Policy Statement

Blythe Cricket Club (the “Club”) is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all players, members, volunteers, coaches, visitors, and contractors.

• We will comply with all relevant Health & Safety legislation, ECB guidance, and best practice in club operations.

• We will identify, assess, and minimise risks across cricket, grounds maintenance, training, social events, and facilities.

• We will ensure all members understand their responsibilities for maintaining safety standards.

 

Responsibilities

1. Executive Committee

• Overall accountability for Health & Safety.

• Ensure policy and risk assessments are in place, reviewed annually, and visible to all members.

2. Club Health & Safety Lead (Grounds Chair or appointed officer)

• Maintain risk assessments and accident records.

• Ensure equipment and facilities are inspected and maintained.

• Coordinate training and emergency procedures.

3. Coaches, Captains & Volunteers

• Take responsibility for the safety of their sessions, players, and spectators.

• Conduct pre-session checks of facilities, equipment, and weather conditions.

4. Members & Visitors

• Expected to act safely, follow club rules, and report hazards to committee members.

 

General Safety Arrangements

• First Aid & Defibrillator:

  • First Aid kits located in the pavilion.

  • Defibrillator located outside of pavilion opposite home changing entrance.

  • Qualified first-aiders identified and trained each season.

• Emergency Procedures:

  • Emergency contacts displayed in the pavilion.

  • Clear access maintained for emergency vehicles.

• Insurance:

  • Public liability and employer’s liability insurance maintained.

• Training:

  • Coaches, captains, and volunteers trained in ECB Safe Hands, safeguarding, and emergency procedures.

 

Risk Assessments

1. Nets & Training Facilities

Hazards:

• Ball strikes causing injury

• Inappropriate footwear/clothing

• Overcrowding in nets

• Poorly maintained netting or surfaces

Controls:

• Supervision by qualified coach (ECB ratio: 1:12 max juniors)

• Mandatory use of PPE: helmets, pads, gloves, boxes

• Age-appropriate ball types (Incrediballs for U10s, hardball progression from U11+)

• Nets checked before use (holes, loose poles, unsafe surfaces)

• Clear rules on waiting zones to prevent stray ball strikes

2. Machinery (Grounds Equipment)

Hazards:

• Cuts, entanglement, burns, hearing damage

• Fuel spills or fire

• Untrained operators

Controls:

• Only trained and authorised personnel operate mowers, rollers, strimmers

• PPE provided (ear defenders, gloves, safety boots)

• Regular maintenance log kept

• Fuel stored in labelled, ventilated area away from ignition sources

• No juniors permitted to use machinery

3. Club Events (Beer Festival, Fireworks, Fundraisers)

Hazards:

• Large crowds causing slips/trips/falls

• Alcohol-related disorder

• Fireworks mismanagement

• Food hygiene risks

Controls:

• Event risk assessment completed before each major event

• Security/marshalling plan in place

• First Aid provision and clear emergency exits

• Fireworks handled only by licensed contractors

• Food vendors must hold hygiene certification

• Temporary structures (marquees, gazebos) erected by competent people and secured safely

4. Changing Rooms & Facilities

Hazards:

• Wet floors causing slips

• Inappropriate adult/junior supervision

• Electrical safety

Controls:

• Separate spaces for juniors and adults where possible

• No photography or mobile phone use in changing areas

• Regular cleaning and inspection of floors, showers, electrics

5. Weather & Environmental

Hazards:

• Lightning strikes

• Heat exhaustion/dehydration

• Frost/ice on paths

Controls:

• ECB Lightning Policy: immediate suspension of play if thunder heard/lightning seen within 30 seconds; play resumes only after 30 minutes with no activity

• Heat: enforced drinks breaks, shade provision, sun cream reminders

• Grounds inspections before sessions for ice/frost hazards

 

Incident Reporting

• All accidents and near-misses must be recorded in the Club Accident Book.

• Serious incidents must be reported to the ECB & County Board within 24 hours.

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Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee, updated in line with ECB guidance and safeguarding best practice, publicly available on the Club’s website.