The OW's Colts Section 2008

 A huge thank you on behalf of the Club and coaches to everyone for all the support during our second consecutive year. As last year’s under 9’s moved up a year so another under 9’s team was formed under the stewardship of Matt Bell. The new intake and word of mouth boosted our player numbers to 35 and with qualified and assistant coaches reaching 7 our player to coach ratio was a fantastic 5:1. This year, the Club welcomes more qualified coaches and assistants and we are delighted to announce the formation of another team. For the 2008 season we will be running Under 9’s, 10s and 11’s.

The Under 10’s continuing improvement last year saw many closer matches and a comfortable win against Wandgas was the highlight. The introduction of post league practice nights was well attended throughout the Summer. Three of the Under 10s have been put forward for Surrey trials in 2008.

The under 9’s had an enjoyable first year and the tremendous win against Edward Alleyn & Honor Oak was a highlight. With a nucleus of just seven under 9s the squad included a number of under 8’s and the results were a real credit to the players’ application and dedication to training.

The success of the season was illustrated when over 70 attended the awards night. The Colts community is vibrant and the coaches and club would like to extend their thanks to the parents for their support and for braving the worst of British weather.

The purpose of this introduction is to ask for your continued support in the forthcoming 2008 season and inform you of a number of initiatives.

Nets

We are running 4 pre-training net sessions at Wimbledon College on Friday evenings. The dates for these are the 7^th, 14^th and 28^th March and the 4^th of April. These sessions start at 6.00pm prompt, are an hour long and cost £3.00 per player.

Training Nights

The club’s training night will now be held on a Friday evening from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Training will commence on Friday the 18^th of April. 

Match Days.

Match days for the Under 10s and Under 11's are on Sunday mornings with games starting at 10.00am and finishing at mid-day or thereabouts. Under 9's play on Monday evenings at 6.00pm. We'll be emailing out a spreadsheet with the season’s fixtures and would appreciate it if you could let us know your availabilities as soon as possible. The first games are on the 4^th of May.

Subscription

Subscription for the 2008 season has been set at £50.00 which, I’m sure you will agree, still represents tremendous value for money.

Code of Conduct

The Club is working to towards “Clubmark” accreditation from Sport England and the England and Wales Cricket board. As part of the process we are required to follow a “code of conduct” statement that covers the clubs activities from a player, parent and coach perspective. This can be found further down this page.

Be Part of it

The Club has an exciting and challenging vision for the future and we would like you to be part of it. If you feel you can assist, in whatever capacity, to help make this year’s Colts season even more successful or would like to participate in any of the other Club activities we’d love to hear from you. 

The Club look forward to welcoming everyone back on the 18^th of April. In the meantime, I would be very grateful if you could confirm your availabilities for the season as soon as possible. I’d appreciate it if communication could be done via e-mail and so please feel free to contact me on tnr@onestopsupplies.com or on my mobile 07973 344952.

Old Wimbledonians is an inclusive club and we are always delighted to welcome new members. If you’re interested in coming along please contact tnr@onestopsupplies.com with your details.

Yours sincerely,

Tim Richards

OWCC Under 11’s Coach

OWCC Colts Code of Conduct

Cricket is a game of long traditions which have developed over time into a number of values that guide the way the game is played and how players, coaches, officials and supporters conduct themselves.

At its core, Cricket is a competitive game and a fundamental value is one of respect - for opponents, teammates and officials. Cricket for the vast majority, remains a sport played for enjoyment. As such, other core values we aspire to are firm and inclusive. You will find that values embedded in the codes of conduct and the Colts terms and conditions below.

Parents Code

• Always be aware of the Club and ECB’s (England & Wales Cricket Board) policy on child protection.
• Employ best practice at all times.
• Do not force an unwilling child to participate - its supposed to be for them, and you may put them off cricket forever.
• Encourage your child to understand and play within the rules.
• Teach your child that taking part and trying your best are more important than winning.
• Focus your child on practicing their skills, sportsmanship and being part of a team. Winning isn't everything and not everyone can score the winning runs.
• Support and encourage your child - never criticize them for making mistakes. Console them for losing, but encourage them to try harder next time.
• Set an example for sportsmanship - applaud good play by all.
• Never publicly criticize an umpire or coach - there is no place for 'boundary rage' in Colts cricket
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sport.
• Report anything to the Child Protection Officer or Chairman.
• Help the club function properly by turning up on time with the appropriate kit. Be prepared to help out if asked.
• Support your coaches - they are giving up their time to train your child. If you have any issues with the way a coach is performing, talk to them first. Refer any issues to an Officer of the Club.

Coaches Code

• Don't overload young players with demands, technical information and tactics - remember they are children and they are playing cricket for fun.
• Don't over play the better players - include everyone.
• Players develop at different times and in different ways - make allowances for their physical, emotional and mental maturity and development.
• Winning isn't everything - teach your players to enjoy taking part and performing to the best of their ability. Encourage each player to reach his or her potential.
• Never abuse, yell, criticise or ridicule children for making mistakes or losing a game.
• Be organised - establish a structure for the season, prepare a coaching plan for each session, have the appropriate kit. Above all, communicate to players, parents and fellow coaches to set expectations.
• Make sure players develop an understanding of the rules and laws of the game, that they respect opponents, teammates, coaches and officials.
• Never question an official's judgement or honesty.
• Ensure players and parents behaviour is appropriate and in keeping with the spirit of the game and the expectations of the Club.

Players Code

• Play to enjoy cricket - always try your best to improve your skills and play well.
• Play within the rules and laws of the game.
• Never argue with umpires or coaches - their decision is final, (even if you think that they are wrong).
• Cricket is a team game - do your best for your team mates and don't try to grab all that glory for yourself.
• Don't show off, lose your cool, pick on other players or generally misbehave - it's not part of cricket.
• If you lose, accept it with good grace and try harder next time.
• Respect good play - from opponents or your team.
• Help team mates, opponents, coaches and officials - you can't play cricket on your own.

© Old Wimbledonians Cricket Club 2000 - 2007
143 Coombe Lane London SW20 0QX   Telephone 020 8879 0700  Email:cricket@owa.org.uk

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