Cricket Policy 1. Background SCB exists as a limited company with charitable status with objectives to: Promote, encourage and support cricket within the county of Shropshire with due reference to the policies and directives of the ECB and other funding organisations Provide support to Clubs and Partner Organisations Promote excellence within both people engaged in cricket and facilities Uphold the traditions and spirit of Cricket Facilitate and coordinate cricketing activities around the County Support the development of players by providing or facilitating opportunities for players of all ages and abilities Organise and facilitate fixtures and competitions Ensure adequate welfare policies are in place for its own activities and facilitate the provision within its partner organisations Gain feedback and generate continuous improvement With these objectives in mind the SCB priority items for delivery of cricket activities around the County are: The provision of county wide programmes for developing young cricketers together with EPP programmes for developing more talented cricketers toward FCC The organisation and management of county age group teams The continued development of women, girls and disability cricket The organisation and management of a Community Cricket Programme to take cricket into schools and provide a definitive link with local clubs A communication plan to keep partner organisations, clubs and players fully informed of relevant issues Feedback and learning processes to consider customer satisfaction levels and generate ideas for improvement An overarching strategic plan which reviews the policies being developed by ECB (and other funding organisations) to feed into the SCB delivery plans 2. SCB Board Approvals The extent of any activity shall always be determined by financial constraints. Programme details shall be submitted to the SCB Directors for approval before any expenditure is committed. Key approval dates are as follows: Community cricket programme January Board Meeting Summer match, competitions and festival proposals February Board meeting Autumn and winter coaching programmes August Board meeting 3. ECB Policy and guidelines All activities shall be carried out in line with relevant ECB policy and guidelines including welfare, safeguarding and risk assessment. Cricket Policy Page 1 of 9 Date: AUGUST 2015
4. SCB Policy and staff guidelines All activities shall be carried out in accordance with other relevant SCB policy and guidelines 5. Development Pathway SCB shall produce a documented player pathway reviewed annually indicating possible progress through squads enabling players to reach full potential. The pathway shall be communicated to all players and be visible on the SCB website. 6. Key roles relating to cricket policy 6.1. SCB Directors Challenge, question and approve as appropriate programmes developed by CDO 6.2. Director of Cricket Monitor activities through the GM to ensure policy is being delivered Review and assess policy following consultation with GM and CDOs 6.3. General Manager Oversee, manage and coordinate the activities of the CDOs to ensure their work is carried out in accordance with SCB policy and ECB policy and guidelines Work with CDOs to develop programmes and seek approval from the SCB Directors Develop and manage relationships with and provide support to key partner organisations Keep abreast of current ECB policy and initiatives to incorporate items within the SCB programmes as required Utilise feedback to develop improvements for future years Manage issues arising from breaches of the code of conduct 6.4. Cricket Development Officers Shall act as the focal point for cricket activities in specific geographic regions including o Direct liaison and general communications with Clubs and schools (Note: Liaison with special schools to be specific to CDO responsible for disabled cricket) Shall be allocated specific responsibilities to develop, oversee / manage specific aspects of the programmes o Community cricket o Performance boys o Performance girls o Disability cricket Work with the GM to develop, document and seek approval for programmes from the SCB Directors 7. Overall playing and coaching philosophy The approach to be adopted by CDOs, managers and coaches shall above all maximise the fun and enjoyment of the team ethic by: Cricket Policy Page 2 of 9 Date: AUGUST 2015
adhering to the principles of the Spirt of Cricket and seeking to maximise the opportunities for, and the potential of, each player generating a clear understanding of the team approach and educating the players in the desire to win and the understanding what needs to be done to win the game in any given situation In all instances managers, players and coaches are expected to comply with the SCB Code of Conduct. 8. Clashes of interest / priority of fixtures advice to players SCB recognise that the purpose of the player pathway is to allow players to develop to their full potential and to play at the highest possible level. Where fixture clashes occur, the player should be encouraged to give priority to the highest level of cricket available whilst recognising that school obligations cannot always be removed. In principle the priority is summarised below but where there is any doubt the SCB General Manager should be consulted. National or regional teams/squads First class county Minor county (SCCC) competitive fixtures SCB competitive squad fixtures SCB friendly fixtures School/club fixtures 9. Communications and information cricket operations SCB following any relevant consultation shall through its relevant staff communicate with interested parties using an appropriate methodology. This shall take account of any wider Communication and Marketing activities. 9.1. Coaching, squad development programmes and summer matches SCB through CDO and squad managers will develop communication plans utilising appropriate methods to advise and inform clubs, schools, parents, guardians and players of the programme of relevant activities. 9.2. Match results and performances SCB will use the play cricket website as the main communication/collation tool for results and statistics. CDOs through match managers and coaches shall ensure that all results and individual performances are entered on to the play cricket web site. 9.3. Other cricket activities SCB through the GM and CDO will, as part of an overarching communication plan, keep Clubs, schools, partner organisations, players and parents/guardians fully informed of both general and particular cricket related activities. 9.4. Feedback and continuous improvement Cricket Policy Page 3 of 9 Date: AUGUST 2015
