Laburnum Cricket Club
Junior Selection and Game Management
Policy
This policy applies to all members, committee, coaches, players, visitors and volunteers of the Laburnum
Cricket Club.
Statement of Intent
This policy seeks to provide a tool to enable the LCC committee to manage the development of junior
cricketers at the Laburnum Cricket Club while ensuring all players are given opportunities to enjoy the
experience of the game as well as improving their skills.
Policy Objectives
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Provide a framework for the selection of junior teams
Provide guidelines for the movement of players between teams
Provide guidelines to assist team mangers
Give the best opportunity for player to enjoy the experience of playing cricket
Enable the continual development of junior players
Procedures
1. The junior section coordinator in consultation with the junior sub-committee (if applicable) will
analyse player registrations at the start of the season to determine relative numbers of players in
each age group.
2. If necessary additional players will be recruited to ensure teams are sufficient numbers.
3. In consultation with parents, players with the requisite skill sets may be asked to play in a higher age
group in order to balance teams.
4. Players with extraordinary skills may be identified and in consultation with parents may be asked to
play in a higher age group to enhance their own development.
5. Players who lack the requisite skills for their own age group may be identified and in consultation
with parents may be subject to a request to the BHRDCA to play in a lower age group.
6. Once teams are formed the junior section coordinator in consultation with the junior sub-committee
will determine the appropriate grading for each section and will make application to the BHRDCA for
the appropriate grading.
7. Teams will be managed on a weekly basis using the principles in this document as a guide.
Player Movement and Team Management Guidelines
Background
This document provides a framework for the creation of teams each season and guidelines to be used by
on-field volunteers involved in each age group to ensure aims of each group are met and that each player is
given the appropriate opportunities to actively participate and enjoy their cricket. The policy outlines how
the club will manage and facilitate the transition of players from each age group, from In2Cricket through
each competitive junior age group, and then into the Senior teams of the club and beyond.
It should be noted that this policy works in conjunction with the BHRDCA Code of Behaviour, the BHRDCA
Coach Code of Behaviour, the BHRDCA Junior Rules and any other relevant club policy. Therefore, should a
player breach any of these codes of behaviour, participation may be restricted as a consequence, meaning
that the guidelines in this policy no longer apply until the consequence from breaching the Code of
Behaviour is completed.
Policy prepared 14 July 2016 – Richard Bowers Junior Coordinator
Laburnum Cricket Club
Junior Selection and Game Management
Policy
Aims and Management of each Age Group
In2Cricket
This age group is all about fun and being introduced to the game of cricket. Each clinic is designed to teach
skills, but do so in an enjoyable environment.
In terms of material covered, this age group has the sole aim of introducing players to the basic skills of
cricket, such as (but not limited to):
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Holding the bat correctly,
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Getting the bowling action correct, and
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Getting in correct position to field the ball.
This clinic is designed each week to keep all participants active at all times. Drills and Skills are designed so
that all participants are practicing skills for as much time in the session as possible.
Anklbytr (Under 10)
The Anklbytr ‘competition’ is the first experience of a game-based application of cricketing skills. These
games are not scored so there is no competition ladder and individual results are not recorded. Team
managers may choose to keep an unofficial account of each game so that the players have some idea of
whether they would have ‘won’ if the game had been scored.
On field the number of overs in the game is divided between all the players on the team (eg if there are 100
balls to be bowled in each innings and the team has 10 players then each player will both bat for 10 balls
and bowl 10 deliveries). A designated parent will keep track of each player’s participation. When fielding
the players will rotate after each over to ensure each player experiences every fielding position.
The role of captain shall be rotated through all players with the only responsibility being tossing the coin
and choosing (with advice from the team manager) whether to bat or bowl first.
Team managers will ensure that an adult is present on the field to act as both umpire and on-field coach.
This person will give as much assistance as possible to the players who are batting and bowling regardless
of whether they belong to their own team or the opposition.
Under 12
This is the first age group where the game is played under rules approximating the Laws of Cricket. It is still
about maximum participation, fun and enjoyment, but in a more competitive team based environment.
Players are exposed to what it is like to be in a team and having to train and play like one, and are
introduced to the skills required of players to do this successfully. Players are also introduced to more
advanced cricket skills and focus remains on correct technique with bat and ball, and in the field.
Team managers should ensure that all players are being given equal opportunities on the field. During the
batting innings team managers should consider the following:
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Rotating batting orders from week to week to give players experience of batting in a number of
different positions in the order
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If a player is dismissed early one week, giving that player an opportunity higher in the order the
following week to allow opportunity to construct an innings
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If a player does not get a chance to bat one week, elevating them in the order the following week
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Retiring players who have batted for a certain number of overs to ensure everyone gets to bat
Policy prepared 14 July 2016 – Richard Bowers Junior Coordinator
Laburnum Cricket Club
Junior Selection and Game Management
Policy
During the bowling innings, team managers should ensure all players get an equal number of overs and if
this does not happen one week then a player may get additional overs the following week.
All players should be given the opportunity to wicket keep and each match this may mean 2 players keep
during each match and they swap over at half time.
