Cheltenham League Meetings

CHELTENHAM ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Minutes of the Management Committee Meeting at the Victory Club Cheltenham on Wednesday 25th May 2005 at 7-15 pm

Attendees: G Cook, D Barrett, J Crowther, R Attwood, N Oram, L Fisher, A.Stiley, , J Hunt, B Hill, G.Morrison, P Newcombe, R.Overington

Apologies: T Onions, P.Tustain

Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 27th April 2005 were read and accepted with the following amendments
Dennis Barrett was not in attendance
The name of "FC Electrics" was appended to the line that read " Fined £30, deducted 3 points, game declared null and void and replay ordered 16/04/2005 - Div 3" in the Rule Offences section

Matters Arising from the minutes.

The General Secretary, Mr Nick Oram, reported that, as instructed, he had written to Mr Paul Marsh at Cheltenham Borough Council. This was in relation to cancelling the block booking arrangement between the League and the Council if the Council could not provide a fixed price for the provision of the facilities at the beginning of the season that was applicable for the whole of the season. He informed the meeting that no reply had been received and that this matter would be raised again under Any Other Business.
The meeting was informed that the editor of "Grassroots" Magazine had been in contact by telephone and that he will be in attendance at the AGM. He has been told that he will only be able to approach the club representatives after the end of the meeting.
Mr Oram also informed the meeting that it had been necessary to extend the 2004-2005 season to Tuesday, May 10th following the abandonment of the Minor Charity Cup Final because of rain.
The meeting was told that the League's FA Cup Final Ticket Allocation for this season had numbered 10. The persons or teams to whom the tickets had been passed on were as follows: 2 separate tickets @ £50 to Gas Green; 4 tickets @ £65 to John Hunt, League Assistant Secretary, and AC Olympia; 4 Tickets @ £90 to Phoenix United and Winchcombe Town.

Correspondence:

Reported for Discussion:

Letter from the GFA giving details of the rule changes required by amendments to the standard code of rules
Letter from the GFA detailing the League's allocation of tickets for the FA Cup Final as 10 tickets. These are 2 at £50, 4 at £65 and 4 at £90
Letter from Churchdown Panthers, dated 27/04/2005, applying for membership of the league
A reply had sent informing Churchdown Panthers that the League had already accepted 8 applications for membership of the League next season and that it was unable to accept any more at this stage but also informing them that their application would be placed on a reserve list.
Letter from Endsleigh Insurance containing details of the League's Liability insurance for the year from March 4th
Letter from Alan Roberts, former Secretary of St Marks CA, apologising to the League for the behaviour of the Clubs 2nd XI, particularly in the County Cup Final. He also detailed the proposals for tackling the club's problems, pointed out that the 3rd XI conducted themselves admirably in defeat at the Junior Charity Cup Final and giving details of their new secretary.
The General Secretary informed the meeting that he would readily concur with Mr Roberts sentiments. In his opinion, the behaviour of St Marks thirds in defeat in the Junior Charity Cup Final demonstrated admirable dignity,, despite the pain of losing a final after extra time and penalties.
Email from Smiths Athletic containing details of their first team's fixtures in Northern Senior League Division Two for season 2005-2006. Also contained within the email is notification of the fact that the management at Newlands Park intends to permit Newton Heath to use their ground as their Northern Senior home for the forthcoming season. Smiths point out that this could cause problems because it is not definite that there will be three pitches available.
It was confirmed to the meeting that Newton Heath now no longer intended to use a pitch at Newlands and that, consequently, no problems would be anticipated in the scheduling of Cheltenham League matches
Email from Winchcombe Town proposing a motion for the Annual General Meeting. In this motion, they seek to alter rule 11b and change the time by which Results have to be phoned to the Results Secretary to 5.30 pm at the earliest
After a brief discussion the Committee voted unanimously not to support the motion at the AGM and to suggest, instead, that the time by which results have to be phoned in to the Results Secretary should remain at 5.15 pm.
Letter from Northway apologising for the behaviour of the club's 2nd team manager and his team in the Div 3 match with Star FC Reserves on Saturday, 26th March, 2005. Northway reported that the manager has been removed from his position.
It was noted that Star FC were more than happy to accept Northway's apology and explanation and that this matter could now be considered to be resolved
Email from Kings detailing the reasons why they believed that Charlton Kings had played an ineligible player in their Div 4 match on January 29th. A Charlton Kings substitute gave the name of a player that the referee knew, and whom he knew not to be the player who was attempting to come on as a sub. The referee, therefore, declined to allow the player to come on to the field of play or to take part in the match.
Before this matter was considered, Mr Ben Hill left the room.
It was noted that the player in question had not been allowed to take part in the game and had not, therefore, been a player in the meaning of rule 8, as stipulated in rule 10(g). Therefore, the complaint raised by Kings FC was not upheld.
Following this discussion, Mr Ben Hill resumed his place in the meeting

