Junior Cricket Growth Agenda 2019-2023 Final Report

A Strategy to Drive the Growth of Junior Cricket Participation in the ACT

February 2020 1. Table of Contents

Page 1. Table of Contents 2

2. Executive Summary a. Project Workflow 4 b. Gap Analysis 5

3. Junior Growth Agenda Strategy 2019 – 2023 a. Growth Agenda Key Principles 7 b. Recommendations 8

4. Current Junior Formats Implementation Status a. 2019/20 Competition Structure 13 b. Junior Formats Implementation Success 14 c. Junior Formats Compliance – Current Issues 15

5. Stages Not Ages Competition Philosophy a. Proposed Competition Structure – Stages Not Ages 18 b. Stages Not Ages – Case Study Application 19

6. Junior Growth Agenda Implementation Plan a. Stages Not Ages Implementation Plan 23 b. Proposed Competition Structure 24 c. Ongoing Implementation 25 d. Year One Implementation – 2020/21 27 e. Year Two Implementation – 2021/22 28 2 f. Year Three Implementation – 2022/23 29 2. Executive Summary

Junior cricket in the ACT has seen significant change over the past few years. Over half of the junior clubs had less teams in 2018/19 than they did five years before and overall team numbers have declined over the same period. Conversely, school program numbers have been steadily increasing over the last five years and there is now a curriculum aligned cricket program for each school level. This comparison is a prime indicator that the focus on school to club transition needs to be renewed in order to grow registered participation as well as continuing to expand school based engagement.

The introduction of the Cricket Australia Junior Formats in 2016/17 coincided with a decline in the number of junior teams. This has since rebounded over the past two years as the formats have been established as the junior cricket participation model. 19 new junior teams in 2019/20 has added to this rebound growth. Along with the embedding of the junior formats the growth spike for 2019/20 has also been supplemented by a community cricket staffing uplift, a successful male and female Ashes series and an offseason World Cup.

The 2019/20 season has also seen the introduction of compulsory online registration for junior cricketers thus greatly reducing club volunteer workload as well as providing a clearer and more accurate understanding of junior cricket participation. There is no doubt that this has also contributed to the growth in registered players experienced this season.

Additionally., the ACT and surrounds is in the middle of a population boom with over 55,000 people expected to move into the region between 2017 and 2022. This has instigated the release of a number of new suburbs and residential developments which will grow and spread the population further across the ACT. This migration is bringing new families and is providing a significant opportunity to grow cricket’s reach and impact in the community.

Therefore, this strategy serves to set a junior cricket growth agenda by: • Understanding current cricket participation and population trends in the ACT • Consulting and engaging with stakeholders to develop and workshop growth ideas and initiatives • Establishing a staged implementation plan framed by agreed Key Principles • Chasing the outcome of cricket participation growth supporting the work of clubs and their volunteers

This Strategy is presented following almost 12 months of research, data collation, stakeholder workshops and community feedback. It represents the next step in the best practice evolution of junior cricket with the success of the junior formats providing the base on which to build over the next three years. The consultation and collaboration with the local cricket community has been extensive and thorough and the outcome is representative of striving to achieve Australian Cricket’s purpose – to unite and inspire communities through cricket. 3 2a. Project Workflow

This project commenced in March 2019 and over the past nine months data has been collected and collated, information has been presented to clubs and workshops have been held to discuss key issues and collect ideas and activities to build this Strategy.

March & 6, 11 & 26 September 6 17 16 23 10 10 April 14 August to April June November December December January January February

• Data • Junior • Stakeholder • Junior • Staff • Draft report • Draft report • Junior • Written • Final collection, Cricket Workshops Council workshops presented to released to Cricket submission strategy collation & Summit • 3 venues meeting • Develop & CACT Board community Council window released to analysis • Cancelled workshop refine draft • Feedback workshop closes community due to low Strategy window • Post CACT registrations • Sense check opens Board against • Written approval stakeholder submissions workshop to be feedback received

Workflow Key Features • Data collection & trend analysis (last 3-5 years) • Club based workshops offered • Junior Council workshops • CACT Board session & consultation 4 • Draft Strategy available for community feedback 2b. Gap Analysis