All players should be given the opportunity to field in a variety of positions.
The role of captain shall be rotated through all players with the only responsibility being tossing the coin
and choosing (with advice from the team manager) whether to bat or bowl first. In the second year of
under 12’s the captain should be encouraged to think about fielding positions and move the field around to
respond to opposition batters.
If there are more than 11 players then batters may be retired earlier than usual, bowlers will still receive an
equal number of overs and fielders will be regularly rotated on and off the ground to ensure every player
gets an equal amount of time on the field. If any player misses out on a bat or bowl then that player will be
given additional time batting the following week or additional overs respectively. The goal is that at the end
of the season every player has had an equal number of overs bowling and equal opportunities with the bat.
Under 14
This age group is a continuation of the principles of Under 12s, in that maximum participation and
enjoyment remain the primary focus.
Players continue to work on fundamental cricket and teamwork skills acquired in Under 12s.
It is expected that in the latter half of each player’s time in this age group there will be an indication of
whether they are more skilled at batting or bowling. However, if this isn’t the case, it will not affect the
player’s treatment or effort made to develop them.
Similar principles to ensuring equality of participation apply in under 14s as applied in under 12s although
there may be moves to define players as better suited to the top, middle or lower order when batting. This
does not mean players will be given fewer opportunities to bat each game.
Batting:
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Players may be identified as top, middle or lower order batters. As each season progresses players
may move through different parts of the order depending on the skills they are displaying.
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Every player should be given an equal opportunity to bat balanced across the season.
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By second year of under 14 players should not be retired (unless compulsorily) although they may
be retired if they are spending an inordinate amount of time at the crease without scoring. In this
way players will gain the experience of ‘constructing an innings’. This concept is flexible depending
on the grade (eg there may be fewer retirements in 14A than in 14C)
Bowling:
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Every player wanting to bowl should be given an opportunity to do so
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More skilled bowlers may be given more overs in a spell and all bowlers should be rewarded by
extra overs for taking wickets and bowling maidens
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No bowler should be taken off after a single over unless they have bowled more than 6 no balls
and/or wides in that over. If this is the case they should be given the next opportunity to bowl from
the other end to give them every opportunity to build confidence.
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The default number of overs in a spell should be 3. In unusual cases of the bowler struggling with
form this may be reduced to 2. If a bowler has bowled very well the spell may be extended to 4 or, if
they have bowled exceptionally well, 5.
Policy prepared 14 July 2016 – Richard Bowers Junior Coordinator
Laburnum Cricket Club
Junior Selection and Game Management
Policy
 The principle behind the above guidelines is that bowlers will only improve if they are given the
opportunity to bowl in match conditions.
Captaincy:
In the first year of under 14’s the captaincy should still be rotated between all players who are interested.
Captains should be encouraged to set fields (often with advice from the team manager) and to initiate
bowling changes in consultation with the team manager. The way the players respond to this responsibility
will provide guidance for future captaincy opportunities. Team managers should also be on the lookout for
other desirable leadership qualities including: fairly providing opportunities to all team members; tactical
skills; modelling of good behaviour; and supporting and encouraging other team members.
In the second year of under 14’s the team manager may choose to limit the rotation of captaincy through
players who have displayed an aptitude for performing this role. Additional responsibility should be given
such as setting batting and bowling orders and being entirely responsible for setting and changing fielding
positions. These responsibilities should be closely monitored by the team manager and often it will be
necessary to set parameters within which the captains operate. For example the team manager may
identify that particular players have not been given many bowling overs at a certain point in the season and
may set a minimum number of overs for those players in the coming match.
Under 16
By the time a player reaches this age group the club should be considering factors such as: transition to
senior cricket; enabling players to find areas where they are most skilled; managing expectations regarding
levels of participation.
It is not unusual for some players to be in the top 5 or six talented players with both the bat and the ball.
However, it should be recognised that cricket is a team game and if 6 players are being provided with the
bulk of the opportunities while the others are not being given any opportunities then players will leave and
the team will disintegrate through lack of numbers. Therefore, whereas there is more of a focus on
achieving results, all players need to be given an opportunity to both participate and develop further.
Batting:
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Batters may be reasonably established in the batting order but a degree of flexibility should be
applied to ensure all players get a fair go with the bat across the season with the less proficient
players rotating through batting positions 6 to 11
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As per the under 14 guidelines batters should not be retired unless they reach the compulsory
retirement score or are not scoring at a reasonable run rate (eg less than 1 run per over)
Bowling:
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Every player wishing to bowl should be given an opportunity to do so each match (with the
exception of some 1 day matches)
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More skilled bowlers may be given more overs in a spell and all bowlers should be rewarded by
extra overs for taking wickets and bowling maidens
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No bowler should be taken off after a single over unless they have bowled more than 4 no balls
and/or wides in that over. If this is the case they should be given an opportunity to bowl from the
other end as soon as practicable
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The default number of overs in a spell should be 3. In unusual cases of the bowler struggling with
form this may be reduced to 2. If a bowler has bowled very well the spell may be extended to 4 or, if
they have bowled exceptionally well, 5 or if they just keep taking wickets 6.
