A new structure for domestic cricket in Scotland?

Following a meeting in Perth earlier in the year - and after further discussion at Board and regional league level - Cricket Scotland is now in a position to put forward a paper for the initial consideration of the clubs and regional associations. That paper can be downloaded here.

A discussion forum for the 30 SNCL clubs, the Competitions Committee and the regional associations to discuss the paper has now been scheduled to take place on Monday 13 July at Stirling County CC (New Williamfield), starting at 7pm. With the potential numbers involved, and the space available to accommodate this particular meeting, clubs are asked to send no more than two representatives.

The key factor stressed in the paper is that the concern is over 'whole-club' development and clubs using their resources wisely - and for the benefit of the whole club. Before the meeting it is hoped this paper can be considered and discussed as a 'whole-club' issue – not merely one relating to the position of the club’s 1st XI.

If the general principle of 'whole-club' development is agreed, accepted and supported, then putting in place an appropriate structure should be the next logical step.

In this regard, there is only one option put forward in the paper. That is for regional premier divisions to be set up to complement existing regional structures.  These divisions will be of eight teams with play-offs at the end of the year to decide the champion club.

Chief exeucitve Roddy Smith will be pleased to have feedback on this issue – either formal or informal. Hopefully the principles will be bought into by the majority, with a view to implementing change to support the development of club cricket.