ANTHONY AXFORD BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD AT TONGE C.C.
26th MARCH 2012
Apologies: Karen Knott, Chris Monks, Eric Smith, Kearsley C.C. and Westhoughton C.C. The Committee sent their best wishes for a speedy recovery to umpires Clive Knott and Roy Sturch.
Minutes of the February Meeting: These had been distributed, and were agreed to be a correct record. There were no matters arising.
Correspondence: The Secretary had previously emailed clubs about a cylinder mover for sale, Natwest Cricketforce and the” Buildforce” offer , the Wi-Fi offer to clubs and the ECBCA AGM at Leyland C.C. on 16th April. League Cricket Conference handbooks were distributed at the meeting.
Finance: Report to follow. Clubs were reminded they have to forward their public liability details to the Treasurer by the April meeting. Messer’s Milne and Wiseman updated clubs on the PAYE situation, with particular references to coaches. The Secretary forwarded an email to clubs who have not yet paid for their cricket balls. Delivery is due Friday of this week, but the Treasurer will have to phone the suppliers Thursday lunch time if clubs have not paid.
The Chairman suggested that as there is no legacy for our sponsor’s money it should be allocated for specific funds to improve the standard of our facilities, rather than being absorbed in general running costs. One idea that was put forward was the provision of roll-on roll-off covers. It was agreed that Graham Waterworth should form an advisory sub-committee based around the Ground Committee with the ability to co-opt. The sub-committee were asked to look into the possibility of bulk purchasing.
Umpires: Clubs were reminded the Umpires’ / Captains’ meeting is at Farnworth S.C. at 7.30pm on 11th April. A recent scorers’ course was poorly attended, although a refresher course for umpires last Sunday at Farnworth C.C. was exceptionally well attended. Clubs were asked to note that umpires’ reports submitted via the Boltoncricket website can be checked to ensure the report has been received. Alternative venues for the Axford Indoor KO are still being considered but a decision will have to be made before we lose the option on Bolton School.
Juniors: After hearing from Gillian Schofield how Tonge have tried to recruit young players, with greater success at junior rather than senior schools, clubs agreed to a waiver of Junior Rule 9 to allow Tonge to withdraw from the under 13 competition for the 2012 season. To date only Bradshaw, Greenmount, Kearsley and Little Lever have returned their Child Welfare spread sheets. Child protection and first aid courses have been fully subscribed and there is a further first aid course at Bradshaw C.C. from 7-10pm on 24th April, but places are limited. CRB forms can be signed off by Mike Buckley, Richard Dearden, David Clitheroe, Karen Knott and Paul Schofield.
The next Junior Meeting is at Astley Bridge C.C. on 19th April.
Discipline: The Secretary has previously emailed clubs with a proposal and John Hutchinson read this to the representatives. The Committee agreed with the proposed tariffs which will form part of these minutes. It was agreed that while sub- committees could operate with a quorum, when policy decisions are to be made all members of the sub-committee should be invited. Under ECB Guidelines suspensions should be carried forward to the following season.
The Committee agreed that the previous arrangement should apply and Lancashire and National KO matches may be included provided those matches reach a conclusion during the period of the suspension. A second team player may take these matches as part of the suspension provided that; a) he has previously played for the first team that season and b) his first Bolton League match after the suspension is in the first team.
R&C: The Committee had agreed at the February meeting that Dave Bath could return to Tonge although he had played less than a full season at Egerton. Andy Walton has transferred from Horwich to Heaton. Clubs have registered professionals with the following grades; Farnworth, Tonge and Walkden 1, Little Lever 3, all other clubs 2. Kearsley and Little Lever are asked to check their professional has been correctly graded. Some clubs are already aware there professional will not be in the UK for the start of the season.
The revised transfer / registration form has been emailed to clubs and must be used in future. It is also available on the Boltoncricket website. The registration part of the form makes it clear that the club is responsible for ensuring a player not born in the UK is eligible to play in the Bolton League, and this information has to be readily available on request. Rule 13(c) refers.
Ground Inspections: Clubs must have someone in attendance that can provide access to the changing rooms, scorebox and club house. The 2010 Fast Bowling Directive must be displayed in the clubhouse and changing rooms. Clubs were given a form detailing exactly what the committee will be looking at in relation to grounds and equipment.
Tuesday 10th April
1pm Little Lever, 1.40pm Greenmount, 2.10pm Bradshaw, 2.40pm Egerton, 3pm Eagley, 3.30pm Astley Bridge, 4pm Tonge.
Thursday 12th April
1pm Kearsley, 1.30pm Walkden, 2.10pm Westhoughton, 2.45pm Horwich, 3.15pm Heaton, 3.50pm Farnworth S.C., 4.20pm Farnworth.
Other Reports: The Secretary had attended the League Cricket Conference AGM. It is recommended that clubs know the whereabouts of their title deeds and ensure the names of their trustees are up to date. The title deeds may be registered with the Land Registry. The ECB is to issue a statement discouraging the payment of players. Training sessions on how to handle players have been arranged for the umpires in one Premier League where there have been an excessive number of reports. There will be an improvement to Play-Cricket over the next two years. Funding from Sport England is to be reduced.
Development: Derek Kay and David Morris will be distributing a form covering a large number of topics covering Bolton League Cricket for clubs to complete.
Date of Next Meeting: 16th April.