Association of Cricket Officials Issue 27 | Page 8

Revised ECB ACO Structure Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why is the Board Recommending these Changes? ECB is undertaking a fundamental reorganisation aimed at increasing participation in cricket at all levels. Umpires and scorers are crucial to this initiative. The new structure will enable ACO to engage more effectively with ECB’s work at both national and regional levels. It will enable us to align with the way the game is managed and to play a full part in its future. At more local levels, little will change in our day-to-day activities. We will continue to serve members in fields such as training, supported development and appointments. 2. Why is There No Longer a Board? The new Management Committee will continue to perform the same core functions. The new name will represent its role more accurately. ECB has always allowed ACO to plan and dictate its own policies, subject to being broadly aligned with ECB’s overall strategy. ECB has always provided funds to allow ACO to work in this way. The Management Committee is a vital link in the decision-making process to enable members to have a greater voice in officiating matters. 8 3. What Will Be the Links With the New Regions? The Regional Representatives of ACO will report directly to, and work with, the new Heads of the ECB regional hubs. Through the Regional Representatives, members will have the opportunity to have a more powerful voice in the development of cricket in their region. 5. No. They will continue to be volunteers, of whom we are extremely proud. We have always worked with a large pool of volunteers, supported by a small base of full-time staff. This works well and is the envy of many other sports who regard it as ‘best in class’. 6. 4. Why Will Regional Representatives No Longer Be Elected? The role of a Regional Representative is wider than that of a County Officer. The same is true of Regional Officers for education, performance, appointments and scorers. This difference will increase with closer involvement with the Heads of ECB’s regional hubs. It is essential that we find people with the right skill sets for these roles. The roles are open to all members of ACO and representatives will be selected by a combination of national and local ACO representatives and the ECB regional team. email us at [email protected] contact us on 0121 446 2710 Will the Regional Representatives be Employees of ECB? Will Regional Representatives and Officers be Paid? No, but they will receive reasonable expenses. The basic principles are already agreed, but the exact nature of any contract between individuals and ECB is yet to be determined. 7. How Long Will the Transition to the New Structure Take? With members’ agreement, it will start immediately. Realistically, it will take some time to get all the appointments in place. It is important that this transition does not get in the way of the coming cricket season. With this in mind, many officers will continue in their current roles and activities until the transition is complete. This summer is likely to be a period of transition, not only for ACO but for the recreational game as a whole. That will give us an opportunity to prepare thoroughly for the 2018 season and the advent of a new Code of Laws.