the player/athlete – the individual disabled person will know how his/her body moves best.

Communicating with People with Learning Disabilities

· Speak in a manner appropriate to the age of the player/athlete with a learning disability.

· Always ask the player/athlete for specific information.  Only speak to their carer/parent if they are unable to supply the information themselves.

· When giving instructions, use simple straightforward words and language and avoid jargon.  If possible, use symbols and colours instead.

· Break skills/drills down into easily learned steps and repeat them often and in a variety of ways.

· Avoid drills that rely heavily on numeracy skills.

· Always demonstrate skills/drills.

· Be patient and give participants time to learn skills.

Communicating with Blind or Partially Sighted People

· Remember most blind/partially sighted people have some degree of sight so the use of equipment/courts with good colour contrast will help most players/athletes.

· Use the person's name to gain attention and make sure the player/athlete knows when you are finished and when you are moving away from them.

· It is important that players/athletes hear your instructions clearly.  To achieve this always face the person and speak directly to them.

· Before beginning your coaching sessions always familiarise the player/athlete with the environment.  This includes explaining the layout of the area, the number and location of other participants and the location of potential hazards (equipment etc).

· Give clear, accurate descriptions of each task/drill and always ask the player/athlete if they understand your instructions.

· If possible, supply written information in suitable formats.  For example, large print, tape, CD or Braille.  Ask individual participants what format they find most suitable.

Communicating with people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Remember there are varying degrees of deafness.   Some people have no hearing (deaf) but most have some level of hearing (hard of hearing).

Ideally, deaf people require an interpreter to ensure effective communication.   However, if this is not possible you can still communicate with deaf players/athletes.  For example, many deaf people can communicate by reading lips, by using a hearing aid, by making gestures and signs or by writing information down.

The following tips will be useful when talking to most deaf or hard of hearing people:

· Make sure you have the listener's attention before you start speaking.

· Position yourself in front of the player/athlete and maintain eye contact.   Remember not to turn your face away from the person.

· Speak clearly but not too slowly and don't exaggerate your lip movements.

· Don't shout.  It's uncomfortable for a hearing aid user and it looks aggressive.

· If someone doesn't understand what you've said, don't just keep repeating it.  Try saying it in a different way and check they understand what you said.

· Where possible, use visual aids to explain technical points.

· Where possible, use demonstrations to explain skills/drills.

Section 4: Language and Etiquette

4.1        Language Guidelines 

It is important to understand that some words and phrases commonly used to describe people with disabilities may increasingly cause offence.  

Because acceptance of the language used in society differs between individuals and cultures and changes over time there are no hard and fast rules.  However, the following guidance has been prepared based on what is currently found most acceptable by people with disabilities in Northern Ireland.

· Do not use medical labels to describe people with disabilities: (e.g. 'spastic', 'epileptic'). Medical labels are often misleading and tend to reinforce stereotypes of people with disabilities as 'sick' people dependent on the medical profession. Most people with disabilities find being described in terms of a medical condition as dehumanising. Instead, put people first, not their disability (e.g. 'a person with epilepsy' or 'a person with cerebral palsy').

· Use language and words which emphasises abilities not limitations. For example, say 'wheelchair user' rather than 'wheelchair bound'. Remember that a wheelchair can represent personal freedom for its user.

· Do not use emotional or sensational language to describe people with disabilities e.g. 'unfortunate', 'pitiful', 'afflicted', 'crippled', 'suffers from' etc.  Remember the vast majority of people with disabilities have the ability to lead full and active lifestyles and to contribute fully to society.

Listed below are some words commonly used in Northern Ireland which many people with disabilities will find unacceptable or offensive, together with an alternative preferred by people with disabilities.

List of 'Unacceptable' Words and Phrases and
Preferred Alternatives.

* Please note that in recent years organisations promoting sport for people with restricted growth have used the term 'Dwarf' e.g. 'Dwarf Athletics Association' and 'World Dwarf Games'.  However many people with restricted growth continue to prefer the use of 'restricted growth' in everyday conversation. 

4.2        ETIQUETTE  GUIDELINES

· Treat People with Disabilities as Adults: Make appropriate contact with disabled people according to the situation. Do not be over familiar and only call a person by their first name if you are doing the same to others present.

· Talk Directly to People with Disabilities:  Do not assume anyone companying this person is a 'carer'. Relax and talk directly to the disabled person.

· Do not be embarrassed about using everyday expressions such as 'see you later' or 'going for a walk' in the company of disabled people. Most disabled people also use these phrases.

· Do offer Assistance to People with Disabilities, but only if they appear to need help and always wait until your offer of help is accepted. Do not assume you know the best way of helping – ask the person and listen.

· Do Not be Over-Protective. People with disabilities are not fragile – do not underestimate their capabilities. If you are not sure ask the person concerned.

NDCC EQUITY POLICY STATEMENT

This 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 Northern Ireland 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.

The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures.

Signed : _________________________________________   Date :____________________

Countersigned :____________________________________ Date :____________________

NDCC Fair Play Policy

 Junior Club Members

Within North Down CC..

