JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE TEAMs In Victoria, the Junior cricket development program has undergone a significant revamp since 2004. There has been a greater emphasis on a high-standard statewide regional competition being the major pathway to the higher levels of the game under the auspices of Cricket Victoria (CV).
LEVEL 1 Cricket Victoria "Pathways" [sponsored by Commonwealth Bank] - Victoria is divided into 16 regions and each region has an appointed manager. Each regional manager is required to coordinate the development of a team for the statewide competitions in January at Under 14 and U16 level - Diamond Valley clubs (DVCA) belong to either the North-East region known as Falcons or the Northern region known as Cowboys (regions are not used at Under 12 level) - this statewide regional structure is now the highest level of competition at the U14 and U16 levels as it involves players from each region across Victoria; it is known as the Commonwealth Bank State Championships (run in mid January) - to be in the Pathways squad, players of high potential at U13 and U15 levels are nominated and identified by Cricket Victoria talent scouts [and for example DVCA representatives] based on performances in the previous season's representative teams as well as local (DVCA club) or other competitions (school system: VPSSA and VSSSA) - these nominations are invited to form a squad and after a number of training sessions and clinics conducted by Cricket Victoria staff a final team of 13 players is chosen to represent the regions; usually in November. - the Falcons/Cowboys field teams in the January competitons only and these are: U16 - Dowling Shield (known as U16 State Championships); used to be aligned to District/Premier clubs U14 - U14 State Championships (a new level of competition introduced in season 2005-2006). - the Falcons and Cowboys are coached and managed by official Cricket Victoria representatives.
LEVEL 2 VMCU [Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union] The DVCA is invited to submit a team in a range of age group competitions in January; these are U16 - Jim Beitzel Shield (played on turf) U14 - Russell Allen Shield (played on synthetic) U12 - (1) Keith Mitchell Shield (2) Josh Browne Plate (both played on synthetic). - the DVCA will inform clubs of the invitation process - players must be available for the training in November/early December and all of the playing period of weeks 2&3 in January) - the DVCA appoints coaches and managers to coordinate these teams.
HATCH shield (U15 only) - Hatch Shield is not part of the Commonwealth Bank "Pathways" system but is a well-known and valuable feeder competition (used to be U14) - the Hatch competition runs over January usually at the same time as the Cricket Victoria and VMCU tournaments - squads are formed by Sub-district clubs who invite suitable players to train - players are free to try out and play for whichever club they wish (eg. Bundoora OP, Brunswick, Ivanhoe, Preston). - the Sub-district clubs are responsible for appointing their own coaches and managers for these teams.
You can only be in one of the representative teams in January and their order of relative importance is: (1) Pathways/State Championships (played on turf at Premier Clubs 3rd and 4ths grounds) (2) VMCU (some levels played on turf; others on synthetic at nominated 'home' ground by each association; DVCA usually uses AK LInes or Binnak for turf and Plenty or Thomastown or synthetic) (3) Hatch Shield (played on turf at Sub district grounds)
LEVEL 3 DVCA teams - the DVCA is involved at the U12, U14 and U16 levels in a Tri-series tournament in November/December against two other local associations Heidelberg (HDCA) and Northern Metropolitan (used to be JIKA) - the DVCA forms squads to play one match against each of the other associations (players in U14 and U16 CV Pathways are excluded from being involved) - the DVCA appoints team managers who may be required to supplement the list with invitations to other selected players based on recent performances at club level - at the Under 12 level, players are invited to try out in at least two training sessions and from this two separate teams are selected to participate in the Tri-series.
Other competitions - run by Schools associations (VPSSA, VSSSA, AGS, ACC, IGS)
DVCA SENIORS Presentation & Vote count - Friday 19 March - Watsonia RSL - arrive 7.00pm; 7.30pm start - jacket and tie; no denim - $50 per head - ladies welcome - canapes; entree and main meal included - drinks at bar prices - clubs levied $50 per senior team
DVCA JUNIORS Presentation night - Wednesday 17 March - Yarrambat CC from 7.30pm - players, parents, families, friends, club officials all welcome; no charge - finger food available - canteen open and drinks at bar prices - presentation of batting and bowling awards - announcement of Teams of the Year (U12, U14, U16)
JUNIOR UMPIRES NOTE: junior umpires in finals will be listed in MyCricket
For enquiries about 2010-11 junior umpiring opportunities contact Danny Fitzpatrick (m) 0411 442 042
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Snakes have been seen near some grounds - please take care near creeks and long grass. Clubs should ensure snake bite immediate care procedures are known and emergency phone numbers are visible in rooms. ++++++++++++++++++++++ Wishing all players, families and friends a most prosperous and successful New Year from the DVCA
