HTCECA Youth Cricket Policies 2026

1. Youth Cricket Philosophy & Goals

Our Mission

HTCECA Youth Cricket program aims to develop well-rounded cricketers through a structured, inclusive, and enjoyable learning environment that emphasizes:

• Technical skill development appropriate to age and ability
• Understanding and appreciation of cricket's spirit and values
• Physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship
• Building confidence and creating lifelong cricket enthusiasts

Club Vision

The vision of HTCECA is to:

• Teach cricket fundamentals to kids who don't have basics
• Take advanced players to the next level to compete in national league (KNCB)
• Balance development and competition based on the priorities for each season

Important: The club registers teams based on the number of youth players registered for each season. In this sense, every year is a fresh start with team composition and priorities determined by current registrations.

Age Groups

Youth cricket at HTCECA is organized into the following age categories for 2026:

• U9 (Under 9): Born in 2017 or later - Introduction to cricket fundamentals
• U11 (Under 11): Born in 2015-2016 - Skill development and competitive introduction
• U13 (Under 13): Born in 2013-2014 - Advanced skills and match tactics
• U15 (Under 15): Born in 2011-2012 - Competitive cricket and pathway to senior cricket
• U17 (Under 17): Born in 2009-2010 - Senior cricket transition and leadership development

Season Objectives 2026

2026 Season Focus: Season 2026 is positioned as a competitive season as there are many trained kids in the club who are hungry for game opportunity. The club will balance development of new players with providing competitive opportunities for advanced players.

• Increase youth engagement by 20% across all age groups (this refers to training and match participation — e.g., more training hours, higher match attendance and intra-club fixtures; not strictly headcount)
• Provide competitive match opportunities for trained and hungry players
• Continue developing players with basic skill levels
• Achieve competitive performance in KNCB youth leagues
• Develop a clear pathway from U9 to senior cricket
• Maintain high standards of player welfare and enjoyment

2. Coaching & Training Standards

Coaching Philosophy

All HTCECA youth coaches shall adhere to a positive, development-focused coaching approach that prioritizes:

• Age-appropriate skill progression
• Positive reinforcement and constructive feedback
• Equal opportunity and playing time for all participants
• Safety and player welfare above winning
• Fun and enjoyment as core components of learning

Coach Qualifications

All youth coaches must meet the following minimum requirements:

• U9-U11: KNCB Level 1 coaching certification or equivalent
• U13-U15: KNCB Level 2 coaching certification
• U17: KNCB Level 2 or higher, with senior cricket experience
• All coaches must complete Child Safety & Safeguarding training annually
• Valid VOG (Certificate of Conduct) clearance

Training Schedule

Note: Training days and times are currently being finalized and will be communicated to all registered players.

Coaching Code of Conduct

All coaches shall:

• Treat all players with respect, dignity, and equality
• Never use physical punishment or verbal abuse
• Promote fair play and respect for opponents and umpires
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding player development
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Youth Coordinator
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with players at all times

Nets & Training Metrics

Coaches shall publish a simple metric that shows how net/training time is allocated across players (for example: batting vs bowling time per session, and opportunity counts per player). This metric will be used by coaches when providing input to the Selection Committee and to address concerns about fair practice opportunity.

Implementation note: For younger groups (U9/U11), metrics should focus on opportunity and exposure — e.g., number of skill rotations per player per session — rather than competitive statistics. Coaches and Parent Coordinators should review these metrics monthly and share a short summary with the Youth Coordinator to ensure transparency and address concerns early.

U9 & U11 - Competitive Elements

Where competitive activities are introduced for U9 and U11, they must be carefully managed to preserve a learning-first environment. Guidance:

• Competitive fixtures for U9/U11 should be optional and clearly labeled (competitive vs recreational) at team formation time.
• Beginners and players still acquiring fundamentals should be offered recreational match opportunities until coaches confirm readiness for competition.
• The Youth Coordinator, together with coaches, will communicate the intent of each team to parents at the start of the season so expectations are clear.
• If competitive elements cause undue pressure, the Youth Coordinator will work with coaches and Parent Coordinators to scale back competitive intensity.

