LIMITED-overs cricket was again rejected by the I’Anson Competitions at their ADM last week, but a possible change of format will be discussed over the next year.

Delegates backed the idea of a forum where the management committee would consult players on their ideas for the future of what is probably the world’s oldest continuously running cricket league.

Although there was support for Chiddingfold’s detailed proposal for a win-loss format with bonus points, the 12-20 vote reflected delegates’ preference for a wide consultation period with a firm proposal before the 2016 ADM.

There are several options in the forum document drawn up by Malcolm Caird and Simon Whitley and the idea behind a series of discussion sessions, said Mr Caird, was to “give the players what they tell us they want.”

This could be keeping the status quo, with the option of a draw; a straight switch to 45 overs-a-side; or following the lead of other leagues (Surrey Championship, Southern Premier League, Fuller’s Surrey League) where the season is split, starting and finishing with limited overs and playing ‘time’ games in between.

For next season at least, the I’Anson format will be unchanged, although the knockout cups have been spiced up to conform with the modern game – fielding restrictions and, in the finals, a ‘free hit’ after a foot-fault no-ball.

There was no doubt that Chiddingfold’s articulate spokesman, Michael Gleave, struck a chord with delegates at the Elstead clubhouse when he said “the game could be packaged in a different way to make it more exciting for the next generation.” He added that Chiddingfold were struggling with the age group 15 to 25, “the core of the club,” and the win/loss proposal was very much driven by the players.

But when it came to a vote, most delegates supported the alternative strategy drawn up by Malcolm Caird and Simon Whitley. The IMC had previously consulted clubs on the disciplinary process and the way umpires were appointed and the changes introduced had worked well. A similar approach was suggested with the discussion document and its many ideas on how to answer the simple question ‘Can we make the competitions better? If so, how?’ is likely to provoke lively debate over the coming months.

The proposals passed by delegates effect promotion and relegation and the knockout cups. In Division 6 (Grayshott proposal), three teams will be eligible for promotion if one or two new clubs are entered, with three coming down from Division?5. Two up/two down will remain if no new clubs are entered.

And as the result of an Alton proposal being approved, promotion will not now be restricted to the sides finishing in the top two places (preventing the possible scenario of Grayshott II and Frensham II finishing first and second and blocking promotion to Div 1 for any other side).

Fielding restrictions (four fielders inside a 30-yard centre circle) will apply throughout the Stevens and Pope Cups, with the no-ball ‘free hit’ rule just for the finals. A new ball will be provided for each innings in the finals.

A ‘beamer’ rule (IMC proposal) was approved, bringing the I’Anson into line with other leagues. Any delivery passing on the full above waist-high will be regarded as a ‘beamer’ and will be called a no-ball. John Gray pointed out that umpires should also warn the bowler.

In his final report as chairman, John Stuttaford praised the improving situations with discipline and umpires and the competitions’ financial well-being, but expressed concern over the number of conceded matches (6 per cent overall).

Mr Stuttaford, the former treasurer, stands down after three years (and 35 IMC meetings). The military briskness with which he has run meetings has gone down well with delegates – he chaired one of the shortest ADMs on record in 2013 – but the necessary business was conducted with efficiency. His enthusiasm has taken him on visits to all the I’Anson grounds.

He is succeeded by Grayshott’s Simon Whitley, who, judging from the way he ran the rest of the meeting, means to adopt a similar style.

The demise of Lindford as an I’Anson club was particularly sad and they would be much missed, said secretary Gill Rooney. Cody had also left, but Midhurst and Grafham & Smithbrook had joined and Bramley II were returning.

The webstite continues to develop and I’Anson Facebook and Twitter followers are increasing.

Treasurer Suzanne Munday’s accounts showed a healthy profit, largely due to fines. But the money would be fed back to clubs, she said, in the way that balls were subsidised.

Ian Webster, the hard-pressed fixtures secretary, has realigned the divisions for next season. The top three divisions all comprise 12 teams, with reprievements from relegation for Badshot Lea (Div 2), Bramley and Thursley (both Div 3). Divisions 4 and 5 have 10 teams (Farncombe W, Hindhead II, Tongham II all reprieved) and Division 6 has nine teams, including Bramley and Midhurst 2nd XIs. Eighteen fixtures are arranged for Division 6, with some teams playing each other three times.

There had been only two disciplinary meetings during the season, reported Malcolm Caird, with just one player suspended, although some incidents had been settled by clubs themselves.

Umpires’ secretary Andy Rooke reported on a “very interesting and busy season” when the home umpires initiative had worked well. And with an increase of pool umpires, Division?1 matches had been covered every week, with Division 2 benefiting from the knock-on effect.

Thirty-seven different pool umpires had stood in all competitions, while 27 home umpires had officiated in Division 1 matches.

The I’Anson encourages home umpires to complete the Level 1 training course and join the pool for 2016.

Depending on the strength of the pool next season, the home umpires initiative may continue.

I’Anson president Keith Ellis presented the Player of the Season Awards.

Puttenham’s Sohail Awan was named Division 1 Player of the Season (Jack Warner Cup) for a second time. The other winners were: Div 2 (Ken Williams Cup) – Alex Bertola (Hindhead); Div 3 (Graham Collyer Cup) – Mike Allen (Fernhurst); Div 4 (Chris Yates Cup) – Paul Challinor (Brook); Div 5 (Peter Clapham Cup) – Trevor Carrington (Tongham); Div 6 (Kevin Williams Cup) – Tim Dixon (Midhurst).

John Gray asked clubs to get the message out that the umpires’ Level 1 courses resume at Frensham CC in January. For details, contact John Gray on 01420 473258.