A former county cricket coach received nine months suspension after accepting two junior women staff members to send a clear message and images. The incident expressed concern within the cricket community, questioning the security and professional conduct in the game.
Cricket officials are working to create a safe environment, especially for junior staff and players, by strengthening the standards. This recent case highlights the game’s commitment to accountability, emphasizing that misconduct will not be tolerated regardless of a person’s position or experience.
Former county coach suspended for sexual misconduct involving junior employees
An unnamed former county cricket coach has been suspended for nine months after accepting five violations of professional conduct, including sending sexual images to two junior women staff members and trying to kiss one of them in a club dressing room.
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The incidents occurred during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. After an investigation, the Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP) applied the suspension, with six months served and the remaining three months were suspended. The coach has also been ordered to complete a mandatory course.
Although misconduct was serious, the panel did not disclose the identity of the coach citing extraordinary health concerns, and if his name was made public, cited the risk of serious damage. He was rejected on events and since then there was no position in cricket.
Former county coach approved for improper conduct towards junior women employees
The disciplinary panel found that former county cricket coaches were engaged in sexual inappropriate behavior with two junior female colleagues, including sending clear messages and pictures.
A woman received sexual messages that were briefly closed after objections, only after days to send another unfair message to her. The second woman, who was very young and played a more junior role, was also sent clear pictures.
The coach later worked with a former professional athlete to better understand the damage caused by such behavior and complete the training on sexual harassment and professional borders.
Cricket Regulatory Managing Director condemns sexual misconduct
Cricket Regulatory Managing Director Chris Huard called the coach’s actions completely unacceptable. Havard stressed that ending sexual misconduct from sports is the top priority. He assured that all such cases, in which people of the past or present will be thoroughly investigated.
“Where such examples are identified, they will be examined and those responsible will be taken into consideration. Removing sexual misconduct from the game is a priority for the cricket regulator,” Haward said.
“We believe that this is a lot of courage for the affected people to come forward. We are committed to a thorough investigation and rapidly when the allegations are raised with us, whether in the present or past, in the past,” Haward said.
There can be misconduct in any sport, but in a professional environment, strong safety measures are required to protect weak individuals.
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