Correspondence Notified to the Meeting but not discussed

Email from Hatherley Rangers advising the details of the new mobile number for their secretary. This is now 07813 162958
Email from Smiths Athletic giving details of the success of the 6-a-side tournament that was held on Sunday, May 8th in memory of Peter Jurd. It is estimated that approximately £400 was raised for Peter's favourite Charity, Winston's Wish
Letter from Churchdown Panthers expressing their disappointment at the failure of their application to join the league but reaffirming their interest should the opportunity arise.
Letter from Don Brownings advising that their invoicing and accounting process would be changing with immediate effect to enable them to avoid increasing their prices

Rule Offences:
The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 5h

i) Late Payment of Invoices Fine £15: Belmore Jags (invoice 14, £5), Charlton Kings (invoice 96, £18.29), Northway (invoice 8, £5), Phoenix United (invoice 11, £5), Woodmancote (now paid)

ii) Failure to satisfactorily attend to the business of the League Fine £15: Naunton Park ( late return of Junior Charity Cup Bestowal form)

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 8Q - playing an ineligible player: 29/01/2005 - Div 4 Charlton Kings

The facts concerning this offence were detailed to the Management Committee after Mr Ben Hill had, once again, left the room. It was reported that the referee had noted, on his result card, that when he had cautioned a Charlton Kings player, the player had given a name that was not on the teamsheet. Furthermore, it transpired that the name given was not of a player who was registered to Charlton Kings. It was decided that the offence was proven and that, as such, Charlton Kings should forfeit the 3 points gained from the match. It was also agreed that they should be fined £15 and have 3 points deducted from their total in Division Four.

Once this decision was taken, Mr Ben Hill resumed his place in the meeting once more.

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11a - Result Cards. Fine £5 for each offence:
No Referee Details 19/03/2005 - Div 4 Hatherley Rangers (T Gladwin), 26/03/2005 - Div 3 Phoenix United (M Kimber)
Incorrect Referee Named: 09/04/2005 - Div 4 Falcons (stated R Price when J Hearn), 16/04/2005 - Div 4 Tewkesbury YMCA (stated J Harding when W Gibbard), 25/04/2005 - Div 4 Bredon (stated W Gibbard when A Butler, 30/04/2005 - Div 3 Star (stated R Watts when M Barnes), Div 4 Charlton Kings (stated M Powell when J Hearn), Hatherley Rangers (stated J Carbin when M Powell)
No Registration Numbers: 29/04/2005 - Junior Charity Cup Final Naunton Park, 04/05/2005 - Div 3 Naunton Park

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11b - failure to phone in a result. Fine £10: 30/04/2005 - Div 2 Gas Green (no result phoned)

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 13J - No Teamsheets. Fine £5.00: 26/04/2005 - Div 2 Smiths Athletic, 30/04/2005 - Div 5 Cheltenham Saracens, 04/05/2005 - Div 2 Brockworth Albion.

The following Clubs have been fined in accordance with Rule 18b - failure to return a trophy by January 31st: Fine £15: Rowanfield United

League Membership Interviews 2005-2006

Gaffers FC
Gaffers FC were represented by Miss Linda Wilson (secretary), Mr Keith Brice (Chairman) and Mr Jim Wilson (Committee Member).
In response to a specific request from the League's General Secretary, Mr Wilson displayed the first choice and second choice shirts that Gaffers proposed wearing in the League next season if elected. The meeting established that they did contrast and accepted Gaffers choice of colours.
The Club's delegation was questioned about player recruitment. Mr Wilson informed the meeting that he had 22 players interested in signing for the club next season. He stated that he anticipated recruiting three players who had experience of playing in Division One of the Cheltenham League, 4 others who had previously played in Division Three and 1 who had been on the books of a local semi professional club.
A balance sheet was presented which showed that Gaffers bank account was in the black even following the purchase of all the equipment that would be necessary for the start of the season. The club had already held a very successful fund raising evening, which had made a significant contribution to club funds and planned to hold more along similar lines in the future. They confirmed that, as many of their players were based in Hatherley or Warden Hill, they would favour the use of The Burrows Playing Fields for their home games. When asked if this meant that they would be expecting an influx of players from other clubs in those areas, a categorical denial was issued. In response to a specific question from Mr John Crowther, Mr Brice told the meeting that he was unsure as to whether or not the club had a qualified referee within their rank. He assured the meeting, however, that they would be able to provide a stand in referee, if and when they were required to do so.

