Welcome & Core Principles

Welcome to ThinkCricket Academy (TCA). We are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all athletes, staff, and volunteers. Our manual aligns with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS 2025).

Our Guided Principles:

• Safety First: The physical and emotional safety of every participant is our highest priority.
• Respect & Integrity: Every individual will be treated with dignity and fairness.
• Inclusion & Equity: We are committed to an environment free from discrimination or bias.
• Accountability: We maintain clear reporting, investigation, and disciplinary procedures.
• Education & Prevention: We build a culture of awareness to prevent misconduct before it occurs.

Prohibited Behaviours

TCA enforces a zero-tolerance approach toward all forms of maltreatment. The following are strictly prohibited:

• Harassment & Bullying: Verbal abuse, threats, or derogatory comments.
• Sexual Misconduct: Non-consensual contact, inappropriate communication, or grooming.
• Physical & Emotional Abuse: Intentional acts causing pain or verbal aggression and humiliation.
• Neglect: Failure to provide proper supervision, hydration, or medical attention.
• Hazing: Any initiation rituals that humiliate, endanger, or exploit individuals.
• Discrimination: Unequal treatment based on race, gender, religion, or ability.

Codes of Conduct

Maintaining our standards requires a commitment from every member of the TCA community.

For Staff & Volunteers:

• Maintain relevant accreditation and complete child safeguarding training.
• Follow the Two-Adult Rule: No unsupervised one-on-one contact with minors.
• Report any misconduct or safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).

For Athletes & Parents:

• Athletes: Arrive prepared, follow instructions, and uphold the Spirit of Cricket.
• Parents: Model positive support, ensure safe transportation, and raise concerns privately with staff rather than on social media.

Safeguarding & Personnel Requirements

To ensure the highest level of protection, TCA implements rigorous screening and training for all personnel.

Screening & Supervision:

• Vulnerable Sector Checks: Mandatory for all staff and volunteers, renewed every year.
• Reference Checks: Conducted to confirm suitability for working with minors.
• Physical Contact: Only for legitimate coaching purposes and must be observable and consensual.

Mandatory Training:

All personnel must complete certifications including:

• First Aid & CPR - Level C.
• Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders.
• Safe Sport Training via the Coaching Association of Canada.
• Specialized modules such as Keeping Girls in Sport and Welcoming All Abilities.

Reporting & Investigation Procedures

If you see, hear, or experience something that feels unsafe, trust your instincts and take action.

The Reporting Process:

• Record: Write down details including date, time, and people involved.
• Report: Contact the DSO or Academy Director within 24 hours.
• Confidentiality: Reports are shared strictly on a need-to-know basis and stored securely.

Investigation Timeline:

• Intake: Receipt of the report is acknowledged within 48 hours.
• Assessment: Preliminary safety measures are determined within 5 days.
• Fact-Finding: Formal investigations are typically concluded within 30 days.

Discipline & Support Contacts

TCA categorizes misconduct into Minor, Serious, and Severe to determine appropriate sanctions.

Disciplinary Actions:

• Minor: Warnings, additional training, or supervision adjustments.
• Serious: Suspension, probation, or temporary removal from programs.
• Severe: Termination, permanent removal, and referral to law enforcement.