WSBA
INFO
PACK
2014
1
WSBA June 2014
Worcestershire Schools Badminton Association
Information Pack for Parents and Players.
WELCOME
Welcome to Worcestershire Schools Badminton Association (WSBA).
The WSBA Committee and
coaches hope that you find this information pack useful as an introduction to junior county badminton.
If you can’t find what you need please don’t hesitate to ask another parent, a committee member or
one of the coaches who will all be more than happy to help you tell you or find out what you need to
know.
As a County we aim to train committed players to form a strong county squad and to encourage players
to play and compete at a high level both in county matches, in their clubs and at Badminton England
tournaments.
The pack contains information about

About WSBA
o
inc. how WSBA is run
o
WSBA Committee members and contacts & how you can get involved
o
Funding
o
Coaches
o
Safeguarding Children - how we look after young players
o
Communication
o
Age groups

County training and matches

Badminton England tournaments, and events

Codes of conduct
We hope that with the support of our coaches, committee, parent volunteers and other players your
child will have an enjoyable and successful season.
ABOUT WORCESTERSHIRE SCHOOLS BADMINTON ASSOCIATION
1) Aim of WSBA
a) The remit of WSBA is to identify and train talented badminton players living or attending
school in the historic county of Worcestershire (which includes Dudley MBC area –
Stourbridge, Halesowen, Dudley, Kingswinford and Sedgley) with the aim of producing a junior
county squad at U13, U15 and U17 age groups to participate in the Shires League and intercounty Tournaments.
b) We aim to provide every child with a safe, supportive and encouraging environment in which to
develop her or his abilities to the full.
2
WSBA June 2014
2) How WSBA is run
a) A committee of parent volunteers is responsible for the organisation of WSBA and all its
activities and events.
b) The current Committee members are
Stephen Dodd
Chairperson
& Child
Welfare
Officer
01384 829242 /
07981 931849
[email protected]
Claudette Palmer
Secretary
01902 885610/
[email protected]
07816 235005
Anne Diprose
Fixtures
Secretary
01527 577022
[email protected]
Amanda Griffiths
Treasurer
01527 835222
[email protected]
Carol Genever
Tournament
Co-ordinator
01905 641248
07988 791649
[email protected]
Derinda Fullerton
Link to adult
07932 194977
[email protected]
county
We are currently in the process of identifying and recruiting Team Managers at each age
group. Contact details will be circulated as soon as these appointments have been confirmed.
c) We will be holding at least one committee meeting each school term and an Annual General
Meeting (AGM) in the Autumn.
d) All dates will be advertised shortly and will be run alongside a Sunday training session or other
event.
e) Everyone, parents and players, are encouraged to put forward ideas for any item they would
like to be discussed at a committee meeting.
f) We encourage as many parents as possible to attend the AGM to share ideas, observations and
suggestions. The AGM is also a chance to hear about our activities and achievements of the
past year, how we managed the finances and our plans for the future.
g) There will be opportunities to nominate people to the WSBA committee prior to the AGM.
h) Committee members and team managers are recruited in accordance with safer recruitment
processes laid down by Badminton England which include undertaking relevant criminal
disclosure and barred list checks as appropriate.
i)
There are also many ways for parents to get involved and contribute without being a member
of the committee. These include:

