Structure for JCA National Teams
By Robb Mckenna
 
 
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JCA Structure for National Teams Development Program
By Robb McKenna
On behalf of the Japan Cricket Association Development Department I am pleased to announce the official National Team Coaching positions for the year 2004.  Please see below for the teams that each coach will be working with this upcoming cricket season.

The JCA Development Department has been holding interviews since early October for coaching positions available for the below 6 teams.  In line with JCA plans to develop senior cricket in Japan, it has been decided to add Development teams, University teams and U/19 teams to the already currently running National Men’s and Women’s team’s structures and the U/15 team development by Gunma Sports Speak in the Gunma region.  However, as the establishment of U/19 teams is lower on the priority list for resource allocation this year, these teams has been put on hold until 2005.  A review of the development process in 2004 will form the basis of the U/19 team establishment moving forward, with a view to participate in U/19 regional tournaments leading up to the next U/19 World Cup in 2008.

All positions were declared vacant by the JCA as of August 1st, 2003, however current coaches were asked to continue in their positions until they were re-appointed or replaced, such as the case may be. 

The strategy and goals for each team is currently being developed in cooperation with the new coaches, with the following being broad goals for the development program based on the National Coaches Strategy session held on February 29, 2004. 

General Policy for Coaching Cricket in Japan:
Style: Positive, Smart, Flexible Cricket.  Mistakes are acceptable to achieve positive cricket.

Criteria for evaluating coaching performance:
1. Accountability
2. Creativity/ flexibility
3. Organisational Skill
4. Knowledge
5. Communication/listening Skill
6. Equality of time for all players
7. Time Management Skills
8. Resourcefulness
9. Ability to earn Respect
10. Discipline/ professionalism
11. Understanding of Players
12. Cultural Awareness

Coaching Period and Evaluation Method:
1. Player evaluations of coaches once per year through survey method carried out by Development Department Head.  Coaching positions review will be performed in January and February 2005.
2. All positions are requested to be held for Japanese Calender year of 2004 (April 1st 2004 – March 31, 2005).  Coaches who cannot fulfil the entire year time commitment will be handled on a case by case basis.

Broad Goals and Challenges of National Team Coaches:
1. At least 1 tour every 2 years for every team, preferably oversees.
2. Challenge matches against visiting oversees teams at least once every 2nd year.
3. Strengthen overall level of domestic competitions.
4. Better Communication on National Teams Criteria and goals.
5. 20 level 1 coaches in Japan by end of 2004.
6. Establishment of National Tournaments for all levels of cricket in Japan (Men, Women, University, Junior)
7. Japan National Coaches Association establishment in 2004 to facilitate better voice for coaches, strengthen coaching methodology and assist in solving common issues for coaches. 
8. More native (Japanese) and female coaches as a priority of resource allocation moving forward.
9. Develop strategies to keep players in cricket after they graduate from studies to full time working.
10. More facilities – Grounds/ Nets.
11. More domestic challenge matches domestically.

Requirements for National Team Coaches and teams:
1. It will be expected that Men’s and Women’s National Teams will be committed to a total of no less than 10 training days and 3 practice matches throughout one calendar year, however at the discretion of the coach this ratio can be changed depending on priorities.  In addition, any selection games and international tournaments should be kept free by the national team coaches.  In general, a National team coach should expect to be available for a total of 20 weekend days per year to complete full coaching commitments.
2. It will be expected that Development, University and U/19 team coaches will be committed to a total of no less than 5 training days and 2 practice matches throughout one calendar year, however at the discretion of the coach this ration can be changed depending on priorities.  In addition, any selection games and international tournaments should be kept free by the team coaches.  In general a Development, University or U/19 coach should expect to be available for a total of 10 weekend days per year to complete full coaching commitments.
3. All coaches will be expected to attend coaching courses when they are offered by the JCA.  Coaches should expect to attend at least 2 days of coaching development courses per year. 
4. All coaches are expected to develop individual team selection criteria based on team goals to be developed in cooperation the JCA development department.  Criteria should be clarified and decided upon by April 30, 2004 or at a date to be decided upon in negotiation with the Development Department Director.
5. Special Note: Coaches are expected to prioritize coaching over individual playing commitments; however this will be at the discretion of the coaches themselves and can be changed on a case by case basis.

2004 Allocated Days for National Team Trainings
All coaches are expected to use the JCA allocated days for National Team coaching sessions in conjunction with the JCA Master Schedule and above conditions on number of days required for individual teams.  Coaches are free to also organise additional trainings outside of the JCA Master schedule, but only on the condition that these trainings do not affect the running of any JCA affiliated competitions or events.  Please see the dates below for the official trainings allocated by the JCA for 2004.

2004 JCA Allocated Dates for National Team Trainings
1. April 3 (Sat)
2. April 4 (Sun)
3. May 1 (Sat)4. May 2 (Sun)
5. May 3 (Mon)
6. May 15 (Sat)
7. May 16 (Sun)
8. June 26 (Sat)
9. June 27 (Sun)
10. July 24 (Sat)
11. July 25 (Sun)
12. October 23 (Sat)
13. October 24 (Sun) 

 
Japan National Men's Team 
Head Coach: Mark McTamney 
Assistant 1: Robb McKenna 
Assistant 2: Vacant 
Manager: Vacant
Japan National Women's Team 
Head Coach: Hirokazu "Junior" Takahashi 
Assistant 1: Kazuhisa Orita 
Assistant 2: Tomohiro Amino 
Manager: vacant
Japan Men's Development Team 
Head Coach: Jarrad Shearer
Assistant 1: Biju Paul
Assistant 2: Vacant 
Manager: Vacant
Japan Women’s Development Team 
Co-Coach: Nobuyasu Yoshioka
Co-Coach: David Lollback
Assistant 1: Kei Imamura
Manager: Vacant
Japan Men’s University Team 
Head Coach: Vacant 
Assistant 1: Vacant 
Assistant 2: Vacant 
Manager: Vacant
Combined Japan Women’s Development/University Team 
Head Coach: Vacant 
Assistant 1: Vacant 
Assistant 2: Vacant 
Manager: Vacant 
 
Japan Men’s U/19 Team 
Head Coach: Gavin Beath
Assistant 1: Anton McCloy
Assistant 2: Mayank dabral
Manager: Robert-Gilles Martineau
Japan Men's & Women’s U/19 Team 
Will not be established in 2004
Aim to establish in 2005
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Japan U/15 National Team
Head Coach: Richard Laidler
Assistant 1: Vacant
Assistant 2: Vacant
Manager: Vacant