3. Player Selection & Participation Policy

Selection Principles

HTCECA youth cricket selection shall be guided by the following principles:

• Development over Results: For U9-U11, strong emphasis on equal playing time and development
• Balanced Approach: For U13-U17, balance between development and competitive performance based on season priorities
• Transparency: Clear communication of selection criteria to players and parents
• Merit-Based: Selection based on player skill, effort, attitude, training attendance, and development
• Holistic Evaluation: Player attitude, discipline, and parent contribution and behavior are considered in selection decisions

Selection Committee

A Selection Committee will be formed to ensure fair and transparent team selection:

• Committee Composition: Primarily coaches and the Youth Coordinator, plus one independent member (board member or experienced non-parent volunteer). To reduce perceived conflicts of interest, parents of current squad members should not serve in decision-making roles on the Selection Committee where possible; if this is unavoidable due to volunteer availability, the committee will record and manage those conflicts explicitly (see "Conflict Management" below).
• Responsibilities:
  • Select the playing team for each match
  • Appoint a captain per team for the entire season
  • May change captaincy if deemed necessary to groom other players
  • Evaluate player and parent contributions to the club
• Final Authority: The Selection Committee's decisions are final and must be respected by all parents and players
• Non-Interference: Parents must not question or interfere with the selection process

Conflict Management

Where a potential conflict of interest exists (for example, a selector is a parent of a candidate), the Selection Committee will document the conflict and arrange for that selector to be recused from decisions affecting that specific player. The committee will appoint an alternate decision-maker for that case to preserve fairness and transparency.

Playing Time Guidelines

Squad Rotation & Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee considers multiple factors when selecting teams:

• Player Performance: Skill level, match performance, and training progress
• Training Attendance: Players who attend 80%+ of training sessions receive priority
• Attitude & Discipline: Player's attitude, commitment, and discipline during training and matches
• Parent Contribution: Parents who actively contribute to:
  • Car pooling for away games
  • Logistics, ground readiness, and food for home games
  • Clean-up activities after training and matches
• Parent Behavior: Parents who demonstrate respect towards team, coach, club, and facilities

Important: Competitiveness of the player alone is not sufficient. The club believes this disciplinary measure ensures and encourages all parents to contribute equally. Parent contribution and behavior will be very seriously evaluated in 2026.

For younger age groups (U9-U11), squad rotation ensures regular playing time for all registered players while still maintaining these standards.

Player Welfare

Player welfare is paramount. The club shall ensure:

• No player is forced to play when injured or unwell
• Adequate rest periods between matches and training
• Protection from over-bowling (following KNCB age-specific guidelines)
• Regular feedback and development conversations with each player
• Support for players struggling with form or confidence

4. Parent & Guardian Involvement

Role of Parents

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in youth cricket. HTCECA encourages parents to:

• Support their child's participation and development
• Ensure regular attendance at training and matches
• Communicate any concerns directly with coaches or the Youth Coordinator
• Volunteer for team management, scoring, umpiring, or club activities
• Model positive sporting behavior at all times

Parent Code of Conduct

All parents and guardians shall:

• Respect coaches, officials, and opposition players and parents
• Never coach from the sidelines or question umpires' decisions
• Focus on their child's effort and enjoyment, not just results
• Avoid placing undue pressure on players (their own or others)
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Youth Coordinator
• Support the club's inclusive and positive environment

Communication Channels

Clear communication between parents, coaches, and club is essential:

• General inquiries: Youth Coordinator (youth@htceca.nl)
• Training/match queries: Team coach (contact provided at season start)
• Selection concerns: Schedule meeting with coach, escalate to Youth Coordinator if needed
• Safeguarding issues: Youth Coordinator or Club Safeguarding Officer (immediate)
• Team WhatsApp groups: For logistics only, not for complaints or criticism

Parent Behaviour and Consequences

We want to be clear about expectations and the outcomes if they are not met. The club expects respectful behaviour at all times. Where a parent's behaviour towards coaches, officials, or other parents is repeatedly unacceptable the club will follow an escalation process:

1. Initial private discussion with the Youth Coordinator to clarify concerns and expectations.
2. Formal written warning and request for improved conduct if behaviour continues.
3. Temporary suspension from attending matches or activities in severe or repeated cases, with the right to appeal to the club board.

This process is intended to ensure safety, fairness and a positive environment for all children. The Youth Coordinator will document incidents and actions taken.