helping to plan/run a tournament
3
WSBA June 2014

developing/maintaining/updating the WSBA website

running a fund-raising event or activity

promoting opportunities for new players inc. advertising trials and tournaments
and many more. If you have a particular interest or skill let us know and we’ll see if we can
put it to good use
j)
We would encourage all parents to become involved in contributing to the opportunities that
WSBA creates to enable children and young people from across Worcestershire to participate
in and enjoy this great sport and all that it has to offer.
3) How we are funded
a) WSBA is a self-financing organisation. It does not receive funding from Badminton England to
support its activities.
b) All training sessions, county matches and other activities, including the U13, U15 and U17
Championship tournaments and the national Harrod U17 County Challenge (formerly ICT - held
in April each year), have to be funded by our own efforts.
c) Therefore we charge termly fees for training sessions to cover room hire and coaching costs.
d) We also run several Badminton England sanctioned Junior Circuit tournaments (see section 11
below) which raise quite a bit of money for WSBA on the back of some hard work by the
committee and parent volunteers (can you help?)
e) In addition we undertake other fundraising activity throughout the year which double-up as
social events - so bring your friends and family along!
f) County matches that we play at home, and specific events (Championships, County Challenge
Tournaments, ICT and the Lea Green residential) all require additional payment from those
taking part.
g) Finally we are keen to explore other potential funding opportunities such as private sponsorship
or charitable trust funds, so if anyone knows of any suitable avenues please let a committee
member know.
4) WSBA Coaches
a) We are fortunate to be able to offer the highest level of coaching. This is co-ordinated by
head coach Lorraine Cole (u19 England coach, ex-England international and Head of Badminton
at Birmingham University).
Lorraine is assisted by Stuart Ingram and Steph Cartwright-Randle (our two level 2 coaches)
Lorraine Cole
Head Coach
07966 142196
[email protected]
Stuart Ingram
U11/U15/U17
07878 677699
[email protected]
07976 814036
[email protected]
Steph Cartwright-Randle
U13
4
WSBA June 2014
b) Our adult coaches will, in turn, be assisted at various sessions by ex-junior county players who
have taken their level one coaching badges.
c) All our coaches have been recruited safely in accordance with safer recruitment processes laid
down by Badminton England, which include undertaking relevant criminal disclosure and barred
list checks as appropriate.
d) Coaches also attend and contribute actively to WSBA Committee meetings.
5) Safeguarding
a) WSBA is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children (includes everyone
under the age of 18 years old) and keeping them safe from harm
b) WSBA recognises that safeguarding children is everyone’s business
c)
WSBA will work within the government guidance on safeguarding children set out in
Working Together 2013 and alongside all the statutory authorities charged with
keeping children safe from harm and follow the procedures and expectations laid down
by Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB)
d) WSBA will create an environment in which players and parents and anyone in contact
with WSBA can raise concerns about the safety, welfare and well-being of all children
involved in its activities.
e) WSBA will make sure that volunteers and paid staff are trained in accordance with
Badminton England and WSCB safeguarding procedures to recognise, respond, record
and refer appropriately in connection with concerns around the safety of children it
comes into contact with.
f) WSBA has an appointed child welfare officer. For the 2013 -14 season this will be
Stephen Dodd, mob: 07981 931849, tel: 01384 829242,
email: [email protected]
g) The full responsibilities of the WSBA committee are laid out in the WSBA
Safeguarding Children Policy, and expectations of volunteers, paid staff, parents and
players are summarised in the respective Codes of Conduct (see separate end of this
Information Pack) and detailed in the safeguarding procedures which include guidance
on a wide range of topics including:

Responsibilities to recognise, respond, record and refer any safeguarding concerns

Responding to and managing allegations of improper conduct abuse made against
any adult associated with WSBA and its activities

Safe recruitment of volunteers and paid coaches.
5
WSBA June 2014

Running Safe activities: including risk assessment of activities and premises

Internet and mobile communication safety

How to handle a range of situations which occur in undertaking its activities such
as:
o
Changing arrangements
o
Giving first aid and medication
o
Photographs and video images
o
Transport
o
Lone working e.g one-to-one coaching
o
Preventing, and responding to, bullying
h) Copies of the WSBA Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, and the Codes of
Conduct will be available on our website shortly but will be based heavily on those of
Badminton England on ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Young People’ which you can find
on the WSBA website at www.worcestershiresba.org.uk/safeguarding or the
Badminton England website at www.badmintonengland.co.uk/safeguarding
6) Codes of Conduct
a) WSBA is proud of the behaviour of both our players and supporters.
b) We expect the highest standards from everyone involved with WSBA - badminton is a
very competitive sport but we expect all our players to conduct themselves
appropriately both on and off court.
c) Aggressive, abusive or unsporting behaviour will not be tolerated.
d) The county squads function as a closely knit team and we expect Worcestershire
players to be supportive to one another during training sessions, matches and
competitions.
e) We have a code of conduct for players that all are expected to know and follow.
f) We also have a Code of Conduct for parents, carers and spectators that we expect all
parents/carers/ spectators to understand and stick to (see attached sheet).
g) Finally we have Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Team Managers and other officials.
Please ask if you would like to see one. They will shortly be available on our website.
6
WSBA June 2014
7) Communications and data protection
a) All communication is done by members of the committee and coaching staff (see
above) using contact details (home addresses, email addresses and landline/mobile
phone numbers) supplied by parents.
b) Parents are asked to provide WSBA with contact details of at least one parent and
one emergency contact when players are invited to join a County squad activity.
c) General communication to parents will be done by the WSBA Secretary.
d) Our safeguarding arrangements mean that we do not communicate directly with
players (unless there is an emergency in which case we will make sure the parent is
informed of any contact), hence parents must supply their own e-mail address and
telephone number.
e) We will not share your contact information with other parents, (except Team
Managers) or third parties.
f) We will only use your contact information for the purposes of enabling your child to
participate in county or other badminton opportunities, or to facilitate your
involvement in supporting WSBA and its activities.
g) We like to use photographs of players taking part in WSBA matches, activities and
events on our website and in the press where appropriate and relevant
h) We will only use photographs of your child/you if you have given us written permission
to do so. We will not put any personal details with the photographs that we use on our
website and will only use names with your permission.
8) WSBA website – www.worcestershiresba.org.uk
a) WSBA has a new website www.worcestershiresba.org.uk Please add it to your
‘favourites’ or ‘bookmarks’ and use it regularly to check for latest news, tournament
and county match details, and any changes to schedules
9) Age Groupings
a) Badminton England organises coaching, tournaments and county matches in the
following groupings: Under 13, Under 15 & Under 17.
b) These age groups are not in line with school year groupings.

