Royal Air Force
Cricket Association
OIC Cricket Workshop
21 Sep 10
At Lords Cricket Ground
Aim
To provide advice and
guidance for an OIC Cricket
at Station Level
Scope
Sport
In The RAF & At Unit Level
RAFCA
 RAF Cricket – Then & Now
 Director of Cricket Initiatives and
Objectives
Station Cricket


Support to OICs
Stn Review
Discussion
AGM
Sport In the RAF
RAF Sports Strategy

COS PERS’ VISION


A Royal Air Force where sport is actively
encouraged and properly resourced, and the value
of sport is fully recognised.
MISSION

To promote the value of sporting activity and
endeavour as a core contribution to operational
effectiveness, and as a key factor to recruit,
develop, sustain and retain our personnel.
Sports Strategy

PRINCIPLES

The strategy for sport in the RAF aspires to be:
 Coherent with the RAF core values, the
Commander’s Intent and the Strategy for
People
 Relevant to the current operational
requirements
 Enduring, despite rapidly changing social and
economic conditions
 Affordable within the public and non-public
allocation of funds.
Sports Strategy

END STATE (2015)







Sufficient opportunities for sport at every level.
Policies and resources allow time for sport.
COs fulfil their responsibility for promoting sport.
Key stakeholders fully aware of how to access sport.
Sufficient high quality facilities available for all
authorised sport.
Sufficient public funding for sport supported by nonpublic funds (lottery, charity, sponsorship)
Contributions to RAF sport are valued and rewarded.
Sports Strategy

END STATE (2015)




RAF sport is fully integrated with other organisations.
RAF teams Inter-Service Champions in every
discipline.
People remain protected by policies and processes
that clarify and authorise duty status.
RAF Sports Associations operate in accordance with
national guidelines.
Unit Level Sport - Stakeholders
Stn Cdr
Unit PEd Staff
UNIT LEVEL SPORT
Unit Level Sport - Stakeholders
Stn Cdr
Unit PEd Staff
OIC Sports
Chain of Command
UNIT LEVEL SPORT
RAF Sports
Board
Unit Sports
Committees
RAF Sports
Associations
ROBUST TRAINING THROUGH-CAREER PIPELINE
‘Engendering the spirit that allows people to do extraordinary things…time and time again’
Through Career Development
Pre-recruit
Phase 1
Pre-Joining Fitness Test
RAF Fitness Test
Recruit Training PreConditioning Course
Formal Physical Training
Phase 2
Phase 3 and Productive Service
Physical Fitness Training
Military Skills Training
COMPETITIVE SPORT
Potential Gunners Acquaintance
Course
Regiment Operational Fitness Assessment
Basic Aircrew Survival Training
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Extraction Training
Team Development Activities
Expedition Training
Realistic Training Scenarios
Sector Level Training
Military Skills Competitions
Pre-Recruit Training Course
Primary Care Rehabilitation Facilities; Regional Rehabilitation Units; Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre
Adventurous Personal Development Training
Table Top Command Post Exercises
Aptitude/Selection Standards
Joint Service Adventurous Training Scheme
MAPEX Scenarios
Centralised Adventurous Training
Crash and Disaster Exercises
Enhanced and Basic Individual Readiness Training
Pre- and Post-Deployment Training (Including Decompression Training/ Normalisation Training)
Leadership Exercises
Contingency Plan Rehearsals
Beliefs Values and Principles Training
Force Development Training
Unit Level Sport - Stakeholders
Sports Board Deliver Presentation at all FCSP Courses
at Shrivenham
Role of Sport
AMPs Mission
Organisation of Sport
AMP’s Mission 2009/10
What is Expected of Future Cdrs
Key Messages
RAFCA




AP 3415 Section 3 Chapter 7*
Pre 2010 RAFCA Centred on Representative
Sides
2009 AGM – New Proposal Submitted
An End to End Vision – Director Cricket
REVISED
NON-REPRESENTATIVE STRUCTURE
RAFCA
CHAIRMAN
CCO
RAFCA
SECRETARY
DIRECTOR
CRICKET
ADASTRIANS
CHAIRMAN
COMPETITION
SECRETARY
CRICKET
DEVELOPMENT
OFFICER
STN OIC
CRICKET
DIRECTOR
REPRESENT
CRICKET
RAFCA
‘EAGLES’ MGR
LEAGUE
SECRETARIES
RAFCA U-25
/DEV XI MGR
Director Cricket - Key Priorities





