Minutes of the Management Committee Meeting held at Ripley Castle - Monday, October 26, 2009

Meeting opened at 19.30 with Sir Thomas Ingilby in the Chair


Graham Hyde (GH), Tricia Heard (TH), Isabel Peel (IP), Tony Whittaker (TW), Martin Blackham (MB), Sir Thomas Ingilby (TI), John Barratt (JB), Eric Houseman (EH), Anton Lodge (AL), Roger Deakin (RD), Barry Gill (BG), Peter Crack (PC), Justin Park (JP)


Received from Bob Skaith (BS), Steven Coombes (SC), Chris Newton (CN), Ben Drummond (BD), Bill Kitson (BK)


were accepted as a true and accurate record of that meeting and duly signed by TI however the spelling of “Swires” was noted by BG.


• Juniors playing in adult matches – junior registration rule change/proposal
• Junior loan scheme – John Lyons was to propose something for discussion, creation of a list of juniors at start of the season.

• Shirts have arrived from Lords and raffle prizes for the dinner
• Richard Bleasdale has resigned from the Nidderdale League including the disciplinary committee
• 1st September MCC fixture 2010. Hampsthwaite proposed by Ground Committee
• Peter Bagnall – letter received, Eric Appleton was put forward for an award at the YCB OSCA. Eric came second in the lifetime achievement category
• Letter received from Pannal CC cancellation of league fixtures due to Golden Oldies. Suggest an early start instead. Sir Thomas to reply.
• Pateley Bridge requested payment for Chris Langley to attend a level 2 coaching course. League agreed to pay half up to a max of £100.
• Ground Committee propose the following grounds for the 2010 finals – Atkinson Swires – Birstwith, Reserve Knock Out – Ouseburn, Wath Cup – Helperby, Peter Bentley - South Kilvington. South Kilvington reservations. No shelter if the night is bad, no parking but agreed by Committee.


• 5 teams interested in joining in 2010 with possibly another 2 in 2011.
• Sharow 3rd, Studley Royal 5th, Pannal 4th, Hampsthwaite 3rd, Middleham 2nd
• Scholes and Little Ribson have shown interest for 2011
• No withdrawals.
• There are 11 teams already in Division 8. May have to change the format. Concerns over where the new teams will play. Hampsthwaite have 2 possible grounds plus the Sunday option. Haven’t followed up the grounds due to not knowing if they were in or not. Studley would be at Grammar School sharing with Ripon 3rds.
• Some discussion took place around the format of Division 8. Currently 11 teams with a potential 5 additional. Two divisions – 8a and 8b. Geographical split?
• A new Division 9 with 5 teams playing each other 4 times.
• Division 8 will have 2 free weeks with 1 week of the golden oldies Saturday.
• No Sunday games in Division 9 for new teams.
• Saturday’s only for Division 8 from 2011.
• Little Ribston, proposed 2 teams and will be accepted into the League only with 2 teams in 2011. Little Ribston must give us confirmation of coming. Copy of the resignation letter from Wetherby League to be requested.


• Rule 1 – Change of Start time – put to AGM, no recommendation either way.
• Rule 2 – Points Deduction for Disciplinary matter - not supported – ask the D Panal to use points deductions more often in matters. Proposal withdrawn
• Rule 3 – Increase Numbers of Umpires - one umpire from the clubs to attend training. Not supported. Proposal withdrawn
• Rule 4 – Make Umpires Available for matches outside of Division 2 in last 4 games - supported by Man Committee. Usual costs will apply
• Rule 5 – support. Reword removing part after the dash.
• Rule 6 – as rule 1 - a plea at AGM to keep game moving in lower divisions
• Rule 7 – Overseas players – ban overseas players outside of Division 2. One overseas per club still. Rule amendment to current rule. Supported by Man Committee but to be reworded
• Rule 8 – dealt with. Sundays only available for one more year. Remove the junior bit.
• Rule 9 – introduce a rule as there is no rule as the moment. Supported by Man Comm. A list will be provided to clubs and umpires by TW.
• Rule 10 – not supported by Man Committee. No way of checking. Team sheets would have to be submitted before the Saturday.
• Rule 11 – Not supported.
• Rule 12 – dealt with before. Ask Scotton to withdraw as League are to action the Sundays elsewhere.
• Rule 20 a – reword current rule regarding start times – last 3 games of the season and last 4 in 2010


