So many things
1) Every council demands that for new developments dedicated sports grounds are built. Now, I know some will say they already are but they are inadequate, small and literally one small field for everything. I'd demand that each ground was build with the following. Small five a side size astro, a BIG cricket ground with at least 10 strips. A pavillion inbetween the cricket field and then on the other side, havea football and rugby pitch. Enough parking for 30 cars. The pavillion to have 6 large changing rooms, tea room, bar and a kitchen that can actually be used to cater for upto 100 people.n Oh and astro nets, 4 lane sealed in facility with fence and locks around it. (*You might say this costs a bomb BUT it actually doesn't for developers as things are cost price etc etc), Oh I'd have this fenced off and not 'public land' to be abused by ferel kids etc etc.
2) All these new grounds are taken on by the ECB (obviously under the local board) and the ECB provides the equipment needed (so cutters, rollers, outfield cutter, covers etc) - again, you say it's expensive but how much would the ECB be able to buy all this stuff for in bulk?? I'd imagine very cheaply (sky money etc).
3)These grounds are then issued to local clubs who subscribe to the new structure of only having 2 adult saturday league teams and 1 jnr side in each age group. No more 3xi, 4xi, 5xi, U15a, U15B etc etc. This will ensure that talent is spread around clubs and that no club will dominate purely because all the kids go. This will help players not get abused by selection, jnrs will need to be kept and played too..
4)I'd have each league have a structure that supports the following structure (using say a 15 division model as an example - obvioulsy you can split it down into feeder leagues etc etc)... top 4 divisions play 50 over win/lose/draw cricket with no field restrictions like silly circles etc. Bowlers allowed 10 overs max per bowler. second tier of 6 divs is 45 over win/lose, 9 per bowler, rest 40 over win/lose and 8 overs per bowler. Only top 6 divisons play leg side wides and offside wides, the rest are just 'old skool' rules.
5) Umpires/scorers etc can be used but I wouldn't enforce their use. From my experience board umpires give more LBW's even when wrong, and both take money out of the club. Might as well just have player umpires (no club umpires ever, they are 99% of the time just a 12th man and cheat)
6) We can't force the ECB to not let sky have cricket but they can fund cricket in state schools. Employ a few coaches (not looking for anyone special, just uni type students can do it so no one being paid mega bucks!) to go around schools and actually run fun cricket sessions and organise inter school games (as the boards 'own' local grounds these can be used easily to create links). Host holiday camps that ALL can attend free of charge rather than having silly coaching companies charging the earth for nothong other than a glorified nursery and again, taking money out the game.
7) Make the game cheaper. There is no reason the ECB can't buy in kit from India etc etc and people buy direct from them. Again, massive bulk ordering will ensure low purchase price and because the ECB aren't looing ot turn profits (or wouldn't be in this world), that provides top end kit for affordable prices (retailers will kick up but at least it'd create a competitive market and benefit the consumer). Added to this, no tea can be charged at more than £30, zero paid players outside the ECB Premier division.. that includes 'coaches' or whatever else you want to use to get around the rule. Anyone found or even believed by the local boards to be paying (even cash in hand behind the back door type stuff that we all know goes on), teams will lose pts and be denied promotions gained. Yes you'll get clubs saying 'prove it' but hey.. it might make them think twice before bringing that pro in, paying some local player etc.. these guys will play anyway, no need to pay them.
THis one will really cause issues with people.. outside of the top 4 divisions (you'd hope by this point peple would either be good or if they are sad and just want associating with a level then sod them)... If you bowl more than 5 overs (4 in 40 over cricket), you can't bat top 6. Basically, this ensure that EVERYONE in the team gets a game. People will say it'll affect competitiveness but at the amateur level, I say absolute rubbish.. If that number 6 can't bat, he won't last long anyway!! so your star all rounder coming in at 7 will be in anyway.
9) Run a U19 league on saturdays. 40 over stuff. Similar rules to above.. no player can do both etc etc etc. Now, anyone can choose to play adult cricket of course but for those still wanting to stay away from the aggressive adult stuff (and again, say it isn't if you like but adult cricket is getting more aggressive and sledging is on the increase) which so obviously contributes to putting youngsters off playing. This would also introduce them to longer format cricket as well from all the 2020 crap they'll have been playing (say start this league as 16-19yr olds).
10) ECB should fund old stars, current players to tour schools, clubs etc and basically just add that bit of star dust to clubs. People would love to see Flintoff, KP, Swann, Strauss at their club for a session, or even turn up at a game etc. Obviously don't send round random standard county pro's though, no one cares about them.. it's the stars you want to see...
11) ECB buying power.. The ECB could very easily supply clubs with cheap food stuffs for the season because it can buy in bulk. So basic things like crisps etc etc.. can all be brought through the ECB for cheap price and delivered on set dates to the club through the post (bit like some of hte food companies are doing now or even have an agreement with large supermarkets etc).. agian, this would reduce the price of items for clubs. Obviulsly gas/elec is all done in bulk too as the local boards own these new grounds
I don't believe people dislike formats from the past etc etc. If it was that, then games like hockey, football, rugby which are quick would be booming and they are also in sharp sharp terminal decline. It's simply that there are more things to be doing in modern life and sport is a bit committment that you also now, have to pay the world to play as it's not made easy for people. Too many are taken for mugs with club subs, match fees.. then stand around (kids and adults alike) and watch a select 4 players do the bulk of batting and bowling/. It's no wonder people quit. This type of rule is aimed at divisions 4 and below because participation is more important and you are also relying on the more casual types. The guys playing top 3-4 divisions are usually keen beans so I discount them. Again, if someone is happy to bat 7/8 and not bowl to sya they play a decent level then more fool them, no sympathy.
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Topic: How would you fix club cricket? (Read 11841 times)