Webster A RECOMMENDATION FOR the West Indies Cricket Board to terminate all programmes with the Shell Cricket Academy in St George's, Grenada, has been advanced by two Australian coaches who spent three weeks at the institution, according to a report in yesterday's Trinidad Guardian newspaper.
The pair, Tim Coyle and 'Toot' Byron, were assigned to the Academy from June 15-July 6 by the WICB.
Their report to the Board condemned the director of the Academy, Dr Rudi Webster, the Guardian report stated.
"Despite the fact Dr. Webster didn't see any of our coaching after day two, and never attended one session for the remainder of our stay, he continually interfered and imposed his will on the players," the Australians are quoted as saying in their report.
The pair said Dr. Webster continually changed the batting techniques of the players and interfered with the actions of two bowlers to the extent they could have injured themselves.
The report stated the course was mired in controversy and unwelcome events. A murder of one of the helpers and a charge of rape against one of the students are but two of the disasters that occurred.
Coyle and Byron, eminent Queensland coaches, who transformed the Australian state into champions in their own country, were less than impressed with the physical plant, the staff and the management of the exercise.
In their assessment, the coaches outlined what they thought should be the requirements of a West Indies Cricket Academy.
"It must be an integral cog in the region's long term talent identification and player development programme and be staffed by appropriate personnel from the region's coaching and welfare talent.
"It must have the best available all weather training/playing/fitness and testing facilities.
"The players' welfare and pastoral care is absolutely vital at this age and stage in their careers and must be monitored full-time by qualified, experienced personnel."
They said the Academy fulfilled few of the requirements.
The cricket board responded yesterday by reassuring the public that "it is currently conducting a thorough review and analysis of this year's Shell Cricket Academy programme and facilities", a release stated.
"Once this process is complete the WICB will pursue the best way forward in the interest of West Indies cricket and make the appropriate public comment," it continued.
"The Shell Cricket Academy is a critical investment in the sustainable development of West Indies cricket made possible through the partnership between the St. George's University, the WICB and sponsors, Shell.
"All three parties have expressed their commitment to on-going review of the programme and working towards ensuring that the stated objectives are being achieved and the heritage of our cricket safe-guarded.
"The review process began with analysis of the Academy's performance in its inaugural year and has revealed many positive results in spite of the challenges faced in setting up the programme. For example, there has been good feedback from the graduates and local coaches both last year and this year, and evidence of improved performances on the field of play among many of the graduates at local, regional and even international levels."
Efforts by The Gleaner last night to contact the WICB for further comments were unsuccessful.
