ANTHONY AXFORD BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD AT BRADSHAW C.C. 25th FEBRUARY 2008

Apologies: None. All clubs and officials attended.

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

Matters Arising: The Chairman reported on a meeting he and Eric Smith had attended with Andy Hayhurst the LCB Director to discuss a number of issues that both parties were keen to resolve;

Bolton Cricket Website – Mr Hayhurst explained the background to their concerns over the website and comments being made on the Forum and the BCL chairman reported on the League’s position with regard to both the website and Forum and in particular to changes that had now been made to the Bolton Cricket website with additional disclaimers and a Forum link separate from the Bolton League information following discussions between Paul Rayment (Domain Owner) and representatives from the BCL.

Bolton CDG – Mr Hayhurst explained the background to the exclusion of the BCL Secretary Ray Taylor who had declined to read an email from the CDO at a Committee meeting, and the BCL Junior Secretary Mike Buckley who had been in protracted correspondence with the CDO, from meetings of the Bolton CDG. Following a long discussion, the BCL Chairman confirmed that he would report the views of the LCB back to the BCL and ensure that this item was discussed by the League at its next meeting and following that discussion that the BCL Chairman would confirm the outcome and respond back to Mr Hayhurst. Mr Hayhurst confirmed that Ray Taylor could attend future Bolton CDG meetings in his capacity as BCL Secretary. At the monthly meeting of the BCL on 25th February the Chairman asked for discussion on this matter to be held over to the March meeting as due to the Chairman’s time constraints he had not been able to attend a meeting previously arranged with Mike Buckley to discuss the matter and Mr Kay felt it unfair to discuss these issues at a full League meeting without having had an opportunity to discuss the matter first with Mr Buckley. The Committee agreed to the Chairman’s request.

Clubmark – Walkden C.C; Mr Hayhurst confirmed that discussions and meetings had already taken place between the appropriate reps of both LCB and Walkden to start and progress the Club’s application process to achieve Clubmark.

Clubs had been notified previously that the IOG would be holding a Groundsman Seminar at Middleton C.C. on 27th February.

Graham Waterworth has been appointed Secretary of the Lancashire Groundsman Association, who will be running two courses later in the year. As future funding and assistance with equipment could depend on clubs having a qualified groundsman it was suggested compliance could be incorporated in our Rules.

It appears from recent communications that 2008 will be the last season overseas amateurs cricketers will be allowed in the country.

Correspondence: Clubs are advised to attend a meeting at Plodder Lane Conservative Club at 8pm 27th February when club licences and the recent increases by United Utilities are discussed. John Hutchinson will send the Secretary details of the increases who will bring them to the attention of the ECB and League Cricket Conference.

Brenton Parchment: As requested by the League Committee, the Chairman had met with Martin Axford of Farnworth C.C. After some discussion, during which the Chairman confirmed there had been procedural errors by the League, the Committee ratified the following:

The league table published at the end of last season would stand, with Farnworth not qualifying for the Lancs KO;

The League would not take any further action against Farnworth C.C. or Mr. Parchment, but the incident last season may be taken into account if Mr. Parchment is reported in 2008;

Farnworth C.C. will not pursue any action against the Bolton League;

The protest fee would be refunded to Bradshaw C.C.;

Disciplinary Guidelines will be incorporated in the League Handbook. A suggestion that the March meeting be brought forward so the Committee could ratify these was not adopted;

Professionals must sign the registration form accepting the Code of Conduct.

Umpires: The Umpires / Captains meeting will be held at Farnworth S.C. at 7.45pm on Wednesday 9th April.

The League asked Karen Knott to rebook the facilities for the Axford Indoor KO for January 2009.

There is no provision in the Rules for a delayed start other than for adverse weather. The Committee agreed unanimously that that if the first innings were delayed for any reason both sides would lose an equal number of overs, and if the second innings were delayed the run rate would be revised in accordance with the overs lost. Adjustments could also be made for delays during the match, for example lengthy injuries to players.

Clubs are asked to display posters regarding Introduction Courses in Cricket Umpiring (15th April ABCC and 16th April FSCCC) and Scorebook Entry Courses (7pm Greenmount C.C. 6th & 12th March and ABCC 1st & 8th April).

Juniors: Mike Buckley said there had been no reason to hold a meeting in February.

Clubs will be contacted for their Child Protection information.

The next meeting is 24th March.

Finance: The Treasurer reported a bank balance of £2643 in the current account, £1520 in the savings account, £6435 in the Junior Coaching account. There is £1039 in the Legal Fund, but invoices have not been received yet for defending the action taken by Farnworth C.C.

Transfers: C. Evans (Egerton to Bradshaw).

Registrations: Clubs were reminded that the League had to approve professionals who did not qualify for a work permit.

The Secretary had emailed clubs newspaper articles about a rapist on bail who had played under an assumed name in another league. The Committee agreed that as a duty of care, a club official should sign the registration form of players new to the League to say he has seen proof of identity and residence.

Discipline: Horwich C.C. have banned a player from the 2009 Axford Indoor KO.

LCB: Reporting on the LCB AGM, the President said the Recreational Sub-Committee would be looking again at some of the Lancs KO proposals for 2008. He was asked by the Committee to vote against overseas amateurs in the Lancs KO if the opportunity arose.

League Cricket Conference: The Secretary had previously emailed documents to clubs relating to the last meeting. The Chairman will attend the meeting and AGM at Middleton C.C. on 17th March.

Handbook: The President requires details of club officials and junior team managers as soon as possible. So few clubs have submitted second team averages it may not be worthwhile including these.

Cricket Balls: Clubs should let Rod Sandiford have their cheques before 7th March.

Any Other Business: The Chairman noted that all Bolton League clubs were embracing ‘Clubmark’.

Steve Dalton answered questions put to him about the changes to Farnworth C.C. and the new ownership.

It was agreed that at the next meeting the League should be formally notified of the change of status and Farnworth asked to re-apply for membership of the Bolton League.

Before the April meeting, Farnworth must provide proof that players, umpires, and all spectators are covered by insurance and the League Secretary should be provided with a copy of the new constitution.

Steve Parker confirmed an exit plan was in place at Westhoughton C.C. for the transfer from The Tyldsleys to The Hoskers in time for the 2010 season.

Date of Next Meetings: 31st March and 21st April.