By David Nagel
The West Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) is currently in the midst of a busy off season as it looks to rebuild its brand and forge a path forward for clubs and players in the region.
Vice-president Rob Hansen said the WGCA executive was being pro-active after club survey results indicated there was an element of dissatisfaction at club land.
“We surveyed the clubs and the feedback was that the brand of the WGCA has taken a hit in recent times and it would be foolish of us not listen to our clubs,” Hansen said.
“We take the club’s concerns seriously and are currently in the process of reviewing by-laws and policies and potentially making changes that will have a positive impact moving forward.”
The WGCA has also been busy in recent times addressing poor crowd behaviour that took place over the grand final weekend of March 27, 28.
“We used our executive powers to refer an incident to the tribunal that resulted from a complaint,” Hansen said.
“The result was that one spectator has been suspended for three weeks, for bringing the WGCA into disrepute, while another has received a two-week suspended sentence.
“The WGCA is committed to ensuring that crowd behaviour is controlled by participating clubs.”
Hansen refused to comment on reports from a local media organisation that the Devon Meadows Cricket Club had sent an email to the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association (MPCA) about the possibility of joining its ranks next season.
“Yes I have heard that but Devon Meadows has not discussed it with the WGCA at this stage,” he said.
“Like most clubs in the WGCA, Devon Meadows did provide feedback throughout the course of the season and that will stay between both the club and the association.”
The WGCA Board of Management is working through some busy times, with a board meeting scheduled for Tuesday April 13, before the association hosts its junior presentation at Kooweerup on Sunday, April 18.
Due to the impact of Covid-19 there will be no senior presentation conducted this year with association awards to be distributed at club events.
The WGCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place towards the end of May.
