Coaching and leading young cricketers in senior teams can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with some complexities and additional responsibilities.
Before selecting a young cricketer to train and play in a senior competition discuss it with their parent or carer. While a player may display advanced skills or ability, it is essential to ensure that they are developmentally prepared to enter a competitive, ‘senior’ environment.
It is also important to reflect on the existing team structure and remind senior players that they will be role modelling to younger cricketers. The Australian Cricket Framework for Safeguarding Children and Young People outlines standards of behaviour for all persons interacting with young people when involved in our sport.
Here are some best practice tips to ensure the safety and well-being of all players:
- Professional Boundaries: Maintain professional boundaries with your players. Avoid developing relationships that could be seen as favouritism or inappropriate.
- Positive Guidance: Use positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to build your players' confidence and skills. Avoid any form of verbal abuse or negative language.
- Listen: Have a conversation with your players to understand their motivations in cricket and what they like and don’t like and provide flexibility and options in training drills and/or playing positions.
- Development: Ensure that training and playing opportunities contribute positively to the young players development. Position them in fielding positions and in the batting order to allow their success and enjoyment.
- Supervision: Always ensure that young cricketers are supervised during training and matches. Avoid one-on-one with underage players and ensure that there are always other club representatives present.
- Physical Contact: Seek permission before any physical contact with players. Use verbal instructions whenever possible and respect the personal space of your athletes.
- Online Communication: Communicate with young players through official channels. Never communicate one-on-one with underage players, include parents or guardians in any electronic communication.
- Understanding the Risks: Recognise that young cricketers in senior teams may face increased exposure to adult-related content and behaviours. Be vigilant in monitoring their interactions and environments.
- Safe Spaces: Ensure that changerooms and social functions are safe and appropriate for young cricketers. Provide separate spaces or plans if necessary.
- Balance: Work with parents and young cricketers to ensure that there is a balance with school, social and sporting commitments.
- Reporting Concerns: Be aware of the reporting procedure for any concerns or complaints. Encourage players to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
All coaches are encouraged to read and understand Australian Cricket’s Framework for Safeguarding Children and Young People.
Additional Resources for Coaches:
SIA’s Safe and Effective Coaching of Young Athletes in High Performance Sport Module