Hawke's Bay Cricket Assn rejects 'cover-up' allegation

Craig Findlay, CEO, Hawke's Bay Cricket Association. Photo File

The Hawke's Bay Cricket Association is defending its handling of a recent racist sledging controversy in the wake of a local cricket punter saying he believed it was time the association "cleaned house".

In February, the teenage sons of Hawke's Bay Cricket chief executive Craig Findlay and Napier Tech's club manager Mike Pawson were banned for the season after complaints of homophobic and racist slurs during a match on January 21.

The bans were reduced after a successful appeal, and the pair returned to play in the Napier Boys' High School 1st XI's Gillette Cup knockout finals matches in Palmerston North this week.

In response to the reduced bans, Hawke's Bay Today received an opinion piece from Peter Hibbard of Havelock North about what he claimed was an "official cover-up" by HBCA leadership.

Hibbard, who has been involved in cricket as a player, parent and administrator for about 30 years, said he was dismayed that media were unable to attend the initial code of conduct hearing or subsequent appeal hearing.

"Regardless of whether or not, as reported, the two offenders are, respectively, the son of the CEO of HBCA and the son of the cricket manager of the Hawke's Bay club involved, is the HBCA so tone-deaf in the year 2021 that they believe it's appropriate to keep this out of the public eye?" Hibbard wrote.

In response, lawyer Philip Ross, acting as legal counsel for HBCA throughout the matter, said it was important to understand that the hearing process was "private".

"It is very unlikely that any sport organisation would allow media to attend such hearings especially in a case which involved minors," Ross said.

"The process carefully balanced the rights of those accused of unacceptable conduct and those who were complaining of the conduct, taking into account the interests of the sport generally to ensure standards are upheld.

"In relation to disciplinary hearings generally, these are conducted before an independent commissioner. Rights of appeal are provided to ensure that the process is fair. If there is a defect in the process, a party can challenge the outcome in the High Court."

Ross said some of the media attention "misunderstands the nature and scope of the powers" that a sports administration body such as the association has, in respect of players.

"The association, in common with other sports bodies, has no statutory powers. The ability to discipline players comes from the relationship between the player and his or her club, and the rules of the various bodies, including the club and the association.

"The association has legal obligations, when exercising those powers, to ensure that any hearings are fair, the rights of all involved are respected and in particular, that the rules of the association are followed."

Hibbard said he believed Craig Findlay's actions in 2014 where as CEO he scored over 300 runs against a Hawke's Bay high school team, despite pleas for him to retire earlier in his innings, was another example of his "conduct being called into question".

"I believe they have proven themselves morally bankrupt and lacking in the leadership qualities needed to model the behaviour for young players which underpins the New Zealand Cricket Code of Conduct.

"I think it's time the membership of HB Cricket cleaned house."

Findlay and HBCA chairman James Rainger were both contacted for direct comment on Hibbard's claims.

Rainger said the board met on Thursday night to "discuss a number of issues" involving the recent controversy, and have more meetings coming up to review HBCA's handling of the incident.