Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Ripley Town Hall - Monday, January 11, 2010
1. APOLOGIES for absence
Apologies were received from
Martin Blackham, Alex Houseman, Roger Deakin, Knaresborough Forest, Wilf Wigglesworth, Eric Thompson and Tony Whittaker
Middleham, Northallerton Wolves and Sharow were not in attendance
The minutes of A.G.M. held on Monday January 12th 2009 were accepted as a true and accurate record.
2. MATTERS ARISING from the minutes.
There were no matters arising
3. REPORTS ON 2009 SEASON
3.1 Secretaries Report (Tricia Heard)
Sir Thomas – Ladies and Gentlemen
The 2009 season got off to a good start with all fixtures played.
Harold Atkinson who was our League Secretary for over 5 0 years died this year. Sir Thomas and I represented the league at the funeral.
There will be 100 teams playing in the League in 2010 plus Baldersby ( who play evening league only ) with 5 new teams forming the new Division 9. There will remain 11 teams in Division 8. The 5 new teams are Sharow 3rd playing at Kirklington, Studley Royal 5th playing at Ripon Grammar School sharing with Ripon 3rd.
Middleham 2nd. Pannal 4th playing at Huby and Hampsthwaite 3rd playing at Birstwith 3rds ground and sharing with them.
There will be a few matches played on Sundays this season but from 2011 ALL weekend fixtures will be played on Saturday.
Anyone requiring list of fixtures can download them from the web site.
The Atkinson Swires Cup was won by Pannal with the man of the match being Mat Sweeney.
The Reserve Knockout was won by Killinghall and Man of the Match – Nigel Pennock.
The Wath Cup went to Sharow and Man of the Match was Stewart Newstead and
The Peter Bentley Cup was won by Sessay with Aaron Bumby being the Man of the Match.
The Annual fixture with the MCC is set for September 1st at Hampsthwaite.
The Annual Pre-season meeting was held here at Ripley Town Hall on Friday April 3rd.
And this years meeting will be on Friday March 26th at 7.30pm when you are expected to send Club Captains and stay for the whole meeting – not just coming to pick up your order of Balls and Handbooks.
The Management Committee again met on 6 occasions. Other work being completed by Sub Committee – Disciplinary and Ground.
A SPECIAL URGENT REQUEST
Please, please will you check you emails and web site at least every other day. When I send messages to you I do need an acknowledgement Also there are often messages to all clubs on the League Web Site.
Information for the Handbook is to be emailed direct to Graham.
There are the two lists for you to complete here tonight.
These are for Handbooks and Balls.
Today is the start of my 18th and last year as your League Secretary.
As from the A G M next year I will stand down as Secretary and someone must take over the Secretarial Post. I will however continue to deal with fixtures, registration of players, results with the information going to Yorkshire Post and Ackrills and also as Assistant League Secretary.
Graham Hyde will then be Umpires Secretary only. We are therefore looking for someone to produce the League Handbook.
We need to find a willing person to become League Secretary being responsible for all correspondence, dealing with Agenda and Minutes for Management Committee Meetings and Annual General Meetings.
And now Last but not least
We must again thank Sir Thomas for the seemingly tireless time and energy he puts in on behalf of our League.
Thank You Sir Thomas
3.2 Treasurers Report (Bob Skaith)
There are a few items which stand out from the year before and were accounted for by the treasurer being in post for a full year.
Receipts – Vice Presidents and donations included a small amount from Royal Bank of Scotland, interest on bank account, only small due to interest rates. Cricket balls – order of additional balls have not been invoiced as yet C£2-2.5K to invoice
Less payments
Junior season straddles the accounting season so some bills will have been paid and some income received. There is still some money to come in. Weather has seen some sessions cancelled.
New insurance premium accounted for due to re-valuing of trophies. This will be reviewed in July. In 2009, the MCC match was played at home. Sundries up slightly – ground awards required a payment of 8x£25
Donations – flowers sent to Harold Atkinson’s funeral and a purchase of a bench in memory of Ron Fry.