1. Players compete for enjoyment and to improve performance, not just to please their parents or coach.

2. Where rules apply, players try to understand them and stick to them.

3. Players accept the decisions of coaches and officials.

4. Players will control their tempers at all times.

5. Players will be “good sports”. They will cheer all good play, whether it is our players/teams or an opponents.

6. The aim of the game is to have fun, improve skills and to feel good.

7. Players will work equally hard for themselves and the team.

8. Players will treat all players as they themselves would like to be treated. They will not bully or take unfair advantage of any player.

9. Players will co-operate with the coach, team mates and opponents – without them there is not a game.

I understand and agree to abide by the rules and fair play policy of North Down Cricket Club.

Signed:                                                             (Junior Member)                                                        

Counter signed (parent/guardian)                                                                                                      

Date:                                                   

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP

NB. NDCC Designated Welfare Officer is Mr Ian Carser, contactable via (Tel.) 07887588512

Three Year Junior Club Development Plan

To whom it may concern,

The information provided herein represents the development plan for North Down Cricket Club from the period 2010-13. The information, points and actions have been considered planned and agreed by the Cricket Committee of North Down CC and have been agreed upon by the clubs Executive Committee at AGM. It is anticipated that the club shall adhere in its actions at all times to the processes included within this plan and that any future changes shall only be made to this document upon the agreement of the clubs Executive body.

Signed :

On behalf of the Cricket Committee (NDCC).

Youth Report 2008 

Status : Cricket in youth terms continues to grow steadily with competitive matches in 2008 totalling 26 of which 19 were won by the respective sides. At Under 11 / 13 / 15 and 17 level promising talent does exist yet there is room for boulstering playing numbers via more school interaction which would be possible with a club professional in 2009.

Under 11 : The young U11 side contested only 3 games, losing twice to a strong CIYMS side and beating Ards at home. Weather and unfulfilled fixtures meant a dissappointing time of things however the NCU intend to play the league semi-finals next season. Players of note who also contributed the the Under 13s success were Craig Irvine, Cameron Adams and Aaron McCaughey. This side will improve and hopefully 2009 will bring more competition.

Under 13 : Led by Ireland Under 13 and Lord Tav Under 14 player Peter Eakin the Under 13s had a good year winning 6 out of 7 matches defeated by Lurgan in the semi-final of the Banogue Cup. As league section winners the team shall comtest the league cup semi-final in 2009 against Templepatrick following adverse weather.

Four of the team scored over 120 runs and three boys took over 8 wickets which is an achievement at this level. Peter Eakin was the most consistent performer however with a batting average of 32 and 9 wickets. He should be singled out for his performances also at Under 15 age level as he continues to out perform his peers reflected by his selection for Ireland Under 13.

Player of the Year U13 : Peter Eakin (Ire U13 and Lords Tav U14)

                                                Average : 32 and 9 Wickets.

Under 15 : Captained by Paul Ritchie the Under 15 team possessed true strength in depth and were unlucky not to pick up a historic first ever double at Under-age level for NDCC.

In the Graham Cup the side swept all aside to set-up a semi-final against strongly fancied Inst at the Green. After a great knock of 35 by Alex MB in a small total of 102 the side bowled and fielded excellently winning by 14 runs in the sides best performance of the year. However an Inst appeal against the eligibility of Justin Rea who had joined from Downpatrick gave them the finals berth and robbed our Under 15s of te chance to face Muckamore, the evntual winners of the cup.

In the league the side progressed with only one defeat to Ards, owing to some typically helpful umpiring from the visting umpire! A final against Carrick at the Green gave the opportunity for silverware which was not squandered by Shields, Martin and Irvine who bowled straight reducing the visitors to 74. A team effort yet again ensured victory with only one wicket to spare, Eakin with 16 no reflecting his contributions to the older age groupings. The Final League Cup win was much deserved forthis highly talented side which had practised diligently from February onwards!

The depth in the side was reflected by the stats which show five players scoring over 150 runs, namely: Mayne / Shields / Irvine / Ritchie / M' Bourne.

Wickets were similarly shared with 7 or more attained by : Shields / M'Bourne / Martin / Eakin / Irvine / Russell.

Rep Honours : Shields (Lords Tav U14)

                        Malcolm-Bourne (NCU U15 and Ireland U15)

 Player of the Year U15 : Scott Irvine (NCU U15 and Lords Tav U14)

                         Average : 52 and 8 wickets.

Flecther Shield : Alex Malcolm-Bourne

McVeigh Trophy : Alistair Shields

Under 17 : After defeating Ballymena in the Colts cup Inst proved too strong for a young Colts side which should improve in the next few years. A derth of players at this age group presently needs to be addressed as only two of the side were aged 16 or over.

2009

A number of issues can be addressed to yet again strengthen the youth setion of the club. The most pertinent is the lack of coaching in local primary and secondary schools. A club professional with suitable coaching qualifications could be of huge value to NDCC in terms of attracting more youngsters through the gates.With Nendrum College now having indoor nets and primary schools aplenty locally we need to ensure coaching is expanded and not cut back.

Events