2018/19 State of Play 2022/23 Key Outcomes • Significant yearly fluctuations in club entry level program registrations • Increased registered cricketers • 7 of 13 junior clubs with less teams than five • Participation friendly formats for cricketers of years ago all standards • Total junior team numbers have decreased • Customer focused approach to cricket since 2014/15 offerings (competition and schools) • School program numbers have increased • Clear and connected club pathways from steadily over the same period Junior Growth Agenda Strategy Woolworths Cricket Blast to Stage III • Demand for non-Saturday junior cricket is underpinned by Stages Not Ages approach • Greater connectivity and engagement between increasing schools and their local clubs • In the middle of ~55,000 population growth • Increased teacher delivered programs in period in ACT and surrounds schools thus generating a cricket culture • Junior Formats introduced in 2016/17 and • Increased support and assistance for club now embedded in the structure volunteers • Refocusing of Community Cricket as a key priority at a National level

•• CollaborationCollaboration andand Consultation Consultation • Staged and Sequential Growth Platform •• EvidenceEvidence based based decision decision making making • Unity of Effort and Direction 5 3. Junior Growth Agenda Strategy 2019 – 2023 A Strategy to Drive the Growth of Junior Cricket Participation in the ACT

19 Recommendations • Developed from evidence and workshop outcomes • Directed by the Key Principles • Driving best practice 6 3a. Growth Agenda Key Principles

As a result of the gap analysis and shaped by the outcomes from the club and community workshops, the Junior Growth Agenda Strategy recommendations are framed by seven Key Principles:

Understand and implement best practice sporting association governance and processes for the Junior Cricket Council

Capitalise on the population growth that is currently occurring in and around the ACT

Grow school engagement and connect school activities with local clubs

Implement a junior participation pathway to attract new participants and retain those currently playing

Establish Cricket Blast as the crucial entry level program for junior cricket

Provide programs and resources to support club volunteers

Maximise the use of current facilities and contribute to a facility strategy in line with strategic needs and community use

7 3b. Recommendations

Understand and implement best practice sporting association governance and Capitalise on the population growth that is currently occurring in and around the processes for the Junior Cricket Council ACT Recommendations Recommendations 1. The Terms of Reference for the Junior Cricket Council is currently out of date and is to be 4. Due to the changing demographics and population distribution in the ACT and surrounds reviewed and updated to reflect: the ‘Club to School Alignment’ document needs to be reviewed and evaluated to be more a) The need for the Junior Cricket Council to be more strategic in its thinking and focus reflective of this changing landscape. This is not applicable for school based clubs b) Greater day to day operational decision making to be the responsibility of CACT with the Junior Cricket Council to drive junior cricket strategy and direction 5. Cricket ACT to work with clubs in new residential estate areas and growth corridors in c) A re-design of the Junior Cricket Council Executive to better represent the Council’s order to establish relationships with new schools and to assist with recruitment practises evolution as a body for junior cricketers and families. This is to also target the establishment of Cricket Blast centres in population growth areas either as stand alone independent Centres or as 2. The ‘One Club’ model is to promoted and endorsed to facilitate the uniting of juniors and separate venues operated by an existing club with priority geographical areas including: seniors under a one club governance structure for the following reasons: a) Googong a) Providing a greater link and connected pathway between junior and senior sections b) Gungahlin District thus supporting the transition of cricketers from juniors to seniors c) Ginninderry b) To create efficiencies in administration and reduce volunteer workload duplication d) North Canberra e) Molonglo Valley 3. It is important for clubs to embed child safe practices within their operations and live the tenants of the Cricket Australia Safeguarding Children Policy 6. With the changing population landscape and shifting of population across the ACT and surrounds a further comprehensive and strategic review is to be conducted with a focus on the overall cricket structure to ensure current and future turf and hard wicket competitions in the ACT are offering accessible participation opportunities for all

