Cheltenham League Meetings

CHELTENHAM ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Minutes of the Management Committee Meeting at the Victory Club Cheltenham on Wednesday 4th January 2006.

Attendees: G Cook, J Crowther, R Attwood, N Oram, L Fisher, A.Stiley, T Onions, J Hunt, B Hill, M.Lytheer, P Newcombe, R.Overington, P.Tustain, Miss L.Wilson

Apologies: D Barrett

In advance of the published agenda, the Chairman said a few words in memory of Mr Paul Britton, the Company Secretary and Chief Executive of the GFA, who passed away just before Christmas. The meeting then stood in a minute's silence as a mark of respect.
The Chairman then welcomed Mr Mike Lytheer to the Committee and presented him with a Cheltenham League Centenary Tie. Mr Lytheer had been co-opted onto the committee for the rest of the season at the meeting held on November 30th. Mr Cook then went on to introduce Miss Linda Wilson to the Committee. Linda had been appointed League Historian in October and had been invited to attend this meeting to give an update on her progress so far.
Mr Cook then reported that Mrs Kit Meadows, the widow of a former Secretary of the Cheltenham League, had received both her Christmas Card from the League and her bouquet of flowers from the GFA. Mrs Meadows had asked the Chairman to pass on her thanks to the League.

Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 30th November 2005 were read and accepted

Matters Arising from the minutes.

A reply had been received by the Assistant Secretary from Cleevonians in regard to the expenses they incurred relating to their Division 5 match away to Tewkesbury Town. This amounted to £30. It was agreed that Tewkesbury Town would be required to pay this amount.

The General Secretary reported the fact that he had received a telephone call from Mr Garry Evans, who had been mentioned in the minutes of the previous meeting, under the section relating to the hearing with Northleach Town. Mr Evans felt that he had been unfairly blamed for Northleach Town's problems and the Secretary told the meeting that he had advised Mr Evans to write to him. No correspondence had thus far been received.

Correspondence:

Reported for Discussion

Letter from the GFA containing a report on the GFA pyramid review. Amongst the recommendations detailed in this review is one that relates to the Cheltenham League, amongst others, being required to change its rules in order to allow it to accommodate the champion club of the Cirencester League
This was noted by the meeting and the Secretary was asked to prepare such changes to the League's Rules as may be necessary to comply with this directive

Letter from Mr K Taylor, a former player with Charlton Kings, reporting his belief that Charlton Kings played 3 ineligible players in their home match in Division 4 against Gaffers on Saturday, 26th November, 2005. Gaffers won the match 5-3
Inquiry sent to Charlton Kings, asking for their comments on this matter.

It was noted that Charlton Kings had not replied in writing to these allegations but had done so in conversation over the telephone, in which they admitted to playing one ineligible player. The meeting was satisfied that this constituted sufficient reason to charge Charlton Kings with a transgression of League Rule 8(q). The Secretary confirmed that a charge against Charlton Kings under this rule was included under item 4 of the agenda

Email from Sherborne Harriers giving details of the reasons for the postponement of their Minor Charity Cup match with Finlay Rovers Reserves on Saturday, December 10th.
It was noted that the League had not received an explanation from Finlay Rovers for their failure to fulfil their obligations in the Minor Charity Cup. It was agreed that all matters relating to Finlay Rovers would be discussed further, later in the meeting.

Email from Andoversford Nomads requesting that the club does not have any matches during the period April 21st to April 25th as they will be engaged on their club tour during that time
This was agreed. However, the Secretary questioned the validity of granting permission to clubs to arrange and then undertake tours during the course of the football season. Most particularly, this was because of the disruption that this could cause to the attempts to complete all fixtures by the designated date for the end of the season. After discussion, it was agreed that, as from the start of next season, permission for the postponement of League matches, in order that club tours could be undertaken, would only be granted if the club in question could demonstrate that it had matches arranged for play on tour and that the sanction of the GFA had been received for such fixtures.

Correspondence Notified to the Meeting but not discussed

Report received from Referee Jeff Carbin relating to the behaviour of the Finlay Rovers manager on the touchline during the course of the Division Two match away to Moreton Rangers on 26/11/05. Mr Carbin stressed that he did not want to make an official complaint but did want to bring the incident to the attention of the League
Letter from the GFA giving formal notification of the death of Paul Britton
Email from Peter Base, Landscape Management Officer of Cheltenham Borough Council, requesting details of the League's pitch requirements over the Christmas period
Reply sent, explaining that there were no League fixtures on either Saturday 24th or Saturday 31st December.
Email from Smiths Athletic giving details of the involvement of their teams in the 4th rounds of the County Cup competitions
Letter from Northleach Town, containing the minutes of their committee meeting that was held on Friday, 23rd December, 2005. The date of the next meeting is given as Saturday, January 21st, 2006.
Letter from St Marks CA, containing the minutes of their committee meeting that was held on 8th December 2005. The date of the next meeting s given as 12th January, 2006
Letter from the Cheltenham Senior Citizens Welfare Committee thanking the League for its generosity in providing funds for 2 Christmas Parties over the course of the recent festive season