Some clubs asked for coaching course contributions. This offer is open to all clubs.
Balls and junior league will make the excess figure higher.
An explanation of the League’s balance was made with £10,000 in cricket balls, £10,000 in bank, stock of MCC kit. This makes up the £24,951
Accounts approved – all in favour, Carried
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE 2009 SEASON
Receipts for the Season from: 2009 2008
Vice President & Donations £250.00 £2,000.00
League Subscriptions £4,219.00 £4,069.00
KO Competition & Raffle £960.00 £1,030.00
Handbook Sales & Adverts £2,855.00 £2,820.00
Interest on Bank account £3.00 £127.00
Fines £1,045.00 £934.00
Annual Dinner Raffle £615.00 £492.00
Sponsorship £5,000.00 £5,000.00
Cricket Balls £1,343.00 £3,016.00
£16,290.00 £19,488.00
Less Payments for:
Indoor Junior League £1,954.00 -£197.00
Dinner £1,054.00 £1,224.00
Printing and Stationery £1,102.00 £1,089.00
Telephone & Postage £523.00 £1,148.00
Secretary's Honorarium £1,750.00 £1,500.00
Insurance £1,069.00 £572.00
Treasurer £200.00 £200.00
MCC Match £400.00 £4,896.00
Umpires Secretary & Expenses £373.00 £425.00
Trophies & Replicas £1,975.00 £1,962.00
Handbook Printing £3,420.00 £3,300.00
Sundries £1,050.00 £556.00
Competition Expenses £257.00 £233.00
Donations £428.00 £0.00
Computer Equipment and Consumables £624.00 £345.00
£16,179.00 £17,253.00
Excess of Income over Expenditure £111.00 £2,235.00
Balance at start of season £24,840.00 £22,605.00
Balance at end of season £24,951.00 £24,840.00
3.3 Ground Committee (Ben Drummond)
Met 3 times last year, all inspections carried out in April. Good weather at the start of the season.
Late April for inspections this year due to the wet weather
Any ground related questions should be directed to Ben direct.
3.4 Representative Side (Eric Houseman and Rob Ellis)
A brief report was given on the 1 game that took place at Low Bradfield. It was a very wet game, got 20 overs in. Game abandoned.
3.5 Umpires Secretary (Graham Hyde)
The season started with the Umpires in the safe hands of Jeff Watkins but due to the ill health of his wife, Jeff felt unable to continue to carry out his duties to the high standards that he had set. I took over from Jeff half way through the season.
I had 34 umpires at my disposal but this number dwindled towards the end of the season and some weeks, games in Division 2 were regularly seeing only one umpire or even none.
Over this winter, the ECB ACO training officer Ian Dixon together with Guy Smalley are running a Level 1 umpires coaching course at the castle. This course is been particularly well attended and it is hoped that a few will come onto the regular umpires list. Thanks again go to Guy for putting in his own time to help run the course and also to Sir Thomas for the loan of the room and refreshments.
2010 will be an important season with the Golden Oldies festival requiring umpires. I shall be coordinating this effort and hope that everything goes off well.
There was nothing further to report
3.6 Knockout Cups and Evening League Secretary (Barry Gill)
The Knockout competitions in 2009 were completed on time which was something of a miracle given the rain that affected the other evening competitions elsewhere in the area.
Nothing but the highest praise can go to the clubs who hosted the finals. We are very fortunate to have so many excellent grounds in our league as our visitors for the Golden Oldies Festival later this year will find out!
As you will know there was the possibility of a certain amount of controversy about player eligibility for the Atkinson Swires Cup Final. Fortunately common sense and fair play won the day and the problem was averted. The cooperation of those involved was greatly appreciated. You will see that a rule is being proposed to deal with this in the future which I am sure will be fully supported
The Evening League competition was won by Rainton this season by a clear margin and congratulations go to them,
I would again like to thank Malcolm & Susan Howell for willingly selling raffle tickets at the various finals and also I must thank Jeff Watkins, as I am sure we all do, for organising the Umpires for the competitions and also the Umpires themselves who make the games more enjoyable.
