Ms. Laurel Freeman, who works for the Social Development Department, delivered the WICB/UNICEF Child Protection Seminar, held at the Moorings on Saturday September 6, 2014. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Some of the participants. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

“It was a little fun to get people to know each other, light hearted questions, but also a good way to see the characters in the room and how the dynamics of the day are going to go,” commented Ms. Freeman. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

One of the key notes brought up by Laurel Freeman to drive home the seriousness of Child Abuse was the story of Jerry Sandusky/ Joe Paterno and Penn State University, which not only cost Mr. Sandusky his job over allegations of sexual abuse, but also his college institution heavy fines and sanctions. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

With the ice breaker out of the way participants were soon reminded of the serious and important nature of the Seminar as they were all given a “Pre Test” to assess current knowledge and practices. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The Course which is the new door opener to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Coaching Pathway, was entitled Fair Play – Child Protection in Youth Cricket Programmes (A Coaching Manual) and began with Ms. Freeman getting the group to answer some random questions as an ice breaker and to get the creative learning juices going.

“It was a little fun to get people to know each other, light hearted questions, but also a good way to see the characters in the room and how the dynamics of the day are going to go,” commented Ms. Freeman.

With the ice breaker out of the way participants were soon reminded of the serious and important nature of the Seminar as they were all given a “Pre Test” to assess current knowledge and practices.

Largely “True or False” the questions covered such topics as defining Child Abuse, what should be a Coaches first line of response when faced with claims of sexual abuse, what is acceptable and unacceptable, the requirements of sending correct messages and also understanding ailments and character changes in youths.

One of the key notes brought up by Laurel Freeman to drive home the seriousness of Child Abuse was the story of Jerry Sandusky/ Joe Paterno and Penn State University, which not only cost Mr. Sandusky his job over allegations of sexual abuse, but also his college institution heavy fines and sanctions.

Miss Monique Selbonne, a Board member of the BVI Cricket Association, described the importance of the course material from the BVI Cricket Association’s point of view, saying “it is exactly to stop this sort of thing occurring in the BVI that we fully support the WICB/UNICEF initiative.”

The course went on to define the role of a Coach in terms of a reporting procedure and suggestions made that the Cricket Association should set up a protocol of reporting and even create a position, as other Countries have, of Child Protection Officer.

“A Coach has a responsibility to report any suspicions directly to the authorities and should not investigate on their own. If there is no protocol in place, then any reports should go directly to the Police whatever the relationship with the Coach and involved Party” stated Ms. Freeman.

Ms Freeman also brought up many other topics incorporated under the heading of “Child Abuse” from non accidental injuries, neglect, emotional abuse, Verbal Abuse, Physical abuse and sexual abuse.

Mr. Paul A. Hewlett as Acting Director of Sports within the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS) welcomed the initiative from the WICB and UNICEF and explained how the material needs to be available across all the Territories Sports.

He said that it was good to see cricket taking the lead on a very serious and important issue. “It is something we have been looking at across the board and are looking to put in place to safeguard the Territory’s Youth. At the DYAS we have had many instances of Abuse and even flown abroad to save our children, so to provide better education is very important.”

Child Protection is not just about protecting children, it is also about ensuring coaches and officials are not the subject of untrue or malicious accusations, the participants heard. Participants included players, past players, Physical Education teachers and Team Officials.