Mount Barker Cricket Club
Junior Selection Policy
2013/14
Mount Barker Cricket Club aims to field junior teams of appropriate numbers,
capped at 15 for Under 10s and 14 for Under 12s, 14s and 16s.
The Club aims to progress juniors through all age levels as relatively stable squads
(numbers permitting) and accommodate friends who wish to play together.
Placing players into teams in junior sport is always a complicated process and never
an exact science. It cannot be planned ahead to any great extent as numbers are
never known until registration is finalised. While the club aims to satisfy all players
and parents, it is not always possible to do so and we urge people to remember that
players join a club not a particular team.
Teams are grouped in two-year age blocks. Mount Barker endeavours to place
players with their friends when they first join at Under 10s and 12s, rather than
allocating players to teams on a strictly date-of-birth basis. We do this because we
understand that joining a new club can be daunting and joining with friends often
makes this process easier.
It needs to be understood, however, that although the club places priority on
keeping teams together, we cannot give any guarantee for subsequent seasons as
players in a particular team can vary in age quite appreciably. The Club aims to foster
a sense of belonging so that, from their first year, players get to know the players in
other teams in their age group. This is one of the reasons that training is conducted
in age-groups rather than on a team-by-team basis.
In the event that players in a team from one season have to be moved around the
next season, Mount Barker hopes that they will already be familiar with many of
their new teammates. Therefore, although we understand it may be disappointing,
we hope that it will become an opportunity to make new friends.
The most usual circumstance (but not the only one) that can cause difficulties in
maintaining team stability is when the players in a particular team get to the point
where they straddle two age levels. This can have a knock-on effect on other teams’
structures.
The cut off date for playing in cricket teams is 1st of September.
As a result:
• If you are aged nine or under on 1st of September you are an Under 10s player.
• If you are aged 10 or 11 on 1st of September you are an Under 12s player.
• If you are aged 12 or 13 on 1st of September you are an Under 14s player.
• If you are aged 14 or 15 on 1st of September you are an Under 16s player.
At Mount Barker the progression through the divisions is basically age-based, rather
than ability-based.
Under 16s is the only age group where it is possible, at the discretion of the club, for
players to be graded into teams on the basis of ability, provided that the club is
fielding at least one team in U 14s.
The only circumstances in which the club allows players to play above their age
group (or above/below level within an age-group) is where
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There are places available in the team they wish to join without exceeding
the cap (15 in Under 10s, 14 players in Under 12s, 14s, 16s); and
It will not result in the team they would be leaving having too few players to
be viable (less than 11 players)
If you have any queries or concerns regarding selection, please speak to the junior
coordinator.
Selection Panel
Including, but not limited to the positions named.
Junior Coordinator
Team Coach
Selection Criteria
Training
Attendance – All players are required to attend training sessions scheduled by the
Coach/Captain. Standard sessions will be sent out to all club players before the
commencement of the 2013/14 season. If members are unable to attend, it is the
member’s responsibility to advise the Coach of their situation and attend when
possible. A lack of communication will be seen as detrimental to selection.
Where a player has a legitimate reason for non-attendance at training sessions, such
as work, family or medical reasons and has conveyed this to the selection committee
it is the selection committees prerogative to exclude their training attendance and
select on form and the other selection criteria.
Attitude & Work Ethic
It is expected that all members will approach training sessions in the same way that
they would approach a game. All members are expected to work hard during
training and support each other at all times. If this does not happen at training then
it will not happen during a game.
Attire
It is expected that all players will attend training with the proper attire. Either a club
training shirt or white cricket shirt. Acceptable shorts or tracksuit pants, DEFINETELY
NO BOARD SHORTS OR ALIKE. Suitable footwear is to be worn at all times.
Punctuality
All players are required to arrive at least 30 minutes (or earlier if directed by the
coach) before the commencement of a game. Constantly late players will affect their
selection prospects, unless prior arrangements have been made with the Coach of
the team. Again the club endeavours to accommodate all reasonable circumstances
and as long as the member communicates with the selection committee, the
committee will endeavour to work with the member.
Performance
In junior cricket it is essential that players are given a fair go and therefore form is
not a main priority in selection. Players will be selected and given a fair go to ensure
their development for the future.
In sides with over 11 players the coach shall ensure that players are rotated to
ensure that all players are given an opportunity to perform and experience the game
of cricket.
Come finals however if players have not been upholding the team values outlined in
this policy those players who have been attending training, communicating with the
coach and showing good team and club behaviour will be selected first.
Keeping in mind that the club will do it’s best to ensure that every player is given a
fair go as players cannot develop if they are not playing the game.
Behaviour
Players should adhere to the Mount Barker Cricket Club Code of Conduct at all times
when representing the club, including club functions both on and off the field,
before and after games or as a spectator. Members that bring the club or the game
into disrepute will be required to appear before the Club Committee and may face
disciplinary action.
Team/Club Support
Cricket is a team sport and it is expected that members will work together at both
training sessions and on game day to help set up and pack away all equipment. It is
unreasonable to leave these duties to a limited few. This includes but is not limited
to, setting up boundary cones at home games, setting up scoreboards, setting up
furniture and returning it after the game, returning club equipment to the
storeroom, etc. It is also requested that members attend club organised functions
and endeavour to introduce new members to the Club.
This policy is to commence in the 2013/14 Season.
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Signature Witness
Name: ___________________________
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Club President
Name: ____________________________