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C H A I R M A N : B O B WA R R E N
GETTING SUSSEX
BACK ON TOP
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This is my last report to members as chairman. When I took over from Jim May five years ago I never anticipated having to deal with the issues which have confronted Sussex over the last two years.
fter getting through 2020 I was looking forward to 2021 with optimism but although we were able to run a full programme, we were without spectators during the early part of the season and even when spectators were allowed, the numbers were limited. Once again, our members were amazing and donated their annual subscription to the club. Most our sponsors either refused repayment or, in some cases, extended their contracts. These gestures were much appreciated. Covid meant we were faced with potentially substantial financial issues. As a board our responsibility was to ensure that Sussex was able to manage those issues and, as the pandemic receded, Sussex would be financially sound and able to move forward. Members will have seen from the treasurer’s report that we achieved a position which will allow us to invest in players and facilities. I firmly believe that, unlike some other counties, the steps we have taken over the last two years will ensure that Sussex Cricket continues to exist for many years to come. Along with Covid, cricket has had to deal with the fallout from the Yorkshire revelations. Those hastened the time allowed for each FirstClass County (FCC) to reach the Sport England recommendations on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI). For some, reaching these standards is proving difficult to achieve in the proposed timescales, but I am confident that we will reach the required standard by the time allowed. ECB The ECB had a mixed year. By staging Test matches they protected a huge amount of money which trickles down to the counties, women’s and girls, disabled and recreational cricket. However, it has become apparent that the FCCs need much more say in how the professional game is run and administered. Although unlikely, the 18 FCCs can be outvoted by the National Counties and others. This can’t be allowed to continue. There is a very strong argument which suggests that the regulatory running of the game should be separated from the operation of the game. This is an ongoing debate. We will keep members up to