8 3b. Recommendations

Implement a junior participation pathway to attract new participants and retain Grow school engagement and connect school activities with local clubs those currently playing Recommendations Recommendations 7. To assist in educating volunteers and linking schools and clubs effectively the local CNSW 10. To support the recruitment of participants inspired by W/BBL and international cricket during Participation Officer will present to the Junior Cricket Council each year on current school the December and January period: programs and their status a) Each grade should be open to inclusion of new teams after the season has started b) In consultation with CACT all clubs should keep registrations open during the season 8. The encouragement of teacher delivery is crucial to creating a cricket culture in schools. c) The current mid season break of six weeks is to be reduced to provide more playing Therefore: opportunities a) As a minimum, one Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) training program is to be delivered d) A Cricket Blast Centre is to be run by CACT post-Christmas with participants linked to each year to train teachers, recruit Ambassadors and promote school cricket offerings clubs at the end of the program b) Cricket education sessions should be delivered to pre-service teachers at each higher education institute to arm teachers with cricket resources before entering the 11. To facilitate growth in junior cricket, maximise facility usage and increase club sustainability: workforce a) Canberra City & Suburban CA clubs be invited to run Blast centres and junior teams c) Growing the number and engagement of School Ambassadors is a crucial priority b) At least one Stage I Division to be played as a standalone mid week competition with a particular focus on primary schools. This focus will be on recruiting, training c) A mid-week Stage III standalone T20 competition to be trialed to re-engage an age and empowering teachers to self deliver group which is trending downwards in participation d) A Teacher Ambassador of the Year Award is to be developed for the ACT and would ideally be presented at the CACT Awards night 12. The junior competition structure to fully embrace the Cricket Australia Junior Formats philosophy and adopt a ‘Stages Not Ages’ approach including: 9. All School Cups should be delivered in Term 3 (where practical) to maximise the recruitment a) Removing the age group numbers for all junior grades to encourage competency opportunity for local clubs. Local clubs must be linked to their local schools with clubs based participation at all junior levels encouraged to conduct recruitment activities and registration promotions to coincide with b) The establishment of three junior Stage levels (Stage I, Stage II and Stage III) their local School Cup. This includes clubs having their registrations open prior to their local c) Each Stage to be age indicative as per Cricket Australia guidelines School Cup being delivered d) The establishment of Divisions within each grade level to facilitate different playing standards and accommodate multiple teams within the one club 9 3b. Recommendations

Establish Cricket Blast as the crucial entry level program for junior cricket Provide programs and resources to support club volunteers

Recommendations Recommendations 13. Casual Development staff are a trained resource in managing and delivering cricket 15. To support the development and needs of junior coaches: programs for large numbers of children. To support the large size of Cricket Blast Centres in a) A Junior Community Coach Forum to be delivered each year to educate coaches on the ACT casual staff are to be offered to clubs to fill the role of Cricket Blast Centre current best practice and introduce them to the Cricket Australia Coaching App coordinators. These positions would be funded by the Blast Centre, managed by the club b) Clubs should appoint a Coach Coordinator to support and facilitate junior coach (including wearing club apparel) as well as having a component of their role to include learning. CACT to deliver a coach education program for these Coach Coordinators ongoing training provided by CNSW. This will increase work for casuals as well as providing c) A minimum of two Level 1 Community Coach courses to be delivered each year a trained support for clubs in delivering a high quality Cricket Blast program d) CACT to financially support min 1 Level 2 coach education applicant each year e) Junior club coaches should attend a min 1 coach education workshop 14. To support the transition of Junior Blaster to Master Blaster and Master Blaster to Stage I junior cricket: 16. To support the work of club volunteers: a) Each junior club should run both Junior Blaster and Master Blaster programs as their a) Online registration training to be delivered early July each year to assist clubs in participation and volunteer entry level opportunity being ‘opening for business’ and to allow participants to register at their convenience b) Junior Blaster and Master Blaster should be delivered across the season as two b) An electronic scoring training session to be offered to all clubs close to the separate programs (pre-Christmas and post-Christmas) commencement of the season with all junior games to be electronically scored c) CACT to trial a specific Stage I ‘Transition’ Division post-Christmas specifically through the MyCricket app to simplify the scoring process for junior cricket targeted at pre-Christmas Master Blaster participants c) The Cricket Australia Community Cricket website page and other relevant providers to be promoted to clubs as high quality volunteer resources

17. To support club volunteers and assist club operations a junior club health check program is to be developed and facilitated by CNSW/CACT. This program is to include the following areas: a) Club committee structure including roles and responsibilities b) Volunteer recruitment, support, engagement and communications c) Fundraising, financial management and compliance d) Player recruitment, coaching, stakeholder and community engagement10 3b. Recommendations

Maximise the use of current facilities and contribute to a facility strategy in line with strategic needs and community use Recommendations 18. There are a myriad of grants programs and opportunities to secure funding from a range of sources for clubs to improve their infrastructure and/or amenity. These programs are very competitive. To assist clubs in securing funding: a) A ‘Grants Education’ session is to be offered by CACT to all clubs at least every two years b) A minimum of four applications from clubs and/or community groups should be submitted for each round of the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF)

19. With the development of the CACT Facility Strategy being a parallel project to this one, it is imperative that the Recommendations contained in this strategy are incorporated into and support the Facility Strategy and vice versa. This will ensure consistency and uniformity of strategic direction as we collectively strive to achieve best practice

11 4. Current Junior Formats Implementation Status

A summary of the implementation of the Cricket Australia junior formats in the CACT Junior Competition 12 4a. 2019/20 Competition Structure Including Junior Formats Compliance

