The pictures below provide a reference guide for players to narrow down the correct grade they should be playing in based on their school year, ability and if they want to play hard ball (white boxes) or a modified and soft ball version of cricket. There is a separate picture for girls wishing to play in the 'girls only' grades.
Access to the specific grade rules can only be made by clicking on the relevant name within these pictures. This ensures that all users have seen these picture overviews and come to their own conclusions regarding the grade most appropriate for them. Most clubs or schools will assist in this process and all should allow players to move within the grades during a season if team numbers allow.
The more competent players may play in a grade above their school year group but we need good reasons to permit an older player to continue in a grade where the majority of players are younger than them. The girls grades will have more flexibility regarding ages, so please look at the grade rules and contact the grade manager for a chat.
New pictures for the 2010/11 season will appear here soon.
More traditional Grades: In these “hard ball” grades the focus is on providing a more traditional style of cricket while ensuring all team members participate fully in the game.
Less traditional Grades: In these mostly “softer ball” grades the focus is on a fun, fast and furious game where every ball can be in play. Fielding exclusion zones exist to encourage quick singles and active fielding. In these grades [exception: Sen Twenty/20] wide cones exist to create more balls in play for batsman and fielders. In Super 8s and above, MAX zones exist to encourage development of straight shots. The changes within these grades more closely align with recommendations from NZ Cricket and to the development of cricket particularly in Australia and the UK.
Getting Started Grades :
Milo Have a Go enables players to learn to bowl, bat and field without the pressure of a full game environment. This is a really important step and lots of for Clubs, Schools and parents. Milo Kiwi is a fun game for full and fair participation.
There are resources available for Milo Kiwi and Have a Go level players for clubs, coaches and parents.
More Information
All the grades are available for players in school years as at October. School years for each grade mean a player remains eligible for the WHOLE season e.g. October to March even though they change their school year. However, Year 8 boys should move into CCA U14 grades after Christmas when they become Year 9 students, wherever possible. Please see the grade notes for assistance if there are any problems with this.
Grade Objectives: Each grade is to provide players with a fun, fair & learning game with a connection to International cricket as close as the age group, player abilities & time allow.
MCC Laws of Cricket: These laws apply unless otherwise stated. In all cases, the stated rules are to be applied. (Coaches seeking rule changes should provide their suggestions to the CJCA rather than litigate rule differences each week with their new opposition.)
Players: All players participating must be eligible or have written CJCA dispensation viewable to the opposition coach prior to play. Such a dispensation letter will be on CJCA letterhead and be signed by either the Grade Manager or the President of the CJCA. Note that while there are Girls Only grades, girls can play in any grades.
Dress: Players are to dress in white or in Club / School colours as approved by the CJCA. (Club / School colours will be approved only where such colours will not obscure the ball in the colour of the bowler's clothing. ) Sun protective hats are desirable.
Gear: Each team is required to provide 3 stumps, 2 bails and a ball. This includes stumps suitable for artificial pitches if required or applicable.
Defaults: Teams with reduced numbers should still seek to play using opponent players to assist in the field. Otherwise contact Mike Fisher - Phone 363-5081; Email: mfisher@canterburycricket.org.nz as soon as possible.