• Current Account £10771,74
• Deposit account is the same as previously reported £3300 something
• Approx £2700 ball money still outstanding


• All issues completed apart from Scotton outstanding concerning Ripon 3rds. All scoresheets vetted by BD. He removed some comments made by Scotton. Panel are dealing with this.


• There was nothing to report to the Committee


• GH reported a Level 1 ECB ACO course would begin on Thursday 7th January 2010 at 7.30pm to be held at Ripley Castle.


• KC raised the following issue - Rule 26e relates to minimum ground requirements for promotion to Divisions 1 & 2. Could we ask Harrogate what they propose to do for their facilities which currently do not meet the required standards for water, toilets, showers and sight screens. Also their rule of no sixes being allowed. Could the committee ask them to change this rule to avoid an unfair advantage being gained by the home team. My request was that we should write to them urgently to establish if the required standards and rules will be in place for the Division 2 status in 2010.
• Andy North from H’gate would welcome a letter from the League about 4 and 6 scores. League comm. Don’t think they can do much about this as it’s a local issue. Also one about the facilities, showers sightscreen etc. Don’t currently comply with the rules to go into Div 2. Man Committee to take this up. Action BD


• The season was completed on schedule with all Divisional Play Off Finals being played at Studley Royal on Sunday 6th September. The Bob Mellor Cup Final was also played on the 6th September at Knaresborough Forest, following three unsuccessful attempts.
• The first Junior League Presentation Night is being held on Tuesday 10th November at Harrogate Cricket Club.
• The Junior League A.G.M. will be held on Thursday 26th November at Knaresborough Cricket Club.
• A proposal is being submitted by The Junior Committee to have ‘Premier Leagues’ at Under 13 and Under 15 age groups. This is intended to raise the standards for Lords Taverners Teams, by having stronger teams playing each other on a regular basis in League matches.
• We are still actively seeking new Age Group Secretaries for the 2010 season. Five new committee members are required, and to date two new volunteers have shown an interest.
• Collingham and Linton Cricket Club have expressed an interest in joining the League in 2010 at Under 11 level. They have been invited to enter teams and to attend the AGM.
• On behalf of the Junior League I will be attending The YCB Junior Cricket Forum at Headingley on Wednesday 28th October.


• No report


• The season commenced with West Tanfield Under 11, being unable to raise a team on the first day. Assurances were given that this was a ‘one off’. At least with two days notice, Val managed to arrange four hours cricket on the day. And, being so early in the season, revised the fixtures to ensure fair play.
• On Saturday, 10th October, we arrived at Pateley Bridge at 12.30 for the u13s along with the other teams and after the first three games waited for West Tanfield to arrive; they didn’t, so the rest of the session was cancelled. On our arrival home, a message on our answer machine timed at 12.48, informed us that not only were they having to withdraw the u13s, but also the u11s. Lack of support, and parent apathy, being blamed.
• Faced with this, Val could have awarded points and scratched the relevant games. We would have lost 12 hours playing hours in total. As hours are at premium, she decided to, again, revise the fixtures so the teams play all the games they have been invoiced for. This is not an easy task and involved four days work and created a situation where one club had to accept 4 points and another visiting the centre for only one game, something she tries to avoid.
• The net result of restructuring is that from a full fixture list we have seven wasted hours, time when young cricketers could have been playing. I have written this in detail so the committee gets the full effect of such a withdrawal.
• In view of the disruption, I’d like the committee to consider a proposal that in future seasons, clubs withdrawing in such a way would be subject to financial sanctions. This isn’t intended as a punishment, or restitution, because the Leisure Centre, very generously, don’t charge us for unused hours, but as a deterrent; to prevent them depriving other youngsters the opportunity of playing the cricket they so obviously enjoy.