SCB shall seek feedback and comment from coaches, parents, players and clubs on an annual basis and be utilised for the purposes of continuous improvement. 10. Performance Programmes and Age Group squads (boys) SCB will coordinate, manage and run performance programmes for boys which will include: 10.1. If considered appropriate, an elite/emerging player programme (EPP) or other structured coaching, for the recognised highest quality players with potential Eligibility for selection shall be in accordance with Selection Criteria and the squad shall consist of no more than 12 players Management and coordination of the programme shall be by the designated CDO and consist of a maximum number of 15 weekly sessions. The programme shall be designed in consultation with other CDOs and relevant managers and coaches. 10.2. A performance programme for boys age groups U10 to U17 as appropriate with: Winter/spring indoor training and coaching for no more than 10 weekly sessions a. Each age group squad shall have a designated manager and coaches appropriate to the numbers involved b. Sessions shall be planned and agreed in advance with the relevant CDO A summer schedule of matches for each age group including a maximum of 12 matches including festivals which should only be exceeded by qualification into later rounds of ECB competitions a. Each age group squad shall have a designated manager and coach b. Managers and coaches shall be selected / appointed in accordance with relevant policy Player selection shall be determined by the relevant CDO in conjunction with age group managers and coaches in accordance with Selection Criteria 10.3. District Coaching Programmes SCB will coordinate, manage and run training and coaching programmes at district level during the autumn to provide opportunities for players of all levels to obtain training and coaching for no more than 8 weeks during the autumn close season. These sessions will be open to all players recommended by their clubs or by invitation from the relevant CDO in consultation with age group managers and coaches 11. County Performance Programmes and Age Group squads (women and girls) SCB will coordinate, manage and run performance programmes for women and girls which will include: 11.1. If considered appropriate, an elite/emerging player programme (EPP) or other structured coaching, for the recognised highest quality players with potential Eligibility for selection shall be in accordance with Selection Criteria and the squad shall consist of no more than 12 players Management and coordination of the programme shall be by the designated CDO and consist of a maximum number of 15 weekly sessions. The programme shall Cricket Policy Page 4 of 9 Date: AUGUST 2015
be designed in consultation with other CDOs and relevant managers and coaches. 11.2. A performance programme for girls alternate age groups U11, U13, U15 & U17 (including development squads if considered appropriate) with: Winter/spring indoor training and coaching for no more than 10 weekly sessions a. Each age group squad shall have a designated manager and coaches appropriate to the numbers involved b. Sessions shall be planned and agreed in advance with the relevant CDO A summer schedule of matches for each age group including a maximum of 12 matches including festivals which should only be exceeded by qualification into later rounds of ECB competitions a. Each age group squad shall have a designated manager and coach b. Managers and coaches shall be selected / appointed in accordance with relevant policy Player selection shall be determined by the relevant CDO in conjunction with age group managers and coaches in accordance with Selection Criteria 12. Cricket Fixtures The programme of fixtures shall be arranged after due consultation with the GM and relevant CDO taking due account of: The relevant requirements of ECB competitions Cost and travel limitations The desired maximum number of matches for each age group Festival opportunities The commitments of players to, and fixtures of, other partner organisations and schools 13. Cricket Competitions SCB shall coordinate and manage a programme of competitions for both school and club teams. These shall link to National tournaments as appropriate. 14. Community Cricket Programme SCB will coordinate a programme of activities to develop cricket in schools within the county and to encourage links with local clubs. These shall focus on relevant ECB initiatives to generate new players into the club system. CDOs shall encourage clubs in their area to be actively involved in this programme and shepherd potential new players to their local club. Records of new player migration from schools to clubs shall be maintained each year. 15. Disability cricket SCB will coordinate and support activities to continue to develop cricket for people with disabilities. This may include if appropriate: A development and performance programme for a maximum period of 10 weeks Cricket Policy Page 5 of 9 Date: AUGUST 2015
A summer schedule of matches based on ECB competition opportunities for two playing squads and the strength of numbers/demand for matches within Shropshire The relevant CDO, working with partner organisations, will be responsible for identifying potential new participants and sourcing additional coaches and managers. The relevant CDO will manage and monitor the activities and seek to establish new opportunities for cricketers with disabilities within the existing club structures and actively seek out new funding and partnership opportunities. 16. Communications with First Class Counties SCB will establish links with relevant FCCs as appropriate as a commercial arrangement. These may be documented in a formal agreement. Any communications with FCC in respect of promising players, sponsorship opportunities shall be made through the relevant authorised process. 17. Shropshire County Cricket Club (and Development Squad) SCCC exists as an affiliated organisation. SCB will support the activities of the SCCC as appropriate and will provide player nominations and discuss player potential at least on a biannual basis. SCB will work with SCCC coaching staff to provide opportunities for coach and young player mentoring. SCB CDO will work with the SCCC to coordinate the activities of players within the SCCC Development Squad for the benefit of cricket within Shropshire as a whole. 18. Other Adult cricket SCB will support the Over 50 and Veterans organisations to compete in their relevant competitions. 19. Support to Clubs SCB through the CDOs and GM will provide support and advice to all affiliated clubs in particular with respect to: Grant applications Facilities development Clubmark Coaching programmes Coaching activities (through Shropshire Coaches Association) Opportunities to improve the cricket experience within the county. SCB will convene forums to discuss aspect of cricket within the county on a biannual basis as follows: Regional meetings with common agenda based on the CDO areas County wide meeting including partner organisations Cricket Policy Page 6 of 9 Date: AUGUST 2015