Policy prepared 14 July 2016 – Richard Bowers Junior Coordinator
Laburnum Cricket Club
Junior Selection and Game Management
Policy
Captaincy:
By under 16’s natural leaders are likely to have emerged in a team. The team manager should identify these
leaders and either rotate captaincy through players who have displayed an aptitude for performing this role
or else select a sole captain for the season. If the latter path is taken then other leaders should be co-opted
to support the captain on and off the field. The captain will have the responsibility of setting batting and
bowling orders and being entirely responsible for setting and changing fielding positions. These
responsibilities should be monitored by the team manager who may set parameters within which the
captains operate (see under 14 example above).
Selection
Having Junior players participate at a level where their skills can cope and they can enjoy their cricket is of
critical importance to ensuring players at the club are happy playing cricket and being part of the club.
Therefore, it is important that the club has a framework in place to ensure that all players move up the
Junior ladder toward successful senior cricket careers only when they are ready to do so.
Teams will be selected at the start of the season in accordance with the “Procedures” above. The initial
considerations for team construction are the ages of the players and, particularly in age groups up to and
including under 14, friendship groups of the players. It is recognised that maximum enjoyment and
teamwork comes from playing with mates.
Where team numbers at a particular age level are not high enough consideration will be given to asking
players to play in an older age group. When making this determination there will be broad consultation
between the junior section manager, relevant team managers, the Club President, the parents of the
relevant players and the players themselves. Key factors in making a decision to play in an older age group
are the level of skill of the player and whether the safety of the player would be unduly jeopardised.
Apart from the movement into an older age group to ensure a full team, players should not play in an older
age group unless exceptional circumstances exist. (For the sake of clarification a player is not considered to
be playing in an older age group if they are within 3 months of qualifying as being in that age group).
Circumstances may be considered exceptional if the level of skill of the player is significantly higher than
other players in their age group and this is reflected in the player’s statistics. The rationale behind this
criterion is that a move into the older age group will reduce the opportunities of players who are only able
to play in that age group. Under no circumstances should a younger player take the place of an older player.
In Under 14 and 16 age groups there will be some movement between teams in different grades if players
are struggling at the higher grade or conversely performing well in the lower grade. The principles behind
this movement are to recognise and reward improvement by some players and to give renewed confidence
to others. These moves should not be taken lightly, particularly if the proposal is to move a player away
from his/her friendship group as this may impact upon the player’s enjoyment of the game.
Senior Selection
Only in exceptional circumstances will Under 12 eligible players be selected in senior teams. However, if
required, these players may fill in as fielders in senior teams if their skills are assessed as being of a standard
high enough to be able to cope with senior play and to remain safe. Regardless of their skill level these
players will not be placed in fielding positions closer than 20 metres from the bat (approximately 1 pitch
length).
Under 14 players who are playing in A Grade or B Grade (only if there is no A Grade team during the
relevant season) may put their names on an emergency list to play seniors. These players will only be
selected to play seniors in the following circumstances:
Policy prepared 14 July 2016 – Richard Bowers Junior Coordinator
Laburnum Cricket Club
Junior Selection and Game Management
Policy
 The player is assessed by the junior coordinator (in consultation with all relevant parties) to be of
high enough standard to be able to cope with senior play and to remain safe; and
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The player is assessed (as above) to be able to contribute meaningfully to the team; and
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The player will not under any circumstances be selected in preference to a senior player who is
eligible for selection under the senior selection policy; and
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The player will only be selected to play in the lowest available senior grade unless the player is
exceptionally skilled; and
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The player will not be selected to play in preference to an under 16 player of equivalent ability as
determined by the junior coordinator (in consultation with all relevant parties); and
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A parent (or both parents if available) must provide written consent for the player to play senior
cricket
Under 16 players who are playing in A Grade or B Grade may put their names forward to play seniors. These
players will be selected to play seniors in the following circumstances:
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The player is assessed by the junior coordinator (in consultation with all relevant parties) to be of
high enough standard to be able to cope with senior play and to remain safe; and
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The player is assessed (as above) to be able to contribute meaningfully to the team; and
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The player will not under any circumstances be selected in preference to a paid-up senior player
who is eligible for selection under the senior selection policy; and
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The player may play in any senior grade appropriate to their level of skill; and
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A parent (or both parents if available) must provide written consent for the player to play senior
cricket
In order to accommodate this policy the junior coordinator will seek expressions of interest from relevant
junior players at the start of each season and maintain an emergency list that is available to the senior
selection committee.
To enable the safe and proper development of junior cricketers who are making the transition to senior
cricket, each junior should be selected in the first instance in the lowest grade of senior cricket. Once each
junior has established to the satisfaction of the junior coordinator that they are competent and skilled
enough to remain safe and contribute meaningfully at a higher grade then they will become eligible for
selection to the next highest grade. In this way they will need to demonstrate an ability to perform at one
level before being eligible for the next level. At each stage the junior coordinator will consult with all
relevant parties including the parents of the junior before allowing progression to a higher grade.
Policy prepared 14 July 2016 – Richard Bowers Junior Coordinator