• Child protection sessions - £28 from Harrogate Dev Group. Not available any cheaper
• Time to Listen course. People can do this course without doing the first one.
• To book some dates. 2 dates for both sessions.
• Jan Feb 2010 dates
• Ripley Castle to host.
• 1 person to go to 2 meetings
• Compulsory.
• League to pay the course fees. 62 x £43, c £2.5k
• League to send someone to be trained to then deliver the course locally. Might be more cost effective.
• IP to deliver a session on What Child Awareness is at next meeting.
• Keep next agenda short and circulate reports by email


• There was nothing to report to the Committee apart from Alec Houseman has agreed to management the side and a new captain will be appointed next season.


• 39 teams registered with 37 from overseas.
• 44 grounds offered.
• 11 grounds returned questionnaires.
• Parade and party in Masham taking shape, Draft plans in place.
• Gullivers and Air New Zealand have been and happy with plans.
• More UK sides needed.
• Ask players from Nidderdale League who are over 40 to put themselves forward and League to put teams together.
• Article going in Yorkshire Post this week.
• Ackrills will publish an article soon.
• Possible article in Daily Telegraph and Wisden magazine.


• Speakers in place.
• CN and EH met representative from hotel, helpful, menu sorted.
• Starter to be on the table when entering. Beef is the main course.
• Cheese and biscuits supplied FOC and raffle prize of wine to be provided by venue.
• Overnight accommodation offered FOC for either speaker.
• JP coordinating numbers and numbers are looking healthy
• In bigger room this year.
• Raffle prizes welcome from Committee members welcome


• Overseas clubs using agents. PC. Clubs asking for certain players. Agent charged a fee to the agent. Can clubs do this? TW reported that 7 of last seasons overseas came through agents last year. So this has gone on in the past. The fee is paid after the season. No problem. Can this be made clear in the rules? Agents need to be made aware of the League rules before players are approached. A payment can be made to an agent to find a player. TW to add to overseas info doc and circulate at AGM.
• Harold Atkinson has died. 50 years league secretary. Minutes silence at dinner.
• Two thirds runs – add to handbook. TH to provide digital copy to GH


• AGM :Monday 11th Jan
• Next Management Meeting: Monday 25th Jan 7.30pm

RULE CHANGE 1 Nidderdale & District Amateur Cricket League Umpires Association
Rule 20 b)
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.

RULE CHANGE 2 Nidderdale & District Amateur Cricket League Umpires Association
Rule 29.6:
The minimum penalty for a disciplinary matter should be a points deduction
Reason: in 2009 an incident occurred where a club member had abused an umpire in the media. Subsequently the charge was admitted and the club were fined. Player in question was observed to laugh and joke about this in a later game. Points deductions will make players and clubs think before they act. Fines do not improve behaviour. Relegation might.

RULE CHANGE 3 Nidderdale & District Amateur Cricket League Umpires Association
Rule 36
Clubs will make at least one club member available for umpire training and for that person to be available to stand as a League Umpire.
Reason: to increase the number and quality of neutral umpires in our league.

RULE CHANGE 4 Nidderdale & District Amateur Cricket League Umpires Association
Rule 36
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.

RULE CHANGE 5 Barry Gill
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 – without any discretion being afforded or allowed.

