The Rediff Interview / Tim May

'The contract system provides rewards
for good performance'

Timothy Brian Alexander May launched his career in 1992/92 despite being injury-prone through his eight-seasons. A classical orthodox right-arm spinner, he formed a front-line attack with Shane Warne in Australia's 4-1 Ashes demolition of England in 1993. His tenacity and aggression was acquired from his mentor Ashley Mallet, one of Australia’s greatest spinners.

Currently Chief Executive of the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), May represents current players in negotiating minimum standard terms and conditions together with determining the magnitude of player payments.

Excerpts from an e-mail interview Faisal Shariff had with the 39-year-old Australian players' spokesman.

What was the genesis of the Australian cricket players union?

The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) was formed in 1997 in response to increasing dissatisfaction from players regarding the terms and conditions that were being offered by the ACB and the state associations. Cricketers salaries / match payments compared poorly relative to other major sports in Australia, despite the ACB being the most financially strong of the major sports.

Please summarise the functioning of the players' union and the framework as well.

The ACA is the representative body of both past and present first class cricketers in Australia. A seven-member executive, headed by president Ian Healy, controls the ACA. The executive is this policy arm of the ACA. The executive oversees the operation of the management of the ACA. I manage the day-to-day operations, in my capacity as chief executive.

The ACA represents current players collectively in negotiating minimum standard terms and conditions for the players together with determining the magnitude of player payments. The ACA additionally is responsible for offering and providing players, current and past, career and welfare education programs - in order to prepare players more adequately for their after cricket life.

We additionally offer various benefits and social gatherings for past and present players, with the end objective of creating a close cricketing family.

What are the benefits of the contract system for players? Where did the idea germinate?

The benefit of the contract system for players -- is that it provides them with a level of security and a firm understanding as to the level of obligations that the players have to the cricket board.

It also provides the facility to differentiate payment to players -- provide rewards for good performance and generally act as an incentive tool for the individual player.

Doesn’t having a contract system limit the pool of players, leading to complacency from certain players?

No. Firstly, athletes pride themselves on their performance. If they do not perform they will not be selected.

In Australia our system revolves on contract retainers being reviewed by the ACB every 12 months - so this provides all players with adequate incentive (if needed) to maintain or better performances.

Are there any other models you can think of besides the contract system to benefit the players?

The contract system in Australia is also complemented by a match payment for each match played by players. This ensures that players who participate in matches are more adequately compensated than those who do play. Players additionally receive a retirement payment based upon how many matches they play. These amounts are not payable until retirement.

There was talk of a world players union. How far as the thought progressed?

The international players association, The Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA), was established a couple of years, with the objective of being able to collectively represent players on issues of global consequence. FICA, whilst not being formally recognised by ICC, collectively represents the opinions and thoughts of the accumulation of individual player associations established throughout the world. Presently six player associations have been established amongst the ten Test-playing nations.

Do you think it is the way ahead?

Yes. Increasingly the ICC is gaining more administrative power from the Test-playing nations. Therefore, it is crucial that a world players association is able to represent the players’ views to the world body, ICC.

How do you reckon would the Indian standard of domestic cricket improve?

Indian cricket is very strong within its own shores. However, the performance of the Indian team has not been as strong, when touring. Perhaps this necessitates a need for pitches in India to reflect more global conditions. Alternatively, India may utilize an "A" team concept to give players more experience within other countries by touring there and providing players with greater experience in differing conditions before they reach the ultimate international level.

Is the implementation of the contract system from the grass-roots level preferable?

I will define grass roots as first-class cricket. In this sense it is preferable as we must realise that cricket must be competitive with other sports and offer competitive terms with other sports. Players too want financial security in their lives and a contract system meets this need.

If you were to put your finger on one single factor that has set Australian cricket right on top, what would it be?

A strong domestic competition -- a domestic competition that encourages through competitive employment terms a future and incentive to play cricket. If we do not offer this we will end up with second-class athletes playing the game.

Are you happy with the way the Mike Denness controversy was handled?

I am not in a position to comment regarding this; I did not see the incidents concerned. From a player's perspective we are constantly reminded, however, that we must accept the umpires’ decisions. We would expect administrators to heed the same rule.

How would a world player's union have handled the controversy?

Player associations have no control over the actions of administrators. It would seem, however, that the problem stemmed from inconsistent penalties being handed down over a period of time by a number of different referees. We would recommend that the ICC adopt a system to take the heat out of the penalty argument that adopts standard penalties according to the level of breach that a player has committed.

Also read:
Complete coverage: The Contract system

Interviews

Mail Cricket Editor