Junior Handbook - Ashwood Cricket Club

Ashwood Junior Cricket Club

Junior Cricket Guidelines 1 Version 1; 23/07/2015

Ashwood Cricket Club

Junior Cricket Handbook

”

“The game of cricket is always more important than any game of cricket”



Contents

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 3 2 Ashwood Cricket Club - Junior Philosophy ............................................................. 3

2.1 Opportunity .......................................................................................................... 3 2.2 Enjoyment ............................................................................................................ 3 2.3 Participation ......................................................................................................... 4

3 Selection ................................................................................................................... 5 3.1 Selection Criteria .................................................................................................. 5 3.2 Movement Between Sides .................................................................................... 5 3.3 Playing in older age groups .................................................................................. 5

4 Age Group Participation Guidelines ........................................................................ 6 4.1 Under 10 & Under 12C ........................................................................................ 6 4.2 Under 12 A & B ................................................................................................... 6 4.3 Under 14 B & C ................................................................................................... 6 4.4 Under 16C ............................................................................................................ 7 4.5 Under 14A & U15 ................................................................................................ 7 4.6 Under 17 ............................................................................................................... 7

5 Sportsmanship .......................................................................................................... 8 6 Parental Involvement ................................................................................................ 9 7 Coaches .................................................................................................................. 10 8 Team Managers/Net Coach .................................................................................... 10 9 Grounds .................................................................................................................. 10 10 Information Flow ................................................................................................... 11 11 Feedback ................................................................................................................ 11 12 Pathway to Senior Cricket ..................................................................................... 11 13 Harassment, Discrimination and Child Protection………………………………..12 14 Key Contacts .......................................................................................................... 12 Appendix 1 – Coaches Role Profile .................................................................................. 13 Appendix 2 – Team Manager Profile ............................................................................... 15 Appendix 3 - Trophies and Statistics……………………………………………………..17



1 Introduction

Ashwood Cricket Club was formed in 1950-51 by seven men with businesses in the strip

shopping centre on Warrigal Rd, Ashwood, north of High Street Rd. The club played its first

season in the Burwood & District competition, reaching the B-Grade grand final that year.

Today Ashwood have four senior and nine junior teams playing in the Eastern Cricket

Association along with Cricket Blast junior programs.

The purpose of this document is to provide an introduction to the Ashwood Junior Cricket Club

and more specifically provide details of the Junior Section Program - what it offers and the

expectation of all those involved.

2 Ashwood Cricket Club - Junior Philosophy

2.1 Opportunity

It is the primary objective of the Ashwood Junior Cricket Club to provide boys and girls in the

surrounding schools and area an opportunity to participate in junior cricket. Within the club

structure, there are programs and levels to suit children aged from 5 to 17 years old.

2.2 Enjoyment

Paramount to all AJCC activities is the enjoyment of the children participating in the programs.

Whilst cricket within older age groups will become more competitive, enjoyment of the game at

both an individual and team level remains central.



2.3 Participation

The AJCC strives to provide a high level of involvement for all participants to ensure both

enjoyment of the game and also opportunity for skill development. Within the game of cricket,

there are many vagaries including weather conditions and playing numbers that will vary the

levels of involvement possible from match to match. In addition, as players progress through the

age groups, the cricket will become progressively more competitive. As a guide, the AJCC

strives to achieve the following balance between participation and competition for the various age

groups:

Age Group/Grade % Focus on participation % Focus on competition

Under 10/U12C 100% 0%

Under 12A & B 50% 50%

Under 14B & C 50% 50%

Under 16C 50% 50%

Under 14A & U15 20% 80%

Under 17 20% 80%

It is within the above framework that the following guidelines for each age group have been

developed. While all coaches and managers will strive to follow the guidelines for each age

group, this can be dependent on weather conditions and the number of players within the team.

In addition, there are a number of association rules regarding the maximum individual

contributions (eg batsmen retiring once a certain number of runs have been scored or bowlers

being able to bowl a maximum number of overs) that regulate matches and assist in ensuring

broad participation.



3 Selection

3.1 Selection Criteria

Selection of players within each age group and grade will be made by the coaches based on the

following criteria:

• Cricket ability

• Player development

• Team balance.

Within the younger age groups, where possible requests to play with friends, school groups or

siblings will be accommodated; however, in many cases, it is not possible to meet such requests.

