Coaching cricket is about sharing knowledge and experience, making sport fun, and helping players to reach their potential. Cricket is in need of enthusiastic coaches who are prepared to stay in the game and progress to the higher levels as the players do. The challenge of teaching players individual skills and team strategies, fundamental values and enjoyment of the game are tasks crucial to the continued growth and development of cricket in New Zealand.

Encourage training

Schools and clubs should encourage teachers, parents and volunteer supporters to become involved in coaching. To do this they need to recognise and support the efforts of their coaches and give them every opportunity to attend appropriate coach education courses. This will ensure that they are qualified to confidently and effectively deliver a high quality coaching programme to all players.

Coaching pathways and accreditation

Whether coaches are volunteers or professional, novice or elite, New Zealand Cricket acknowledges the critical role coaches’ play at all levels. To assist coaches’ progress, a coach development pathway has been designed for beginner through to the experienced coach. It is supported by a comprehensive coach education and accreditation programme which offers coaches a progression of training opportunities and resources to improve their practical skills and knowledge, increase their confidence and enhance their status as coaches.

Membership

Membership to New Zealand Cricket Coaches provides a vehicle for coaches to keep in touch, share ideas, stay informed and keep up to date. All cricket coaches are eligible to join New Zealand Cricket Coaches and from later this year it will be made free, simple and easy to register through the BLACKCAPS website. Registering will entitle members to regular newsletters, tips on skills and drills, coaches blogs, opportunities to purchase New Zealand Coaches Clothing, attendance to conferences, and Members who are certified New Zealand Cricket Coaches at any level will also be entitled to a free day pass to watch any BLACKCAPS match in the 2010/11 season and a Coaches Membership Card which will entitle coaches to free entry to any domestic match around the country.