Purpose: To ensure transparent, and consistent selection across all XIs, balancing performance, development, opportunity, and club values.

 

Principles:

Merit & Development – Players progress based on performance, commitment, and readiness.

Pathway – Juniors have a clear route into senior cricket.

Balance – Selections consider both competitiveness and opportunity for growth.

Respect & Conduct – All players respect selection decisions and the pyramid system.

Communication – Clear and timely, phone conversations when players are dropped and teams posted by Thursday 12:00 on all platforms.

 

Process:

1. Captains to meet/Video Call weekly

2. Availability collected by Monday 9pm

3. Squads published by Thursday 12:00

4. 3rd XI & Development XI used for junior pathway and returning players

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The Pyramid System Criteria:

1st XI – Premier Squad

• Highest standard of cricket at the club.

• Selection based on form, fitness, attitude, training commitment, and ability to perform at the top level.

• Juniors are only selected if they demonstrate exceptional ability and maturity.

• Players may move down temporarily for form or fitness recovery.

 

2nd XI – Competitive Development

• Mix of established senior players and juniors stepping up.

• Provides a platform for players aiming to break into the 1st XI.

• Selection based on performance in 2nd/3rd XI or juniors, attitude, and commitment.

• 1st XI squad members dropped must be offered a game in the 2nd XI.

 

Sunday 1stXI – Community & Transition

• Competitive but with a strong developmental focus.

• Juniors regularly integrated alongside senior players.

• Strong emphasis on nurturing talent, building match awareness, and ensuring enjoyment.

• Players may move up based on consistent performance, effort, and readiness.

 

Sunday Development XI

• Focus on young and inexperienced players gaining experience in senior cricket with mentoring from senior players.

• Designed as a safe step between junior and senior cricket.

• Open to players not selected in Saturday teams but wishing to contribute.

• Strong emphasis on coaching, feedback, and enjoyment over results.

 

Junior Pathway within the Pyramid

U18 & U16 players: considered for 1st, 2nd or 3rd XI if performance and maturity warrants.

U14 players: remain primarily in junior cricket but may be trialled in Development XI or 3rd XI.

 

Movement Between Levels

Upward movement: Earned through form, commitment, and readiness.

Downward movement: May occur for form, fitness, or team balance — not as a punishment.

Rotation policy: Ensures juniors and fringe players gain fair opportunities.

 

Refusal to Play in Selected Team

The club recognises that occasionally a player may prefer to play in a higher/lower XI. However:

• Players do not have the right to choose their team.

• If a player refuses selection: 

 

1. First Instance – Captain or selector will discuss reasoning. Genuine reasons (injury, family, welfare) are accepted. Non-Genuine Refusal – Player will be ineligible for any other team that weekend. 

2. Repeat Refusals – Players may be referred to the Cricket Committee for review, which may result in suspension of selection for a set period.

3. Persistent Refusals – May lead to formal disciplinary action from the Cricket Committee.

 

Selection Committee

• Head of Cricket (If not applicable the 1st XI Captain to take on this role).

• 1st XI Captain.

• 2nd XI Captain.

• Sunday 1st XI Captain.

• Development XI Captain.

 

Communication & Appeals:

1. Every player who is dropped from a team will get a phone call from the team captain before teams being released.

2. Captains to provide feedback on request from players

3. Formal appeals handled by Cricket Sub-Committee

This ensures fairness to all members who commit to playing where needed.

 

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Cricket Sub-Committee and ratified by the Executive Committee. Updated in line with ECB guidance and safeguarding best practice, publicly available on the Club’s website and noticeboard.