ANTHONY AXFORD BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 30th SEPTEMBER 2013
TONGE C.C.
Apologies: The Treasurer. Kearsley were not represented.
Minutes of the August Meeting: The minutes had been circulated and were approved by the Committee as a correct record.
Matters Arising: The Committee agreed to continue using the Reader cricket ball.
A proposal to ensure compliance with Play-Cricket had been circulated. Greenmount and Bradshaw questioned some of the requirements in the proposal, particularly relating to the registration requirements. Walkden suggested the use of Play-Cricket added to the burden of administration. The Secretary said the Committee would welcome alternative suggestions. Ron Fallows noted clubs failure to use the system impacted on other clubs.
The Chairman reported that he, the Secretary and Derek Kay had held a successful meeting with the Eagley C.C. Committee, and were encouraged by the improvements that were being made. Richard Blagg said Eagley were devoted to the Bolton League, and contrary to rumours had never applied to join another league. He stressed that while the Club had been struggling, they were not failing.
Correspondence: The Secretary said that on behalf of the Inter League team he had proposed that overseas players were not permitted to play in the Reader KO. The Bolton League will be entering the competition in 2014. It is anticipated the Manchester Association will be replaced by another league.
There is a National Cricket Survey Workshop at Old Trafford on 7th October. As the Secretary is only able to attend the morning session, he asked if anyone else could attend.
The Secretary had previously circulated information regarding League Cricket Conference, the LCB Coach Education Programme, the ECB ‘Places’ Newsletter, NatWest Cricketforce and Funding Organisations.
Finance: The Treasurer’s Report had been circulated. Clubs owing the League money were given until the 31st October to settle their accounts; otherwise their first team will receive a ten point deduction for season 2014.
Umpires: Mrs Knott reported that there had been problems with the scoreboards at Walkden and Greenmount and the covers at Heaton towards the end of the season. The problem with scoreboards’ internal illuminations was discussed.
There is a problem with litter in the scoreboards at some clubs.
Clubs, with the exception of Eagley and Kearsley were congratulated on submitting almost a full quota of umpires’ reports.
It is likely there will be a shortfall of umpires next season, and there will be a course from 7th January at Astley Bridge from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
There will be an Introduction to Scoring Course at the same venue on 11th March with a level 1 course from 17th.
Juniors: The Junior Presentation will be at Little Lever C.C. on 3rd October. It is anticipated there will be around 120 attending.
John Hutchinson and Mike Buckley will be arranging a meeting with clubs’ CWO’s.
The Coaching Group is to be reformed and self funding courses to be arranged.
The 2014 rule proposals will be put to the meeting next Monday.
The next meeting is 17th October.
R&C Report: The minimum standards for non first class players, who have played in UK Premier Leagues or ECB accepted ‘Professional’ Leagues as previously minuted are as follows; 700 runs or 60 wickets, 500 runs and 30 wickets or over, 45 wickets and 350 runs or over, all averaged over the past three seasons. All other players need the approval of the League Committee.
It was agreed any amendments to these figures must be made at the October meeting.
Mrs Knott reported Kearsley were fined £50 and their first team docked a point for failing to fulfil a second team fixture on the last match of the season.
Bradshaw protested about the eligibility of deputy professionals at clubs where the professionals had returned home, but the R&C Committee had agreed deputy professionals were acceptable. There was a discussion about the wording of Rule 16 when there was a multiple protest.
Disciplinary Reports: Mr Hutchinson reported a professional had been fined £30 and given a warning for minor abuse of equipment.
A further report had been received relating to another incident, but as the match was not a Bolton League or ECB or LCB sanctioned game the Disciplinary Committee felt it was outside their jurisdiction, and had referred the report to the organising body.
All references to the Lyddon Trophy will be removed from further editions of the Handbook.
League Presentation: This will be held on 29th November at Farnworth C.C. Tickets are £12 and clubs will be charged for a minimum of 4. There will also be a donation of £25 from each club. There will be a hot and cold buffet.
Trophies should be returned at the Prize Claim Meeting next Monday.
Amendments to Rule: An updated list had been circulated, with new proposals relating to the registration or amateurs, sub professionals and deputy professionals and an annual club fee. These and others will be discussed at a meeting at Tonge C.C. at 7pm on 7th October. Players, other club officials, and junior and senior team managers are also invited.
From 8.45pm there will be the Prize Claim meeting. This is mandatory and clubs must bring their claim form, including votes for the professionals’ prize and amateur player of the year.
The last date for the submission of any other amendments is midday on 28th October.
Fixtures: The Secretary proposed reverting to the third week in April to give additional options for dates to play rained off matches, in line with the majority of other leagues who begin this weekend or the previous weekend. Some clubs and the umpires had reservations as this is Easter weekend.
The Secretary asked clubs to consider if they wanted to end the season on a Sunday (Lancs KO permitting) when less players are playing football, or on the last Saturday giving greater scope for end of season parties.