By Sam Sooppersaud
The New York Region Under-19 squad is due to fly out to California immediately after Christmas Day to compete against the other regions for the Junior National Championship. This tournament was originally scheduled for November 12 -15, but due to various unavoidable circumstances, it had to be postponed. However, the word coming from California is that heavy rains are pouring down and numerous grounds earmarked as venues for this tournament are waterlogged. The officials at USACA are monitoring the situation.
Young cricketer playing in PSAL cricket.
The NYR boys have been working out since October under Coach Ricky Kissoon. They have played several practice games. They attended several weekend camps and practice sessions. According to the coach and players, they are prepared, and ready to bring home the USACA Junior title to New York. All New York cricket fans wish them well.
However, there have been numerous questions from cricket fans and administrators as to whether the best team was selected. Some have said that too much politics were involved in the selection. Some claimed favoritism. They have questioned the selection process. “Who are the selectors?” They asked. For that matter, they want to know whether the NYR even have a selection committee.
I have spoken to a few officials of the NYR. According to my sources, there is a selection panel, and the squad was selected by members of this panel. It is a fact that a few of the better players were left out. This is because of guidelines that USACA handed down. There are certain criteria that must be adhered to when selecting a team to take part in a USACA tournament.
USACA National Tournaments and Regional Inter-League Tournaments
Effective April 1, 2010
1. All Nominated Players
a. All players nominated to the final squad of any USACA National Tournament or Regional Inter-League Tournament will be required to provide written documentation to show that he or she is legally eligible to reside and/or work in the USA at the time of the nomination.
2. Men Tournaments – U19 and above
a. In addition to 1.a above, the following will also apply
b. Any player who is US Citizen by birth or Naturalization or who has resided for a minimum of 183 days in the USA in each of the 7 immediately preceding years shall be categorized as a “National” for the purpose of these Rules.
c. Any player who has resided for a minimum of 183 days in the USA in each of the 4 immediately preceding years shall be categorized as a “Deemed National” for the purpose of these Rules.
d. Any player who has NOT resided in the USA for a minimum of 183 days in each of the 4 immediately preceding years shall be categorized as a “Provisional” for the purpose of these Rules.
3. Women Tournaments
a. In addition to 1.a above, the following will also apply
b. Any player who is US Citizen by birth or Naturalization shall be categorized as a “National” for the purpose of these Rules.
c. Any player who has resided for a minimum of 183 days in the USA in each of the 2 immediately preceding years shall be categorized as a “Deemed National” for the purpose of these Rules
d. Any player who has NOT resided in the USA for a minimum of 183 days in each of the 2 immediately preceding years shall be categorized as a “Provisional” for the purpose of these Rules.
4. Final Playing XI
a. For the purpose of these Rules, the Final Playing XI must be comprised of a minimum of 7 “National” players. The remaining players may be any combination of “Deemed Nationals” and/or “Provisional National” players, up to a maximum of 2 “Provisionals”.
According to the officials of the NYR, their hands were tied because of the above-mentioned restraints.
Good luck, boys, bring the trophy home to New York!