For the first time, the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) have included a section in their players’ handbook outlining good practice when it comes to engaging in sexual relationships.

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

Appearing in a section labelled ‘good decision-making’, the advice reads: “Making good decisions is important in all aspects of life. This is particularly important when relating to sexual relationships, and especially around matters of consent. No matter the situation, sexual consent is crucial.”

The handbook went on to define consent. It said: “If they say no, it means no.” 

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The chief executive of the NZCPA, Heath Mills, said that the updated handbook was supposed to make it more accessible for the current generation of players. He told the New Zealand Herald: “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,”

“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.”