Changing Room Policy Statement

Merstham Cricket Club adopts the safeguarding principles of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all players. This policy applies to all open-age teams involving under-18s and/or female players at both home and away fixtures.

Key Principles

The welfare of children (under 18) is paramount.

All players have the right to privacy, dignity, and respect.

Adults must maintain appropriate boundaries at all times.

Facilities should be inclusive and appropriately managed for mixed-gender participation.

Changing Facilities

Separate changing rooms for:

Adults and under-18s, and Male and female players should be used wherever possible.

Where separate facilities are not available changing should take place at different times, or Players should arrive changed where practical.

Any shared use must be agreed by the team captain/manager, be communicated clearly to all players, and respect the comfort and consent of those involved.

Under-18 Players

Adults must not change or shower at the same time as under-18s.

Adults must not be alone in a changing room with a single under-18.

Female Players

Female players must be provided with separate facilities or allocated changing times where possible.

Privacy and dignity must be maintained at all times.

Captains/managers must ensure arrangements are suitable and communicated in advance.

Away Fixtures

The same principles apply as for home matches.

Captains/managers must check facilities in advance where possible, and ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.

If suitable arrangements cannot be guaranteed, players should be encouraged to arrive changed.

Mobile Phones & Devices

Mobile phones and any device capable of capturing images or video must not be used in changing rooms.

Any breach must be reported.

Conduct

All players must respect others’ privacy and personal boundaries and behave appropriately at all times.

Any form of inappropriate behaviour, harassment, or bullying will not be tolerated and should be reported.

Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding or inclusion concerns should be reported immediately to:

Club Safeguarding Officer
Amy Reeves
07815 157282
amy@mersthamcc.co.uk

Club Inclusion Officer
Laura Green
laura@mersthamcc.co.uk

County Safeguarding Officer – Surrey Cricket
Heidi Langruish
07843 977020
safeguarding@surreycricket.com

All concerns will be managed in line with ECB safeguarding and inclusion procedures.

Responsibility

Captains and Age Group managers are responsible for implementing this policy.

All Merstham Cricket Club members share responsibility for maintaining a safe and respectful environment.

Date Completed – April 2026

Signed by – Amy Reeves (Club Safeguarding Office) and Laura Green (Inclusion Officers) on behalf of Merstham Cricket Club

Date of renewal – March 2027