3.2 Movement Between Sides

During the course of the season, coaches may see fit to move a player between teams and grades

within any given age group. Based on the criteria outlined in 3.1, this decision will only be made

in the best interest of the player and team(s) in question. Prior to shifting players between teams,

the coach will consult both the player and player’s parent or guardian to inform them of the

decision and explain the rationale.

3.3 Playing in older age groups

More advanced players within an age group may request to play in older age groups. Coaches

may also give these players the option to play in the next age group up. In these cases, parental

consent is required before the player commences in an older age group.



4 Age Group Participation Guidelines

4.1 Under 10/11 & Under 12C

• Ideal number of players per team - U10/11 7 to 8

- U12C 9 to 10

• Focus – 100% participation, 0% competition.

• Batting – All players will bat in each match.

• Bowling – All players will bowl in each match.

• Fielding – Players will receive equal amounts of time on the field.

• The bowling order should be the reverse of the batting order

• The state of the game is irrelevant with regards to the bowling order

4.2 Under 12 A & B

• Ideal number of players per team - 11 to 12.


• Batting – All players will bat in each match.

• Bowling – All players will bowl in each match.


4.3 Under 14 B & C

• Ideal number of players per team -11 to 12.


• Batting & Bowling – All players will either bat or bowl within each match.*




4.4 Under 14 A





4.5 Under 16 C





4.6 Under 15/17 A & B





While the above guidelines may not be achieved in every match due to varying factors (weather,

early finishes, opposition numbers etc), it is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that across

the season the spirit of the guidelines and balance between competition and participation are

achieved.

* The intent is for players to bat and bowl in each game. Where this is not possible players will at least

bat or bowl and throughout the course of the season be provided with opportunity to do both



5 Sportsmanship

The club understands its responsibility in fostering sportsmanship in all junior cricketers.

Coaches, managers, players and parents should ensure the following behaviours are displayed by

the club’s junior players.

Umpires

• Respect the umpire and the difficult role that they undertake.

• The umpire’s decision is final.

Respect and encourage your team mates

• Enjoy team and team mate’s success.

• Watch and learn from their performances.

• Applaud their success.

• Encourage them to do their best.

Respect your opposition

• Give your best, but play fair.

• Applaud and congratulate opposition performances.

• Shake hands at the end of the game

Self discipline

• No “sledging” of team mates or opposition.

• No equipment abuse.

• Accept that the umpire has the final decision.



6 Parental Involvement

Parents of all players are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s cricket at home, during

training sessions and on match day. Strong parental involvement in the following areas will

benefit their child’s cricket experience.

Off field

• Provide positive encouragement to your child and the team during training sessions and

game day. Reinforce the values of sportsmanship.

• During the course of the season, parents will be requested and rostered to score, set up the

oval, umpire and complete other game day duties.

• The junior program holds one annual presentation day to which all parents are invited and

encouraged to attend.

On field

• Parents interested in coaching or managing teams are encouraged to come forward. The

club funds coaching accreditation for all parents wishing to coach a team.

• Assistance at training – Parents are encouraged to assist with drills at training sessions.

The more helpers at training the higher the quality of coaching your child will receive.

At Home

• Complete lots of “backyard cricket” and private practice sessions.

• Encourage your child to practice skills that were taught at training sessions.

• Reinforce the laws of cricket and sportsmanship.



7 Coaches

The purpose of the Coach is to ensure the correct development of players and coordinate all on

field cricket activities including trainings and game day. (See Appendix 1 – Coaches Profile)

8 Team Managers/Net Coach

The purpose of the Team Manager’s role is to coordinate all off field cricket activities including

communication with the Junior Section Manager, rostering, scoring, equipment requirements and

any other administrative tasks. This role allows coaches to focus on the development of cricketers

and on field activities. (See Appendix 2 – Team Manager Profile})

The purpose of the net coach is to attend training and ensure every child gets a fair opportunity to

bat and bowl. This may involve timing how long each child has spent batting and making sure the

next child to bat is padded up and ready. Pay attention to how many bowlers are in each net and

keep their mind focused on the job. This allows the coach to concentrate on teaching the children

the skills they need to learn.

9 Grounds

Junior sides representing the Ashwood Cricket Club compete at the following home venues for

season 2018/19. Training is conducted at both Essex Heights Reserve and Jingella Reserve.