Tewkesbury Town FC
Tewkesbury Town FC was represented by Mr Stuart Burgess, who hopes to be managing the side next season and who was representing the club in the stead of Club Secretary, Mr Stuart McCash, who was away. Accompanying Mr Burgess was Mr David Marriner, who is named on the Club's Supplementary Information Sheet as being the Assistant Secretary.
Mr Burgess confirmed to the meeting that the club intended to play at the Vineyards playing fields in Tewkesbury and that they would utilise the changing facilities of Tewkesbury Rugby Club at the site. He confirmed that this was an arrangement with which the Rugby Club concurred. The meeting was informed that, following their withdrawal, two seasons ago, Tewkesbury Town had continued as a Youth set up and had also continued to manage to put out a senior side in the Evesham Sunday League. He confirmed that they would continue to run a Sunday side in the Evesham Sunday League even if their application to join the Cheltenham League was successful and despite the fact that a number of players would be common to both sides. He stressed the fact that the club had a number of younger players now playing in the Sunday side who had come through the ranks and who were now expressing an interest in playing on Saturdays. He told the meeting that this added commitment was what he believed would prevent Tewkesbury Town going through a similar experience to the one that brought a premature end to their previous tenure in the Cheltenham League.
The meeting was informed that the Senior side of the club was close to gaining a sponsor and that the bank balance was healthily in credit, as was proven by a balance sheet that was presented to the meeting.

Southside FC
Southside were represented by Mr Martin Bliss, who introduced himself as the President of the club, and Mr Jon Owen, Senior Club Chairman. Mr Bliss was asked if he was the Secretary of the club, as it was his name that appeared as the Secretary on all the forms that had, so far, been returned to the League from Southside. He stated that he wasn't and apologised for getting things wrong. He asked for another copy of the Supplementary Information form so that he could fill it out correctly.
The meeting was informed that Southside had intended to set up a Senior side for a number of years and felt that now was the time to do it. They stated that they believed that their players initially would be drawn from the adults from their own ranks, people who currently performed coaching and managerial functions within the junior side of the club. These players would be supplemented by a number of former youth team players who had expressed an interest in playing on Saturdays. He also stated that, as the club had not had an under 16 side during the course of the 04-05 season, it would only be in the medium to long term that players would graduate through to the senior side.
Mr Bliss stated that the club, as a whole, was in an extremely healthy position financially and that a float had been allocated to help establish a Senior section. The senior side already had a sponsor and believed they were in a stable position. Mr Bliss said that he was happy for the Senior side to begin life playing at King George V playing fields.
It was pointed out to Mr Bliss that there was already a side named Southside affiliated to the Gloucestershire FA and that this would necessitate his club to use a different name for their senior section. Mr Bliss agreed to forward this name to the Secretary by the end of the week

Sherborne Harriers
Sherborne Harriers were represented by Mrs Lynn Simpson, Secretary, and Mr Steve Mustoe, Chairman. Problems had been experienced with a cheque that had been written from an account that, at the time, was still operable in the clubs former name, Northleach Town Youth. The meeting was assured that these problems had now been resolved and that everything was above board with the clubs finances, which were in the black despite recent, relatively heavy expense.
Mr Mustoe told the meeting that the club currently had a squad of 21 players and that this had been reduced from 30 as it was believed that, for a single side, more than 2 players for each position plus a goalkeeper was unmanageable. He estimated that approximately half of these players had come through the Sherborne Harriers youth ranks and the rest were players who had previous experience of playing for various other clubs in Senior Leagues.
With reference to the report that had been prepared by the League Chairman for the previous meeting, in which mention was made of the need to provide water and electricity to the changing facilities, Mrs Simpson informed the meeting that the water supply had now been laid and plans for the electricity were progressing. The clubs representatives reiterated their promises that the facilities would be completed to the League's satisfaction by the start of the season. The meeting was also informed that the club had a sponsor, who had already purchased a kit for the club. In response to Mr Crowther, Mrs Simpson told the meeting that the club was used to having to supply its own referees in the Wiltshire Youth League and that, therefore, it had a number of people on whom it could call should the need arise. Again in response to a direct question, the meeting was informed that the club anticipated no problems with transport to away games, as it had 7 different volunteer drivers and use of a mini bus if the need arose.

