ANTHONY AXFORD BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD AT TONGE C.C.
16th APRIL 2012
Apologies: The Treasurer. Eagley, Heaton and Kearsley were not represented. The Chairman said that if more than four clubs failed to attend a meeting, it would be rescheduled with the clubs having to pay expenses to the attendees in addition to a fine.
Minutes’ Silence: The Committee stood in memory of Colin Chadwick (Bradshaw and Westhoughton) and Geoff Garner.
Minutes of the March Meeting: These had been circulated and were approved as a correct record.
Matters Arising: Karen Knott reported on the progress of Clive Knott and Roy Sturch.
The new rules for the Axford Indoor KO have been popular. A decision will be taken at the May meeting about the 2013 venue.
The following clubs have not returned their Child Welfare forms; Astley Bridge, Eagley, Farnworth S.C., Heaton and Walkden. It was agreed if these were not with Mike Buckley by 23rd April, clubs would be fined £25, with a further fine of £25 each week until clubs were compliant.
The Boltoncricket website will be operational later this week.
Correspondence: The Secretary had circulated the League Cricket Conference Legal Update and minutes from the Umpires / Captains meeting. There is a new publication – The LCA Guide to Club Cricket www.thelca.co.uk
David Morris handed out copies of the Club Survey to be completed and returned to himself or Derek Kay.
The Inter League team play the Central Lancashire League at Middleton C.C. on 10th June. The second team Inter League team are away on 8th July. Bradshaw are the next club on the inter league rota, followed by Walkden and Greenmount.
Chairman’s Remarks: Mr Milne called for more respect from players, making specific reference to their relationship with volunteers and the abuse of facilities, in particular the pitch and changing rooms. The increased costs of playing the game were noted and clubs were advised about the importance of continued improvement.
Finance: Clubs who have not already done so should let the Treasurer have details of their public liability before the season begins. The Secretary was given details of Farnworth, Farnworth S.C. and Walkden’s insurance.
Cricket balls have been distributed.
R&C: The following players have transferred; D Mather (Kearsley to FSC), R Hamblett and C Dorsey (Kearsley to Walkden), I Patel (Tonge to Walkden) and K Nawiz (Tonge to FSC).
Clubs were reminded of the importance of using the new registration form for players new to the League, which puts the onus on clubs to ensure they have seen the documentation proving the player is eligible for the Bolton League. The Secretary suggested from next season that the League adopt the ECB transfer form for players from other leagues to avoid clubs registering players who are banned or have Child Welfare issues.
It was confirmed that Kearsley will be permitted deputy professionals up to Grade 2.
Clubs must let Ron Fallows have their updated player lists before the first match.
The Committee were informed there was an on-going issue with the transfer of a player. As this is being handled outside the League, it was agreed that the player could not play in the Bolton League until the R&C Committee were satisfied there were no outstanding problems.
Umpires: A chain or 22 yard tape must be available at each club for the first match.
All five ex-players and the two new recruits have passed their level 1 exam, and it is anticipated there will be full cover for most matches. It was suggested that for future seasons there are reserve umpires at each club who have attended an Umpires’ Course and who could umpire at one end, not just square leg.
Power plays should be recorded in the scorebook and it would assist spectators of clubs could find a way of signifying a power play is in progress on the scoreboard. Umpires will be asked to remind players about the power play if it has not been taken by the 40th over or at the appropriate stage in a reduced overs match, but the onus is on players to remember. Arrangements will be reviewed if necessary after the first round.
Two clubs have been fined for only sending one playing representative to the Umpires / Captains meeting. The Chairman expressed disappointment at the quality of representation from other clubs. It was agreed he evening had been successful although there had been a lack of response from the players who attended. It was agreed another meeting should be arranged part way through the season. Reference was made to the fact that aspects of our game that seem to find favour with players do not always receive the support of the clubs.
Juniors: The meeting has been put back to 23rd April as the Secretary is away this week. League Handbooks will be available for collection at the meeting.
Ground Inspection: Mr Waterworth said it was probably the best year ever, although there is a widespread problem with moss. There had been major work carried out on the squares at Bradshaw, Egerton and Farnworth and there are now six clubs with covers and one pending. Minor attention is required to the Horwich square and Eagley outfield and clubs need to ensure their sightscreens are painted and mobile.
Lyddon Trophy Final: This had not been played at weekend, and Little Lever are looking into rearranging the event.
Date of Next Meeting: 28th May.