Eligibility Criteria of Players

Age Requirements

  • Age Group Categories: BSSCL will operate under specific age categories (e.g., Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, Under-18) to ensure a level playing field.
  • Age Verification: All participants must provide valid proof of age, such as:(Birth Certificates, School ID Cards, Passports or Government Issued ID Cards)
  • Age Limits: Players must not exceed the maximum age limit for their category as of a cut-off date defined by BSSCL (e.g., December 31 of the calendar year).

School Affiliation

  • Student Status: Players must be actively enrolled in a recognized school to be eligible for participation in BSSCL.
  • Verification: Players must submit a letter or certificate from their school, verifying their enrollment and academic status.
  • Transfer Students: Players who have recently transferred schools must provide documentation from both the previous and current schools to confirm their eligibility.

Residency

  • Local Player Quotas: To encourage local talent development, BSSCL may implement a quota system that mandates a certain percentage of players in each team to be from the local district or state.
  • Residency Proof: Players must provide proof of residency (e.g., utility bills, school records, or local IDs) to qualify for local player slots.

Fair and Transparent Selection Process

Selection Committee

  • Composition: BSSCL will establish a Selection Committee consisting of:
    o Cricket experts.
    o School representatives.
    o Independent observers.
  • Conflict of Interest: Members of the Selection Committee must disclose any relationships or conflicts of interest with players or schools to maintain transparency.

Selection Trials

  • Open Trials: BSSCL will hold open trials to ensure that all eligible players have an equal opportunity to showcase their talent.
  • Trial Notifications: Dates, venues, and selection criteria for trials will be publicly announced on the official BSSCL platform, school notices, and social media.
  • Performance-Based Selection: Players will be selected based on objective performance metrics, such as batting, bowling, and fielding skills. Fitness and attitude during trials will also be considered.

Multiple Selection Stages

  • Preliminary Trials: An initial round of trials will be held to assess a wide pool of talent. Players will be shortlisted based on their performance.
  • Final Selection Camps: A second round of selection camps will involve further assessment, including match simulations, fitness tests, and strategic skills.
  • Announcement of Final Squads: The final squad list for each team will be publicly announced after trials, with a breakdown of the selection process to ensure transparency.

Gender Equality and Inclusivity

  • Gender-Specific Leagues
    • Separate Boys’ and Girls’ Leagues: BSSCL will organize separate competitions for boys and girls to promote inclusivity in school sports.
    • Equal Opportunities: Both boys’ and girls’ leagues will have the same opportunities, including access to resources, coaching, and sponsorships.
  • Mixed-Gender Competitions (Optional)
    • Mixed-Gender Teams: BSSCL may offer optional mixed-gender teams for certain age groups, promoting inclusivity and teamwork across genders.

Ethical Standards in Player Selection

  • Anti-Discrimination Policy
    • No Discrimination: The selection process must not involve any discrimination based on race, caste, religion, gender, economic background, or physical ability. All players must be selected solely based on merit.
    • Complaints Mechanism: A formal mechanism must be in place for players or parents to raise concerns about unfair treatment or discrimination during the selection process.
  • No Nepotism or Favoritism
    • Transparent Processes: BSSCL must ensure that no player is selected due to personal connections, sponsorship influence, or other external factors.
    • Monitoring by Independent Observers: Independent observers will monitor the selection trials to prevent any undue influence or favoritism.
  • Parental Involvement
    • Parent/Guardian Consent: For players under 18, parental or guardian consent must be obtained before participation in trials or matches.
    • Parental Engagement: Parents may be invited to attend open sessions or provide feedback during the trial process but must not interfere with or influence selection decisions.

Player Transfer Policy

  • Inter-School Transfers
    • Transfer Restrictions: Players transferring schools mid-season or during the selection process may be subject to a cooling-off period before being eligible to play for their new school.
    • Transfer Window: A transfer window may be established to regulate when players can move between school teams.
    • Approval from Both Schools: Transfers must be approved by the heads of both the old and new schools and submitted to the BSSCL selection committee for final approval.
  • Loan or Guest Players
    • Loan System: BSSCL may introduce a loan system where players from one school team can temporarily play for another school if they meet eligibility criteria, especially in cases where teams face shortages due to injuries or absences.
    • Guest Players: Guest players from outside the school system may be allowed in special circumstances (e.g., promoting international talent), but this must be approved by the league committee.

Medical Fitness and Player Welfare

  • Medical Fitness Certificate
    • Mandatory Fitness Check: All players must undergo a medical examination and obtain a fitness certificate before being allowed to participate in trials or matches.
    • Injury Clearance: Players recovering from injuries must provide a medical clearance certificate before rejoining their teams.
  • Health and Safety
    • Concussion Protocol: Players showing signs of concussion or injury during trials or matches must be immediately removed from the field and provided medical care. Players can only resume after passing a medical assessment.
    • Hydration and Nutrition: Adequate hydration and nutrition must be provided during trials and match days to ensure players’ physical well-being.

Appeals and Grievance Redressal

  • Appeals Process
    • Appeals Committee: An independent Appeals Committee will be established to hear complaints from players or parents regarding the selection process.
    • Grounds for Appeal: Players or parents can appeal based on:
    o Unfair selection practices.
    o Discrimination or bias.
    o Procedural errors in the selection process.
    • Timeframe for Appeals: Appeals must be submitted within a specific time frame (e.g., 5 days after the announcement of final squads) to be considered.
  • Resolution Mechanism
    • Investigation: The Appeals Committee will investigate complaints and, if necessary, conduct interviews with the Selection Committee, players, and coaches.
    • Final Decision: The decision of the Appeals Committee will be final and binding.