1. Purpose
This policy outlines the criteria, nomination process, and recognition framework for awarding Life Membership and Long Service Awards at Rayleigh Cricket Club.
Life Membership is the highest honour the Club can bestow and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding and sustained contribution to the Club over an extended period. It is only provided to members on an exceptional basis and is discretionary.
Long Service Awards are awarded to members who have demonstrated long-term commitment to the Club and allows their achievements to be recognised through the presentation of an award.
2. Life Membership Criteria
A nominee for Life Membership should generally meet the following guidelines:
- Length of Membership: While membership of over 30 years can be considered a benchmark, duration alone shall not be the primary reason for nomination.
- Outstanding Contribution: Life Membership recognises exceptional, sustained, and voluntary service that has significantly benefited the Club over many years. Examples may include:
- Demonstrated leadership that has positively shaped the Club's activities, culture, or success.
- Long-term commitment to developing players, teams, or club initiatives.
- Substantial involvement in the administration, governance, or strategic development of the Club.
- Ongoing voluntary work that has materially improved Club facilities, operations, or community engagement.
These examples are not exhaustive, and meeting one alone will not normally be sufficient. Life Membership is a rare honour, awarded only in exceptional circumstances.
3. Nomination and Approval Process
Any member of the Club may submit a written nomination for Life Membership to the Committee (via info@rayleighcc.com). The nomination should include supporting details demonstrating how the nominee meets the criteria above.
All nominations will be considered by the Committee prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Committee will vote on whether to recommend the nominee for Life Membership.
Any approved nominations will be formally confirmed at the AGM and recorded in the meeting minutes. Life Membership is only conferred once ratified at the AGM.
4. Recognition of Long Service
Members who have demonstrated long-term commitment to the Club but do not meet the full criteria for Life Membership may be recognised through the presentation of Long Service Awards. These may be awarded at the discretion of the Committee and will acknowledge:
- 30 years of membership
- 40 years of membership
- 50 years of membership
Awards for long service will be presented at the annual awards ceremony.
5. Record-Keeping
A record of all Life Members and recipients of Long Service Awards shall be maintained by the Club Secretary and published on the Club's website and/or annual report.
Document History
| Date | Description | Version | Initials |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/08/2025 | Draft policy cascaded to Committee for discussion and amendment | 1.0 | TNP |
| 08/08/2025 | Final draft with tracked changes sent to the Committee for approval and ratification | 1.1 | TNP |
| 14/08/2025 | Policy ratified and cascaded to members | 1.2 | TNP |
