What Can You Do to Make Sure Kids are Ready to Play Cricket at this Level?
Like Father Like Son
Cricket is becoming more and more popular with kids and it is being regularly played in schools across the UK and Internationally. Over the years there seems to have been an increasing number of kids who are selected to play in senior cricket matches. No doubt this has resulted from the growing enthusiasm for the game and the passion of youngsters to one day be like there idols.
With this enthusiasm comes the willingness to learn, followed by the willingness to train. If kids are enjoying their cricket then they are more likely to practice and put in the effort to succeed. I have seen this hard work pay off when kids perform well in junior games and they are called up to a senior squad, this is a fantastic opportunity but there are certain things that the club should take into account.
Off the Field
- Ensure that the player is ready to make the step up from Junior to Senior cricket.
- Any player under the age of 12 cannot play in competitive senior cricket (ECB).
- Under 13′s can play if a Level 2 coach considers it necessary for their development, parental consent must be given (ECB).
- Over 13′s are able to play in competitive senior cricket.
- It is important the club has suitable infrastructure such as the necessary welfare support.
On the Field
- Words of encouragement and advice are important. A pat on the back from a senior player can help a junior overcome their nerves.
- A youngster will react to body language, make sure that the team is acting positively.
- Do not place a child in a fielding position that poses an unreasonable level of risk.
- Ensure that kids wear all of their personal protective equipment (i.e. helmet, pads, gloves, box, thigh pad etc).
The important thing is that a child gains a positive experience from playing senior cricket. It is not fair to select a child to fulfill just a fielding role, they are not being allowed to enjoy the whole aspect of the game. The step up from junior to senior cricket is a significant event for any young player, be sure to offer support and make sure their welfare is not put at risk.
I recently wrote a short article on the subject for PitchVision. Be sure to check it out here.
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3 comments
pathan says:
May 12, 2011 at 6:08 am (UTC 0)
My kids also love it. They find enjoyment and thrill in playing cricket. But, as a dad I always make sure their safety before going to the game.
Jess from sports apparel says:
September 27, 2011 at 2:19 am (UTC 0)
Here in Australia cricket is extremely popular and almost all primary & secondary school kids are participating in this great sport.
Unfortunately just like you mentioned, too many kids are put into a senior competitive environment and are quite simply deterred due to everything being much more fast paced and more injury stricken.
“positive experience from playing senior cricket” – This is exactly right and we have to remember that it’s meant to be fun for the kids.
Linguagem Corporal says:
November 16, 2011 at 7:05 pm (UTC 0)
I really enjoyed your post.
Thank you and success!