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 (fully compliant) (fully compliant) (partially compliant)

•Friday •Div1 Sat •Friday •Div1 Sat •Div1 Sat •Div1 Sat •Div1 Sat •Div2 Sun Sunday Sunday U10 •Saturday U11 U12 U13 •Div2 Sun U14 •Div2 Sun U15 •Div2 Sun U16 U18 •Sunday •Friday

Age Group Non Compliance Notes • Two day games instead of one day games U14 Div 1 • 50 over quarter cricket instead of 40 overs • Two day games instead of one day games U15 Div 1 • 50 over quarter cricket instead of 40 overs • Two day games instead of one day games U16 • 50 over quarter cricket instead of 40 overs • Two day games instead of one day games U18 Div 2 • 50 over quarter cricket instead of 40 overs 13 4b. Junior Formats Implementation Success Game Day Metrics from 2016/17 Pilot across Australian Cricket

“When the opportunity arises for a little practice on the nearby wicket, it is also unwise for a boy (or girl) to tax his (her) strength in trying to bowl the ball 22 yards when he (she) may just as easily pitch the wickets 15 yards apart, thereby conserving his (her) energy, and helping him (her) to be more accurate at a stage when it is imperative for him (her) to learn the value of accuracy in bowling”

Sir Donald Bradman, How to Play Cricket, 1958

“The formats have been designed based on evidence of what kids are capable of doing. The games are going to be matched to what their abilities are, so that mean we can make the (junior) game look more like the adult game. There’s a false idea we need to play the so called game ‘proper game’ - presuming that by playing on the big field, with the full-sized pitch, you get the proper game…but it isn’t. The proper game is one that fits the size and abilities of the kids in terms of their physical capacities.”

Dr Ian Renshaw Lead Researcher (Queensland University of Technology), Queensland Cricket Forum, 2017

14 4c. Junior Formats Compliance – Key Current Issues

Why is ‘age indicative’ more appropriate than age group numbers? How can players develop their batting when they play one day cricket instead of • Provides for a more equitable competition based on competency, not just age two day cricket? • Simple and administration friendly model to assist clubs and community alike • One day cricket promotes batters looking for more run scoring opportunities thus • Builds self confidence by playing with and alongside players of similar ability developing positive and dynamic cricket across batting, bowling and fielding • Provides a more conducive learning environment for participants to learn the game • Community cricket has a major focus on providing participation opportunities for all • Provides an opportunity for higher talented (but younger) players to participate players in a team and not just cater for higher talent according to their abilities and not their age restriction • Higher talented players also have opportunities through representative, talent ID and senior cricket to be able to further develop their skills Why One Day cricket and not Two Day cricket? • To provide an opportunity for participants to actively engage in the game each week How can we play enough cricket in the allotted time for Stage 3 on Saturday? • The creation of more games creates more opportunities across the season • 240 mins is the ideal requirement for 80 overs to be played, ie. 120 mins per innings • To minimize the impact of inclement weather on a week to week basis • Current match times are: 8:45am to 12:00pm, ie. 195 mins or 95 mins per innings • Therefore, in order to complete the available overs in the allotted time: How can we manage participants when there are age group disparities in the one • 30 overs per side can be played for all Divisions team? Especially in Stage 3 with 14 to 17 year olds? • Overs can be bowled in 15 over blocks from the one end • With a larger overall pool of players the Stage III structure allows for players of • Fielders should move quickly/jog between overs to minimize down time varying abilities to participate at a more appropriate level instead of just being sorted • Players waiting to bat should be padded up and ready to play by age group (i.e. talented younger players & less talented older players) • Drinks breaks should be taken on the field to ensure minimal time lost • Importantly, the onus is on coaches/managers of each team to actively manage each How will this approach produce better cricketers? bowling innings to ensure the overs are bowled in the allotted time • An increased player pool provides for a bigger base on which to select and develop • As a supporting measure CACT could develop a policy that allows for consequences players for the next level to be applied to teams that are seen to be consistently not bowling the required overs • Developing a better and broader skill base through increasing active participation will in the allotted time improve performance at representative level • The advantages of playing one day cricket far outweigh any initial inconvenience in • Development of ‘Cricket IQ’ is greater with junior formats as a dynamic and positive adjusting play to ensure more cricket is played and more participation opportunities 15 form of cricket is required to achieve success are provided 4c. Junior Formats Compliance – Key Current Issues

