Cricket is finally here and what an exciting couple of weeks we have upon us, but the big question is, have we done enough during pre-season to boost and develop our cricket?

This weekend the Belco Cup kicks us off in what should be a highly competitive two days, and hot on its heels is the Americas Cup, to be hosted here in Bermuda.

A few weeks ago, I spoke of what needs to be done to improve the standard of cricket in Bermuda, and here are some bullet guidelines and principles which will hopefully raise our level of cricket and make it more attractive on a professional level.

Players

n Always set individual goals at training sessions.

n Train with a purpose; don't waste your time or others.

n Be on time for games and training sessions.

n Always prepare yourself the night before the game. i.e. Transportation, equipment, breakfast.

n Do extras (bowling, batting, fielding) at training and outside of training.

n Speak with your coach for advice on how to improve your game.

n Look to be a better player by being disciplined, on and off the field.

Coaches

n Always plan your training session ahead of time.

n Make sure players are clear on your expectations.

n Never compromise your expectations for the team for any player.

n Make sure all parties, the groundsmen, the manager and the captain agree with your philosophy for training sessions and games.

n Always give feedback on player performance.

n Enforce discipline on and off the field.

Manager

n Be organised.

n Be certain that you understand the coach's desires for the team and support his viewpoints.

n Ensure that the refreshments are arranged and available i.e. water, tea, and after game meal.

n Ensure a code of conduct is in place for the players to follow.

n Ensure transportation to and from games is arranged early.

n Ensure players' uniforms are cleaned and in order.

n Ensure that visiting teams and managers are comfortable for home games.

n Ensure that the scorer has all necessary tools for concise scoring of the match.

Groundsmen

n Prepare quality wickets.

n Consistency in the time and effort put in for training wickets and game wickets.

n Be available before and during games for scheduled turnovers from the umpire.

n Let management know of all of the supplies that you need to prepare a quality wicket.

n Study your trade. Make note of what works well and seek advice or suggestions on improving the quality. As the players get better, you can as well. Who will become the groundsman of the year?

Umpires

n It is important to be on time.

n Ensure clubs know in advance your requirements and expectations.

n Please understand and know the Duckworth Lewis system and, as required, be prepared to explain it.

n Please continue to be firm with the players, but more importantly, continue to have a rapport with the players.

n Arrange meetings with the clubs to give talks throughout the season to help players understand the rules and regulations.

n Be consistent and unbiased when it comes to disciplinary matters.

Board

n Representatives should be seen regularly at games.

n Deal with all disciplinary issues right away.

n Deal with game disputes and point deductions immediately.

n Any field changes should be communicated with the clubs involved ahead of time.

n Transparency and communication with the Board's vision is vital.

Clubs

n Make sure that your facilities are clean.

n Offer a quality training facility.

n Ensure tea breaks are nutritious and sufficient.

n Make sure your players attire is professional.

n Produce a code of conduct for your players.

n Do not condone inappropriate behaviour

If each group can look to follow a few of these guidelines then it will improve our cricket for the 2010 season. Being able to focus our attention on the above will aid in improving our overall standards.

Having said all that I will be watching the Belco Cup primarily to see what standard the national players set.

Personally, I like St David's this time around as I think they have a well balanced team. The new additions of Gregg Foggo and Tamauri Tucker will make them practically unbeatable.

Rangers on the other hand have owned the Belco Cup in previous years, but will struggle to retain the trophy without the services of Malachi Jones.

PHC will offer a stiff test for St David's as on their day they are capable of beating any team.

Lastly, with Bailey's Bay, much depends on Stephen Outerbridge and Irving Romaine as these two have established themselves as two of the best bats in Bermuda, but the big question is who will fill the bowling void left by Rodney Trott?

As these players will also be representing Bermuda in two weeks' time all eyes should, and will, be on them.

Word has it though that some players have declined to play for our country, while others may have issues with their jobs. In the case of players choosing not to play what can I say?

However, when it comes to players' places of employment declining to support the national programme . . . it is just a travesty, especially with the tournament being held in Bermuda.

With the Government supporting Bermuda cricket the way they do, it should be mandatory that all cricketers who represent Bermuda are afforded the time off when necessary.

I know I have touched on various things, but it is necessary to address these issues prior to the season starting.

I trust that we can all come together for the betterment of cricket in Bermuda and do our part to the best of our ability.

If Bermuda is going to get back to the World Cup it is going to take a massive effort from all of us.

Yes, we have an excellent coach in David Moore, but if he doesn't have the resources and the players to work with, then we will continue to be stagnant.

Bermuda, remember the old saying, "Together Everyone Achieves More".

I beg of you as a group and as individuals, please do your part to make Bermuda cricket the best that it can be.