RULE CHANGE 6 Burton Leonard
would like to propose the following rule change for the 2010 Season.
All matches to start at 1.30 pm (1.00 pm in September)
This would mean amending Rule 20 & 21 to reflect the early times:-
Rule 20 Duration of Matches
a) All times stated in the Rule will be 30 minutes earlier in September.
b) All matches shall begin at 1.30 p.m.
Rule 21 Matches Delayed or Interrupted by Weather
When weather has intervened, the last hour shall commence at 6.40pm (6.10pm in September) subject to the following conditions:-
i) The fielding side must bowl a minimum of 20 overs after 6.40pm providing there are 20 overs remaining.
ii) If there are more than 20 overs remaining at 6.40pm the fielding side must bowl at least 20 overs AND MAY BOWL MORE.
iii) If conditions do not permit 20 overs to be bowled after 6.40pm the match shall be deemed to be a weather affected draw and each side shall gain 2 points.
iv) In the event of rain interrupted second innings (when the team batting first were all out or had completed their allotted overs) the result will be 2 points each if the team batting second are unable to complete the same number of overs as were available to the team batting first.
In the event of interruption of play during the last hour, should play recommence then one over shall be deducted for every complete 3 minutes of time lost. An over in progress at the start of the interruption shall be completed on resumption of play and shall not count as one of the minimum number of overs to be bowled.
In the event of a delayed start, or interruption caused by the weather during the innings of the team batting first, 1 over will be deducted from EACH innings for every 6 minutes lost.
No match shall consist of less than 20 overs for each team.
No match will commence after 4.40pm, in September 4.10pm.
In the event of a delayed start the tea interval must be taken no later than 4.10pm, in September 3.40pm. This only applies if the match has not commenced by 4.10pm.
If weather has intervened and there is a consensus between both teams and the umpires, the time taken for tea may be reduced by such period as the parties decide. For the avoidance of doubt this shall include provision to allow for the second innings to take place before the tea interval or for tea to be taken before the first innings commences if necessary, in order to try and have a match and obtain a positive result.
This rule was narrowly defeated last year at the AGM and the general consensus in the club was that the earlier finish times in September should be applied across the whole season as there were several post 8.00 pm finishes that caused havoc with players’s social lives outside of cricket. There is always the argument that the 2.00 pm start suits those people that work Saturday mornings however we feel they are more of a minority these days and the 1.30 start would suit the majority better. I don’t see much point in debating the rule at great length at a Management Committee level, rather put it to the clubs and let them decide.
Furthermore, if any other club has a similar proposal, please let me know so that they could if possible be amalgamated before being put to the AGM.
There was also some concern about slow over rates on occasions caused by a number of factors, but it would be impossible to legislate something to apply to all the divisions so perhaps a general request at the Pre Season Meeting/AGM to ensure that all clubs have a responsibility “to keep the matches moving at all times”.

Regards

Ben Drummond
Joint Club Secretary

RULE CHANGE 7 Killinghall
Overseas Players
1 Overseas players shall be allowed in divisions one and two only.
Note It seems to me unfair that of the 12 teams in division three, 7 are allowed overseas and 5 are not because they are 2nd teams.

We will still need to consider 'recreational' overseas players playing in the lower leagues?

2 Should a club have a team in division one and a team in division two then they shall be allowed to have one overseas per team. They must be registered before the start of the season with a particular team and cannot exchange during the season.

3 Clubs with teams in other cricket leagues shall not be allowed an overseas.

4 Sunday Cricket Division Eight Only
If Sunday cricket is to be allowed then we need to introduce rules, although personally I am against it. Teams in Division Eight can play their fixtures on Sundays. Clubs who wish to do so must inform the LOC before the 30/11 the previous year.
Juniors under 15 can play for their respective clubs on both a Saturday and Sunday in the same weekend.

5 Bowling Restrictions rain effected 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.

RULE CHANGE 8 Scotton
Rule 25 L to be amended to read 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, 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.

Rule 22.a 2 to be amended to read 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.

A general proposal to be put to the meeting is that :

" From 2011 season onwards, all 'Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League' league matches to played only on the scheduled Saturday"

We recognise the current arrangement whereby teams in Div8 have been allowed to play matches on Sundays, and this is why the rule is proposed from 2011 to allow a transition period.

This is to tackle the current unfair situation where clubs in the 'Saturday' league are allowed to play on Sundays. In fact, as there appears to be no current rule it would be feasible for any club to play their matches on any day!

If there are enough clubs with 3rd/4th teams who wish to play on Sundays from 2011 then it is our suggestion that a separate "Nidderdale & District Amateur Cricket Sunday League" be formed. This league to be set up only for 3rd/4th teams of clubs with only 1 ground in the same way as the Aire/Wharfe league have done with their rules on eligibility of players etc.

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