Ground Name Street Location Grades

Ashwood College Farmer St, Ashwood U10

Jingella Reserve Jingella Dve, Ashwood U12B, U14

Essex Heights Reserve Outlook Rd, Mt Waverley U15

Jordan Reserve Burton Rd, Chadstone U12C



10 Information Flow

The flow of information relating to fixture, grounds, team lists and social events is via the

following channels.

1. From the Junior Co-ordinator to the Team Managers

2. The club Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AshwoodCricketClub

3. The club website; www.junior.ashwoodcc.com.au

4. The MyCricket website; www.mycricket.cricket.com.au

Communication to players and parents will be via email so it is most important that the club

always has at least one current email address. Upcoming match details will be emailed out to

players by the Thursday before the start of each match.

Players and parents are encouraged to check the MyCricket website and their e-mail inboxes at

least once a week to ensure that all necessary information is received and read.

11 Feedback

The committee of the Ashwood Cricket Club is continually striving to better administer and run

the club. Feedback from players and parents is welcome and required to ensure we maintain our

position as a premier club within the association. The correct channels are through coaches and

managers in the first instance or directly to the Junior Co-ordinator.

12 Pathway to Senior Cricket

By running a junior section and developing young cricketers, the club provides the opportunity

for junior players, wishing to further develop their cricket, to transition into the senior teams. The

junior teams are the next generation of senior players and the transition path to the senior ranks

helps to ensure the club’s future. To facilitate this transition, the club utilises the lower grades of

its senior ranks as a development ground for aspiring junior cricketers to make the transition into

senior cricket. These senior teams are led and mentored by experienced cricketers and provide a



great learning opportunity for junior cricketers who want to progress and develop further in the

game.

During the season junior players within the older age groups (predominately Under 15/17 players)

may be provided with the opportunity to play senior cricket on a Saturday afternoon with matches

commencing at 12.30pm. This participation is encouraged by the club and only occurs with a

signed parental consent form. These forms are distributed to all under 15/17 age group players

prior to the commencement of the season and are also available during the course of the season.

13 Harassment, Discrimination and Child Protection

Ashwood Cricket Club is committed to protecting children from physical, sexual, emotional and

psychological harm and from neglect.

This commitment extends beyond creating an environment that minimises risk or danger. It is

about building an environment that is both child-safe and child-friendly. An environment in

which children feel valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. An environment free from

discrimination and harassment where everyone is treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.

Our Childsafe Policy is available from the Junior Co-ordinator on request or available for download from our website

14 Key Contacts

Position Name Email Phone

Junior President Jim Curnow [email protected] 0418 608 319

Member Protection Officer Chris Harris [email protected] 0413 888 394

Junior Blasters Co-ordinator Suzannah Hawtin [email protected] 0435 923 373

U10-12 Co-ordinator Peter Touloupis [email protected] 0412 117 292

U13-17 Co-ordinator Mike Sest [email protected] 0403 602 278

Senior Cricket Club President Mark Edmonds [email protected] 0403 602 278



Appendix 1 – Coaches Role Profile

Purpose of the Coaches Role

The purpose of the coaches’ role is to develop the skills of the players and to mentor the

designated leaders in the older age groups on the tactics of the game.

All coaches must have Working With Children Checks current and affiliated to the Ashwood

Cricket Club.

AJCC will assist with all coaches achieving level 1 certification.

Tasks:

Before Each Game

1. Liaise with the team manager to ensure that player availability is known prior to team

selection so that this can be taken into account.

Training night

1. Ensure all players and parents are aware of any changes to the designated training session

time.

2. Arrive at the training session prior to the designated starting time and set up the practice

facilities prior to players arriving.

a. Open up the change rooms and toilet facilities

b. Open up the practice nets

c. Set up drill stations

d. Ensure the kit is present

3. Ensure that there are adequate assistant coaches and parental helpers present to conduct as

session with a coach/parent to player ratio of 1:8.

4. Ensure that all players are occupied by constructive cricket activities during the training

session.



Game Day

1. Collect the following from the Club on Saturday morning:

a. The team kit

b. The scorebook

c. The match ball

2. Arrive at the ground at least 30 mins before the start of the game so as to be able to run a

pre-match warm up.

3. Be prepared to umpire the game (ie: ball counter). The coach needs to have full

understanding / knowledge of the rules making special note of any age / grade specific

rules.

Ensure that any parent who volunteers to help out with umpiring has read and understood

the rules.