Rule Offences:

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 5(h): Failure to Reply to the Correspondence of the League: Fine £15: Finlay Rovers

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 5(h): Failure to deal satisfactorily with the Business of the League: Fine £100: Finlay Rovers

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 8(q)- playing an ineligible player: Fined £15 & 3 points deducted: 26/11/2005 - Div 4 Charlton Kings (Minimum 0 point deduction & fine at Management Committee Discretion)

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(a) - failure to complete Result cards correctly. Fine £5 for each offence
Incorrect referees Name: 19/11/05 - Div 1 Belmore Jags (stated S Oakey when B Durie), Div 5 Belmore Jags (stated P Gilder when J Marston); 10/12/2005 - Minor Charity Cup Northleach Town (Stated Morris when M Davies), Cheltenham Saracens (stated P Pawsey when W Gibbard)
No Referee Named: 26/11/05 - Div 2 Bredon.
No Referees Marks 26/11/05 - Div 2 Finlay Rovers, 10/12/05 - Minor Charity Cup Churchdown Panthers
No Sportsmanship Marks: 10/12/05 - Minor Charity Cup Churchdown Panthers
No Score: 10/12/05 - Div 5 Cleevonians (No score given for opponents)

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(b) - Failure to Notify details of results or postponements to the Results Secretary: fine £10. 03/12/05 - Div 4 Kings, Div 5 Naunton Park, County Cup Belmore Jags; 17/12/05 Bourton Rovers (incorrect score)

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(f) - teamsheets. Fine £10. 26/11/05 - Div 2 Smiths Athletic (No Sheets); Div 4 AC Olympia (No details for numbers 12,14,16 & 17)

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 13(J) - Failure to submit referees cards or teamsheets. Fine £5: 26/11//05 - Div 2 Dynamos (Received late, 03/12//2005); Div 2 Moreton Rangers (No Card); Div 3 Belmore Jags (No Card or Sheets), FC Electrics (No Sheet from Opponents); Div 5 Finlay Rovers (No cards), Charlton Rovers (No Card or sheets); 03/12/05 - Div 2 Finlay Rovers (No card or sheets); 10/12/05 Div 2 Rowanfield United (No card or sheets); Div 3 Falcons (No sheets); Senior Charities Cup Belmore Jags (No card or sheets), Northway (No card or sheets); Junior Charities Cup Gaffers (No card or sheets); Minor Charities Cup Belmore Jags (no card or sheets)

The following teams have been fined in accordance with Charity Cup rule 8(d) - Failure to fulfil engagement: Fine £15 and expulsion from Competition: 10/12/2005 - Minor Charity Cup Finlay Rovers

Fixtures

Mr John Hunt, the League's Assistant Secretary, reported that he had recently completed the rearrangement of over 35 fixtures, which represented the total number of outstanding matches that had been cancelled to date. He informed the meeting that the main reasons for these cancellations were bad weather and the effects of both the Charity and County Cup competitions.
The Assistant Secretary explained to the meeting that, to achieve these rearrangements, he had been compelled to start using midweek dates in the month of April. He informed the meeting that all midweek dates used so far had been on either Tuesday or Thursday evenings as this complied with an agreement that he had reached with the Fixture Secretary of the Cheltenham Sunday League. Under this agreement, all Cheltenham Sunday League fixtures that were rearranged for the end of the season would take place on Wednesday evenings. Mr Hunt also assured the meeting that, as far as had been possible, he had ensured that long trips would not have to be undertaken on midweek dates.

