But next week's meetings between the Chairmen of the senior clubs and top NCU administrators could achieve a lot more than several AGMs. That's because the people who are at the core of local cricket and have the biggest influence on decision-making will sit around the same table and because it is taking place during the season when many of the issues are current and active.
The initiative has come from NCU Chairman Andy Clement who feels a lot can be achieved though closer communication with the key people in the clubs and in a forum that is small and focused. He also feels the meetings will give both clubs and union the chance to consider changes for the betterment of local cricket well in advance of the decision-making AGM in October. As Andy explains;
"Sitting down with the Chairmen and hopefully the Club Captains in the Premier League and then the other Section One officials separately will give each the opportunity to discuss matters that are specifically relevant to their club at this time. It is an open forum to discuss current developments in the NCU, current competitions and regulations, improving the standard of cricket, youth cricket, the quality of grounds and pitches and the promotion of local cricket. I personally feel it is a great opportunity to look at what's happening in our own union and also to see where we are in the bigger picture and how we can all benefit going forward."
The initiative is very welcome and will certainly be supported by this writer as I have felt our recent AGMs lacked the punch and vitality of previous years, and worse still, many of the decision-makers and key people who are at the hub of club cricket were not present. The AGM serves a useful and obligatory purpose, but it is very functional and too often the process of Annual Reports and elections saps the enthusiasm of delegates and leaves little time or enthusiasm for the topical issues that have been making the news. For that reason alone these meetings are very important and every effort should be made by the clubs to send their Chairmen and 1st XI Captains. In the absence of either being available perhaps another influential person at the club can attend, preferably from the senior team, as it is vital to get the players' perspective. After all, these are the leaders at club level, both on the pitch and in the committee room and their views are worth hearing.
The meeting is timely as there are several key issues that are sure to be addressed and in a forum where clubs can talk to each other face to face. After all, if professionalism is the cancer that some people believe then let the clubs debate its merit, and if overseas 'recruitment' is threatening the development of our local talent then let's discuss it openly. The regulations for competitions might include the Senior Cup Final given the criticism of the way the outcome evolved, and on a personal note I hope the attendees look at sharing the Premier League title, which is a nonsense in modern sport compounded by the fact that only 8 teams participate.
Youth cricket at some clubs is a particular concern to the union and the Union officers will be keen to share the vision of Cricket Ireland going forward and how club cricket has a part to play despite what some critics might say otherwise.
Dealing with the Section One clubs separately is also very important as their aspirations, challenges and issues are different and should never be suppressed. This will be an opportunity to discuss these issues with your peers and hopefully as a result we will get more consensus and agreement going forward.
Finally, if transparency and closer communication is one of the key motives we all hope the NCU issues a quick follow-up Press Release so that everyone is aware of what's happening and what clubs think about these key issues. It might also invigorate the October AGM!
Clarence Hiles
Editor