Why should CACT adopt Stage III Junior Formats? • Current decreasing participation trends are being experienced for 14-18 year olds with the evidence identifying that the current structure is not retaining participants • The Cricket Australia Junior Formats are nationally recognised as best practice and have been developed following academic and practical research • As a Cricket Australia affiliate CACT should take a leadership role in the adoption and implementation of Cricket Australia programs, initiatives and policy recommendations. • All representative cricket (e.g. CNSW Youth Championships) is fully compliant with the Cricket Australia Junior Formats • The in game metrics (refer page 14) support the implementation of Junior Formats with the active engagement of players recorded to be higher than the previous model • This structure provides an opportunity to offer a more flexible and attractive range of competition offerings to children in the ACT • This approach provides a more engaging structure which offers a better balance between participation, competition and the development of social and emotional well being through cricket

16 5. Stages Not Ages Competition Philosophy

Recommendation 12. The junior competition structure should fully embrace the Cricket Australia Junior Formats philosophy and adopt a ‘Stages Not Ages’ approach. This includes: a) Removing the age group numbers for all junior grades to encourage competency based participation at all junior levels b) The establishment of three junior Stage levels (Stage I, Stage II and Stage III) c) Each Stage to be age indicative as per Cricket Australia guidelines d) The establishment of Divisions within each grade level to facilitate different playing standards and accommodate multiple teams within the one club

To sense check and understand Recommendation 12 the following section provides an implementation Case Study based on junior team numbers for the 2019/20 season 17 5a. Proposed Competition Structure – Stages Not Ages

Format Age Indication Philosophy Benefits • Opportunity to introduce boys and girls to cricket • Teaching of Fundamental Movement Skills 5-7 Years Skill Acquisition • Cricket is the vehicle to learn striking/throwing/bowling Junior Blaster • School Gala Days to ideally align with Club registration opening • Opportunity for boys and girls to play structured cricket games • Use the skills learnt in Junior Blasters 10 years & • Enhance skill acquisition with sideline activities Learn The Game Under • Wearing of Club shirts builds a sense of belonging • Visible Pathway into Stage 1 Junior Formats Master Blaster • School Gala Days to ideally align with Club registration opening • Competitions based on Skill. Age Indicative only • Competency based grading allows movement between Master Blaster, Stage 1 and Stage 2 regardless of age 10-11 years Play The Game • Staged formats caters for players of all abilities to participate and enjoy the game • Absence of finals ensures the focus is on player participation and development • Scoring will help to grade players for Stage 2 • Competitions based on Skill. Age Indicative only • Competency based grading allows for movement of players between Stage 2 and Stage 3 regardless of age 12-13 years Playing & Competing • Staged formats caters for players of all abilities to participate and enjoy the game • Commencement of competitive games with finals • Competitions based on Skill. Age Indicative only • Competency based grading allows for movement of players between Stage 2 and Stage 3 14-18 Years Playing & Competing • Opportunity for participants to still play grade cricket on Saturday afternoon 18 • Staged formats caters for players of all abilities to participate and enjoy the game 5b. Stages Not Ages – Case Study Application

Based on 2018/19 and 2019/20 team entries a Stages Not Ages approach to junior cricket in the ACT would be structured as follows:

Stage Indicative Age Groups Day of Play 2018/19 Teams 2019/20 Teams U10 & U11 Friday 52 58 1 U10 & U11 Saturday 16 22 U10 & U11 Sunday 0 0 U12 & U13 Friday 10 15 2 U12 & U13 Saturday 19 25 U12 & U13 Sunday 22 19 U14, U15, U16 & U18 Saturday 17 19 3 U14, U15, U16, U18 & Colts Sunday 31 34

This structure would allow for competency based divisions to be established in all Stages and for each day of play.

Given the high amount of teams playing Stage 1 Friday night this competition could be further broken down into ‘Northern’ and ‘Southern’ conferences to increase convenience and to minimize travel.

Conference Proposed Teams

Northern North Canberra Gungahlin, Ginninderra, Western Districts, Burgmann, ANU, Daramalan, Radford

Southern Tuggeranong, Eastlake, Weston Creek, Canberra Grammar, Queanbeyan, St Edmunds, Marist College 19 5b. Stages Not Ages – Case Study Application Based on 2019/20 Team Entries for each Club

