See download link for information on Cricket Scotland's TopClub club accreditation scheme.

Below is a short introduction to the programme by its creator Andy Tennant of Cricket Scotland.

On behalf of the Cricket Scotland development team, I am pleased to introduce
TOPClub, our very own development and accreditation scheme for cricket club junior
sections.

A strong and healthy network of clubs is essential if cricket is to grow and flourish in
Scotland, and we are committed to that process. The first step on that journey is to
create a vibrant junior game which will ultimately support senior club cricket in the future.
We believe the TOPClub programme will help modernise the club network in Scotland
and create a dynamic junior game.

Scotland's sports clubs face more challenges in the 21st century, with advances in
technology and changing social trends leading to less active children. Changes to
working patterns have affected numbers of volunteers and the time they have available,
and legislative change has placed the onus on clubs to adopt child protection and equity policies.

You will not be surprised to hear that these issues are not going to disappear. TOPClub
will help clubs meet these challenges head-on and, through their local Development
Manager and the national development team, clubs will be given the support required
to be successful in today's challenging environment.

TOPClub will provide accreditation on key elements of club operations, making clubs
more attractive to parents, children, local authorities and funding agencies. It will also
help clubs to develop their core cricketing activities, which is where the most tangible
benefits will be seen. TOPClub has been designed to help all clubs fulfill their potential,
irrespective of size and I would commend it to all clubs as an essential part of their
development.

Andy Tennant

TOPClub is for all clubs that are committed to junior development. It has been
specifically designed to meet the needs of all Scotland's cricket clubs, big and small, and
is relevant to clubs irrespective of whether they have a long-established junior section or
if they are just starting out. We have taken examples of good practice from both
'Clubmark' -type accreditation schemes and development programmes from many other
sports. And we have added cricket and Scottish-specific elements to the mix and
combined them to create TOPClub The programme has been created on the principle
that 'good practice' and 'good performance' are not mutually exclusive, but part of the
same integrated path to a prosperous club.

Objectives and key areas

1. To provide a nationally-recognised form of accreditation.

2. To assist clubs in developing structures, programmes and people, which will allow
them to fulfil their potential and aspire towards excellence in offering sporting opportunities
to young people in their community.

3. To assist clubs in implementing policies and procedures which ensure they are
recognised as a well-run organisation offering a safe, effective and child-friendly
environment to their members.

TopClub operates on 5 different levels of accreditation; Active Award, Approved Award, Bronze Award, Silver Award and Gold Award. Clubs can progress through the stages at their own pace depending on the speed of their junior section growth.