Anthony Axford Bolton Cricket League

Minutes of the General Committee Meeting Held at Bradshaw C.C.

23rd May 2011

Minutes Silence - A minute's silence was held in memory of Joe Hunter (Tonge C.C.)

Apologies - P Stafford. Farnworth, Kearsley and Little Lever were not represented.

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

Matters Arising - The Committee agreed to a previously emailed waiver of Rule 26(f)ii. The 60% calculation rather than the full run rate will be applied for the remainder of the 2011 season where the second innings is 25 overs or less. For example if team A score 200, team B must score 140 or more to win, or have won, in 25 overs or less, irrespective of overs lost due to further interruptions.

Umpires have the new balls for the Hamer Cup first round. After the match the balls must be returned to the umpires, and captains are asked to comment on the quality of the ball.

All clubs have submitted player lists. Clubs must update their juniors before 27th June.

Clubs have completed their Child Welfare forms. Some of these may need updating as the season progresses, and CRB forms are returned.

To enable clubs to book their own presentations, dates for the senior and junior presentations need to be decided as soon as practicable.

Correspondence - Posters for the LCB OSCA's were given to all clubs.

Finance - To follow.

Umpires - Mr Sturch said that even taking occasional problems with the website into consideration, some clubs had been fined for late submission of umpires' reports, and the following were still missing;

First Team - AB 1/5, B 7/5 &14/5, Ea 23/4, F 30/4 & 1/5, He 7/5.

Second Team - AB 30/4 1/5 7/5 & 14/5, Eg 7/5, G 30/4 & 7/5, He none, Ho 7/5 & 14/5, K 14/5, LL 7/5, Wa none.

Clubs were given two weeks to bring these up to date, otherwise the would be an additional fine. Umpires' names can be found in clubs' scorebooks.

Clubs should not phone Umpires Officials to complain about umpires. The official form must be used.

It is a disciplinary offence for players to consume alcohol before a match, or during the match if they are still participants.

From this weekend the toss for innings must be made 30 to 15 minutes before the start of play, and witnessed by at least one umpire. The decision to bat or field must be made immediately.

Bolton School has been booked for the Indoor Cricket for January 2012. Revisions to the rules are being considered.

When it rains during the match the wicket and bowlers' run up must be covered in accordance with Rule 26(h).

There have been problems with teas, particularly at Kearsley. Teas need to be available if the first innings finished early, or if an early tea is required because of the weather. As scorers are often the last to arrive, teas should be reserved or plated up for them. It it up to each team's captain to keep his scorer informed of events if rain stops play.

When clubs submit their results, the first team should include the full scorecard with players initials. This is especially important for the fielding side when two or more members of the team share the same surname.

Umpires expenses are £15 up to 30 minutes from the scheduled start time, £25 up to tea and the full fee thereafter. An umpire standing alone receives £50 and for Hamer or Birtwistle Cup matches overrunning its £15 per evening.

Juniors - Venues are required for inter league matches on 12th June (2), 10th July and 14th August. Clubs who can stage these matches should contact Mike Buckley by Friday.

Discipline - Clubs were congratulated as there have been no reports so far.

R&C Report - Tonge, Little Lever and Heaton have received warnings about not fulfilling junior fixtures.

The Secretary said clubs not running an under 11 team would always struggle to find under 13 players.

The Secretary had referred a request to register a player to the R&C Committee, as although not a contracted professional, he had played as a deputy professional. This was the first time these circumstances had arisen and he was not sure Rule 13(c) was intended to cover it. The R&C Committee had looked into the player's background and agreed he could register immediately.

It was agreed that an official transfer form is required for all transfers.

The Lyddon Trophy matches scheduled for 30th May at FSC will not be played as the group qualifying teams have already been determined. 

Ground Reports - There is poor or restricted access to the scorebox at some clubs. The Farnworth scoreboard does not always show runs to win.

Clubs should ensure their umpires' accommodation is uncluttered and fit for use.

Clubs should inspect their covers regularly for wear and tear. A company in Bury is selling covers for £110. Interested clubs should contact Graham Waterworth.

Metal manholes on grounds must be covered.

Cup Draws - The Hamer and Birtwistle Cup draws will be made at Bradshaw C.C. at 7.45pm on Monday 30th May. This will be emailed clubs and officials and posted on the website. It would help if clubs could post the second team winners on the Forum.

Date of Next Meeting - 27th June.