WARBURTONS BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD AT BRADSHAW C.C. 23rd MAY 2005
Apologies: None. All clubs and officials attended.
Minutes of the April Meeting: These had been circulated previously, and were agreed to be a correct record.
Matters Arising: Farnworth, Farnworth S.C., Kearsley, Horwich and Westhoughton were given until 3rd June to produce evidence of their insurance; otherwise they would be fined as per rule.
The under 18 inter league fixture on 12th June will be played at Farnworth, the one on 10th July at Egerton.
The Secretary will prepare letters concerning the new licensing laws for clubs to send to their MPs. Mr. Sandiford said there is a unit at Minerva House, on Chorley St, Bolton who can assist with licence applications. Mrs. Barlow also has information and contacts.
The League Welfare officer read a list of individuals at clubs who have not yet submitted CRB applications – Eagley, Greenmount, Heaton, Kearsley, Little Lever, and Walkden. Clubs were given until 31st May to comply with ECB requirements. After this date clubs would be referred to the Registration and Competitions Committee for the appropriate action.
Correspondence: Literature from Banks Specialist Covers regarding cricket pitch covers was passed around the meeting.
There are coaching courses for professional cricketers at QEGS, Blackburn from 31st May to 3rd June and from 11th July. For further details contact Brian Woodhead, woodheadct@aol.com.
Finance: The Treasurer reported a balance of £5300, including sponsorship money, with £810 in the coaching fund.
Umpires: A number of captains are still not submitting umpires’ report forms despite being reminded. Mrs. Knott will ask the League Secretary to send out further reminders.
Clubs were reminded they must list all players in the scorebook, even when there is no play, and the umpires and captains must sign scorebooks
There will be a further umpires / captains meeting at Little Lever C.C. on 22nd June at 7.30pm. Clubs will be fined if their senior captains or a playing representative do not attend.
The May Newsletter was handed to all clubs.
The Umpires were thanked for sending over 90% of the match cards, however concern was expressed that clubs were being given top marks too frequently.
Umpires were asked not to delay calling matches off until they were entitled to a full match fee.
Juniors: The Chairman reported the submission of match cards was much improved.
A number of inter-league competitions have been entered, but these will not clash with Bolton League fixtures. A budget for refreshments has been set.
The Committee agreed unanimously that as the Under 18 competition has reverted to one league, prizes should be determined by averages, using the most recently used qualifications.
If a team declares in a junior match, their opponents do not receive the additional overs.
Discipline: Mr. Kay said disappointingly there had already been seven reported incidents, most for equipment abuse, but a couple more serious. A more detailed report will be given at the next meeting, when the time for appeals has elapsed.
Hamer / Birtwistle Cup Draws: These will be made at Bradshaw C.C. at 8.30pm on Thursday 2nd June.
Rule 27 (Points): The Secretary explained that for several years there had been reference in the Handbook to “4-4” points. This is incorrect and where there is no play or no result each club should receive six points, the number that have always been awarded when league tables are compiled.
Slow Bowling of Overs: Both Westhoughton and Egerton stated that they felt it was unreasonable to deduct two points in high scoring matches, especially when the match officials had inferred the teams were on target to bowl their overs within the allotted time.
A proposal that the points be re-instated was defeated, as it did not receive unanimous support for a waiver of the Rule, however it was agreed the R & C Committee consider the rule and the wider implications.
Any Other Business: Mr. Hutchinson expressed concern that earlier in the meeting the Committee had discussed an issue that had been handled previously by the R & C Committee. The Chairman said that under the circumstances he felt that this had been the best way to deal with the issues.
It was agreed the terms of reference of the R & C Committee should be re-stated, and the Secretary was asked to look back over previous correspondence and notes.
It was reiterated that non-compliance with Welfare issues would be reported to the R & C Committee to be dealt with under Rules 5, and 7(a).
Date of Next Meeting: 27th June.