Representative Cricket

The SSJCA believes that junior cricket is a developmental journey aiming to give our junior players the physical and mental skill to compete at an appropriate level. Representative cricket is part of that journey. It may well be the pinnacle of many players Cricket pathway.

The selection process must be as transparent as possible, and approved by the SSJCA’s Representative Cricket Manager. The selection panel will be made up of the appointed coach and one other independent selector. Where the coach is a parent, the selection panel will be 3 with 2 independent selectors being appointed. For players to be considered for selection they must attend both trials unless a leave of absence is granted by the Representative Cricket Manager.

Selection in representative teams is based on merit. Players will be selected as batsmen, bowlers, wicket keeper or all-rounders and, depending upon the game situation, will be asked to participate according to their principal skills and ability. By definition, not every player will get an equal go in Representative Cricket.

It is in the players and parents best interests if they accept this state of affairs. Support and co-operation of the team effort usually leads to greater opportunities for all.

The SSJCA believes that when playing representative cricket, the aim is to play to win, within the spirit and laws of the game. Players should grasp the opportunity to develop their skills against quality opposition.

Documentation

• Representative Guidelines for Players, Coaches and Parents
• Representative Regulations

Advice for Parents
Representative junior cricket is very demanding, the cricket played requires dedication, great teamwork, attitude and self belief.

It requires a substantial commitment from both player and parents alike, but like all commitments, if you commit fully to the experience, it can be very rewarding and enjoyable for all concerned. Your child will be required to play in EVERY pre-season trial game and EVERY competition game during the season. There are slight differences in the dates of these games depending on which of the 2 teams your child gets picked in. The games start at 10am and finish at approx 5.30pm on Sundays. You will be required to be at the ground by 9am for warm-ups etc. The venues for the home games will be within the Shire, however away games can be anywhere in the Sydney metropolitan area, as well as up to Newcastle and down to Wollongong or Canberra.

This is a very big commitment and it is important to understand that if your child is selected that they are required to play in EVERY game, there are NO exceptions, this includes friends birthday parties, school plays, family BBQs, etc. It is also a requirement that everyone turns up at 9am regardless of the weather, games will not be called off until the umpires deem that a game cannot be played. This may mean that you arrive at 9am and have to stay until 2pm before a game is called off; this is just part of playing representative cricket.

Your child will also be required to turn up to ALL training sessions during the season. If this day and time clashes with his club/school training session then the representative session MUST take preference. This also applies to any match day game, representative fixtures ALWAYS take preference.

But never forget - It will be the biggest highlight of your child playing days - nothing matches playing Representative Cricket in the toughest comp in Australia.

Any questions - feel free to contact the SSJCA Rep Manager - Tony Neale (0408 895 212) or Asst Rep Manager - Jim Lee (0420 977 894)