Latest update February 16th, 2025 7:43 AM
Jun 25, 2015 Sports
Child Protection now a pre requisite to become a WICB accredited coach
By Zaheer Mohamed
When a child’s parent or guardian leaves their charge in your care for a morning or afternoon of cricket, that parent expects that his or her son or daughter will be safe and protected during the time that they are
under your supervision. A lack of commitment by you to ensure that the parent’s expectations are met may result in serious consequences. Such is the importance of Child Protection that a Child Protection Certificate is now a prerequisite to become a WICB certified coach.
In order to furnish potential coaches and teachers with knowledge of child protection, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) yesterday continued with its Coaching Education programme on the Essequibo Coast. The programme which is being tutored by officers of Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) was organized by the GCB through the Ministry of Education.
Following the conclusion of the Child Protection segment, participants (potential coaches and teachers) will embark on the West Indies Cricket Board coaching education foundation course today and tomorrow.
Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, territorial development officer of the GCB, Colin Stuart said the programme gives standard procedure of how to go about dealing with children adding that coaches will not be accredited without Child Protection Certificate, First Aid and Police Clearance.
Stuart pointed out that the clinic places a lot of responsibilities on coaches to uphold the professional conduct which is actually a desire of the WICB. He said the aim is to maximize learning in a safe environment.
Stuart, a former West Indies fast bowler, added that he is satisfied with the interest shown by the participants stating that he looks forward to practicing in the field of coaching. “This is a plus for the WICB/GCB, since coaches will be more equipped to deliver the coaching education programme using common standards-those being used at higher levels,” he said.
He explained that the programme came about because coaches are seen as help mates to the players and in most cases possess more knowledge and expertise, and would be able to pass on such information in a manner that will assist the players in realizing their true potential.
Stuart feels that by providing the coaches with the common practices, they should be more able to disseminate information in a similar manner so players who leave one team to join another may not have difficulty to adjust.
He explained that the coaching programme seeks to enable players to progress at a higher rate. “When players attain a senior level there should be less work on the technical aspect and more on the mental application. At higher levels coaches sometimes would have to deal with the basics which should not be as this hampers consistency,” he stated.
Stuart said that slow learners should not be overlooked in that Teachers and Coaches should respect individuality.
Akanni Doris, Physical Education Sports Specialist of the Allied Arts Department of the Ministry of Education believes the session is interesting. He added that many teachers were not cognizant of having the need of Child Protection and roles of coaches regarding to the well being of the athletes so this workshop serves to enhance the knowledge and improve competitiveness.
Doris indicated that this is a good initiative by the GCB adding that it creates an environment that is conducive to sports. He said that it helps coaches to safeguard themselves from allegations that could tarnish the image of their profession.
He pointed out that children being engaged in physical activity improve their attention span and memory.
“Generally it decreases juvenile delinquency because children are more meaningfully occupied. It also promotes morals and values, and enables children to socialise through sports,” he said.
Doris explained that the health benefits are tremendous and commended the GCB, adding that the entire country will benefit.
Gavin Robertson, senior probation and social services officer attached to Child Care and Protection Agency also feels the initiative is a brilliant one. He said it will help coaches and teachers to understand what child abuse is, recognize it and take the necessary action to prevent same.
“As it relates to the children’s involvement in cricket, it forms as a protection for them, and there is someone there who they know they can trust and generally be in an environment free of abuse, this will contribute to them being successful in sports and academics,” stated Robertson.
He stated that CPA believes Child Protection is everybody’s business so even as a coach and a teacher it is now expected of them to report child abuse and be part of the work force that is tackling same.
The officer said that other sports fraternities should follow suit and parents would be more comfortable knowing their children are going to an environment with someone who knows child abuse.
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