Purpose

Blythe Cricket Club (the “Club”) is committed to providing equal opportunities for girls and women to participate fully in cricket. This policy, aligned with ECB guidance, ensures that girls and women playing in boys’ or mixed teams do so in a safe, inclusive, and development-focused environment.

 

Principles

• Equality of Opportunity: Girls and women have the same rights to selection, coaching, and development as boys and men.

• Welfare First: The welfare of the individual player is always the first priority.

• Appropriate Challenge: Players should be placed in environments that match their ability, maturity, and confidence, not just their age or gender.

• Respect & Inclusion: All players must uphold Blythe CC’s Codes of Conduct to ensure respect for female teammates.

 

Eligibility & Selection

• Girls and women may play in boys’ or mixed teams at any age group, provided coaches assess it as appropriate for their development.

• Selection must be based on ability, readiness, and safeguarding, not just team numbers.

• Girls who are exceptionally talented may “play up” into higher age groups or senior teams, provided ECB age eligibility criteria are met and parental consent is given.

• No player should be fast-tracked into a team if it places them at risk physically, socially, or emotionally.

 

Transition Pathways

• Girls should have the option to continue in mixed cricket, join a girls-only team, or transition into women’s cricket at the right stage.

• The Club will actively provide opportunities in:

  • Softball festivals (entry level, fun, inclusive).

  • Mixed and Girls’ hardball teams (of various ages subject to numbers available to make up teams)

  • Senior mixed and Women’s League teams.

• Captains and coaches must work with the Women & Girls Lead and Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to manage transitions smoothly.

 

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Changing & Showering: Girls and women must not be expected to share changing/showering facilities with boys/men. Separate or supervised arrangements must be made.

• Toilets & Facilities: Adequate toilet provision must be available for girls and women at home and away fixtures.

• Travel & Collection: Must follow the Club’s Transport & Late Collection Policy.

• Supervision: A DBS-cleared coach, team manager, or parent helper should be present at all junior mixed sessions and matches involving girls.

 

Fast Bowling & Workload

Girls playing in mixed cricket must follow the ECB Fast Bowling Directives (age-based overs per spell/week) exactly as boys do. Coaches must also consider physical development and avoid over-bowling when girls play in both girls’ and mixed fixtures.
 

Respect & Inclusion in Teams

• Captains and coaches are responsible for creating a welcoming, respectful culture.

• Teammates must:

  • Treat girls and women with equal respect.

  • Avoid inappropriate language or behaviour.

  • Recognise that mixed cricket may be new for some players and provide support.

• Any breach of respect will be addressed under the Club’s Disciplinary Policy.

 

Responsibilities

• Captains/Coaches: Assess readiness, manage workloads, ensure inclusion.

• CSO: Safeguarding oversight, liaison with parents, welfare checks.

• Women & Girls Lead: Manage transition pathways, festivals, and recruitment.

• Parents/Guardians: Provide consent and support player welfare.

• Players: Uphold the Club Codes of Conduct.

 

Communication

• Parents must be consulted before girls are selected for mixed teams.

• Players should be given a clear role and responsibilities within the team.

• Feedback from girls and parents must be gathered regularly to ensure positive experiences.

 

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Women & Girls Sub-Committee and ratified by the Executive Committee and further  updated in line with ECB guidance and safeguarding best practice and be made publicly available on the Club’s website and noticeboard.