U13 age group for 2014-15 season - players must be born on or after 01.01.2002

U15 age group for 2014-15 season - players must be born on or after 01.01.2000

U17 age group for 2014-15 season -players must be born on or after 01.01.1998
7
WSBA June 2014
c)
In addition, for our U11 age group in 2014-15 season – players must be born on or after
01.01.2004
8) Training Sessions
a)
Training sessions are held on Sundays for two hours per age group (U13, U15 & U17)
throughout the season (from September to April) at Tudor Grange Academy, Worcester
b)
U11 Training sessions are held on Friday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00pm at Dodderhill
School, Droitwich
c)
Timings for training can vary so please make sure you check the timetable issued at the
beginning of the season every week and look out for any emails warning of changes to the
training schedule.
d)
In addition, sessions sometimes have to be cancelled because of adverse weather or the
unavailability of the school hall. Again, please look out for any emails warning of
cancellations and/or check on the WSBA website.
e)
Some players who are playing at a higher level than their age group may be invited to
attend the session for an older age group. Your child will be notified by a coach if this is
the case.
f)
Some players are also selected to attend the Development Squad training sessions. on a
Wednesday evening, at either the The Dodderhill School, Droitwich or Hagley RC School,
Hagley. There are two sessions and players invited to attend will be told which one of
these sessions to attend according to their ability.
g)
The aim and emphasis on both of County training and Development Squad training is to
improve player technique, fitness, agility and tactics as well as to trial doubles
partnerships.
Addresses of training venues;
Tudor Grange Academy; Bilford Road Worcester, Worcestershire WR3 8HN
U13, U15 & U17 Sunday training sessions, most matches, and internal tournaments are held at
this venue.
Dodderhill School; Crutch Lane, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 0B
Development Squad training on Wednesdays and U11’s training sessions on Fridays are held
here.
Hagley RC High School: Brake Ln, Hagley, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 2XL.
Development Squad training for the north of the county are held here on Wednesdays.
8
WSBA June 2014
MATCHES AND TOURNAMENTS
9) County Matches
a)
Worcestershire is currently a member of the Shires league, a league of counties that
play each other in groups on a regular basis.
b)
Worcestershire enters one team in each of the Shires League age groups: U13, U15, U17.
c)
Matches are held at U13, U15 & U17 age ranges.
d)
Teams at each age group consist of four/five girls and four/five boys
e)
Matches can be either at home (normally at Tudor Grange (See end of section 4 above)
or away at a venue selected by the County we play against.
f)
Matches are played on a Sunday and are outlined on the fixture list which is handed out
at the start of the season, and is part of the training schedule
g)
The coach for each age group is responsible for selecting the team for each match.
h)
The matches are really good fun and very competitive so if a player is not selected to
play in a match, it is important that they continue to train and work hard to give
themselves the best chance of selection for any future matches. Each team is managed
by a parent Team Manager from each age group.
i)
Team Managers are responsible for:

notifying everyone about who has been selected to play in each match
 making sure everyone has details of where and at what time the match is being played
 notifying parents of what they need to contribute towards lunch (or tea depending on
time of match) for home matches for both teams and their parents. We pride
ourselves on providing good hospitality for visiting players and parents.
 sometimes, counties at away venues do not provide much refreshment so we would
advise bringing some snacks for away games.
 collecting match fees at home games (£5.00 per player), keeping records of payment,
and paying to the Treasurer. This helps towards paying the cost of court fees and
shuttlecocks.
k)

