There are a number of ways parents and guardians can get involved in the game!
Coaching
Coaching a cricket team is a rewarding experience and a great way to contribute to players having a fun, enjoyable and rewarding experience whilst participating in Junior Community Cricket. Cricket NSW in partnership with Australian Cricket is pleased to be able a variety of resources and accreditation programs to support coaches throughout NSW.
From the Introduction to Coaching and Woolworths Cricket Blast Co-ordinator Online Courses, to formal accreditation at Community, Representative and High Performance Levels there is educational opportunities to coaches at all stages of their coaching journey.
Click here for more information about becoming a Coach
Umpiring
Umpiring is a great way to participate in Junior Community Cricket and demand for suitably knowledgeable or qualified umpires is always high. For opportunities to umpire in local competitions, we recommend that you contact a local Cricket Club or Association directly to understand what qualifications or requirements may apply, including a mandatory Working With Children Check*.
To obtain formal qualifications as an Umpire, the NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association run numerous Umpiring Courses each season. Membership of the Association is available to those that sit and pass the entrance exam offered at the end of an eligible course.
*A Working With Children Check is not applicable to any parent acting as an Umpire in a match in which their child or children are participating.
Scoring
Acting as the Scorer of a game of cricket is an enjoyable pastime for many. If you have a good understanding of the game or would like to learn more, and have a good attention to detail, then scoring is for you! Scoring a game of cricket is traditionally performed with the use of a specifically designed scorebook but most Junior Community Cricket matches are now scored via an electronic scoring app on a smartphone or tablet. Electronic scoring simplifies the process for recording the events of a match making it easier for beginners to learn the ropes.
To become involved as a Scorer, we recommend enquiring with a local club directly by using the contact details contained within the play.cricket.com.au website. Local clubs and associations will often host training sessions for prospective Scorers, particularly in the use of the electronic scoring app. Additional training is also offered by the NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association and a Working With Children Check* may be applicable.
*A Working With Children Check is not applicable to any parent acting as a Scorer in a match in which their child or children are participating.
Committees
Joining a Club or Association’s Committee is another fantastic way to contribute to the game in your local area. There are a variety of functions that are required to be performed on an organisation’s committee as dictate by that organisation’s constitution. Under the model (or recommended) constitution, a committee shall comprise of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and three other members.
Volunteer Certification Program
Cricket NSW are launching the Volunteer Certification Program aimed at providing volunteers the opportunity to gain a recognised certificate for your efforts at your local cricket club. Volunteering at your local club provides you with the opportunity to develop your skills, meet new members of the community and now gain a free Cricket NSW qualification! Don’t worry if you have already been volunteering at your local club this experience will already count towards your certificate!
Level 1: One Season volunteering plus the completion of:
- Blast Parents Information Session
- Child Safety Training
- Diversity & Inclusion Training
- Cricket NSW Integrity Framework training
- Introduction to PlayHQ
Level 2: Two Seasons volunteering, the level 1 content, plus the completion of:
- Growing Girls Cricket
- Committee structures, incorporation & role descriptions
- Cultural Awareness, education & training
- PlayHQ Upskilling
Level 3: Five Seasons volunteering, the level 2 course content, plus the completion of:
- Grant writing and successful applications
- Harassment & discrimination training
- Member Protection Information Officer Training
- Customer Satisfaction and handling complaints
The majority of the program will be able to be completed online. To register for your interest in becoming a Cricket NSW Certified volunteer please register through the following link. Interested members will be contacted on the first business day of each month. Please note all previous experience at your local club will immediately count towards your qualification.
For more information, please reach out to Daniel.solway@cricketnsw.com.au.