Modified rules for younger players
Some food for thought from the Chief Coach
A long time ago clubs had
teams from under 9s, since those far off days we now see players as young as
four (4) thats right and the tee`s at the lowest and is still taller than these
youngsters.
They play competition games
on a diamond which is far too large for there little legs under the same rules
as there older brothers and sisters.
The National Junior
Sports Policy recommends that children of 4 to 7 should not be exposed to
competition games, rather they should be involved in coordination, skills and
fair play activities.
With Aussie T-Ball being
introduced into schools we all should now be looking at how we operate and how
we can successfully not only by competing with Aussie T-ball but by having
a professional approach to introducing a program that will provide not only to
these young players but also the parents and carers an appropriate set of
guide lines and activities suitable for our first tee-ballers in
all Tee-Ball Clubs.
The TBAWA Codes of
Conduct booklet that is provided to clubs and which many of these clubs use
states: Administrations Code of Behaviour point 12: Support the implementation
of the National Junior Sport Policy.
Junior Sport is defined
as the organisation and management of sport (and pre-sport ativities) for young
people from four to twelve years of age in regards to our sport of
Tee-Ball.
For the four to seven
year age group, the term `sport` simply covers play and pre-sport activities.
For those seven years and
above, it is used here to mean a competitive physical and educational activity
played according to agreed rules and proceedures.
The second part most
clubs comply by playing by the TBAWA rules as layed down, its the first part
that needs to be changed.
Auskick in Western Australia
Junior Football Clubs works very well with teaching not only these nippers but
having the parents / carers also involved the skills and coordination along
with fair play.
Auskick numbers have
grown and when they reach under 9s these young players and families have a
better understanding of the game.
At coaching clinics
presenters are asked what is available for the little ones? I will seek the
assistance in providing a part of coaching clinics where and when required to
assist coaches teaching appropriate skills.
I`am sure that the TBAWA
umpire panel would modify the rules to assist clubs with modified game for
nippers.
Please these views are my
own and not necessary the views of TBAWA.
Looking forward to
reading the responses, communication is the first step in changing things for
the better.
Peter McCormack
TBAWA Chief Coach