Finlay Rovers v Andoversford Nomads

The General Secretary informed the meeting that a cloud of suspicion had descended upon the scheduled Division Two fixture between Finlay Rovers and Andoversford Nomads, which had been due to be played on Saturday, December 17th. He informed the meeting that he had received two telephone calls between 2.00 pm and 2.05 pm from Nathan Wheatley, the secretary of Finlay Rovers, on the day in question. The first of these calls informed the League's General Secretary that the appointed referee had not turned up. At this juncture, the General Secretary had explained that the rules required the home club to provide a suitable alternative referee in these circumstances, otherwise the home side would be liable to a fine and the deduction of points. The point was made by Mr Wheatley that Finlay Rovers only had 11 players but he was informed that it still remained the home side's responsibility to provide an suitable alternative referee. The second telephone call from Nathan Wheatley was to inform the General Secretary that Andoversford Nomads did not agree with their choice of alternative referee. Mr Wheatley was informed that if the game was postponed in such circumstances, it would be beholden upon Andoversford Nomads to explain why they had failed to agree with the alternative referee provided and, if the Management Committee did not accept this explanation, it would be the visitors who would be liable for the fine.
A further telephone call was received by the General Secretary from Robbie Elliot, who identified himself as the Andoversford Nomads Manager, at approximately 2.30 pm. He confirmed the fact that Andoversford Nomads did not feel able to agree to Finlay Rovers' choice of alternative referee. The rules, and Andoversford Nomads obligation thereunder, were explained to Mr Elliot and the concern was expressed that it was now getting quite late to be considering the commencement of the match, especially as agreement still hadn't been reached on the matter of the alternative referee. When the call was completed, the General Secretary was left under the impression that the game would not be played.
The following Monday, it was noticed that the match was reported on the FA's Full Time facility as a 0-0 draw. The General Secretary contacted the League's Results Secretary, who informed him that, at 4.00 pm, he had been told by Andoversford Nomads' Secretary, Kevin Mansell, that the Division Two game had been postponed. Mr Mansell had been ringing to report the result of Andoversford Nomads' Reserves home match in Division Three. Finlay Rovers then rang some time after this to report the result of the Division Two game as a 0-0 draw. They also reported the fact that the officially appointed referee had not shown up and that they had played a few minutes each way.
In light of this discrepancy, the General Secretary immediately wrote emails to both clubs, asking for detailed reports on this match. Andoversford Nomads replied by email within 24 hours, stating that the game was not played and that they had disagreed with the choice of alternative referee as they felt that the match would not be fairly officiated. They also stated that Finlay Rovers had suggested that the two sides collude over the result and report it as a 2-2 draw. This reply was also put into the post and this was received on Wednesday, 21st December, 2005.
Finlay Rovers replied via email on Tuesday, 3rd January. They stated that the game had not been played following an agreement between the two sides that they would claim that the game had ended in a 0-0 draw.

Following the General Secretary's presentation of the facts available, the Management Committee debated this siuation. The first matter to be considered was whether or not the reasons given by Andoversford Nomads, for not agreeing to the referee provided by Finlay Rovers, were satisfactory. It was proposed and seconded that the meeting accept the reasons given by Andoversford Nomads for not agreeing to the referee proposed by Finlay Rovers. This motion was carried by 9 votes for to 2 against. It was then agreed that it was beyond dispute that Finlay Rovers had deliberately sought to deceive the League over the result of this match. It was proposed that Finlay Rovers be charged with failing to deal satisfactorily with the business of the League, under the provisions of Rule 5(h), and that for this transgression, they should be fined £100. This was agreed unanimously. It was further proposed, and seconded, that the Management Committee should convene an Extraordinary General Meeting of the League, to be held on Wednesday, 25th January, 2006, to consider the motion that, because of the undesirable behaviour of the club, Finlay Rovers FC be excluded from further participation in the League, in accordance with League Rule 17(b). This proposal was carried by 10 votes for to 2 against.

Rule 13(j)

In deference to the number of fines being imposed upon clubs under the provisions of rule 13J, which deals with Referee's Cards, the General Secretary had been asked to look into changing and refining the rule for next season. This he had done, and his proposals were presented to the meeting on November 30th, 2005. However, in deference to the fact that Standing Orders had been suspended at that meeting, it was agreed that members of the Management Committee should take the information with which they had been presented away with them and that this matter should be considered at this meeting.
The General Secretary gave a brief overview of the proposed changes, which involved the introduction of an Official Referee's Report Card, the provision of Envelopes, with the Result Secretary's name and address pre-printed on the front, and a number of alterations to the wording of the rule itself. These met with broad approval from the majority of committee members present. A number of refinements were suggested and it was agreed that the incorporation of these suggestions should be left to the General Secretary. At the end of discussions, the consensus of the meeting was to proceed on the basis proposed by the General Secretary.

Northleach Town & St Marks Review

The ongoing review of these two clubs continued. The General Secretary reported that both clubs had submitted minutes from their latest respective Committee meetings and that the standard of Northleach Town's submission, in particular, had improved significantly. The meeting was informed that, otherwise, the month of December had proved unremarkable for these two clubs and this was duly noted.

Honorary Historian

Linda Wilson reported to the meeting that her research so far had covered the years between 1956 and 1969 and she produced a draft copy of the Newsletter that she was proposing to distribute. 6 copies of this draft Newsletter were distributed for the perusal of Committee Members. Miss Wilson pointed out the fact that she didn't currently have a name for the Newsletter, which met with general approval. It was suggested that the naming of the Newsletter could be the subject of a competition amongst the initial readership and it was agreed that the first edition should be distributed to member clubs at the EGM and Clubs Meeting at the end of January.
The Chairman commended Miss Wilson for her efforts so far, which he felt would help to generate both interest and further contributions from individuals and clubs associated with the Cheltenham League. Miss Wilson thanked the Chairman for his comments and assured the Committee that it was her intention to produce the Newsletter on a Monthly basis.

Any Other Business:

Two Committee members reported that they had new mobile phone numbers. These were

Phil Tustain 07719 991134. Phil is also the Secretary of Bishops Cleeve FC

John Hunt 07870 375239. John Hunt is the League's Assistant Secretary

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.57 pm

NEXT MEETING - WEDNESDAY 25th JANUARY 2006

FOLLOWING THE EGM AND THE CLUBS MEETING