During the 2024 AGM, a motion was passed to update the Constitution with regard to membership.

Membership section 3(j) now reads:

Individual membership of the E.S.M.B.A. is open to anyone registered through a
club to a County Association, whose details are submitted by them to the ESMBA with the correct fee. In certain circumstances membership applications may be subject to a risk assessment in line with our safeguarding protocols. 

The amendment was required to ensure that the constitution is in-line with our current safeguarding practice where a standardised risk assessment framework is used to manage and evaluate the membership application where required for a small number of members.     

There are many reasons why further evaluation may be needed for an individual who wishes to join or re-join the ESMBA, and a risk assessment  allows for all the risks to the individual, to the club members, and to the club itself, its reputation and viability to be highlighted, and mitigations to be considered.

County officers highlight to the ESMBA safeguarding panel any membership concerns they may have and they can liaise with counties and the individuals to assess and manage any risks that membership might pose.

At the 2023 AGM, the ESMBA confirmed that, in line with guidance from Sport England, that from the start of the 2028 season it will be a mandatory requirement for all ESMBA affiliated clubs to have a safeguarding officer. 

Many Counties are already committed to this, and many clubs already have a safeguarding officer in place but for those that don’t we have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions above. 

If there is something you wish to know which doesn’t appear here, please contact your county SGO.  Their contact details can be found on our safeguarding contacts page.