Canterbury FC

No representatives of Canterbury FC were present at the meeting.

Following the conclusion of the interviews, the meeting considered the merits of each candidate club and believed that it was in a position to recommend that Gaffers, Southside, Sherborne Harriers and Tewkesbury Town should be accepted into the league at the AGM. The meeting noted with disappointment the non-appearance of any representatives from Canterbury FC. As a result, it was felt that, whilst the opportunity should be afforded to the club to explain its failure to attend, the application from Churchdown Panthers, which was currently being held in reserve, should also be investigated. To this end, the meeting deputised the Chairman and the General Secretary to meet with both clubs concerned, before the AGM, and to then formulate a recommendation to be put to the Annual General Meeting.

League Constitution 2005-2006

A first draft of a constitution for the League for Season 2005-2006 had been circulated and, after discussion, the proposed constitution for next season was agreed for recommendation to the Annual General Meeting.

Charity Cup Review

The Charity Cup Review paper prepared by the League's Assistant Secretary had been circulated both at the previous meeting and, also, to all members of the committee who were absent from that meeting. After discussion, it was decided that, for next season, there would be no charge made for entrance at any of the four semi final matches in the Minor and Junior Charity Cups. Charges would be made, however, at the Senior Cup Semi Finals and all three Final matches. It was hoped and anticipated that, in keeping with the practices of season 2004-2005, all 5 of these games would be played under floodlights, if necessary, at the three premier grounds in and around Cheltenham. It was also agreed to re-introduce the expectation that each side playing in the Charity Cup would be asked for a donation to the funds for each game that they played in the competition throughout the season.

Financial Report

Mr Les Fisher, the League's Treasurer, circulated an interim report on the League's Finances. He stressed that the fully audited accounts, which would be presented to the League's Annual General Meeting, were not yet available but he stated that he did not expect any significant changes to the figures as presented.
The General Secretary pointed out that, in accordance with rule 2(g), the Management Committee had to agree to allow the continued membership of any club that was indebted to the League as at 31st May. The Treasurer reported that this stipulation was likely to cover four clubs - Belmore Jags, Charlton Kings, Northway and Phoenix United. It was proposed by Mr John Crowther, seconded by Mr Glenn Morrison and passed unanimously that all four of these clubs should be deemed eligible for continued membership in season 2005-2006.

Honoraria

It was agreed that the following Honoraria should be recommended to the AGM

General Secretary £357.50
Treasurer £298.10
Assistant Secretary £159.50
Referee's Secretary £159.50
Registration Secretary £159.50
Results Secretary £159.50

Victory Club £165.00
Victory Club Steward £55.00

Any Other Business:

Mr John Crowther reported to the Committee that, at a recent meeting of the Cheltenham Referees Association, the Annual Linesmans Cup had been presented to Dynamos FC for season 2004-2005.

Mr Crowther also gave details of the standings for the John Ingram and Bill Meadows memorial trophies. The announcement of the winners of these awards, and the presentation of the trophies, will be made at the AGM

The General Secretary reported to the meeting that he had not had a reply from the letter that had been sent to Cheltenham Borough Council, stipulating that the League could not countenance a continuation of the block booking arrangement under the proposals established by the Council. Further to this, Mr Fisher, the League Treasurer, outlined a difficult conversation with an employee of the Council, who was the latest person to claim to be dealing with the League on the matter of pitch hire. During this conversation, Mr Fisher had been told that a letter, outlining the Council's proposals and its intentions to meet with all users, had been sent to Mr John Hunt, the League's Assistant Secretary. Mr Hunt confirmed that he had received no correspondence from the Borough Council, neither in his capacity as League Assistant Secretary nor his other role as Secretary of Gas Green FC.
The meeting agreed that this matter should be escalated by the General Secretary to the Managing Director of the Borough Council and that, if a satisfactory response was still not forthcoming, the League would have to cease dealings with Cheltenham Borough Council.

NEXT MEETING - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY 8th JUNE 2005