Parent Volunteer Opportunities

The youth program relies on parent volunteers. Opportunities include:

• Team Manager (organizing travel, communication, refreshments)
• Scorer (scorebook or CricClubs app training provided)
• Umpire (KNCB umpire training available)
• Ground maintenance and setup assistant
• Fundraising and social event organization
• Transport coordinator for away matches

5. Safeguarding & Child Protection

Commitment to Safeguarding

HTCECA is fully committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of all children and young people in our care. The club shall:

• Maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of abuse
• Ensure all staff, coaches, and volunteers are properly vetted (VOG clearance)
• Provide mandatory safeguarding training for all youth cricket personnel
• Follow KNCB and Dutch law guidelines for child protection
• Investigate and act upon any concerns promptly and professionally

Safeguarding Procedures

All concerns must be reported immediately to:

• Youth Coordinator: [Name] - [Phone] - youth@htceca.nl
• Club Safeguarding Officer: [Name] - [Phone] - safeguarding@htceca.nl
• In emergencies: Police (112) or Child Protection Services (0800-2000)

Safe Environment Guidelines

• Supervision: Minimum 2 adults present at all training and matches
• Private contact: Coaches shall not contact players privately via personal phone/social media
• Changing rooms: Coaches do not enter changing rooms unless emergency; parents may supervise younger groups
• Transport: Ideally parents transport own children; if coach transport needed, another adult or multiple children present
• Photography: Only authorized club photographers; parents must consent; no photography in changing areas
• One-to-one situations: Avoided where possible; if necessary, conducted in open/visible areas

Behavioral Expectations

All youth players shall be treated with respect and dignity. The following are strictly prohibited:

• Physical punishment or any form of physical contact used as discipline
• Verbal abuse, humiliation, or bullying of any kind
• Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, ability, or background
• Inappropriate relationships between adults and children
• Spending excessive time alone with children away from others

Incident Reporting

If you witness or suspect any safeguarding concern:

1. Ensure the immediate safety of the child
2. Report to Youth Coordinator or Safeguarding Officer within 24 hours
3. Document facts (what you saw/heard, when, where, who was involved)
4. Do not investigate yourself or discuss with others (except reporting officers)
5. Club will follow formal investigation procedures and involve authorities if needed

6. Operating Guidelines & Roles

Registration Process

Youth player registration at HTCECA follows a structured bi-annual process:

• Registration occurs twice a year: Summer Session and Winter Session
• Both sessions may include participation in KNCB competitions
• Registration fees are determined annually based on:
  • Number of players registered
  • Number of coaches required
  • Facility and equipment costs

Role of a Player

Eligibility: Boys or girls in age categories U-9, U-11, U-13, U-15 & U-17

Player Responsibilities:

• Attend all scheduled practice sessions and be available for the entire competition season
• Wear the club jersey during official matches
• Take responsibility for personal belongings at all times
• May be assigned leadership roles (captain/vice-captain) based on maturity and readiness
• Development Focus: Until age 15, players will be trained in all aspects of the game including:
  • Batting techniques and shot selection
  • Bowling skills and variations
  • Fielding positions and techniques
  • Wicket-keeping fundamentals

Role of Assistant Coach

Each age group has a dedicated assistant coach responsible for:

Training Organization

• Organize and lead training sessions for assigned age group
• Develop comprehensive session plans focusing on:
  • Fielding drills and positioning
  • Fitness and conditioning
  • Match scenarios and game situations
  • Tactics and strategy
  • Team dynamics and communication
• Design targeted drills for skill improvement based on individual needs

Player Management

• Track attendance and monitor individual progress throughout the season
• Provide input to the Selection Committee for squad selection
• Assign match-day roles as directed by Selection Committee:
  • Batting order
  • Bowling rotations
  • Fielding positions
• Provide regular feedback to parents on player performance
• Suggest home practice activities for skill development
• Compile comprehensive player progress reports at season end

Administrative Duties

• Report to board members and youth coordinator on:
  • Facilities and equipment needs
  • Player behavior and concerns
  • Training progress and outcomes
• Manage training equipment inventory
• Provide match balls and instructions to parent coordinators

Role of Lead Coach

The Lead Coach oversees the entire youth cricket program and:

Strategic Responsibilities

• Perform all assistant coach responsibilities as needed
• Develop and implement the overall youth development roadmap
• Assign players to suitable playing groups based on ability and development
• Oversee player transition to senior ranks
• Track youth participation in senior T20 competitions
• Plan off-season training and development programs

Coach Management

• Assign assistant coaches to each age group
• Coordinate with specialized coaches for workshops and training sessions
• Provide guidance and support to assistant coaches

