What Is The Future Of The Sussex Cricket County Championship Vote?

There's a bit of a stir down at Sussex Cricket, and it's all about who gets the final say on the future of the game. Imagine being part of a club you love, but big decisions about its most historic competition could be made without you having a proper chance to speak up.

That's the feeling for some Sussex members right now. They're pushing for a crucial vote at an upcoming meeting, hoping to secure their voice in the long-term direction of the County Championship. It's a classic story of members wanting to keep control in their own hands, ensuring the club's heart beats to the rhythm they choose.

What's all the fuss about?

So, here's the gist. The club's leadership, known as the board, has called a special general meeting, or SGM for short, on September 15th. An SGM is basically a big meeting called outside of the usual schedule to discuss something important. The original reason for this SGM was to vote on whether the current chair, Jon Filby, should have his term extended. But now, a group of dedicated members has thrown a curveball. They've proposed an amendment to the agenda. An amendment is just a fancy word for a change. They want to add another, very important item to the meeting's to-do list.

This isn't just a minor tweak; it's about the very future of red-ball cricket at Sussex. These members believe they should have the ultimate say on any changes to the County Championship format. They're worried that without a formal rule in place, decisions could be made by the board, or even influenced by the national governing body, the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), without full agreement from the people who are the lifeblood of the club: the members themselves. This meeting is their chance to get that rule written down.

A rule change with real teeth

The proposed amendment is pretty straightforward but has serious consequences. If the members get their way and the vote passes, it would become a new club rule. This rule would mean the **Sussex** board couldn't agree to reduce the number of County Championship matches played each year unless the members vote on it first. Simple as that. It puts the power, or control, firmly back into the hands of the membership. But here's where it gets really interesting.

The proposed rule change has a sting in its tail. If the chair were to go against this rule and agree to fewer matches without a members' vote, they would automatically be disqualified as a director of the club. That's a pretty drastic step. It shows just how serious these members are. They aren't just asking for a say; they want to make sure their voice is legally binding. This isn't about making a small point; it's about building a safeguard to protect what they see as the core of English cricket. The amendment is designed to ensure any future decision on the County Championship is a democratic one, requiring full agreement from the grassroots supporters.

Not a revolution just a conversation

Despite the strong wording of the amendment, the members behind it are keen to point out they aren't looking for a fight. They are not trying to start a revolution or cause trouble for the club's leadership. In their own words, they've made their position clear. The members proposing the motion said: "This proposed rule change may seem drastic but we do not seek any sort of revolution.

We support the Sussex Cricket board but would like to keep control of Sussex's say over the County Championship in the hands of its members, rather than with the ECB. We hope Sussex will allow members a debate and a vote on the amendment." This statement shows their respect for the board but also their firm belief in member democracy. They simply want a proper debate and a chance to vote on the issue. For them, it's about making sure the club's destiny, especially concerning the historic County Championship, is decided by its own family, not by external pressures from organisations like the ECB. They want to ensure the future direction of cricket at Sussex is a collaborative effort, where everyone has a chance to be heard.

What happens next?

Everything comes to a head on September 15th, 2025. The special general meeting (SGM) is scheduled to happen at the ground in Hove. It will take place after the first day's play in the County Championship match between Sussex and Yorkshire. What a setting for a debate about the future of the competition! The members will gather, and the proposed amendment will be put forward. It will need enough support to be added to the agenda, and then it will be open for a full debate.

This meeting is a pivotal moment. It will determine whether the members secure a permanent say on the structure of their beloved cricket competition. Will they get the chance for a vote? And if they do, will the rule change be approved? The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for how the club is run for years to come, ensuring the members' hands are firmly on the controls when it comes to the future of four-day cricket at Sussex. It's more than just a meeting; it's a vote on tradition, control, and the very soul of the club.