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Conference Club Friday Saturday Friday Saturday Sunday Saturday Sunday Total North Canberra Gungahlin 2 5 1 3 3 2 6 22 Ginninderra 2 3 0 2 1 1 4 13 Western Districts 4 4 2 2 2 2 1 17 Burgmann 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 Northern ANU 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 6 Daramalan 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 5 Radford College 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 13 TOTAL CONFERENCE TEAMS 16 Tuggeranong 3 1 1 2 1 1 3 12 Eastlake 6 1 1 2 1 2 3 16 Weston Creek Molonglo 8 1 1 1 0 2 3 16 Canberra Grammar 4 1 1 2 1 2 3 14 Southern Queanbeyan 4 0 1 2 1 2 1 11 St Edmunds 1 0 1 2 1 0 2 7 Marist College 10 1 1 3 4 2 5 26 TOTAL CONFERENCE TEAMS 36 TOTAL TEAMS 20 15 25 19 18 33 20 182 5b. Stages Not Ages – Case Study Application Based on 2019/20 Team Entries

As per the 2019/20 team entries identified on Page 19, the Stages Not Ages approach Stage Day of Play Total Teams Structure to the CACT junior competition is very achievable. • Division 1 (10 teams) Saturday 18 Therefore, if in place for the 2019/20 season, the junior competition would look like this: • Division 2 (8 teams)

Stage Day of Play Total Teams Structure 3 • Division 1 (8 teams) • Division 2 (8 teams) Sunday 33 Northern Conference (16 teams) • Division 3 (8 teams) • Division 1 (8 teams) • Division 4 (9 teams) • Division 2 (8 teams) Southern Conference (36 teams) Friday 52 Notes: • Division 1 (10 teams) • The number of Divisions with byes would be reduced across the entire junior 1 • Division 2 (10 teams) Association • Division 3 (8 teams) • Clubs can organize their teams on a competency basis within each Division • Division 4 (8 teams) • As an alternative to Division 1, Division 2, etc. the divisions in each Stage could be classified as colours • Division 1 (10 teams) Saturday 20 • All Stage 1 Divisions and Stage 2 Friday night Divisions do not play finals as is • Division 2 (10 teams) current practise • Division 1 (8 teams) • All Divisions in all Stages would play only one day and/or T20 formats Friday 15 • Division 2 (7 teams) • The lowest Division in each Stage would keep team entries open into the season to encourage an extra team (or composite team) to enter the competition, especially • Division 1 (10 teams) where there is a bye in place 2 Saturday 25 • Division 2 (8 teams) • Division 3 (7 teams) • Division 1 (10 teams) Sunday 19 • Division 2 (9 teams) 21 6. Junior Growth Agenda Implementation Plan

In order to achieve the Key Principles of this Strategy a three year approach to the implementation of the 19 Recommendations is proposed22 6a. Stages Not Ages Implementation Plan Recommendation 12

Year 1 – 2020/21 Year 2 – 2021/22

• Achieve Junior Formats Stage 3 Compliance • Stage 1 fully implemented • Implement Stage 1 Stages Not Ages approach • Implement Stage 2 Stages Not Ages approach • Stage 1 implementation reviewed (end of season) • Implement Stage 3 Stages Not Ages approach

To support the implementation of Recommendation 12: • A two year progressive implementation of the Stages Not Ages approach will ensure the structure can be managed most effectively in consultation and collaboration with clubs • The implementation of Stage 1 will be reviewed after the first year. • Stage 2 and Stage 3 can then be implemented simultaneously in Year 2 of the Strategy • A workshop with clubs will be held at the end of each season to review the season finished and plan for the next season • If required, support can be provided to clubs to assist in educating parents and club members on the Stages Not Ages philosophy • If required, support can be provided to clubs to assist with how they grade or ‘sort’ their players into teams

23 6b. Proposed Competition Structure Including projections based on 2019/20 team entries & possible new competitions

Friday Wednesday Wednesday • Northern Conference • Division 1 (stand alone competition) • Division 1 (stand alone competition)

• Division 1

Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage Stage 1 Stage • Division 2 Friday Saturday • Southern Conference • Division 1 • Division 1 • Division 1 • Division 2 • Division 2 • Division 2 • Division 3 Blue Saturday Sunday • Division 3 Gold • Division 1 • Division 1 • Division 2 • Division 2 Saturday • Division 3 • Division 3 Blue • Division 1 • Division 3 Gold • Division 2 Sunday • Stage 1 Transition (post Christmas) • Division 1 • Division 2

Notes • Number of Divisions in each Stage is dependent on team entries from clubs • Growth of Friday night Divisions is dependent on ground availability 24 6c. Ongoing Implementation To be embedded as business as usual activities

Recommendations Key Driver

3. It is important for clubs to embed child safe practices within their operations and live the tenants of the Cricket Australia Safeguarding Children Policy Club

