Veterans League
Any rule which stops bowlers bowling has to be a stupid rule in an era when our sport is struggling to survive as bowlers and teams drop out of our leagues in record numbers. The future of the Veterans League 50% rule which restricts bowler appearances will be determined by clubs at a Special General Meeting this month. Let's open the discussion on the value of the current rule.
The Veterans League has a rule to stop bowlers bowling half-way through a season. Where is the sense in that? So its okay for these bowlers to bowl from the beginning of April to the end of June but not after that point? Why? What sensible purpose does it serve?.
The Veterans League has always tried to protect its 6-Man League with a series of measures to restrict top bowlers from playing in a League designed to provide a game for bowlers not good enough to get a regular start in their club's 10-man team. That may have had some credibility in the days of plenty of bowlers and not enough teams. The days are now gone where a League can pick and choose which bowlers they want to bowl in their League. If a League is interested in surviving then they have to be more welcoming of bowlers of all abilities.
Team selection is a matter for clubs, not leagues! If a club feels strongly about protecting places for its less able bowlers then they can do that without any interference from the leagues. That team will then find its own level of competence over time. Leagues shouldn't be forcing team selections, that is a matter for clubs alone. By reducing the pool of bowlers available to clubs the League is hastening its own demise as more and more teams struggle to field full teams and teams withdraw from local leagues in record numbers.
Clubs and bowlers will have their own vested interests to influence their thinking on this topic but anyone with the future of the Veterans League at heart should put those personal preferences to one side and think about the impact on the Veterans League as a whole. Time to look at the bigger picture now and not just at how it might affect you or your team. To retain a rule designed to stop bowlers bowling can only lead to one final conclusion, a conclusion that will inevitably lead to fewer bowlers being available to bowl in the League and that in turn is to no one's long term benefit.
Have your say, share your views on this topic.
You can add your own comments at the foot of this posting. You don't need to be a member for this one and it can be anonymous if you prefer. You comments will be available to all as long as you stay on topic and don't get personal. Scroll to the foot of this posting and 'Write a comment'.