Halting the decline and promoting the growth of both the game, and player
participation, at station level.
Providing assistance to, and being a focal point for, station OiCs.
Organising and facilitating the most appropriate and sustainable
competitions structure and environment.
Researching and establishing a robust process to identify, target,
encourage and support new men and women players, regardless of
standard.
Encouraging and providing cricketing opportunities for all personnel that
extend beyond the station boundary and test their ability. These are to
include:
 Opportunities to play for Adastrians Cricket Club.
 Filling the delta left by the inter-Command competitions by promoting
and supporting potential talent by the creation of an Emerging XI
Director Cricket Objectives
Ser
Objective
Activity
RAG
Future Work
1
Promote and develop the growth of
both the game and player
participation at stn level.
An
over-arching activity for the Dir
Cricket area.
Dir Cricket established and all key
roles filled with keen change
agents.
Better
2
Provide assistance to, and be a
focal point for, Stn OICs by
developing an OICs' focal point from
which to promote best practice
CDO
post established and active.
Survey of OICs circulated, with
strong response.
Combined
3
Organise and coordinate cricket
competitions.
T20 Competition
for 3rd year.
Agree
successfully run
RAF
Cup changed to a knock out
format.
Cup better supported by units and
competition retains integrity.
access to a holistic Comms
strategy required.
Understand the RAFCA Corporate
Strategy.
Links to Adastrians.
OICs Day and RAFCA AGM
at Lords on 21 Sep 10.
Explore role of Lge Secs.
Develop OIC’s access to Best Practice.
Finals dates by end-Oct 10
earlier notice of comp. dates to
lge secs and OICs.
Provide greater notice to CCO of
coverage requirements.
Ensure
4
Identify, target, encourage and
support new players, regardless of
standard or gender.
Formal
letter from Pres to
prospective players.
Formalise player capture across
Ph1 Trg entry routes.
Cement
5
Provide cricketing opportunities for
all personnel by utilising The
Adastrians Cricket Club and civilian
cricket club contacts.
Adastrians
Dir
vote to be under
RAFCA umbrella at AGM
The links to Adastrians cricket
have not been fully explored by
RAFCA.
the role of OICs and their
understanding of RAFCA linkages.
Publicise players progressing through
the levels of challenge.
Linkage to Coaching Review required.
Cricket in discussion with Chair
Adastrians to work toward mutual
alignment and benefit.
CDO to explore use of T&S to support
Adastrians.
Eagles Mgr to assist in an integration
road map.
Clarify RAFCA Corporate Strategy to
attract sponsors.
Ser
Objective
Activity
6
Support the Senior,
Development, (Adastrians) and
U-25 XIs by providing and
coordinating an Emerging XI –
The Eagles.
Fixtures
held against Bracebridge Heat
(T20 & 45 overs) and Adastrians.
Prospects highlighted to Dev XI Coach.
Duty status for 2010.
Confirm
7
Encourage inclusivity and build
an identity for cricket in the
RAF
Completion
of Cricket Review and
focus on cricket in RAF under Dir
Cricket area complete.
Non-representative cricket now an arm
of the Association with a strong voice.
Road map from stn to rep level
complete.
Hampered
8
Support League Secretaries
and League activities.
Both
Lge Secs consulted at EECL vs
LACL Final on 9 Sep 10.
Both to be represented at Lords on 21
Sep 10.
Exploit
9
Organise a cricket ‘Festival’.
Agreement
on where this fits between
league and cups requires clarity.
T20 or ‘Binbrook Bomb’ 8s a possibility.
Attraction for units outside leagues.
Concept
10
Hold an AGM for OICs, which
ensures representative
attendance from across the
RAF.
Only
This
one stn attended AGM in Oct 09.
Date has been set for 21 Sep 10.
Use of Lords is aimed to garner
attention and encourage attendance.
RAG
Future Work
kit scale/entitlement.
future Duty status.
Agree games for 2011.
Build links to Rep XI and Lge Secs.
Clarify
by lack of visibility of Comms
Strategy.
Need to complete and build RAFCA links
to Adastrians.
Consider new areas of opportunity
knowledge of OICs and top
performers.
Enhance engagement on driving players
through the ranks and to Adastrians.
Ensure feedback on Dir Cricket activities
clarity and OICs feedback
required.
Potential link to promoting game at unit
level to be explored.
May become necessity depending on
T&S.
will take the form of an OICs
‘workshop’ on 21 Sep 10 at Lords, prior to
the RAFCA AGM. At the time of writing,
positive responses have been received
from 13 OICs and both Lges.
Ensure Adastrians are invited.
Cricket ‘Capture’




