Grade cricket overhaul on hold
It’s taken more than a year to compile, yet the South Australian Cricket Association’s grade cricket review document has been consigned to a “working group”.
In the best traditions of a slow-moving bureaucracy the SACA Board of Management decided last night to “consider and discuss” before “moving forward in the best interests” to “enhance relationships”.
South Australia hasn’t won a Sheffield Shield since 1996 and its improvement in recent years has owed more to interstate recruitment than local talent.
It’s one of the reasons why the independent review of grade cricket was commissioned in March 2013.
Former grade cricket runs record holder Rob Zadow with Bill Baker and Geoff Daly took more than a year to complete the review.
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The trio came up with eight recommendations based on 12 months of research and interviews with all SACA grade cricket clubs and other key peopel and organisations, including interstate grade competitions, with the aim to improve the overall standard of not only the competition, but the strength and viability of its clubs.
A SACA statement says the key recommendations cover areas including governance, the number and location of grade clubs, retention of players, grounds and pitches, junior cricket, coaching, umpiring and club matters.
SACA President Andrew Sinclair said: “We have only just received the report and we thank Rob Zadow and his team for their hard work in compiling these recommendations”.
“SACA is always striving for continuous improvement and we welcome independent and constructive feedback.”
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Those looking for a rapid response will be disappointed as the SACA board opted to undertake further lengthy processes.
“As part of our first response, SACA has formed a working group, headed by board member Rod Phillips, and consisting of SACA Management and Grade Cricket representatives,” Daniels said.
“The working group will begin with the process of meeting with the cricket community and setting up opportunities to engage with all clubs.
“SACA will work tirelessly and diligently to ensure the key recommendations in this report are considered and discussed at SACA board and grade cricket club level, to move forward in the best interests of the grade cricket competition. It is important that we enhance our relationship and strengthen the long term health of the game in South Australia.”
All of which means that so far, nothing has happened.
There was swifter action earlier this week when the SACA sacked its high performance coach, Jamie Cox.
“On Tuesday 20 May Cricket Australia contacted SACA to advise that player recruitment activities undertaken on behalf of the Adelaide Strikers during the League’s embargo period were under investigation for possible contravention of the BBL Player Contracting and Remuneration Guidelines, ” SACA chief executive Keith Bradshaw said on the weekend.
“The Cricket Australia inquiry is still ongoing with SACA’s cooperation.
“However, the internal review has thus far revealed that Jamie has failed to comply with SACA’s own policies and expectations and it is for that reason that he has been dismissed.
“Whilst it is regrettable that it has been necessary to take this step, SACA has high expectations of its senior management, as well as a clearly defined Code of Conduct that must be adhered to.”
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