MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD AT BRADSHAW C.C. 29th MARCH 2004
Apology: Registration Secretary. All clubs and officials attended.
Minutes of the February Meeting: These had been circulated and were agreed to be a correct record of proceedings.
Matters arising: The floor at the Indoor Centre, Bolton School as being re-surfaced so a decision cannot be taken yet about the suitability for the Axford Indoor KO 2005.
The County have agreed Farnworth S.C. can stage the final of the Lancs shield on an alternative date after the end of July. E-mail has been forwarded to John Barrow.
The following draw was made for the first round of the Lyddon Trophy: Astley Bridge v Farnworth, Eagley v Walkden, Heaton v Egerton, and Little Lever v Bradshaw. The League will make the draw for the Semi-Finals if Little Lever wishes. All other administration including play-by dates will be left to Little Lever. May Barlow has expressed her disappointment at the number of clubs entering.
Second Team Cricket: Ian Senior outlined a proposal, previously sent to clubs, to have two divisions in the second teams, with promotion and relegation. While many clubs and officials were in favour it was clear the proposal would not get the unanimous support required from clubs. It was agreed Ian should be co-opted on to the Second Team Working Party, and the reservations mentioned by members of the Committee, including the standard of cricket and young players, be considered further. The working Party were asked to report back to the Committee later in the Summer, and clubs should note that should a proposal for two divisions to be passed as an amendment to rule in the future, the divisions would be based on the league positions the preceding season. Ian was thanked on behalf of the Committee for the time he had put in to considering the proposal and drafting fixtures.
Correspondence: League Cricket Conference Handbooks were distributed.
E-mail from Tony Murphy, Commercial Director for National Association of Clubs & League Cricket Conferences had been forwarded to clubs. Tony now has the club contact E-mails as requested.
Finance: The Treasurer reported a balance of £9770 including sponsorship. £582 is due from clubs, mainly for coaching. Mr. Sandiford made the point that it is unreasonable for clubs who pay on time to be supporting the other clubs, and sanctions may have to be introduced for clubs who delay payment. Clubs were reminded that the £100 coaching levy was introduced at the AGM, along with the 10% surcharge for late payment of fines. The Committee had agreed prize money for the League and Junior presentations. The Treasurer is dealing with correspondence received from Astley Bridge and Greenmount.
A cheque for Walkden C.C.’s cricket balls has not been received yet.
Umpires: Reference was made to an indoor mid-week competition organised by the County.
Copies of the March Newsletter were handed out. Clubs are asked to display these on notice boards.
There will be an Umpires / Captains meeting at Farnworth Social Circle 8pm, 7th April. All first and second team captains, or a playing deputy must attend, along with a junior cricket representative. Clubs will be fined £25 for each case of non-attendance.
The home team in National KO matches should arrange the provision of both umpires through Eric Smith.
The Umpires and some captains are looking into a revised marking scheme. Umpires may be rewarded for receiving high marks. The forms will be returned by post or E-mail to Malcolm Kinder.
Juniors: The home club is responsible for phoning the result to the Section Administrator and then sending him the match card.
Geoff Diggle has been appointed Junior Representative.
Child Welfare documents will be distributed at the next meeting. The Club Welfare Officer or Junior Representative can collect these.
The League has entered the Under 13 Peak Sports Competition.
The Teddy Gerrard Trophy has been missing for two years, and John Hutchinson’s company have kindly agreed to provide a replacement. The Section Administrator is experiencing problems arranging the fixtures.
The Under 13 Harrison Cup Second Round tie should be played on 3rd, not 4th June as will appear in the Handbook.
Heaton have a bye in the Jake Tatlock K.O.
Registration Report: Clubs are reminded to let Ron Fallows have their registration forms.
Clubs signing Grade 1 professionals (including those from overseas) must have approval from the League Committee in accordance with Rule 15(a). As the next meeting is not until 19th April, it was agreed figures should initially be sent to the League Registration Secretary for perusal.
Ground Inspection: Clubs will be notified of the dates covering the 17th, 18th and 19th April. Farnworth S.C. asked if there could be an earlier inspection of their ground, and if the Committee would make allowance for the fact that they are having a new scoreboard built.
Other Cricket Reports: Peter Stafford has been appointed Chairman of the C.L.C.L. replacing Mike Hall. Other leagues are also experiencing problems with second team cricket.
Copies of a League Cricket Conference Legal Update, covering Land, Drainage and Employment will be E-mailed to clubs.
League Handbook: This is now with the printers, and will cost £2329. Clubs will receive 40 copies at a cost of £3 per copy.
Bolton League website: www.boltoncricket.co.uk (as you already know)
Child Welfare: The Bolton League Junior Teams Welfare Officer, John Hutchinson confirmed he had been CRB checked. The League Secretary said he did not have the support of certain League Officers in relation to the introduction of “Safehands” and would restrict his involvement to the distribution of material to club representatives. Clubs can still find updates to “Safehands” and related documents on www.play-cricket.com, or the coaching section of our website. Club representatives will be sent the following documents: “Clubmark” Accreditation Criteria, “Child Protection Procedures” from Brian Woodhead, Extract from the Greater Manchester Leagues Forum (also stressing the importance of clubs attending Development Groups), “Child Protection” by Rebecca Ledingham, a letter to all County Boards from Tim Lamb, and the Isle of Wight CB & CA consent forms sent to me as an example by Rebecca.
The County Welfare Officer for all Bolton League clubs is Dave Lees (Tel 07940 587963).
Karen Knott, Richard Dearden, Jon Parting ton and John Roberts can all ratify CRB forms.
Any Other Business: We require a club to stage the Second Team inter-league match against the Central Lancashire League on 11th July.
Proof of insurance is required at the next league meeting. Clubs are also strongly recommended to have Legal Indemnity Insurance.
Date of Next Meeting: 19th April.