Tim May Announces Resignation

**Media Statement from Australian Cricket**

Tim May, today announced his resignation from the position of Chief Executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA).

May will, however, continue to act as the Chief Executive of the International Players’ Association, FICA.

After eight years of service, May is leaving the ACA to relocate to the United States with his family.

May was the inaugural Chief Executive of the organisation and will remain in this position until the end of June 2005 or the conclusion of the current Memorandum of Understanding negotiations, whichever is the later date.

Since the ACA’s establishment in 1997, and for the duration of May’s leadership, the ACA has become a significant stakeholder in both Australian and World Cricket.

Highlights of May’s tenure include:

– formation and incorporation of the Association;

– negotiation of the first ever Collective Agreement with the then ACB (Memorandum of understanding) in 1998;

– renegotiation of the second MOU in 2001;

– achieving 100% membership of all current players;

– establishment of ACA past player membership:

– introduction of standard playing contracts for state and rookie players;

– an increase in player payments from $9.5 million in 96/97 to $28 million in 2004/05; and

– the conception and implementation of commemorative events including the Allan Border Medal, Century of Australian Cricket and Test Players Number Presentation.

On announcing of his resignation in Melbourne earlier today, May said that he did so with mixed emotions.

“My departure from the ACA causes a differing range of emotions.

“Pride, at building a powerful representative body and a solid foundation for the next CEO to work with – sadness, at departing the Australian cricket scene, but also excitement with the challenges that lie ahead with moving to a new country and the challenge of growing FICA as a representative body and brand,” May said.

“Throughout my eight years at the ACA, I have received outstanding support from the ACA Executive, fellow ACA staff and our members, both past and present.

“I have been in the fortunate position of representing a collection of men, whose performances both as cricketers and role models have continued to grow and set benchmarks for others to emulate both within and outside of the cricketing world.

Commenting on Tim May’s imminent departure, ACA President Ian Healy believes that Tim May is “irreplaceable.”

“As a former top class player and with a financial background Tim’s skill set was perfect for the role.

“The Australian Cricketers’ Association will need to avoid comparisons with the man who has become one of the most sought after administrators in cricket.

“Cricketers from 1996 onwards owe so much to the creativity, commitment and dedication of Tim May.

“His impact has changed the game forever, for the better,” Healy said.

Australian Captain Ricky Ponting also paid tribute to Tim May.

“Tim’s contribution to Australian cricket has been first class,” Ponting said.

“He has always placed the welfare of Australia’s cricketers – both at state and international level – at the top of his priority list.

“For that we say a huge thank-you.

“People involved in the game, whether they’re players or administrators, always talk about leaving the game in better shape than when they found it. Tim has most certainly done that.”

“Whoever replaces him will have big shoes to fill,” Ponting said.

A national search for Tim May’s replacement will begin in coming weeks when the positioned is advertised. An appointment is expected to be announced during the month of May.