Cricket

Cricket competitions have been designed to be inclusive, with easy adaptations that will help meet the needs of every pupil based on the purpose of the competition. For some children, running a specific inclusive competition that enables them to play alongside others with similar disabilities may be more appropriate. This will help build confidence and create a positive learning environment. Further detail is included within the Dynamos Schools resource pack.

Cricket formats cover both primary and secondary settings, and are fully inclusive for SEND pupils. The table below outlines the target age range for inter-school competition formats:

Formats, both skill-based and game play-based, are adaptable for indoor or outdoor space; due to the seasonal nature of the game, match-play formats are targeted towards larger outdoor venues where multiple schools can take part however the festival format can be easily adapted for indoor venues.

Primary Formats

All Stars Skills festivals have been designed to engage new, less-sporty or younger children to allow a Personal Best focus which supports fundamental movement skill development. The format has been developed to maximise engagement with no minimum or maximum numbers suggested. Aimed at children aged 5 - 8, this format can be delivered as open, girls only or SEND specific.

Dynamos Schools: A soft-ball Countdown pairs format which replicated the format played by children at clubs, this format can be easily adapted so that it’s fun for those more experienced with inter-school competition or those new or less sporty children. Aimed at children aged 8 – 11, this format can be delivered as open, girls only or SEND specific.

Secondary Formats

Chance to Compete is the national secondary school competition aimed at giving secondary state school children an opportunity to play competitive cricket. Matches are played in under an hour and all participants play a significant part in the game. The format and rules are adapted so to remove many of the traditional barriers to schools being unable to play competitive cricket, albeit without veering too far from the fundamentals of a game of cricket.

‘Softball’ versions of the game are also included within the School Games formats, which reduces the need for space and kit to play. For secondary school ages, there are hardball versions of Chance to Compete available if suitable.

Equipment needed

• Cricket bats (wooden or plastic)
• Rubber balls
• Plastic stumps
• Batting tees
• Cones / markers to mark out playing space
  
• Countdown Cricket app (download for free from Android or iOS app stores)