Finally I am stepping down from the role as Cup & Evening League Secretary and I have also resigned from the Management Committee.
But for a gap of 3-4 years I have served on the Management Committee of the Nidderdale League for nearly 30 years and have always considered it a privilege and an honour to do so. It goes without saying that I offer my sincerest best wishes for the continued prosperity of the league.
3.7 Disciplinary Panel Chairman (Anton Lodge)
The season got off with a flying start as the first letter of dispute arrived in connection with a match which took place on the first Saturday of the season. After that date there was a steady run of cases, some of which were easily solved but others which went to a hearing and one to an appeal.
Cases.
In all there were 14 cases referred to the Disciplinary Committee throughout the season with the following break down:-
1 Internal Club Enquiry.
6 Disciplinary Panel Conferences followed up with letters to Clubs without a hearing.
7 Disciplinary Panel Hearings - 1 Disciplinary Panel Appeal.
- 6 Disciplinary Panel Meetings with acceptance decisions.
Reasons.
3 Cases due to higher teams fielding fewer players than their lower team.
2 Cases of Transfer regulations.
3 Cases of clubs fielding players from a higher recognised team in a lower team when the
higher team’s match was rained off.
1 Case of Unsporting conduct/excessive aggression.
1 Case of a substitute fielder used without the opposition captain’s permission.
2 Cases relating to Website content.
1 Case of abuse shown towards the umpire.
1 Case of a match cancellation without informing the opposition.
Outcomes.
4 Occurrences of points deducted/awarded.
1 Suspended Match Ban of 1 Match.
3 Occasions where monetary fines were imposed, one of which was for appeal costs.
1 Ten Match Ban after an Internal Enquiry.
6 Letters of recommendation/warning written to clubs.
Avoidance.
Many of the cases could well have been avoided as they were brought down to three basic elements of:-
1) Knowing and implementing of the Rules.
2) Communication between Clubs.
3) Expressing the Spirit of the Game with good sportsman ship.
The Disciplinary Committee and Panels were kept busy for most of the season and thanks must go out to those members of The Disciplinary Committee who sat on many of the Panels throughout the summer months, as well as the final hearing which was heard after the season had ended.
Each case carries its own merits and pitfalls, and what may seem like a cut and dry case from the outside, often has hidden underlying factors which are only on view at a Panel Hearing.
The Future.
With a little more thought given to team selection within the rules and a tighter control on the imputing of content onto websites; there would undoubtedly be fewer cases necessary to be brought to the attention of The Disciplinary Committee.
3.8 Child Welfare Officer (Isabel Peel)
Not had any major incidents this year. Have tried to reach clubs about courses the league is running. It is mandatory for al CWO to attend these course every 3 years.
Time to Listen course – dates now available. 12-14 clubs have responded so far.
Next step to maintain a database on CWO. Need to update this via handbook
Some clubs are struggling with changes in CWO. Help and guidance is available.
Ensure all clubs are compiling with the rules.
Want more people onto the course.
3.9 Junior Indoor 6 aside. (Bill Kitson)
The entries for this year’s competition have been as strong as ever. So much so, that for the third year running we have had to play either abridged or leagued age groups as there are insufficient playing hours available. We have 40 teams in five age groups ranging from six to eighteen years, playing across the entire winter. We commence immediately following the last outdoor game and play up to the finals one week before the start of the next season, twenty seven weeks in total.
Unfortunately we have recently, as often happens in the summer, lost some games to the weather. Snow and ice have meant that travelling to Pateley Bridge has not been safe to do and it is hoped that we will be able to complete the winter without much more disruption. In these circumstances points have to be awarded as there are no spare hours in which games could be rescheduled.
