Warrnambool and District Cricket Association will investigate allegations

A Brierly-Christ Church Cricket Club player has voluntarily stood down after allegations he sent sexualised messages through social media to some junior players at another club.

In a message to parents, players, committee members and the club's general community, the club said it had been made aware of allegations relating to a current player.

"That player has voluntarily stood down whilst the matter is being addressed," the letter from the BCCCC said.

"As this matter is confidential and is currently progressing through appropriate channels, we are unable to comment further.

"In the meantime, we want to reassure our community at Brierly-Christ Church Cricket Club that a safe and inclusive environment is paramount.

"We take our values, standards and all of our club and WDCA (Warrnambool and District Cricket Association) policies seriously and always seek to uphold the highest standards."

The club referred anyone with questions to the appropriate WDCA policies.

"We encourage our cricket community to feel confident in reporting matters regarding behaviour or conduct at our club through our executive members," the letter said.

"Any and all matters raised will be dealt with confidentially and appropriately.

"The Brierly-Christ Church Cricket Club is grateful for the ongoing support of the community and we would ask everyone to respect the processes currently under way," the letter said.

Club officials were contacted for comment.

Wednesday last week: A cricket club has requested an investigation into claims a senior player from another club sent sexualised social media comments and an image to a small number of junior players.

Merrivale Cricket Club made the request to the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association on Monday and also informed Cricket Victoria.

Attached to the request were six images, four screenshots of Snapchats which allegedly showed the senior player and the sexualised comments.

One of the other images is claimed to be an intimate image.

WDCA general manager Nick Ansell confirmed the association had received a report regarding a player at a member club which would be investigated.

"The WDCA is working closely with all parties and will consult with Cricket Victoria where appropriate," a statement said.

"The WDCA will make no further comment at this time."

Merrivale made the official request almost 12 months after the club claimed the matter was brought to the attention of a WDCA board member.

In an email to the WDCA, Merrivale claims the incident was originally reported on February 26 last year.

"It is disappointing to hear that no investigation has taken place by the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association," the email said

The club claimed the Snapchats breached the WDCA social media policy and Child Safety Standards the association and clubs were bound by.

"The social media policy states that: 'Members must not display offensive images or make offensive comments, or in any way harass, intimidate, bully, victimise or discriminate against other members within the Association'," Merrivale said in the email.

The investigation request claims the Child Safety Standards cover any child or young person under the age of 18 years.

"We have concerns that (the player/official) still being involved in cricket within the WDCA is not providing a safe environment for our young cricketers as he can send explicit requests to players under the age of 18 without any consequences," the email said.

"Please find attached a copy of some of the images that players were able to save, due to Snapchat being the method of communication, the images are time prohibited and disappear once opened."

The club said CV was informed because the player was also a club official.

Last week police said a Warrnambool sportsman alleged to have sent and requested intimate images from junior players would not be arrested or charged.

A Warrnambool police Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team officer launched an investigation during December into allegations raised under mandatory reporting requirements.

Detective Senior Constable Lee Stewart confirmed he headed that investigation.

"I have had a few kids attend the (Warrnambool) police station," he said.

"They have provided police with (mobile telephone) screenshots.

"Every single person was over the age of 16 years old and not under the care or supervision of him.

"Police have no power to arrest or interview him."

A police source said officers are bound by strict laws, while sporting bodies have a range of investigation and potential prosecution options.

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