The summer term is in its final couple of weeks. Many fixture programmes are coming to their end; others are reaching the climax of finals and semi finals, as excitement mounts. For others, the Cricket and Rounders equipment is about to be stored away for another six months or so, to be rediscovered sometime in the future and pressed into service for future seasons.

So, when the term ends, and the equipment is stored, what is left behind? What is the legacy of all those hours of practice, travel and umpiring? What is the return from the substantial investment...

A lot of time is allocated to the Games Programme in most schools. Routinely more than is devoted to Maths or English; sometimes more than both combined. Recent research shows that there is little pressure to reduce this time.

So, there should be time to deliver a range of desirable outcomes. As participation in the Games Programme is usually compulsory, it would be reasonable to assume that some or all of the benefits are universally available to all pupils, regardless of physical ability. Otherwise, only the most able would take part.

So, what is the Games Programme meant...

18 eleven year old boys come out of school for an afternoon of Cricket. The session is two hours long and the weather is good. There is a reasonable grass wicket and plenty of decent equipment. All bodes well.

A nine-a-side game ensues. Fifteen overs each way, two overs per bowler. It still looks like a positive cricket experience. However, let's have a look at how it works out.

The fifteen over innings provides 90 balls. 15 of them are wides or rolling-along-the-ground no balls. These are not replayed, but two runs added instead. This...