...and have put forward some constructive options for consideration. Although we should always look at the message and not the messenger, it is particularly good to see leading players expressing their views and, just as important, players down the teams giving their perspective. Both serve different masters and we should always be cognizant of different strokes for different folks when trying to apply a ‘one size fits all’ fix. The Working Group has done a good job in assessing the issues and bringing them forward and clubs/players now have the opportunity to fine-tune or dismiss them in road shows around the country. Don’t waste the opportunity.
Everyone has opinions and they should all be respected, but there comes a time when you have to vote and go forward without coming back time and time again to the same issues. Change is good for the game, but whatever is agreed needs to be given a reasonable chance to be assessed. Also, clubs need to look at how change happens and stop throwing insults at the NCU and its officials when the agents of change are really the clubs themselves. The NCU committees are instruments that govern the work of the Union as per the constitution and its rules. These are determined at Annual General Meetings by decisions made by the club delegates. In essence the power base of the Union lies with the clubs, who not only vote on the rules, but also elect most of the committee members. For this reason alone, clubs need to send delegates to the AGM that reflect the club’s views and if required, can articulate those views to their peers. My appeal is to the Forumites who so eloquently and expertly expound constructive comments to be part of this process and not restrict your input to the Forum. Too often club delegates are not representative of the players’ views and the scarcity of Premier League players at this decision-making gathering is a serious concern.
While the structure of the leagues, and the number and timing of matches are very important, there are big issues within clubs that need to be addressed. All clubs live from year to year, and while this has served them adequately down the years, times have changed and a much more businesslike approach is necessary. It may seem incongruous for sports clubs to embrace a business approach, but the reality is that without one most clubs will operate like a headless chicken. Business Plans can be as simple or as complicated as you want, but they put objectives and responsibilities onto the table and in most cases they deliver. Clubs need to step outside the box and take a serious look at where they are, where they are going, and what they want in the future. Once this has been established they need to focus on delivery and compiling a plan and implementing it is the road to achieving objectives.
Clubs that operate bars and pay people will already be involved in the complex world of accounts, tax liability and labour law. These issues need to be formally regulated, but the blueprint for a better future involves wider issues and objectives and they need to be aligned within budgets and realistic ambitions. There’s nothing wrong with having lofty aims, but they won’t be achieved without a plan that is specific and realistic.
Social trends have changed in modern times and there is evidence in local cricket of declining numbers, less support, fewer sponsors, senior players leaving the game and clubs even struggling to provide the teas! These are issues that are swept under the table from year to year, but the ambitious and progressive clubs will need to sit down and be more businesslike in managing their affairs on and off the field, or the gradual decline in local cricket will snowball in the future.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
