The Club Cricket Conference Yearbook 2020

- 47 - • Developing and maintaining an audited register of disciplinary actions and outcomes across all leagues and providing support and administration for the establishment and implementation of an independent panel of fi nal appeal for incidents that have exhausted Leagues’ and County Boards’ own disciplinary processes Almost immediately upon the commencement of the new agreement, Coronavirus unleashed as a global pandemic which, at the time of writing, continues to populate our social order with collateral effects that are adjusting the very fabric of our lives and the communities within which we live. Fundamental consequences have already been felt in cricket: the professional game is in lockdown until at least the end of May; County Boards and ECB have had to furlough staff whilst trying to do all they reasonably can to ensure the wellbeing of the bedrock of the grass roots game; clubs challenged by their cash fl ows at a time when, typically, their fi xed costs are high and their ability to generate income is now utterly depleted by circumstance; no junior programmes in schools or clubs due to lockdown; league committees challenged by the fi nancial imbalances brought about by sustaining preseason costs for balls, equipment etc., whilst managing the reality that clubs may be unable to justify af fi liation and membership fees or the payment of invoices for said balls……. Consequently, the NCC is working closely with the ECB against a revised agenda, doing its best to help identify the breadth of the challenges to recreational cricket and to assist the ECB in putting into place initiatives to support and buttress rank and fi le clubs and leagues up and down the country. The NCC’s role within recreational cricket is to support positively participation in the game and to complement the work of the ECB and its County Boards. Through this ongoing period of uncertainty, the NCC will strive to play its part in maintaining the essential fl ow of information and delivery of projects that will help ensure the survival of grass roots cricket; and that, as a sport, we will be in a position to contribute to our communities once again, as hubs for social and physical wellbeing and the pursuit of sporting activity for all elements of society. Now, more than ever, is a time for all elements of our game to pull together: none of us really knows what the cricketing landscape might look like once we are in position to resume playing again but the tireless work of thousands of volunteers in clubs and leagues will be what ensures we have a structured game to return to. The NCC provides a voice: it is a two way conduit fl owing between the governing body and the clubs and leagues of this land. It is also a willing and supportive partner to the ECB’s other stakeholders and through its founding members, The Club Cricket Conference, The League Cricket Conference and the National Asian Cricket Association, it is committed to playing its part in developing ever stronger relationships across the spectrum of the recreational game and to do, fi rst and foremost, what’s best for cricket. Best wishes to you al.; Stay safe, stay well and we hope to see you out in the middle again very soon. Simon Prodger MD, National Cricket Conference.