Sports Board Proforma – All Ph 1 personnel
 Halton
 Cranwell
 Honington
All Personnel who express ANY sort of interest in Cricket
during Ph 1 trg are sent an individually addressed letter
of introduction from RAFCA President shortly after
entering Ph 2 trg/posting*
81 individuals have been written to since Jan 10
OICs to contact*
RAFCA EAGLES

Aims to fill the ‘void’ left by demise of Cmd and Gp
Fixtures




Challenge through:





Challenge the better performing stn players
Provide Dev Mgr opportunity to talent spot
Provide stepping stone from stn to representative standard
Quality Chosen Opposition
Quality Natural Surface
Concept to Reality in 12 months
Organisation and Funding – Duty Status
Summary of 2010 – Flt Lt Stu Bradford
RAFCA EAGLES

3 Fixtures in 2010





Squad Trg at Waddington - July
T20 vs Bracebridge Heath CC - July
50 Overs vs Bracebridge Heath CC - July
45 Overs vs Adastrians - Sep
Players of Note
RAFCA EAGLES


Aims for 2011
Stn OICs and League Secs Have a Major Role
to Play
STATION CRICKET
STATION CRICKET
“AP 3415 Section 1 Chapter 1 sees the role of sport in the
RAF as follows:
‘The primary aim of sport in the RAF is to encourage the
maximum number of personnel at station level to
participate, but representative competitions are an
important factor in promoting sport in the Service’
STATION CRICKET

A Familiar Story At Station Level?
Team Co-ordinator - OIC
 Match Secretary - OIC
 Coach - Nil/OIC
 Captain - Best or Oldest
Player/OIC
 Players - Whoever is available/OIC

STATION CRICKET

OICs Responsibilities
 AP3342 Lflt 706*
 Does not have to be a Commissioned Rank
STATION CRICKET


An OIC needs assistance:
Form a Committee - Suggest:
 President (SO1 level minimum)
 OIC
 Fixtures Sec & Deputy OIC
 Captain & Treasurer
 Match Manager
 Publicity & Equipment
Deputy
 Coaching Co-ordinator
 Facilities Co-ordinator
 Entertainment Co-ordinator

STATION CRICKET

Club Organisation

Constitution & TORs*
STATION CRICKET








Interest
Innovation
Imagination
Excitement
Commitment
Leadership
Persistence
Unwavering Devotion
STATION CRICKET

Facilities



Know what you are entitled to
 Cricket = Synopsis Sport
On Stn?
Contracted Support – OC Works/SSS



What is in the Contract?
Amendment Required ?
Close and frequent liaison with Gnds
Maintenance by OIC (pre-season) and Match
Mgr (weekly)
STATION CRICKET

Facilities


Close liaison with PEdO is essential
No Facilities?
 Hire of Local Ground
 Stn Budget
STATION CRICKET

Facilities

JSP315 Scale 48 Part 5*
 Page 20 – Synthetic Cricket Tables
 Page 22 – Pitches against establishment
 101-500 – 1 Synthetic Cricket Table
 501 – 1000 – 2 Synthetic Cricket Tables
 Page 21 – Ground Eqpt - Sight Screens
 1 set per table
STATION CRICKET

Facilities

JSP315 Scale 48 Part 5*
Page 23 - Grass Wickets
BZN, HALTON, CRN
Page 24-26 Pavilions





Guidance
Cricketing Focal Point.
Request for Budgetary Funding*/MNW
Request* and/or Grant through the Sports
Lottery.
 PEdO will advise you. All your players need
to be members of the RAF Sports Lottery
STATION CRICKET

What can the PEdO provide?

