1. This policy sets out how the club will manage changing rooms and showering facilities to ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all members, particularly children and adults at risk. It applies to players, coaches, volunteers, parents, and visitors.
2. The welfare of children and adults at risk is the club’s highest priority.
3. All members have the right to privacy, dignity, and respect when changing or showering.
4. No individual should ever feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or exposed to inappropriate behaviour.
5. The club will follow ECB Safe Hands safeguarding guidance and national safeguarding standards.
6. When Children Are Changing
a. Children should ideally arrive already changed for training or matches whenever practical.
b. When changing rooms must be used, appropriate supervision will be provided:
(1) Supervisors must be DBS-checked and approved by the Club Safeguarding Officer.
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(2) Supervisors should be same-sex where possible.
(3) Supervisors must not enter changing rooms unless necessary for safety or welfare.
(4) If entry is required, two adults should be present where possible. When Adults and Children Use Facilities at the Same Time
7. Adults and children should not change together.
8. Where facilities are shared:
a. Separate changing times will be arranged or
b. A separate room/area will be allocated for children.
9. If separation is not possible, children must remain supervised and adults informed of safeguarding expectations.
10. For All Members:
a. No mobile phones, cameras, or recording devices may be used in changing or showering areas.
b. No behaviour that could be interpreted as bullying, intimidation, or inappropriate conduct.
c. Respect for personal space and privacy is mandatory.
11. For Coaches and Volunteers:
a. Coaches must never change or shower at the same time as children.
b. Coaches must not assist children with changing unless:
(1) The child is very young or has additional needs, and
(2) A parent/carer has given explicit consent, and
(3) Assistance is provided by two DBS-checked adults where possible. Showering Facilities
12. Children are not required to shower at the club.
13. If showers are used:
a. Children should shower separately from adults.
b. Supervisors should remain outside the shower area unless a welfare concern requires entry.
c. No photography or mobile devices are permitted.
14. For mixed-gender junior teams, separate changing areas must be provided.
15. If separate areas are not available, staggered changing times will be used.
16. No child should be left without appropriate supervision.
17. The club will work with parents/carers to support children with disabilities or additional needs.
18. Any assistance with changing must be:
a. Agreed in advance
b. Documented
c. Provided by appropriately vetted adults
d. Delivered with dignity and respect
19. Any concerns about behaviour, supervision, or safety in changing areas must be reported immediately to the Club Safeguarding Officer.
20. All concerns will be handled confidentially and in line with the club’s safeguarding procedures.
21. This policy will be shared with:
a. All coaches and volunteers
b. Parents/carers of junior members
c. All players at the start of each season
22. It will also be displayed in or near changing areas where appropriate.
23. This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if safeguarding guidance changes.