20. Support of Partner organisations SCB through the CDOs and GM will provide support and advice to partner organisations and will collaborate to establish the need for training and mentoring programmes. SCB will work with these organisations to ensure that suitable courses and workshops are provided as considered appropriate throughout the year. SCB will support the promotion of courses to help maintain the flow of a suitably trained and qualified workforce. SCB will use the partner organisations to fill coaching requirements on county / district squads and pass on relevant contact for request from clubs and schools. SCB General Manager will, to gain feedback, convene on an annual basis, a forum of relevant cricket related partner organisations. 21. Selection /appointment of Coaches Coaches chosen to work with any SCB coordinated activities shall be recruited / selected / appointed after joint discussions following an agreed process with the Shropshire Coaches Association. In all cases the final decision shall rest with the SCB General Manager. Coaches will be expected to provide relevant personal details and complete timesheets in an agreed format within specified timescales to assist with proper management of the SCB finances. Coaches undertaking work or roles on coaching programmes or as squad coaches shall as a minimum have: UKCC Level 2 or equivalent and (all to be current) DBS Certificate, Safeguarding Young Cricketers Certificate or Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid Certificate, suitable insurance arrangements and preferably ECB CA Membership Full requirements and relevant information shall be provided to all coaches prior to appointment. 22. Selection / appointment of squad managers Squad managers shall be selected/appointed after full discussions between the SCB CDOs. In all cases the final decision shall rest with the SCB General Manager. Managers appointed to county squads shall have as a minimum: (all to be current) DBS Certificate, ECB Safeguarding Young Cricketers Certificate or Safeguarding & Protecting Children, First Aid Certificate Managers may be expected to provide relevant personal details and complete timesheets in an agreed format within specified timescales to assist with proper management of the SCB finances. Full requirements and relevant information shall be provided to all managers prior to appointment. Cricket Policy Page 7 of 9 Date: AUGUST 2015
23. Selection criteria for all performance squads Players will be considered eligible for selection if at least one of the following three key criteria are met: They live in Shropshire Attend school in Shropshire Are playing members of an Affiliated Club either based in Shropshire or playing in the Shropshire CCL Coaches/managers have a degree of flexibility and judgment in the case of county boundaries which marginally affect any of the above. The final selection for a squad or team will rest with the relevant lead coach in consultation with other squad coaches and will take the following into consideration: Playing performances for club, school or county teams as appropriate Demonstrations of ability, commitment and appropriate levels of improvement on the SCB performance programme 24. Selection criteria for EPP squads Players will be considered eligible for inclusion within the EPP programme if at least one of the following key criteria are met: They live in Shropshire Attend school in Shropshire Are playing members of an Affiliated Club either based in Shropshire or playing in the Shropshire CCL Players who are already formally registered with a First Class County Performance / Development squad will not be considered eligible for inclusion on any EPP being run by SCB unless it is with written the agreement of the FCC and the contact time demands have been properly assessed in conjunction with the player s parents and or school. Players should be within any age range guidelines set by ECB any departures from these guidelines must be justified prior to approval by the SCB Directors. In all cases the list of proposed players for any EPP shall be approved by the SCB Directors before any invitations are extended to individual players. 25. Fast tracking Junior players demonstrating high levels of match performance, commitment and potential shall be considered for fast tracking into a higher age group to gain experience and test their ability against more experience opponents. Such players shall be considered members of one age group squad only each year. Such cases shall be considered on merit before the start of the summer programme by the relevant CDO, squad managers and coaches in conjunction with the SCB GM. If fast Cricket Policy Page 8 of 9 Date: AUGUST 2015
tracking is considered appropriate then the player s parent / guardian shall be consulted for approval in writing before the final decision is made. 26. Customer care and complaints SCB and its staff will follow relevant processes and procedures in all its activities. Cricket activity related complaints shall be dealt with in line with the SCB Customer Care policy. 27. Cricket kit and equipment SCB will develop links with suppliers to allow kit to be purchased directly by individual players. A range of cricket clothing bearing SCB logos shall be made available for purchase through SCB to individual players representing the County age group squads. Players will be encouraged to purchase these to develop a team image for on the field activities. 28. Feedback and improvement SCB will seek to generate continuous improvement through a process of feedback in two distinct ways: Biannual workshops with clubs and partner organisations Parent/players surveys carried out electronically for those involved in coaching and playing activities Cricket Policy Page 9 of 9 Date: AUGUST 2015