ICC Guidance for Members

It has been published in earlier newsletters that studies show that harassment and abuse exist in all countries, sports, and at all levels of a sport. The ICC Board strongly believes that all participants have a right to be protected from abuse and harm when participating in the sport, and therefore, such incidents cannot be tolerated. This is especially true where the incident suggests that the wrongdoer is a risk to other participants within the sport, or the incident brings the sport into disrepute. For example, where the wrongdoer has a prominent, influential, decision-making, or officiating role or is in a position of power within the sport. In May 2019, The ICC adopted the ICC Safeguarding Regulations to protect all participants at an ICC Event where inappropriate behaviour harms or poses a risk of harm to the physical or mental welfare or safety of a child, an adult at risk, or another person at an ICC Event. However, ICCs jurisdiction in the application of these Regulations are limited to ICC Events only. Therefore, the responsibility for ensuring the welfare of and providing a safe environment for all participants in cricket outside of the ICC Events structure lies with each Member Board.

Some Members have an established and detailed safeguarding framework at the domestic level; however, for others, this may be a relatively new concept. Therefore, the ICC has produced a document to assist those Members who need guidance in building their own safeguarding framework within their jurisdiction, which is available on the ICC Website. The aim of the document is for Members to implement their own Safeguarding Policy at a national level, allowing building awareness, managing the risk of harm and ultimately, where necessary, taking action against those who behave inappropriately, or who harm or who pose a risk of harm to participants within that Member’s jurisdiction. In addition, Members are encouraged to engage with safeguarding experts and relevant local law enforcement agencies within their territory to understand local legislative positions (including considering incorporating applicable local laws/byelaws into the Safeguarding Policy, where applicable) and to build awareness and education of the subject within the Member Board.