MINUTES
OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD
AT BRADSHAW C.C. 19th APRIL 2004
Apologies: None. All clubs and officials attended.
Minutes of the March Meeting: These had been circulated previously and were approved by the Committee.
Matters Arising: Further news about Bolton School is anticipated by our next meeting, but a decision about a venue for the Axford Indoor KO will have to be made in the near future.
Payment has been received from all clubs for cricket balls.
The Committee approved cricket shirts with logos as shown by Astley Bridge and Little Lever, with single sponsor’s names on the front of the shirt.
The Chairman congratulated Peter Stafford on the continued high standard of the Handbook. It was agreed Mike Dudley should be given a complimentary ticket for the League Dinner in recognition of his support.
Correspondence: The Secretary had received copies of the following brochures: Coachwise www.1st4sport.com, Fordham Sports www.fordhamsports.co.uk, Bat & Ball www.bola.co.uk, Cricket Coaching Mats, (Plus CD) d.cooper20@ntlworld.com.
Whitbread are looking for nominations for young volunteers in sport www.whitbreadyoungachievers.co.uk (previously E-mailed to clubs).
Result sheets were distributed. Old ones, in blue, should be destroyed as the wording has been changed. Pre-paid envelopes were also distributed, however there were only a limited number of these, as alterations need to be made before other supplies can be ordered.
Amendments are to be made to the “Safehands” self-certification form, but clubs can still use the original form.
If club members/volunteers/players are reluctant to complete the self-certification form for reasons of confidentially the ECB are willing to mediate.
Clubs are urged to have as many volunteers/players CRB checked as quickly as possible as charges may be introduced in the future.
Finance: The Treasurer reported a bank balance of £9300 including a £1000 reserve for legal fees, and £1100 for coaching. £100 is still outstanding from Astley Bridge, Farnworth S.C. and Walkden. The Committee agreed if the money were not received by 1st May, clubs would be fined £10 per month until the money was paid.
On behalf of Astley Bridge Ron Fallows apologised for a letter sent to the League Treasurer.
The Committee agreed proof of public liability (which could be included in another document) should be shown to the Treasurer by 1st May, otherwise the fine as per Standing Order 9 would apply.
The Treasurer will look into inter-league insurance and report back to Derek Kay.
Only ACU&S members or umpires with insurance can officiate in M.E.N. matches.
The Secretary urged clubs to let their players know what level of insurance they were covered for through the club.
Umpires: Marking sheets and SAEs were given to those clubs not submitting marks via E-mail. The forms can be seen on the Bolton League website.
Clubs were given copies of the minutes from the umpires/captains meeting along with the April newsletter.
Instances of illegal fielding will be reported to the Disciplinary Committee.
All umpires will have submitted CRB forms before the start of the season.
Clubs will need white 7-inch discs for first team matches.
Juniors: Peter Stafford will collate junior reports for the first month.
Fees for junior inter-league matches will be paid in line with senior fees.
A replacement trophy for the Teddy Gerrard matches will be purchased. The first game against the Bolton Association will be played at Horwich on 9th May.
Horwich are considering entering two teams in the Under 11s competition.
The Coaching Committee has written a report.
The first home M.E.N. Under 18 match will be played at Egerton on 13th June. Other grounds are required for future games.
Match cards/stickers will be available before the start of the season.
Junior team managers and umpires must be club members for insurance purposes, and CRB checks will have to be made.
Registrations: Professional’s contracts must be lodged with a member of the Registrations Committee before he plays.
Lists of registered amateur players must be with the Registration Secretary before the start of the season. Ron will forward to the LCB the registration lists of the clubs in the Lancs KO, but after the start of the season clubs must notify Neil Girvin of any changes directly.
Kearsley will have a deputy professional for the first match of the season.
Future registration/transfer forms will be amended so clubs will know if a player has been CRB checked or has completed a self-certification form.
Transfers and registrations will be shown on the Bolton League website.
Ground Inspection: Clubs were given sheets with their guideline marks.
There were a number of issues requiring rectification before the start of the season;
Kearsley’s outfield requires cutting, Tonge’s requires grass removal, and preferably cutting with a box mower.
The sightscreens at Farnworth S.C., Westhoughton, and Astley Bridge need attention.
Boundary markings at Greenmount, Little Lever and Horwich require clarification.
It had not been possible to check the covers at all clubs. Walkden have had a fire and machinery is being replaced.
The wicket ends at Westhoughton require further attention.
Eagley still have a problem with rabbits.
Thanks was given to Paul Tatton who has been assisting clubs and running a groundsmans’ course.
Any Other Business: The Bolton Cricket Development Group meet at Bolton Arena at 7.30pm on 21st April.
The Chairman expressed the wish that clubs will deal with disciplinary issues themselves but wished clubs a trouble free and successful season.
Tony Hayes will be writing to club chairmen, asking their opinions on second team cricket, and the views will be discussed at a working party meeting during the season.
Bolton League cricket is featured at website www.boltoncricket.co.uk, and clubs are asked to contribute to a future feature “Legends of the Bolton League”.
Matches begin at 1pm on Saturday 24th April.
Date of the Next Meeting: 24th May.