BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE

MINURES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD AT BRADSHAW C.C.

31^st OCTOBER 2005

A period of silence was held in memory of Frank Tattersall.

Apologies: Mike Buckley, John Hutchinson, and Eric Smith.

Minutes of the September Meeting: These had been circulated previously, and were agreed to be a correct record.

Matters Arising: The R&C Committee have yet to meet to review the fines imposed during the season, and disappointment was expressed that they had not met. However, the Committee felt clubs should not be fined for failing to submit Umpires’ Report Forms.

Tonge had forfeit their first team match against Kearsley and were fined £50 (Rule 26p).

The Committee agreed Eric Wallwork as the recipient of the Hubert Pendlebury award. A nomination from another club was withheld until next year.

Mike Hall reported from the Second Team Forum.

Mike Hall had spoken to Paul Rayment about the Bolton Cricket Website and Forum, and disclaimers had been added. While the Committee were generally supportive of the website, Derek Kay was asked to look into certain legal aspects.

The Secretary had written to the LCB about the cost of coaching courses, and Peter Stafford will be asked to raise the issue at the next LCB meeting.

Correspondence: PCM Risk Solutions deal with player and third party claims. Their website is www.pcmrisksolutions.com.

Clubs agreed to take a minimum of two copies each of the LCB Handbook in 2006. This will cover League and Youth Cricket, Child Protection, ECB and Competitions.

Indoor Nets are available at Sharples Community Leisure Centre from 12^th November, including Saturday evenings, phone 334096.

The Chairman read a letter regarding an injury to a Bolton League player last season. Clubs were advised again to inform their players of their level of insurance cover.

Amendments to Rule: These had been sent to clubs and were discussed.

The Umpires’ representative again stressed the problem of recruitment and retaining of umpires if the duration of the innings were increased. There were several other proposals concerning the slow bowling of overs.

Voting forms for senior and junior cricket will be sent out later in the week, with the following minor amendments to the wording of the senior proposals:

26w (match cards) “In the event that a club fails to submit an Umpires marking card within ten days, a fine of £3 will be levied on each occurrence.”

26(c) and (g) “League fixtures shall commence at 1pm. Matches in April and the last four weekends to start at 12.30pm” “The 49^th over shall be completed within 3 hours and 14 minutes of the start.”

26(b) Ignore “Removal of Rules 38, 40 and 45” – included below.

14(f) amend to read, “a substitute professional must be engaged”

14(j) amend to read, “to play or train to”.

Finance: The Treasurer reported a bank balance of £3500 with £3000 in the coaching account. Invoices have been sent to clubs who still owe the following: Astley Bridge £50, Egerton £81.50, FSC £59, Heaton £53, Kearsley £109.02, Little Lever £252, Tonge £110.50.

Derek Kay outlined a new sponsorship deal, which was agreed by the Committee. There will be a meeting with the sponsors in the near future and an announcement will be made at the League Dinner. Our new sponsor may wish to place an advertising board on member club’s grounds. Mr. Kay is also looking into an agreement with Valueworks, which could benefit clubs individually or collectively.

Umpires: The County Indoor KO finals will be played at Old Trafford on 12^th February. Walkden qualify automatically as last year’s County winners. The Committee decided by the Chairman’s casting vote that this year’s winners from the Axford KO will also go through rather than last year’s winners Greenmount who were unable to take part last winter. However, if Walkden win the Axford KO, Greenmount will take part, not the runners-up.

The Umpires Association have decided not to award the Ken Worrall Trophy this year, as every first team at some stage of the season has been given a low mark by an umpire, even though players may not have been reported. The Umpires were asked to reconsider the decision. It was felt by some members of the Committee that an alternative way of deciding the recipient of the trophy, or an alternative use for it may have to be found.

Juniors: Proposed amendments to rule were discussed at the last meeting. The voting form will be sent to clubs and like the senior form will require two signatures. 

153 tickets have been sold so far for the Junior Presentation at Little Lever on Friday 4^th November.

The problem of discipline at junior level was discussed.

Walshaw have applied to join our Under 18 Section. The Bolton Association will be informed of their application, but a final decision cannot be taken until it is known how many of our own clubs are entering the competition. 

Disciplinary Report: Mr. Kay reported that Farnworth SC has banned Scott Lees, following incidents at the Michael Roache Under 15 final, for the first two matches of the season. Additionally, the League Disciplinary Panel has added a suspended ban of two junior and two senior matches.

Registration and Competitions Report: Ron Fallows produced new registration documents, which would be ideally e-mailed to him.

Clubs were asked to consider which officials would be permitted to sign transfer forms.

League Dinner: Clubs must let Roy Stafford have the numbers attending by Friday 4^th November at the latest. The following clubs were asked to get trophies to Reidys for engraving; Lansdale, Hutchinson, and Harrison – Bradshaw, Hinks – Heaton, Hulton – Walkden.

Reports From Other Cricket Bodies: Reading from a letter from Peter Stafford, the Secretary informed the meeting that our junior representative sides are held in low esteem at the moment. A strongly worded letter about the conduct of our Under 18 side was read out at the MEN meeting.

We have been drawn away throughout the MEN KO – 1^st Round v North Lancs League, 2nd v CLL / LCL.

The Under 18s are in a group with N. Lancs, Manchester Association and Bolton Association. Two out of the three fixtures will be at home.

Sponsorship money has been increased from £3500 to £4000.

Admission is now £2 adults, £1 concessions.

The umpires’ fee for Lancashire KO matches is now £25.

Averages: These should be sent to Peter Stafford as soon as possible.

Any Other Business: Clubs should let Rod Sandiford know their cricket ball requirements at the next meeting.

The N.W. Groundsmen’s Association are meeting at Bradshaw C.C. on 21^st November.

Date of Next Meeting: 28^th November.

Date of AGM: 12^th December.