Last year, the under 17 age group was sacrificed in favour of the younger players but has been re-instated this season due to demand. The ideal would be to run two venues enabling the teams to play a full league, giving them the games and involvement they deserve, but so far this has not been possible. I appeal to anyone with free time on a Saturday afternoon who would be prepared to help to manage the sessions to contact me. These young players are tomorrow’s club players and we need to maintain their interest throughout both summer and winter or we risk losing them.
The enthusiasm shown by the players is a delight to see. They don’t care if they win, they just come along to play cricket and to enjoy the game. That is of course until the later games when they’re playing for a place in the finals. But Val always has some tissues at the ready!! The commitment and support given by the coaches and helpers can not be understated. They help with both the umpiring and scoring and we could not manage without them.
May I also extend my thanks to Sir Thomas and the committee for their unfailing support and of course to my wife, Val, who now deals with all the administrative side and is beginning to regret the day she offered to lend me a hand.
4. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Disciplinary Panel Chairman Anton Lodge Nominated
Cup Competition and Evening League Secretary No Nominations but Ian Sunderland has agreed to take this Position.
League Solicitor – Martin Blackham Nominated
League Representative Manager – Alex Houseman – has agreed to return to this position after gap of nearly 10 years
All nominations accepted en bloc, all in favour, none against
4.1 Election Of Committee Members
The following members retire by rotation and are willing to stand again.
Bill Kitson Steven Coombs and Tony Whittaker
All accepted en bloc, all in favour, none against
4.2 Election Of Disciplinary Panel
The following John Lyons,and David Broadley are willing to stand for a further year. There are however vacancies for three members –any nominations will be accepted from the floor. The requirement for this panel is five (5) Rule 29 Disciplinary Procedures Rule 29.1. (any official, player or other person connected with any club may be appointed)
Bob Brown has been nominated. Bill Davies was nominated at the meeting. There were no other nominations at the meeting.
5. PROPOSED RULE CHANGES FOR 2010
5.1 Amendment proposed to Rule 20 b) by the League Umpires Association
Matches should commence at 1.30pm except for the last game of
the season when it should be 1.00pm
Reason: to allow for earlier finishes to matches.
SUPPORTED by Management Committee
Staveley made a comment about people who work on Saturday mornings. Birstwith also commented about young people who have Saturday jobs, then require picking up and transporting to grounds.
A vote was taken:
In favour – 16
Against – majority
Proposal was defeated
5.2 Amendment proposed to Rule 36 by the League Umpires Association
In the last 4 matches of the season, umpires will not be guaranteed for fixtures outside of Division 1. Umpires will be available upon request or at the League Umpires Secretary's discretion. Clubs requiring an umpire should make the request at least 7 days in advance of the proposed fixture to the League Umpires Secretary in writing.
Reason: to assist clubs who have a genuine need for a neutral umpire towards the end of the season.
SUPPORTED by Management Committee
In favour – majority
Against – minority
Proposal was accepted
5.3 Proposed by Barry Gill for Cup Competitions
No person will be allowed to play for more than one club in any of
the leagues knockout competitions in the same season.
SUPPORTED by Management Committee
In favour – Majority
Against - none
Proposal was carried
5.4 Proposal by Tony Whittaker for Overseas Players
Overseas players shall ONLY be allowed in divisions one and two.
SUPPORTED by Management Committee
A question from the meeting was How to define recreational players? Refer to Tony Whittaker direct.
Eric Houseman explained the Management Committee position. Sides getting promotion on the back of one overseas player. Restrict Overseas players to top two divisions, would give young or local players the advantage of playing. Sides would gain promotion on merit of 11 players and not 1 player.
In favour – 25
Against – 22
Proposal was carried
5.5 Proposal to change Bowling Restrictions in rain affected games
In the event of rain before play commences number of over's allowed per bowler shall be reduced pro rata (list to be produced for umpires)
No such reductions shall apply should the number of over's to be bowled be reduced once play as started.
SUPPORTED by Management Committee
A simple guide will be provided. To affect junior players too.