Parent & Player Support

• Guide parents on registration processes and club contacts
• Communicate player progress and development pathways
• Provide focused preparation for players during KNCB selection trials

Role of Parent

Parents are essential partners in youth cricket development. Parent responsibilities include:

Player Support

• Ensure player punctuality and discipline during training sessions and matches
• Take responsibility for player belongings and equipment
• Encourage players positively without giving instructions from outside the boundary

Team Contribution (Required)

Critical for 2026: Parent contribution is mandatory and will be seriously evaluated. This includes:

• Car Pooling: Participate actively in transportation for away games
• Home Match Support: Contribute to logistics, ground readiness, and food arrangements
• Clean-Up Activities: Participate in clean-up after training sessions and matches
• Assist team management in coordination with parent coordinator

Important: The club believes that equal contribution from all parents ensures a strong community. Parent contribution and behavior directly influence the Selection Committee's decisions regarding team selection.

Communication Protocol

• Respect Authority: Do not question coach or youth coordinator authority during training sessions or matches
• Selection Process: Parents must respect and not intervene in the selection process
• No Playing Time Requests: Do not request coaches or selection committee members to give your child a chance in matches
• Feedback Channel: Share feedback and concerns via email with the youth coordinator at an appropriate time
• Selection Concerns: Any concerns regarding selection or playing time must be addressed to the Youth Coordinator only
• Final Decisions: Selection Committee decisions are final and must be accepted by all parents

Remember: Parents like to see their kids play, but they must respect the selection process. The Selection Committee evaluates multiple factors including parent contribution and behavior.

Role of Parent Coordinator

The Parent Coordinator acts as team manager (not a coach) and handles:

Match Day Logistics

• Coordinate all logistics for matches (home and away)
• Plan car-pooling arrangements for away games
• Organize hospitality for home games
• Manage communication regarding match schedules and venues

Facility Management

• Ensure cleanliness of club premises after matches and training
• Report any non-cooperation or facility issues to youth coordinator

Note: The Parent Coordinator is not involved in coaching decisions, player selection, or tactical matters.

Role of Youth Coordinator

The Youth Coordinator is the primary liaison between the club, parents, and coaches, with the following responsibilities:

Representation & Vision

• Represent the club to parents, coaches, and external stakeholders
• Responsible for overall youth cricket progress and long-term vision
• Drive strategic initiatives for youth development

Feedback & Accountability

• Collect regular feedback from:
  • Players regarding their experience and development
  • Parents regarding communication and satisfaction
  • Coaches regarding resources and support needs
• Report youth cricket progress to the club board
• Ensure squad lists for each upcoming match are published by Wednesday EOD to allow parents to arrange logistics
• Participate in and coordinate the Selection Committee
• Monitor and evaluate parent contributions:
  • Car pooling participation
  • Home match logistics and support
  • Clean-up activity participation
• Hold coaches accountable for:
  • Training quality and attendance tracking
  • Player development and feedback
  • Input to Selection Committee

Decision-Making Authority

• Final decision-maker in all youth league matters (in consultation with Selection Committee for selection issues)
• Chair or participate in the Selection Committee
• Handle escalated concerns from parents regarding:
  • Training quality or approach
  • Coach-player relationships
  • General policy questions
• Note: Selection and playing time concerns are handled through the Selection Committee process, whose decisions are final
• Mediate disputes and ensure fair resolution

Coordinator Transition & Selection Criteria

To ensure continuity and fairness in appointments:

• The club will maintain a simple transition plan for the Youth Coordinator role: outgoing coordinators should document ongoing work and handover notes, and the board will appoint a deputy where possible to shadow for one season before taking on responsibilities.
• Selection criteria for Parent Coordinator and Youth Coordinator will be documented and include: previous volunteer experience, communication skills, reliability (attendance at events), and the ability to coordinate logistics. Where multiple volunteers are available, the board or Youth Coordinator will run a short selection process (application and brief interview with existing coordinators).
• If volunteers are limited, the club may appoint willing candidates with the intention to review roles and make a formal selection when more volunteers are available.

Contact Information

Youth Coordinator: youth@htceca.nl

All concerns regarding selection, playing time, or coaching matters must be directed to the Youth Coordinator.

Note on contact addresses: The email addresses suggested in this document are proposals and should be created or verified by the Secretary and Youth Coordinator before publication (for example: youth@htceca.nl, safeguarding@htceca.nl). Please confirm these exist before using them for official communication.