AP3342 Lflt 701 & 705*





Professional advice about facilities
What the Synopsis Scaling is for your Unit
Assistance and advice about funding
Purchase of Sports Goods
Remember the PEdO is not an expert on all Sports
and will require a close working relationship with
his/her OIC’s
STATION CRICKET



What you can do to help the PEdO?
Drive, purpose and enthusiasm
Assistance to Cricket Related Activities:






CO’s Cup
Inter Sqn Cricket
Inter Mess Cricket
School Holiday Programmes
Winter 6-a-side League
Risk Assessment for Cricket*
STATION CRICKET




What Can the PEdO do in return for OIC
Cricket?
Allocate indoor practice facilities in PRTC Diary
Assist (add weight) in liaison with Gnds
Maintenance, SSS etc
FUNDING !!
STATION CRICKET

Funding

Sport Eqpt & Welfare Grant (Public)* – Jan each year





Rates Based on Unit Establishment
Egs (FY 10/11) – 1000< pers = £2.2k, 2000< pers = £3.5k,
3000< pers = £4.6k, 4000< pers = £5.7k
Supplemented by Mess Contributions (Non Public)
All Non Public – Cycle based on Stn’s Non Public FY
Bids Invited (TORs for OICs ?)** – Include Annual
Report, Justification and Accurate Costings – Signed
off by President?
STATION CRICKET

Funding cont:



Funding is for Clothing, Equipment, Competition Entry
Fees, Referees and Coaching Fees
Not for T&S (accn or teas)
Stn Sports Fund Meeting*



(QR 431, AP3342 Lflt 704)
OICs Must Attend
Allocations Made
STATION CRICKET

What Can the PEdO do in return for OIC
Cricket?
 Underspend
Close liaison and assistance brings results
 Have a fully prepared spec & justification (fully
costed (3 quotes)) ready to go at all times


Unit Closures – Cmd PEd Liaison
STATION CRICKET

Cricket Initiatives:

Weekly Trg/Coaching Night/Lunchtime
Stn Tournaments










CO’s Cup (Kwik Cricket?)
Inter Sqn/Inter Mess - Trophy
Summer & Winter Lges (6-a-side)
Cricket Trips and Play Days
End of Season Dinner
Exploit History - FD
Families Day – Local Village/
Community Challenge
Cricket Sports Quiz Night
Copy what the other Stn Sports do
STATION CRICKET

Cricket Initiatives (cont)

Build-up a relationship with the local Cricket Clubs
 You can give players and income to the local club
 Use of RAF Facilities – Indoor Nets (WMkts)
 We are very useful people in the local community,
do not under sell yourself
STATION CRICKET


OICs Role in Development of the Game:
Act Quickly to Meet New Arrivals & Inform






Get ahead of other OICs
Inform receiving OICs of Outgoing Postings
Identify Players during CO’s Cup/Inter Sqn
Involve All - Umpires & Scorers
Make Practice and Playing Fun
Create a Thriving and Successful Club – They will
want to be a part of it.




Good Facilities
Teas
Bar
Tours
STATION CRICKET

Tours

RAF Sports Bd Website
 Flowchart & DRAFT Admin Order
Advice and Authority (Duty) - RAF SB
Non Public Funding towards Travel costs from the
Sports Lottery
 Member – 3 tickets
 UK/Eur – up to £200
 USA – up to £300
 RoW – up to £500
33% Personal Contribution
UK Tours




STATION CRICKET






OICs Role in Development of the Game (cont):
Advertising and Publicity:
RAF Website, Stn Web, RAF Mail, RAF News,
Active Magazine, SROs, Stn Sports Bulletin, Cricket
Bulletin, Stn Tannoy, Scrolling News, Sports Clubs,
Messes, SPAR Shop and other Stn Meeting Places
(Families Clubs).
http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcricket/
Use our Shop Front Assets



