Cricket leagues evolve as volunteers feel the pressure

In this content collaboration with Howden, the ECB’s official insurance partner for the recreational game, we discuss the changing face of grassroots cricket.

There is the evolution of cricket leagues, how they’re structured and the reasons behind that. Tied into this debate are pressures on volunteers at leagues and clubs, allied with the flashpoints that need considering when it comes to insurance.

We’ll also signpost how cricket leagues – and clubs – can get an insurance quote from Howden to ensure comprehensive cover and peace of mind.

Cricket leagues combining

There is a trend towards fewer but bigger leagues to streamline how things are run.

You might recall our coverage of how the York Vale Cricket League and Scarborough Beckett League have amalgamated into Yorkshire Premier League North for 2025.

It speaks to the admin pressures on volunteers, with increased workload and complexity of disciplinary cases, amid heightened fears.

For this article, I talked to Colin Mico, Howden’s Head of Recreational Clubs who is Development Officer with Caterham Cricket Club in Surrey.

Surrey: Central governance

He told me of an intriguing move with an ongoing senior leagues merger for 2025, with all leagues now under the organisation of the Surrey Cricket Foundation.

The Surrey Cricket League, Surrey County League and Surrey Championship have held EGM/SGMs to vote on motions to dissolve their current leagues. 

It sees these leagues being incorporated within the larger county-wide structure to make one competition called the Surrey Cricket Championship. Lower divisions will be organised on a regional basis, with the possibility of say Caterham CC 1st XI playing against 2nd or even 3rd XIs of larger clubs such as Banstead or Reigate Priory).

A governing body taking over the running of league cricket is unusual but the re-organisation of leagues from top to bottom is not without precedent having successfully happened in Sussex and Derbyshire.

This form of club cricket Jenga is down to a drop in numbers of League committee members and the desire for a pathway that is clearer and more equal to all clubs.

The reshuffle is also intended to raise standards of play and increase sustainability with central governance.

Pressure on officials

Administrators of leagues are coming under increased pressure from both governance and disciplinary points of view so the examples above are only likely to happen more frequently.

Colin said: “We have seen more decisions of league officials being challenged by clubs (particularly around discipline) and legal costs have been incurred by a number of leagues.”

He added: “It is important that Leagues have suitable Directors and Officers liability cover to provide committee members with legal defence fund should they be challenged individually on decisions taken. Meanwhile, collective responsibility would be covered by public liability.”

It’s easy to forget that officials who run cricket leagues are usually volunteers, fitting it in around full-time work and other commitments, just as those at clubs are.

Legal repercussions

It seems extraordinary to me that leagues (or clubs) might face legal consequences – but it can happen. Speaking to Premier League officials at a game at Castleford Cricket Club, it became apparent how much time and stress trying to untangle complaints of all types actually takes.

While still a drop in the ocean compared to how much cricket is played, it would be fair to say that leagues and clubs have situations crop up that need delicate handling. That might be a controversy on the pitch or a decision made by a league.

Insurance support for leagues from Howden

Howden’s legal protection for volunteers running cricket leagues (or clubs) is thorough and well thought through, based on those involved in the game and the relative risks and need for certain insurance cover.

It is comprehensive and includes up to £1,000,000 Directors & Officers cover. Also known as management liability insurance, D&O cover is a safety net, if your decisions are called into question and you are held financially liable.

Colin said: “We have seen very similar high-valued claims in other sports (such as golf) for alleged discrimination or failure to follow established disciplinary processes.”

Get in touch with Howden

If you’re a cricket league considering its insurance over the coming year, you can get an online quote from Howden and also have a chat to see how they can help.

As well as league officials, Howden’s expertise in supporting clubs with bespoke cricket insurance is extensive. As the ECB’s cricket insurance partner for the recreational game, all registered clubs receive Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Professional Indemnity, Directors’ and Officers’ Liability and Cyber Liability.

t: 01883 868521
e: [email protected]

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