Remember how the pilots were chosen in the 80's film Top Gun?

They were the best of the best.

They were the elite within an exclusive club. Men wanted to be them, women wanted them. Or so the cliche went.

In many ways cricket is similar. (OK, it might not get you the girls but on the plus side you don't have to oil up and play volleyball on the beach.)

Cricket's test of mental and physical skills allows us to have a way of moving up the ranks from fresh faced new colt to first team top gun. Status is important to us and cricket allows us to have that status if we perform well enough.

To understand this is to understand why success needs to be formally rewarded.

For example, my club has decided this year to provide a very clear symbol of success to all who deserve it.

Anyone who achieves 50 runs, a 5 wicket haul or 5 dismissals in our 50 over matches earns the right to an old style cap with the club's original badge. This stands out because the new caps are baseball style with a newer logo.

Anyone can buy a new cap, but only those who have earned it can get the 'original' cap.

Psychologists might call the cap an extrinsic reward, which they admit is not as important as self-motivation. The cap, or whatever reward, is not just about the reward though. It's about becoming part of an exclusive club within a club.

You are the best at what you do and you have the evidence to prove it. The cap becomes a symbol of success, which makes others want it too.

Does your club reward your Top Guns?

Photo credit: jamesdale10