Whitmore Cricket Club - Junior selection policy (April 2026).

1. The overriding objective of Junior Cricket at Whitmore is the development of Junior Cricketers to the best of their potential in an enjoyable, supportive and safe environment.
The spirit of Cricket and respect for all, including Coaches, Managers, Umpires, Teammates and opposing players, are fundamental to Whitmore's values.
2. A player’s attitude and conduct in this context are relevant to selection. Failure to heed to the standards expected may lead to disciplinary measures.
3. All players will be placed initially in their own age group sides. Coaches in conjunction with the Head Coach and Junior Manager may then decide to offer some players the opportunity to play in a higher age group if they are ready and have the ability to play to do so.
Priority will be given to a player playing in their own age group, but other factors may be considered; for example, if a U12 team is short and a strong U10 Player plays, not only does that assist the U12s but may also give an opportunity for a U10 game to another player.
4. Selection will take place on the following basis.
On Tuesdays Coaches will select teams for matches on the following weekend.After Junior training on Fridays Coaches will select teams for the following week’s midweek games.All selections will be made public via Pitchero. If a child is does not have their availability set, they will not be selected.
5. Whilst attendance at winter and summer junior training is not mandatory, and we appreciate players have may other calls on their time, training reinforces fundamental skills and helps the development of those players who do attend.
It is easier for coaches to make selection decisions about players they see regularly and know well. It also helps to improve team spirit.
6. Selection decisions may take into consideration how much cricket a player is playing for Senior, Junior and County teams with a view both to the player’s best interests and affording the opportunity of game time for other players.
7. Where there is only one team in an age group Coaches will try to balance playing opportunities for all players with an appropriate level of competitiveness for that particular age group.
8. “A” teams are selected with the main, although not the only, objective of playing competitive cricket to win games, and hopefully leagues, and to develop the stronger players.
Selection of A teams is therefore based on trying to pick the strongest most balanced team of players available on the day. The individual coach is responsible for making selection decisions although other coaches and the Junior Manager may support.Note: the league tries to ensure that categorisation of A and B teams genuinely reflects the relative strength of the teams and players involved. Accordingly, whilst players may earn and keep a place in the A team by consistently strong performances and good attitude, it is relevant to A team selection that we ensure we follow the League rules set out below:-Where a club enters more than one team in an age group any player who has played 50% or more of available fixtures for a higher ranked team, from the mid-point of the league season onwards they will not be allowed to play for any lower ranked team for that club in the League season or Cup competition.As a consequence, Coaches may rotate the selection of A team players to avoid restrictions on availability and weakening the B team later in the season.
9. Selection for “B” sides is intended to develop and improve players and maximise opportunities for all. Teams will be rotated regularly to ensure that as many players as possible are playing as regularly as possible. Accordingly, not being picked for a B team is not necessarily a reflection of a player’s relative ability or performance.
10. There is always an element of subjectivity and balancing competing interests in selection decisions. Coaches cannot always keep abreast of everything.

If you have any concerns or questions about selection policy and/or decisions please speak in the first instance to the relevant Coach/Manager, then the Head Coach/Junior Manager and if that does not resolve the issue to the Club Chairman.

The club asks for patience and understanding from junior parents. Decisions will be made that do not always fall in agreement with all. We will follow the process as best as is possible.

Coaches and helpers are volunteers and as such require the respect deserved.

If there are any queries or issues that require attention, please email to: cso@whitmorecricket.club