Chairman’s Corner                                                                           February 2009

Who Selects the Selectors ?

Selection problems have come to the fore this season, and need to be addressed.  My own experience as a Selector, especially in regard to our ( successful ! ) Tollemache team, has been quite unsatisfactory.

I have therefore prepared a paper containing various proposals for discussion at the next Council meeting on 25 February.  I am happy to supply copies on request.  Selection is a sensitive issue to those concerned, and it is necessary for the process to be as transparent as possible, with clear guidelines decided by the Council.  

Warwickshire is blessed with many strong and above average players, who feel they should have the opportunity of playing for the County.  Some will inevitably be disappointed.  Because of this, it is essential that the process of selection is perceived to be as fair as possible, with selection from the widest pool of candidates. 

However, selection is not a democratic process, and must be delegated to those who are willing to give their time and, as in any other sport, to face often shrill criticism of their choices. 

The Selectors need to be wholly objective, and exercise their judgment without fear or favour. They must take soundings from others, but not be unduly influenced by any particular individual or group. They need to be diplomatic, often in receipt of opinions which are expressed in confidence. They need to look at a consistent pattern of results over a period, rather than a one-off success.  Where are these perfect individuals ? !

I am often asked who the Selectors are, and I suspect that some questioners are not simply asking for information, but for the purpose of criticising them - whoever they may be. So for the record, they are currently :  John Pyner, John Downing,  Pip Whitehouse, Adrian Knight and myself.  

Who selected us ? We are elected as members of the Selection Committee, by the Council from those willing to serve, at the first Council meeting after the AGM.  Given the importance of this issue, perhaps the Selectors should in future be elected at the AGM  by the whole membership.

If you have any views on this or any aspect of this subject, whether related to Tollemache, or to Inter-County matches, please make them known.  It is hoped some conclusions may be reached at the subsequent Council meeting on 29 April.  You are all welcome.

Colin Lang