Schools and clubs should encourage teachers, parents and volunteer supporters to become involved in coaching. To do this schools and clubs need to recognise and support their efforts and give them every opportunity to attend appropriate coach education courses. This will ensure that they are able to confidently and effectively deliver a high quality cricket programme to children and young people.

New Zealand Cricket acknowledges the critical role coaches play at all levels. To assist coaches progress a coach development pathway has been designed for the beginner through to the experienced coach. It is a comprehensive coach education programme which offers a progression of training opportunities and resources that meet the specific developmental needs of players at each level.

Membership of the New Zealand Cricket Coaches Association with it's 'Newsletters', 'Cuttings for Coaches' and conferences also provides a vehicle for coaches to keep in touch, share ideas, stay informed and keep up to date.

The development pathway for coaches has SIX steps. Coach training for the first three elementary steps is the responsibility of New Zealand Cricket and the MILO summer squad cricket development personnel, while the second three more advanced levels are the domain of New Zealand Cricket and major cricket association coaching staff.

MILO Have-A-Go Cricket coaching course
[2 hours - Non-examinable]

This course is for the beginner coach. A parent, teacher or volunteer involved in conducting a MILO Have-A-Go Cricket programme in a school or club. It deals with organising and running a series of activity sessions including skills drills and games.

MILO Kiwi Cricket coaching course
[2 hours - Non-examinable]

This course is intended for the parent, teacher or volunteer involved in organising and coaching primary school students playing MILO Kiwi Cricket for their school or a club. It concentrates on how to run a game of MILO Kiwi Cricket including requirements, rules, umpiring and scoring, and on reinforcing skill development.

Getting started in coaching a cricket team
[4-6 hours - Non-examinable]

This course is designed for the coach, parent, teacher or volunteer involved with organising and coaching primary, intermediate or secondary students playing junior or youth cricket for their school or a club. It is concerned mainly with how and what to coach a team playing the conventional 11-a-side game.

New Zealand Cricket level one course
[15-18 hours - Examinable]

This course combines practical sessions and personal study and is intended for those coaches of 11-a-side teams who have some knowledge and/or playing experience of cricket. It focuses on the coaching of skills through the principles of biomechanics, team coaching, planning and demonstrating an understanding of the game.

New Zealand Cricket level two course
[25 hours - Examinable]

This course is intended for serious coaches of 11-a-side teams who have an active coaching record and a commitment to coaching. It concentrates on using the principles of biomechanics to identify, analyse and improve technical skills.

New Zealand Cricket level three course
[40-50 hours - Examinable]

This course is by invitation and is intended for elite coaches who have a considerable period of successful coaching experience and a commitment to coaching at the highest level.

Note: Level Two and Three coach qualifications are subject to updating every four years. Updating activities include a practical coaching component, attendance and/or presentation at an appropriate level coaching or refresher course, membership of the New Zealand Cricket Coaches Association and regular attendance at their seminars and conferences.

New Zealand Cricket Coaches Association

All cricket coaches are eligible to join the association. Subscription is $30 per year and entitles members to regular 'Newsletters' and 'Cuttings for Coaches', attendance at conferences, and a free ticket upon application to the High Performance Centre to either an ODI or a select day of a test match. Further details can be obtained from the National Director of Coaching Development.

Coaches Count