The pundits all have their theories on how West Indies cricket can regain past glory, and many of the suggestions have merit. From the Board's perspective a development programme is critical to this process of rebuilding for the long-haul. Therefore in 1996, the WICB appointed a development committee under the chairmanship of vice-president, Julian Hunte.
The committee has been implementing programmes to ensure the sustained development of all sectors of the regional game which has become increasingly complex and demanding.
The work is executed through sub-committees under the headings of cricket, human resource development, grounds and umpiring-areas that are essential to the maintenance of a competitive edge in the future.
One of the major initiatives of the cricket sub-committee was the implementation of a coaching development programme with the expertise of the Director of Coaching, Reg Scarlett. This experienced coach and coordinator has maintained a full schedule of training courses since his appointment just over a year ago.
An important focus has been the development of a substantial cadre of qualified and experienced coaches throughout the region. They will ensure that cricketing skills are honed throughout the region at all levels to eventually feed into our senior team and other regional squads.
The Windward Islands were first targeted with St Lucia being the site for the first coaching exercise. This proved very successful as within a short period we were able to have a number of programmes for teachers. So far 46 coaches including nine women have been trained.
Women are a specific focus in the coaching development programme because of their close involvement with children as teachers and mothers. The WICB is hoping that by training women as coaches we can adapt the ``soccer mom'' concept that has played a major role in the development of soccer in the United States. The majority of teachers in the Caribbean are women so it makes sense to train both male and female teachers as coaches to develop our talent at that level.
The Windward Islands were selected for the pilot project because results of regional competitions over the years suggest that cricket is least developed in these islands. ``Gus'' Logie was given a temporary appointment as a programme officer for the Windwards and as the programme is spread to other parts of the region more officers will be appointed.
The coaches identified through the coaching development programme are being brought together on a regular basis starting with two senior courses and one advanced course for 1998.
Apart from developing coaches, the WICB has held clinics covering specialist remedial needs, wicket-keeping, and leg-spin bowling.
The committee is also focused on the development of youth cricket in all territories to introduce competitions if needed and improve the structure where necessary.
Another key to our cricket development will be the establishment of a regional professional league similar to tournaments held in Australia and England that would be played from January to June. It is perceived that such a tournament will grow and eventually players from other countries will be able to take part in it.
The WICB has also identified mental development as being just as important as the physical and introduced training with this in mind at Under-15, Under-19 and senior team level. The most recent example of this is the personal development seminar for the Under-19 All Stars team held in Trinidad at the conclusion of the Nortel Tournament.
With all of these initiatives, regaining past glory is ... ``A Mission Possible''!
Questions addressed to Across The Board can be sent by mail to,
The West Indies Cricket Board
St. John's Wood, Antigua
e-mail: WICB@candw.ag
Fax: (268) 460-5452
OR
Saunders-Franklyn Associates Inc.
Suite No. 4 Wildey Shopping Plaza, St. Michael, Barbados
e-mail: saunders@caribsurf.com
Fax: (246) 437-5593