Notes on sexual consent added in players’ handbook by New Zealand Cricket Players Association

The New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) has, for the very first time added notes on sexual content in its players’ handbook, keeping in mind the serious concern of the safety of women in the workplace.

Put under the banner, “Good Decision Making”, the notes emphasize the importance of making good decisions when it comes to engaging in sexual relationships.

“Making good decisions is important in all aspects of life. This is particularly important when relating to sexual relationships, and specifically around matters of consent,” it read.

The importance of consent was further explained as well as stressed in a nine-pointer list. One of them read, “If they say no, it means NO.”

well done to ⁦@NZCPA⁩ on the inclusion of sexual consent guidelines in their “players’ handbook”. #NoMeansNo pic.twitter.com/mM5gnqtUeM

— richard boock (@richardboock) October 9, 2018

Here are the nine-pointers:
* If they say no, it means no.
* If they change their mind halfway through you must stop
* Do not pressure them or try to talk them into it
* Respect their decision
* Consent is ongoing – if in doubt stop and ask
* Consent has to be informed and specific
* People are free to change their minds by reversing their consent
* Consent must be given freely
* People must be over 16 years old to give consent.

Reports in the New Zealand Herald states that the NZCPA carried out a programme for almost seven years on the potential risks that the cricketers could face but it is for the first time that it has found a place in the players’ handbook.

NZCPA chief executive Heath Mills, in his interaction with reporters, said that they had added these in the players’ handbook so that it could be accessed by more players throughout the country.

Also read: #MeToo: Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga accused on sexual misconduct by Indian singer Chinmayi Sripaada

“If people are making good decisions they’re aware of the risks around being a professional cricketer and are aware of the importance of respect and responsibility, then they’re going to be skills and attributes they’re going to have for life no matter what career they’re involved in,” New Zealand Herald quoted Mills as saying.

He also added, “There’s a whole heap of pages in here, and they’re all aspects of the personal development programme that we run. Good decision-making is one aspect to it.”

Image credit- MyTeamFace