Ensuring shuttlecocks are available for home matches

Submitting scoresheets to Shires League Secretary on the evening of each match.
Don’t worry if you are not selected for a Shires League match this season. Friendly
matches may be organised with other counties so that all our players get competitive
game play.
9
WSBA June 2014
10) Tournaments between Counties
a)
U13 and U15 Team Challenge tournaments
 Team Challenges are inter-county tournaments run over a day for U13 and U15 age
groups
 We are not sure if these will go ahead this year although there is a desire from the
Shires League Counties for them to take place.
 If they do go ahead, they are normally held at Warwick.
 Team Challenge provides an opportunity to play our neighbouring counties in an exciting
competition.
b)
Harrods U17 County Challenge (formerly the Inter Counties Tournament-ICT)
 ICT is Britain’s inter county tournament
 It is a 4 day residential tournament usually held at Nottingham University.
 It is a highlight of the junior county badminton year and players train very hard to
achieve the honour of representing Worcestershire.
 Our 5 best performing girls and 5 best performing boys (usually, but by no means
always, from the U17 age group) make up the squad.
 Teams from all over the United Kingdom compete for a national ranking and the
atmosphere is absolutely amazing. Players always have a great time and work to be at
their very best. Each year we hope to meet or exceed our highest position of 21st.
In 2014-15 season, ICT will be held in Easter Holidays April 2015
11) Badminton England Junior Circuit Tournaments
a)
Taking part in tournaments is a very important part of a player’s development.
b)
All players in County training squads are registered Badminton England players
c)
WSBA encourages all players to enter at least 3 junior circuit tournaments each year.
d)
Each tournament will be named by the county that is hosting it, the age group and the
grade of tournament e.g. Yorkshire U15 Bronze
e)
There are graded Junior Circuit tournaments for U13, U15 and U17 age
groups: rated Gold, Silver and Bronze (Gold tournaments being the highest standard).
f)
For players in the Under 11 age group, BE offer an Under 11 circuit without gradings
g)
The tournament schedule for the coming year can be found on the Badminton England
website at
http://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/text.asp?section=2544&sectionTitle=Junior+Circuit
#.UaoH6pwQOJc
10
WSBA June 2014
h)
As you will see, there are tournaments for each age group at three different levels with
Bronze level being the entry level for county players.
i)
Players collect ranking points from attending Badminton England sanctioned junior circuit
(JC) tournaments and from how well they do at them.
j)
Players are graded by Badminton England depending upon performance in Badminton
England sanctioned tournaments. If you want to improve your grading, you need to enter
tournaments regularly.
k)
All tournaments are open to anybody, provided their grading is not above that allowed for
that tournament (i.e. no Grade 1 players in Silver tournaments). However there are
suggested guidelines for what tournaments players should enter, for more details please
refer to specific entry forms.
l)
You will often hear players refer to their grading by the colour rather than the number
i.e Bronze, Silver or Gold.
 If you are grade 3 (Bronze or ungraded) you can enter any level of tournament but
should concentrate on Bronze tournaments.
 If you are graded 2 (Silver), you are not allowed to enter Bronze tournaments
 and if you are graded 1 (Gold), you cannot enter Bronze or Silver tournaments. This
means that you are likely to compete against players of a similar standard to you when
you enter a tournament.
m)
There is now a continuous ranking system from the newest badminton player to become a
BE member to the best players in the country.
n)
Players can keep track of their own results and performance (and find out about their
opponents’ ranking and past performance) by logging on to a special website which can be
found at www.badmintonengland.co.uk/compete
o)
If you have any doubts about tournaments please ask one of the coaches or talk to other
parents. There are often several Worcestershire players at a tournament and there is a
very supportive spirit. It is often possible to share travelling and link up to play the
doubles matches.
p)
Most tournaments consist of matches in a “box” of at least 4 players followed by knockout stages. You are therefore guaranteed 3-4 good quality games even if you do not win
the box and progress to the knockout stages.
q)
Remember to take plenty of fluid and refreshments as the available catering is variable
and the day can be a long one if you enter both the singles and the doubles tournaments.
11
WSBA June 2014
12) Worcestershire JC tournaments
a)
WSBA organises the following B.E. sanctioned JC tournaments locally.
b) All players are expected to support these events.



c)
U13 Bronze
U15 Bronze
U17 Bronze
Again, more experienced players should consider entering the age group above their own.
14) Worcestershire County Championships
a) WSBA organises a local championship in each age group every year just for players
who live or go to school in the historic county of Worcestershire (which includes the
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council area)
b) All players who are part of a county training squad are expected to enter the relevant
internal tournament for their age group.
c) All players should also consider entering the age group above their own. If you
have any doubts please do not hesitate to chat to one of the coaches.
d) These are not Badminton England events and do not affect rankings.
e) However, they are very important to us as a County as they are one of the few
opportunities for coaches to assess the performance of players within the squad
against each other in competitive play.
f) These tournaments are always very exciting and all players are expected to
participate
g) Dates for these will be circulated very soon.
h) We also run a fun tournament at the end of the season with parents playing alongside
the county squad. This is obviously the most competitive tournament of the year and
an excellent chance for players to get their own back on parents for all that advice
given during matches!
12
WSBA June 2014