james07 wrote:junior cricket is an interesting one, I think will the current focus is on under 16s I believe the problems actually starts at an earlier age. being involved with the 10s and 12s I notice the kids get really bored in the field they love to bat and bowl but the in field kills them especially the kids that aren't cricket die hards. they generally stick at it through under 14s but finally give it away at 16s either due to footy or other options are more accessible to them for Sat mornings. If we consider reducing the number of players on the field/team for 10s and 12s in would create several things. Firstly there would be more runs scored as there is more gaps, less kids to chase the ball hence each kids is involved more often in the game and also depending on the number per side kids could potentially bowl for 3 overs and bat for 6 per pair which would mean more development for the kids as they are involved in the game more. If clubs are struggling for numbers this would also help and would create more teams amongst the younger age groups. If the kids get the chance to develop the skills the likely hood of them remaining in the game is greater.
That's interesting and left field thinking.
I also have a theory that because we have made our primary school aged sport very much a "have a go" type model, meaning the kids that show aptitude, lose their hunger as their ability doesn't result in longer sessions at the crease. Basically its the balance of giving everyone an even go, with the option of letting those that show talent "dominate".
I also suspect that having 14's and 16's dilutes the number of kids available in the high school age group. Shooting from the hip and thinking as I type, but returning to U15's in favour of U14/U16, and allowing permits for any kids in the U16 age group that are not playing A3 cricket or higher in the afternoons, would mean a largely U15 competition, with the ability for the "lesser skilled" 16 year olds to also have that extra year as overage players.
Perhaps an U10 model similar to your proposal, with the U12 group somehow being modelled to allow talent to be developed a bit more (????) to allow them to prepare for U15. Then the U15's with the model listed above - or tweaked slightly to prevent 1 or 2 players absolutely dominating... whether that be based on batting retirement and over limits or "nominated" players I dunno.