7. To assist in educating volunteers and linking schools and clubs effectively the local CNSW Participation Officer will present to the Junior Cricket Council each year on current school programs and their status CNSW 8. The encouragement of teacher delivery is crucial to creating a cricket culture in schools. Therefore: a) As a minimum, one Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) training program is to be delivered each year to train teachers, recruit Ambassadors and promote school cricket offerings b) Cricket education sessions should be delivered to pre-service teachers at each higher education institute to arm teachers with cricket resources CNSW before entering the workforce c) Growing the number and engagement of School Ambassadors is a crucial priority with a particular focus on primary schools. This focus will be on recruiting, training and empowering teachers to self deliver 9. All School Cups should be delivered in Term 3 (where practical) to maximise the recruitment opportunity for local clubs. Local clubs must be linked to their local schools with clubs encouraged to conduct recruitment activities and registration promotions to coincide with their local School Cup. This includes CNSW clubs having their registrations open prior to their local School Cup being delivered

10. To support the recruitment of participants inspired by W/BBL and international cricket during the December and January period: CACT a) Each grade should be open to inclusion of new teams after the season has started Clubs b) In consultation with CACT all clubs should keep registrations open during the season c) A Cricket Blast Centre is to be run by CACT post-Christmas with participants linked to clubs at the end of the program CACT

25 Ongoing Implementation To be embedded as business as usual activities

Recommendations Key Driver

13. Casual Development staff are a trained resource in managing and delivering cricket programs for large numbers of children. To support the large size of Cricket Blast Centres in the ACT casual staff are to be offered to clubs to fill the role of Cricket Blast Centre coordinators. These positions would be funded CNSW by the Blast Centre, managed by the club (including wearing club apparel) as well as having a component of their role to include ongoing training provided by CNSW. This will increase work for casuals as well as providing a trained support for clubs in delivering a high quality Cricket Blast program 14. To support the transition of Junior Blaster to Master Blaster and Master Blaster to Stage I junior cricket: a) Each junior club should run both Junior Blaster and Master Blaster programs as their participation and volunteer entry level opportunity Clubs

15. To support the development and needs of junior coaches: a) A Junior Community Coach Forum to be delivered each year to educate coaches on current best practice and introduce them to the Cricket CNSW Australia Coaching App b) Clubs should appoint a Coach Coordinator to support and facilitate junior coach learning. CACT to deliver a coach education program for these Clubs Coach Coordinators c) A minimum of two Level 1 Community Coach courses to be delivered each year CNSW d) CACT to financially support min 1 Level 2 coach education applicant each year CACT e) Junior club coaches should attend a min 1 coach education workshop Clubs 16. To support the work of club volunteers: a) Online registration training to be delivered early July each year to assist clubs in being ‘opening for business’ and to allow participants to register at CNSW their convenience b) An electronic scoring training session to be offered to all clubs close to the commencement of the season with all junior games to be electronically CNSW scored through the MyCricket app to simplify the scoring process for junior cricket c) The Cricket Australia Community Cricket website page and other relevant providers to be promoted to clubs as high quality volunteer resources All 18. There are a myriad of grants programs and opportunities to secure funding from a range of sources for clubs to improve their infrastructure and/or amenity. These programs are very competitive. To assist clubs in securing funding: Clubs a) A minimum of four applications from clubs and/or community groups should be submitted for each round of the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) 26 6d. Year One Implementation – 2020/21

Recommendations Key Driver 4. Due to the changing demographics and population distribution in the ACT and surrounds the ‘Club to School Alignment’ document needs to be reviewed and evaluated to be more reflective of this changing landscape. This is not applicable for school based clubs CNSW/CACT 5. Cricket NSW/ACT to work with clubs in new residential estate areas and growth corridors in order to establish relationships with new schools and to assist with recruitment practises for junior cricketers and families. This is to also target the establishment of Cricket Blast centres in population growth areas either as stand alone independent Centres or as separate venues operated by an existing club with priority geographical areas including: CNSW a) Googong b) Gungahlin District

8. The encouragement of teacher delivery is crucial to creating a cricket culture in schools. Therefore: CNSW/CACT a) A Teacher Ambassador of the Year Award is to be developed for the ACT and would ideally be presented at the CACT Awards night

10. To support the recruitment of participants inspired by W/BBL and international cricket during the December and January period: CACT a) The current mid season break of six weeks is to be reduced to provide more playing opportunities

