Preamble
The aim of this process is to produce an easy-to-follow guide to booking late notice fixtures via the Club Cricket Conference. The idea is for a number of club officials to experience booking fixtures, and thus to have an awareness of what is involved.

It is anticipated that fixtures would normally be arranged by the Fixtures Secretary. However, it is suggested that the following officials, in the order of preference shown, should fulfil the role of Organiser should the Fixtures Secretary be unable to do so:

Secretary
Team Secretary
Captain
Vice-Captain
Treasurer


Process
1. Team Secretary to advise Organiser no later than 12 Noon on the Tuesday preceding the intended fixture date if a fixture is required and, if so, the standard of opposition to be requested.

The Conference has strict definitions regarding team strength; these are summarised as follows:

Strong - 1st XIs in higher league cricket fielding their top sides.

Strong Medium - A slightly weaker 1st XI, or very strong 2nd XI, of a club playing higher league cricket.

Medium - A side fielding specialists in all positions, i.e. batsmen, bowlers and wicketkeeper. Unlikely to contain more than one colt or veteran.

Weak Medium - Clubs fielding severely-depleted 2nd XIs, or fielding 3rd or 4th XIs with veterans or colts. Also applies to clubs fielding only one side whose players are not regulars, or whose fixtures are occasional rather than regular.

Weak - Probably a one-off side with very occasional players, or a club's 3rd or 4th XI with a 'give everyone a game' policy.

Isambard would normally be expected to fall into one of the latter three categories.  (N.B. There is a tendency for teams to understate their strength when arranging Conference games.  Isambard's fixtures are therefore normally Weak Medium or Weak, depending on the strength of the Isambard XI).


2. Organiser to contact Conference Fixture Bureau - details as follows:

Hours:
9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
9.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Friday
(opens at 9.30 a.m. in April and September)

Contact details:
Telephone: 0870 143 2823
Fax: 0870 143 2824
e-mail: fixtures@club-cricket.co.uk

The organiser should provide the Fixture Bureau with the following information:

* Name of club
* Name or Organiser, and their telephone numbers
* Day and date required
* Home or away fixture
* Which XI of club, and its strength


3. After the Bureau has received details, the Organiser should enquire which fixtures are available. Further details of the clubs concerned can be found in the CCC Yearbook, copies of which are held by the Fixtures Secretary and Secretary.  (N.B. Isambard are nominally listed with the Conference as Middlesex-based, so will probably be offered fixtures in Middlesex in the first instance.  The Organiser should ask for details of fixtures elsewhere, should this provide insufficient options).


4. If there is more than one fixture available, the Organiser should decide which fixture is preferable (ideally with second and third choices).  Factors which may influence this decision include:
 
* Location of players in the Isambard team;
* Proximity of opponent's ground to rail station, and any engineering works affecting that station;
* Strength of Isambard team (if opposition of differing strengths are available).
 
 
5. The Organiser should then liaise with the opposition contacts in order to try and arrange a fixture. If this is not possible, the Organiser will need to contact the Bureau again, to attempt to find alternative opponents.


6. Important: once a fixture is confirmed, the Organiser must contact the Bureau again and confirm that Isambard are no longer seeking opponents. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action against the club.


7. It shall be the responsibility of the Organiser, in conjunction with the Team Secretary, to advise players of match location and directions.