The world according to BB
Well im in between jobs at the moment, so I finally have some time to make a contribution to this great and learned forum…….i love all you guys and a miss you dearly
For as much as I have slammed the exec, the comp would not exist without them, plain and simple. I know (as does Magpies96) that organizing a club to play is hard enough, let alone an entire competition. Having said that, allow me to present you with some timely facts and suggestions
1. The comp is 100 years old. We only have 15-20K in the bank, and no place to call “our own”. Sorry guys, but the shed at luthos doesn’t cut the mustard.
Suggestion: we need to do more, via sponsorship, bequests, stealing church offerings, investments to seriously get the kitty up. This is definitely a long term objective that really needs to be driven quite hard. If we don’t have the impression of being successful off field, how can we have convince people that we have a successful comp. We also need to have a steady “headquarters”, with the SACCCA logo and everything…..we need to be visible to visiting footy/lacrosse/soccer/netball players. If there is no presence during the off-season, how can we attract players??
2. Juniors.
Suggestion: well, there has been plenty already. Again, definitely needs a driven individual to liaise with the SACA development people to approach schools with a “package” to entice school sistership relations.
3. Exec subsidizing fees, organizing deals with shirt manufacturers, and kookaburra for balls, etc, promotion of existing teams
Suggestion: Although point 1 suggests the association make more money, the association must allow the teams, in the short term to a) survive, b) continue to entice new players. We all know its slim pickings to run a club. Any relief in association fees will allow money to be fed back into the club. Also, if the association do a deal with, say JS sports (hello sponsor!!) for ALL shirts or ALL people, then surely there would be a significant savings for the teams. Similarly for ALL balls for ALL teams. Apart from the obvious savings, ALL teams will look WELL DRESSED and look like a TEAM, not just a bunch of blokes in white stubbies playing cricket. It’s the IMAGE of the association teams that needs to change. A professional looking team = a professionally run association.
Suggestion: The exec provide signage for cricket teams to be installed on grounds during the entire year. “NEW PLAYERS WANTED” , " FREE BEERS FOR CRICKETERS" or something similar. Make it bright, colourful and attravtive. Thinking a fence sign (aluminum) 2m x 1m or thereabouts. we need to visible during the off season
4. Exec restructure, and 10 year business plan to ensure the comp survives, and team numbers are increased.
To achieve all the above, a restructure is in order. Of course, driven individuals are needed, and this will be the hardest bit. I think it’s a big challenge and can only be achieved by people with the time and passion to commit to this. It will involve networking with the appropriate people to achieve results.
If we are serious, I think a business plan should include measurable indicators that will demonstrate how things are traveling after years 1, 3, 5. If it isn’t right or on track by then, ta ta unless there is a radical change to redirect. It may be well worth our while to engage an external party to do this with the involvement of all the clubs. We cant pretend that we know everything about the “business” of cricket, and fresh eyes will have fresh ideas.
Ok, that’s it from me for another 3 months. Oh, just a few other things…..
1. Pidge and Harry MUST go to Sydney, plain and simple. They are our future.
2. Smasha, I love your association team. We should have a game of the “has beens” V want to be’s. get the Goat in whites again. Yee-haw!!!!
3. Auto, you still suck.
Oh, here we go...
and bowl, and catch , and run,
