…brought a swift end to a cantankerous debate that has been very pubic concerning the outcome of the senior league title. From all accounts it seems as if Limavady had a good case against their parent union who appeared to have contravened their own rules, but in the absence of any full explanation, we are left to conjecture and assumption as to what happened behind the scenes. What cannot be denied is that the Limavady Club has acted in the best interests of cricket by dropping their potential legal action, and accepting a share of the league title with Strabane. Whether they acted in the best interests of cricket by bringing in a lawyer in the first place, is a moot point, but in these selfish times when dog eats dog, are they any different than any other club that puts their own interest first? That some forumites should criticize them behind anonymity for this action is shallow and seedy stuff that does nothing for the image of cricket.
The NCU has had more than its fair share of committee room and courtroom cricket over the years, and if there is one lesson to be learned, then it is the fact that lawyers have no place in sport. More learned men than me have already dismissed the law as an ass, so I’ve no need to highlight who loses and who wins when sport goes to court. One thing is certain, it can be a costly experience, and when all’s said and done, lawyers don’t look at the cricket circumstances or apply common sense, they look at the law and how they can win the case for their client. That’s certainly not in the best interests of cricket.
When lawyers are brought into sport everyone loses, and before some of our cricket lawyers’ jump down my throat, this is not a statement that goes against the principle of natural justice. There are many versions of natural justice, ranging from the Holy Bible to complicated legislature, but at the end of the day, it all boils down to common sense and identifying what is right and what is wrong. That can’t be rocket science, but there is a huge legal industry out there that makes millions every year by arguing the points. But why does sport have to be dragged into the frame?
The only money in local club cricket these days is what is paid to professionals, hired guns and bar staff. Prize money is negligible, and if bar revenue is dependent on success on the field, then it is a flawed business model that will eventually collapse. Sadly, there is limited money for good grounds staff, sports scholarships, cricket camps, good covers and sightscreens, better machinery, better drainage, informative websites, and perish the thought, coaching courses. However, many players still have the money to buy the best of personal equipment, and some clubs can still find the funds to go to lawyers when they feel aggrieved.
There is a solution that has been aired before and appears to meet the needs of local cricket, and also satisfy the advocates of the principle of natural justice. All clubs should be asked to sign a charter that requires them to abide by the rules of the union and the competition, and failure to do so should eliminate them from any competition. The charter should also include a clause that negates the right of a club to bring a legal action against the union, and if an issue develops then an Arbitration Panel of prominent sports people should be asked to make a decision. The Sports Council should appoint the panel, and the charter would obligate all clubs to be bound by its decisions. Cricket unions should canvass the Sports Council to get involved, and if necessary, seek the collective support of other sports.
The image of cricket has been tarnished by these public legal actions, so now that the season is over, is this not the best time to look at ways of protecting the image of the game, and not hiding from the issues?
My case rests!
Clarence Hiles
Editor
