» Cricket

Cricket is a very special game. We believe it plays a consequential role in the education of a young boy. It is a team game that teaches discipline, manners, etiquette and it is one of the best levelers, for example when a boy scores a fifty in one match and then fails to score in the next.

We start off the season with an inter-house and trials programme for a two-week period, then practices and league fixtures begin. This allows all boys to be considered for selection in their appropriate age groups, in a fair and objective manner.

We are in an extremely difficult situation as most schools cannot accommodate us in terms of the number of teams we have. We enter teams into numerous leagues in the Greater Johannesburg area, so as to afford as many of our boys as possible the opportunity of participating in inter-school cricket matches.

Our coaches are all well qualified and have a real love for the game of cricket. Their aim is to coach the boys as professionally and effectively as they do when they are teaching in the classroom. They meet regularly to discuss the progress of players and team selection, and they are dedicated to imparting their knowledge of the game to the boys. They work towards developing the skills and techniques of the players during meaningful and enjoyable coaching sessions. They have the interests of each boy at heart, and we ask you to respect their integrity, experience and professional attitude when it comes to team selection.

It is important to remember that it is your son’s game. Respect his individuality, his development level, his competency and his ability to play within a team. Your son should have fun and feel he can make a meaningful contribution, without having to contend with unnecessary pressures. Allow him to be just a boy who loves and plays cricket. He will benefit from the experiences that correspond so closely to life, even if he only draws upon them many years from now.

Midweek matches will be limited overs games of 20 to 30 overs, depending on the level of the match. Saturday games will be time matches with the side batting first having two hours fifteen minutes and the side batting second having two hours.

At St John’s we play cricket in order to:

Have fun.
Learn how to play the game – by developing the skills needed for the game.
Learn the rules – “The Laws of Cricket.”
Learn the traditional style of playing the game, i.e. with full regard for HONOUR, RESPECT and GENTLEMANLINESS for and towards all concerned.
Learn about cricket etiquette.
Teach boys to play a team game with true sportsmanship.
We treat our opposition team members with utmost courtesy and respect in all dealings.
No abusive or foul language is permitted.
Friendly comments, chats and expressions of appreciation are encouraged, but should not be excessive.
Boys are to be dressed like cricketers at all times.
Boys are to be punctual at all times. They are expected to arrive half an hour before a match.
Behaviour off the field is just as important as on the field.
We expect parents to encourage and support their boys and the members of the team at all times.
Parents are requested to remain off the fields and clear of the nets during practices.
Fixtures are subject to change.
Boys are to be dressed correctly at all times.
Blazers are to be worn before and after a match and in the tea / lunch break.
Umpires are to be respected by everyone.

Cricket etiquette

All boys are to field in a St John’s sun hat and are to wear a helmet to bat.
When taking guard, each batsman will touch his helmet and greet the umpire as a sign of respect.
When taking guard, each player will greet the umpire and ask politely for guard in a loud, clear voice.
The umpire will be addressed as Sir/M’am.
Before the start of a game, boys are to warm up, e.g. bowling, fielding, throw-downs.
The Captain is to wear his blazer to toss the coin on the pitch.
The fielding side is to wait until the umpires are on the field before they walk on. The umpires are to be clapped onto the field by the fielding side.
Immediately after the end of the game, all players are to shake hands with each member of the opposing team and with the umpires. The scorers are also to be thanked.
No player drops a catch on purpose. In the event of that happening, players will encourage and/or commiserate with the dropper. Admonishment will not be tolerated.
Boys are to sit together on the side of the field when waiting to bat. Only the next boy in may have balls thrown to him. Boys should not sit with their parents.

DRESS CODE

MATCHES:	St. John’s Prep cream cricket shirt with badge
	White shorts
	Long white socks
	Clean white tackies / cricket shoes, being 80% white (i.e. not multi coloured cross trainers)
	St John’s sun hat
	Blazer to be worn before and after the match as well as in the tea / lunch break
	Clean pads, gloves and thigh pad

PRACTICES:	Cricket shirt
	Blue shorts
	White or grey long socks
	Clean white tackies / cricket shoes
	St John’s sun hat
	All clothing and must be clearly marked!

PRACTICES

At St John’s we believe that it is not good enough to have just a net practice. It is far more important to hone in on the different skills which need to be developed. Hence you will find that at an Under 9 and Under 10 level, where the development of these skills is of utmost importance, boys will seldom go into the nets. They will use the skills equipment which is far preferable for boys of this age group.

Boys as well as the coaches are expected to be dressed correctly, and if a boy is not correctly dressed or has forgotten an item of his clothing, he will not be able to participate and will have to sit and watch the practice. Should a boy need to miss a practice, he should inform his coach well in advance. Should he be unavailable for a match, this should also be brought to the attention of his coach or age group co-ordinator well in advance. Team lists will be posted on the notice board timeously, and it is the responsibility of the boys to check the details of team inclusion, venues, dates and times.