4. Provide the team scorer with a batting and bowling list.

5. For home games provide the team captain with a coin for the toss.

6. At the end of the game collect the kit and return it to the club. The match ball is to be kept

and added to the training balls. It is recommended that the coach keeps a good second

hand ball at hand in case a ball is lost or is damaged during a match.

7. Ensure that the team manager has the scorebook and will be returning it the club after he /

she has taken any details required for the match report.

8. Encouraging players to watch and support the team whilst batting, and generally

encouraging team spirit and co-operation.



Appendix 2 – Team Manager Profile

Purpose of the Team Manager Role

The purpose of the team manager’s role is to provide the necessary assistance to the coaches, so

that the coaches can concentrate on the development of the skills of the players and game tactics.

The Team Manager is there to provide administrative support to the players and the coaches plus

to provide a point of contact for the junior section manager to distribute information to the players

and parents.

All Team Managers must have Working With Children Checks current and affiliated to the

Ashwood Cricket Club.

Tasks:

Before Each Game

1. Emailing out the team selection sheets with venues. This needs to be completed by the

Wednesday evening prior to the first day of the game.

The manager will need to set up a distribution list of the player’s emails for this – email

addresses are available from the player data-base that can be obtained from the junior

section registrar.

2. Ensure that player availability is known prior to team selection so that this can be taken

into account.

Game Day

1. Providing / arranging transport to and from grounds if required.

2. Pre-match set up for home games:

a. Set up wickets

b. Brush the wicket

c. Place boundary markers. For U10s the boundary is 30m, U12s 40m and U14s

50m. Boundaries are semi circles from the middle stump at each end joined by

straight lines parallel to the pitch.



d. organise scorer’s table and chairs

e. scoreboard

3. Organise a scorer for each game. Provide pens, pencils, erasers, etc for scoring. Scoring is

important and the following details must be recorded:

a. For all catches, run outs and stumpings the name of the fielder must be recorded.

This is required to determine the “Junior Champion Player” award at the end of

the year.

b. Ensure that the score book is accurate and balanced at the end of play.

c. Ensure that both scorebooks agree and at the end of the match both scorers sign

the book to agree the result.

4. Home Games – it is the responsibility of the home team to enter scores via the MyCricket

website. This must be done by 6pm on the Sunday following the last day’s play.

5. Away Games – it is the responsibility of the away team to confirm the result of the match

via My Cricket by the Tuesday evening following the conclusion of the match.

6. All Games – player scores (batting, bowling and fielding) to be entered at the end of each

days play. These details will be used to determine the team awards at the end of the

season.

7. Drinks - Provide cordial and cups for drinks breaks. This can easily be rostered amongst

parents week to week.

8. Morning Tea – At the 10.00 am break (6.25pm for evening games), one family per week

could provide a snack for the players, a simple energy boost like a cake, biscuits, fruit or

some lollies.

9. Encouraging players to watch and support the team whilst batting, and generally

encouraging team spirit and co-operation.

10. Become familiar with Junior Competition Rules and assist coaches in discharging those

Rules fairly.

11. Contact Sheet – Early in the season distribute (both email and flyer) a single sheet with

the names and contact details of the age group coaches and managers.



Appendix 3 – Trophies and Statistics

1. Team Statistics – maintain the individual player statistics via the MyCricket website

(training on how to do this will be given to all managers). These statistics will be used to

determine the following awards at the end of the year:

a. Batting awards – cumulative runs and batting average

b. Bowling award – most wickets and best average

c. Junior Club Champion Award – most points overall

2. All U10s receive a trophy at the end of the year. Rather than participation trophies,

individualise each trophy for each child. Best Fielder, Best Wicketkeeper, Best All

Rounder, Biggest Six, Most Enthusiastic etc. Due to U10s being able to take an unlimited

number of wickets per innings, U10s are not eligible for the junior club champion award.

3. Five trophies, Most Runs, Best Batting Ave, Most Wickets, Best Bowling Ave and

Coaches Award (Spirit of Cricket) are more significant awards and the trophies are

slightly larger. If one child wins both Most Runs & Best Batting Ave the child receives

one trophy “Best Batsman”. This also applies to the bowling trophies.

4. U12, U14, U15 & U17 only the five more significant trophies are awarded.

If one child wins both batting or both bowling trophies the coach may award a another

trophy to another child. Participation trophies are not awarded beyond U10.

Junior Handbook - Ashwood Cricket Club

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