The primary job of the match manager is to get eleven players and the team kit to the relevant match in time for play to start at the agreed time.
The following are suggestions as to how to achieve this:
The traditional method of team selection has been based on having a set of cards – one for each match. Players should “put themselves on the cards” (either in person or by phone), when they are interested in playing in a particular fixture. They could do this for matches several weeks in advance. That does not commit them to playing, but gives the match manager an indication of their interest.
Other methods are now in use for communicating interest/availability. This could be by telephone or by e mail – but see paragraph 8 below.
This choice of methods makes like easier for members, but harder for the match manager, who needs to collate all of this information. By so doing, he should have the definitive list of those who are interested in playing in the relevant fixture.
The role of the Captain (or his appointed deputy) is important. He is likely to know of players who have expressed a general interest in playing for the club (even if they have not indicated availability for any particular fixture). He may be able to supplement the list obtained from elsewhere. In the unlikely event that you have more than eleven players down selection will be required – that should be in consultation with the captain.
He should in any event be consulted about the balance of the side – do we have enough bowlers and/or a wicket keeper? Be aware of the standard of the opposition - always a tricky one to judge. We don't want to have five 50+ players in the field against a decent league side; conversely there is little point in playing your star fast bowler who almost made it to first class cricket against a non-league, village green team.
After assembling the list of available players (and consulted with the Captain as appropriate), the match manager should “tick off” those who are selected to play. Once “ticked off” a player is committed to playing (or to finding a replacement if he subsequently has to withdraw (see paragraph 5 below).
It is vital that you start early. Be in contact with the previous match manager(s) and ask hi/them to ensure that cards are at their game and get people to put their names down. You might even ask him to 'tick' some players off (but see below).
It is sensible to start “ticking off” players say five or six days before the relevant match. A list of 15 potentially available players can dwindle rapidly when they are asked to commit themselves to playing – by starting this exercise on a Monday (for a match the following Sunday), the match manager would give himself time to fill in any gaps. The ideal is to be able to confirm a full team by the Tuesday/Wednesday before a Sunday match.
The danger of “ticking off” players more than a week ahead is that they are more likely to withdraw subsequently. Whilst it is for them to find a replacement, that may be inappropriate eg for a player who has recently joined the club and who knows few likely replacements.
Often, the number of players available will be fewer than required, which is where the job of the match manger becomes most challenging.
It would be sensible first to liaise with the Captain (or his appointed deputy) at that point, to agree upon a course of action. He may well know of a source of additional players (eg where one of the selected players has a group of friends whom he might approach).
It may however be necessary for the match manager to telephone playing members individually, to check on their availability and/or to ask them whether they know of anyone who might wish to play. The venue of the relevant match can be significant here – some players may have contacts eg in Harrogate or York, who would be more willing to play in their own area.
Other ideas:
• Contact club members who play for other clubs. They may know of someone who can’t get a game that weekend and is anxious to play some cricket.
• Speak to members whose sons play for the club. They may have friends who want to play some cricket. Obviously it is easier if the son is actually playing - and don’t forget that you may need to arrange transport.
• Lean on the club officers!
• If all else fails, contact the opposition. If you have 9 they may find you a spare player, or even agree to lend us one so that we play 10 a side.
E mail can be a powerful tool in the match manager’s tasks, but it has its limitations. There is little point in sending repeated messages to say that we are “still one man short” to the same e mail group.
The nature of our club means that players sometimes need cajoling into turning out to play – a telephone call is likely to be much more effective. By making a telephone call - rather than waiting for a reply to an e mail - a match manager will know for sure (unless speaking to Judge Walford) whether or not a player is available. The match manager’s powers of persuasion can often be crucial.
Please do not forget the team kit (and the score book, which should be in the kit but often isn't)! It is usually carried from match to match by someone who is playing in successive matches. The match manager should check that that is so and satisfy himself that the kit will turn up. The previous match manager should have told you who has got it. Arrangements can usually be made between members for the kit to be transferred mid-week where appropriate.
If the Captain and Vice Captain(s) are unavailable you may also need to Captain the side or (if that prospect is too daunting) ask a senior player e.g. a former Captain, to do so.
It is preferable for the match manager to play in the relevant fixture, or at least to be available to deal with last-minute problems. If something crops up which makes you unavailable, try to swap with someone later in the season.
You've done all the hard work, got eleven players and the best side Romany has produced for years - then it rains.
You should have a contact for the opposition - the Fixture Secretary should have given your number to them. Make sure you are available to be contacted or tell them who to speak to if you are out for the morning and you haven't charged your mobile.
You will then have to contact our side to tell them it off. Time may be of the essence so contact first those travelling the furthest. Avoid making eleven calls. Ask the first person you ring to contact a couple of people for you and so on, until you or some other member has contacted the whole team.
And finally think of the poor person who takes over after you. Try to get names down for subsequent games. If you do have to cold call members and they can’t help you out, try to get them to commit for a later match. They will often agree out of a guilty conscience and, you never know, that may be why you had so many names down on your card and it was all such a doddle.