Inter Services Champions 2010
Inter Services T20
RAF Vine Lane
RAF Vine Lane
STATION CRICKET

Advertising Media Assistance:

Posters - not A4 or white paper
Photographs - Stn Photographer
Stn Magazine - Editor always requires articles with
photographs


STATION CRICKET

Coaching

RAFCA Assistance
Visibility of Qualified Coaches and Courses
Level 1 Coaching Cse
Senior and Representative Players



STATION CRICKET

Officials


CUAS Assistance
Visibility of Qualified Officials
and Courses
Early notification

As Important as players

STATION CRICKET

So what do we need?

Only.....................Good quality pitches, Focal Point
(Pavilion), Equipment, Nets & Practice Facilities,
Players, Coaching, Officials, Trg nights, Funding,
Coaching (Group/ Individual), Fixtures, Friendlies,
Cup Matches, Stn Tournaments, Stn Tour, Stn
Cricket Trips/Days out, Play day, Families Day,
Committee, Constitution, Strong Links with PEd Flt
and Contractors, Everyone a member of the RAF
Sports Lottery, Develop promising players
COMMENTS
Late distribution of cup fixtures and they clashed with league
fixtures
Comps Committee to meet in Oct
High profile cup games not having qualified umpires
Improved in 2010? QF +
Can the RAFCA provide letters to assist in the releasing of
players for station teams? AMP letter TO Stn Cdrs (17 Jun 08) RAFCA
Pres Letter to Stn Cdrs*
No-one went to Cosford to scout the Phase Two Students
from the RAFCA. Addressed through Capture letter and OICs network
Coaching Courses not advertised extensively.
To be Addressed
COMMON THEMES
Difficulty in obtaining teas of a decent quality, at an
affordable rate, especially with units that have PAYD.
No easy answer – PAYD is reality. Low level Sponsorship from Stn Contactors?
Lack of guidance for new OICs.
Hopefully addressed today
Are CRB Checks required to coach dependants (Yes?) and
can they play Station Cricket?
Who can represent station teams in RAF Cup and League*
games? AP 3415 Section 2 Ch 2 - Non Service/MoD Civ personnel
(dependents, guests, contractors etc) are eligible to play in friendly (non RAF
League or Cup) matches providing they have personal insurance in place and
sign declaration - Annex A to Ref
COMMON THEMES
Lack of MT (JSP 752*)
Entitled to MT under Stn Cdr’s authority – Check contract? Driver Age - Local
approach to obtaining Minibus Licence?
Lack of Accommodation
JSP 752. No Subsistence for Sport (exc key safety pers). SLAM = limited transit
accn (sports accn at HAL, CRN & COS – BZN PCAU?). PAYD = No duty meals.
Sponsorship ?
Lack of player availability
Use all available tools at your disposal (references – AMP intent) and key
stakeholders (Stn Cdr, Club President)
SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS
 FINANCES. A mixed bag, units expressed concerns their facilities
were worn however units that had requested money seemed to be
content with their allocation.
MT. A big concern especially with SERCO controlled MT sections
regarding driving hours or lack of vehicles.
TEAS. Most units that had to source refreshments from the Messes
were not happy with the quantity or quality they were paying for.
 PLAYER AVAILABILITY. A common theme. However, several units
received a lot of support from local teams, and with station players
heavily involved in local coaching and playing - the local teams also
relied heavily on station players. Inference that cricket in the RAF was
thriving through local clubs rather than unit v unit cricket.
REVIEW – NEXT STEPS
 RAFCA and OICs to Address What and Where we
are able
Updated Stn Information Required
Excel Doc to be Re-Circulated for
input
FUTURE





Improved RAFCA Support
 Close Season Review
2010 Showed Some Improvements
 More Reqd
Personality Dependent on Stns
Game is Reliant on You
Keep On Keeping On
OIC Cricket
Workshop 2010
That is All…………
Any Questions