In favour – carried
Against -
Proposal was carried
5.6 Proposal by Scotton to amend Rule 25 L as follows:
" l) In the event of a 1st team match being cancelled, or not scheduled, a recognised 1st team player shall not play for that club’s 2nd, 3rd or 4th teams on the same day.
In the event of a 2nd team match being cancelled, or not scheduled, a recognised 2nd team player shall not play for that club’s 3rd or 4th teams on the same day.
In the event of a 3rd team match being cancelled, or not scheduled,a recognised 3rd team player shall not play for that club’s 4th team on the same day.
Any team being in breach of this Rule will have no points awarded and the non offending team will be awarded six points, regardless of the actual result.
Batting and/or bowling figures of the offending team in the fixture concerned will NOT be taken into account for Batting and/or Bowling Averages at the end of the season.
Note: All matters in connection with this Rule are to be governed by the discretion of the Management Committee. "
The purpose of this rule change is to ensure it that is applied on the correct day and that it will also apply to clubs with 1st/2nd/3rd teams outside the Nidderdale league (such as Harrogate, Ripon, Studley Royal and Bilton) who can otherwise play these senior players in their lower teams in the Nidderdale league on days when they are not scheduled to hold matches.( As happened in some instances at the start of this season). Judgement of recognised players being by the Management Committee as before.
NOT SUPPORTED by Management Committee
In favour – 37
Against –
Proposal was carried
5.7 Proposal by Scotton to amend Rule 22.a 2 as follows:
" Until the end of the playing season that is covered by the ball supplier contract in operation during the 2009 playing season, the Balls to be used throughout the League are the Lords Regal County Crown Ball or the Lords Shooting Star and should be identifiable as such. Subsequently to this, the balls used by all clubs must be recognisable as grade A quality or above manufactured by any of Dukes, Readers, Kookaburra, Lords International, Slazenger, Gunn and Moore or Duncan Fearnley"
The purpose of this rule change is to effect an end to clubs having to play with a single make of ball which has generally been unpopular and not very cost effective.
NOT SUPPORTED by Management Committee
There is another 2 years of the current contract to run
In favour – 3
Against - majority
Proposal was defeated
5.8 Proposal to amend the junior loan scheme by John Lyons and Russell Dodson
Creation of a Central Pool of Junior Players available for Senior Saturday Cricket
Possible Change to LOAN SCHEME Burnt Yates and Birstwith Details from John Lyons and/or Russell Dodson
SUPPORTED by Management Committee
Birtswith gave an explanation. As a club Birstwith are in the fortunate position of having many juniors available but can’t facilitate a game for them all on a Saturday. They would like to make 6-7 players available to play for other clubs but questioned the administrative overheads of completing forms every week. It was proposed to register a junior and mark them as available to play for another club and create a database of eligible players to fill teams at short notice. This would be on a week per week basis.
The borrowing club would make the League Secretary aware that a junior was being borrowed and highlighted on results sheet.
Juniors must take with them their medical details and contact details etc when swapping clubs.
Rule 17f – rewrite – last 4 games of the season? May weaken the efficiency of the scheme. When are teams short, last 4 games….
In favour – carried
Against – none
6. GOLDEN OLDIES 2010 Sir Thomas
Good progress over last 12 months. 40 overseas teams a re signed up. 850 people booked into Harrogate hotels for 8 nights.
Sir Thomas ran through the outline of the festival. 3 games, 40 overs. Monday Wednesday and Friday. KO 11 finish 4pm. Saturday finishes with a big dinner at Yorkshire Show ground. 1200 people potentially.
Variety of standards of players. 40 coming from British Columbia.
Those clubs who haven’t completed their questionnaire – do so quickly.
Need local teams now.
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The League Secretary asked clubs to please look at emails and League web site for up-to-date information
The League Secretary asked that the various trophies and items that weren’t picked up at the League dinner to be collected by clubs.
Meeting closed at 20.55