14. To support the transition of Junior Blaster to Master Blaster and Master Blaster to Stage I junior cricket: Clubs a) Junior Blaster and Master Blaster should be delivered across the season as two separate programs (pre-Christmas and post-Christmas) CACT/Clubs b) CACT to trial a specific Stage I ‘Transition’ Division post-Christmas specifically targeted at pre-Christmas Master Blaster participants

16. To support the work of club volunteers: a) An electronic scoring training session to be offered to all clubs close to the commencement of the season with all junior games to be electronically CNSW scored through the MyCricket app to simplify the scoring process for junior cricket

18. There are a myriad of grants programs and opportunities to secure funding from a range of sources for clubs to improve their infrastructure and/or amenity. These programs are very competitive. To assist clubs in securing funding: CACT a) A ‘Grants Education’ session is to be offered by CACT to all clubs at least every two years 19. With the development of the CACT Facility Strategy being a parallel project to this one, it is imperative that the Recommendations contained in this strategy CACT are incorporated into and support the Facility Strategy and vice versa 27 6e. Year Two Implementation – 2021/22

Recommendations Key Driver

5. Cricket ACT to work with clubs in new residential estate areas and growth corridors in order to establish relationships with new schools and to assist with recruitment practises for junior cricketers and families. This is to also target the establishment of Cricket Blast centres in population growth areas either as CNSW/CACT stand alone independent Centres or as separate venues operated by an existing club with priority geographical areas including: a) Ginninderry b) North Canberra 6. With the changing population landscape and shifting of population across the ACT and surrounds a further comprehensive and strategic review is to be conducted with a focus on the overall cricket structure to ensure current and future turf and hard wicket competitions in the ACT are offering accessible CNSW/CACT participation opportunities for all

11. To support the recruitment of participants inspired by W/BBL and international cricket during the December and January period: CNSW/CACT d.) A Cricket Blast Centre is to be run by CACT post-Christmas with participants linked to clubs at the end of the program 12. To facilitate growth in junior cricket, maximise facility usage and increase club sustainability: CNSW/CACT a) Canberra City & Suburban CA clubs be invited to run Blast centres and junior teams b) At least one Stage I Division should be played as a standalone mid week competition CACT

16. To support the work of club volunteers: b) An electronic scoring training session to be offered to all clubs close to the commencement of the season with all junior games to be electronically scored CNSW 17. To support club volunteers and assist club operations a junior club health check program is to be developed and facilitated by CNSW/CACT. This program is to include the following areas: a) Club committee structure including roles and responsibilities b) Volunteer recruitment, support, engagement and communications CNSW c) Fundraising, financial management and compliance d) Player recruitment, coaching, stakeholder and community engagement 28 6f. Year Three Implementation – 2022/23

Recommendations Key Driver

2. The ‘One Club’ model is to promoted and endorsed to facilitate the uniting of juniors and seniors under a one club governance structure for the following reasons: a) Providing a greater link and connected pathway between junior and senior sections thus supporting the transition of cricketers from juniors to CACT seniors b) To create efficiencies in administration and reduce volunteer workload duplication

11. To facilitate growth in junior cricket, maximise facility usage and increase club sustainability: CACT c) A mid-week Stage III standalone T20 competition to be trialed to re-engage an age group which is trending downwards in participation

29 Junior Playing Pathway

11 Players

AGE INDICATION 9 Players 14-18 Years

7 Players AGE INDICATION 30 Overs Master Blaster 11-13 Years (60 ball retirement) AGE INDICATION T20 6 Players 9-11 Years 30 Overs (40 ball retirement) Junior Blaster (30 ball retirement) AGE INDICATION 20 Overs T20 20.1m Pitch 10 Years and Under Squads of up to 8 (17 ball retirement) (20 ball retirement) 50m Boundary 12 Overs AGE INDICATION 16m Pitch 18m Pitch 5-7 Years 3hr Duration 14m Pitch 40m Boundary 45m Boundary Small sided games Saturday morning 30m Boundary 2hr Duration 3hr Duration Fundamental movement 156g Leather Ball 1.5hr Duration skills with cricket as the Modified Ball 142g Leather Ball Week Nights/ vehicle 120g – 140g Divisions ability graded Weekend Morning Divisions Graded on 1st Grade Turf 1hr Duration DIVISIONS ability Other Grades Synthetic Soft Rubber Ball Week Nights/ Ungraded Weekend Morning Final Series Finals Series “Best Practice No Finals Delivery“ “Best Practice Delivery“ PLAYING & PLAYING & LEARN THE SKILLS LEARN THE GAME PLAYING THE GAME COMPETING COMPETING