Cheltenham League Meetings

Minutes of the Management Committee Meeting at the Victory Club Cheltenham on Wednesday 29th March 2006.

Attendees: G Cook, J Crowther, R Attwood, N Oram, L Fisher, A.Stiley, J Hunt, T Onions,
B Hill, M.Lytheer, R.Overington, P.Tustain (part attendance until 8.05 pm)

Apologies: D Barrett

Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 22nd February 2006 were read and accepted

Matters Arising from the minutes.

A communication had been sent to Mr Derek Goddard, conveying the best wishes of the League for a long and enjoyable retirement

A Letter had been received from Churchdown Panthers registering a protest against the Substitute Referee provided by Cleevonians for the Division 5 game played on Saturday, 11th February, 2006. This letter was accompanied by a cheque for £10 and was received on February 27th. This matter had been discussed at the previous meeting, when the Secretary was in possession of a report on this game from Cleevonians but no information, at that stage, had been forthcoming from Churchdown Panthers.
In considering this matter, the committee referred to League Rule 15(B) and resolved that, as this protest had not been received within 7 days of the original incident, it would be ruled out of order.

It was confirmed that the claim for expenses that had been made by Cleevonians, in respect of their Division Five game with Tewkesbury Town in October, had now been resolved.

Correspondence:

Reported for Discussion

Email from Hatherley Rangers confirming that the club accepts their elimination from the Senior Charity Cup competition
Email from FC Barometrics in support of their application to join the League for season 2006/2007 and in which they give details of their playing strength in the Cheltenham Sunday League this season and the make up of their committee
Email from Referee Jim Harding giving a report on the Division Two match between Bourton Rovers Reserves and Naunton Park on Saturday, 4th March, in which he details the cautions that were administered to 6 Bourton Rovers players and the general lack of discipline of the side. Bourton Rovers lost 7-0.
This was noted.
Letter received from Belmore Jags giving details of the fact that player Jonathan Williams played for Charlton Rovers in Division 3 on Saturday, 4th March, 2006, even though he was serving a suspension which did not complete until Sunday, 5th March.
Emails received from Charlton Rovers, stating that they believed the player to be eligible because of the wording of a Disciplinary Statement sent through to them by the GFA.
Letter from Charlton Rovers containing a copy of the Disciplinary Statement to which they make reference in their emails
A copy of the Disciplinary Notice was circulated to the meeting. It was agreed that, whilst it might be slightly confusing to someone with no access to any other information, Charlton Rovers should have been aware, from other correspondence that would have been received from the GFA in relation to this matter, that the player was suspended. It was therefore decided that Charlton Rovers would be charged under the provisions of League Rule 8(q)
Email from Hatherley Rangers, dated 9/3/06, informing the League of the club's decision to withdraw its reserve side from the Cheltenham League with immediate effect.
Email received from Charlton Rovers enquiring as to whether or not it might be possible for a separate team, under the broad umbrella of Charlton Rovers, to be entered into the League next season. It was stated that this would be to accommodate players from the clubs three current under 16 sides and that it would probably be called Charlton Rovers Blues
Reply sent requesting clarification of the statement "Broad Umbrella
Reply received from Charlton Rovers stating that the two teams would have the same committee but probably different secretaries
Further Reply sent stating that it was unlikely, in these circumstances, that the League would entertain the application
Report received from referee J Carbin on the behaviour of Belmore Jags during their Division One match away to Endsleigh on February 25th. The referee concludes by recommending that the League should not assign an inexperienced referee to any Belmore Jags fixture.
This letter had already been sent to Arthur Stiley, the Referee's Secretary, and was noted.
Report received from referee K Iles congratulating Phoenix United and Tewkesbury Dynamos for their exemplary and sportsmanlike behaviour during a top of the table Division Four match on Saturday, March 25th
The Secretary was asked to write to both clubs involved in this match and add the League's congratulations to the comments received from Mr Iles. He was also asked to include details of this report in the next copy of the newsletter.
Email from Cheltenham Civil Service reporting the fact that they would be contacting AC Olympia with a view to rearranging the Div 4 match that was abandoned when an AC Olympia player suffered a badly broken leg with 5 minutes left on Saturday, 25th March. AC Olympia were leading 1-0 at the time of the abandonment
Report received from Referee W. Wain confirming that the match had been abandoned with 5 minutes remaining and the score at 1-0 to AC Olympia.
It was confirmed that, in accordance with rule 10, this match would have to be replayed in its entirety. It was noted that provision was given for the two sides to agree a mutually convenient date within 7 days of the original fixture. The Assistant Secretary was instructed, however, to reschedule this match if he had not been notified of a new date by Saturday, April 1st.
Email from Belmore Jags bringing the League's attention to the fact that Winchcombe Town named 6 substitutes for the Senior Charity Cup Semi Final on March 24th.
Reply sent asking why Belmore Jags did not point this out at the time.
Reply received stating that they overlooked it in the excitement of the occasion.
This was noted and it was decided that no further action was necessary
Email from Smiths Athletic requesting that 17 trophies be made available to the finalists in the Senior Charity Cup. Smiths request that they be permitted to pay for the extra trophy and reported that Winchcombe Town had also agreed to pay for one extra trophy.
Email sent to Winchcombe Town requesting confirmation that they are prepared to pay for one extra trophy.
It was agreed that, as League rules stipulated that only 16 trophies could be made available in the first instance, there was no provision for the award of extra trophies on the night of the final itself. It was agreed, however, that each club could apply for extra trophies, at their own expense, to be provided subsequent to the evening of the final

Correspondence Notified to the Meeting but not discussed

Letter from Cheltenham Civil Service, requesting permission to play Kevin Parton for their third team in Division 4. Kevin Parton had played 17 of the clubs 18 Division Two matches up to that date.
Reply issued refusing permission.
Letter received from Bredon requesting permission for player James Gallagher to play in their reserve side in Division Two. James Gallagher had played in 17 of the club's 21 Northern Senior League games up to the date of the letter. Bredon state that 75% of these appearances had been as substitute.
Reply sent asking for more information with regard to the games in which James Gallagher had played as a substitute
Email from Rowanfield United , dated 23/02/2006, informing the League of their decision to withdraw from the League with immediate effect.
Email from Moreton Rangers requesting permission to rearrange their Division Two match with St Marks, originally scheduled for April 15th, when 7 of their squad would be accompanying their junior sides on a foreign tour. Moreton Rangers asked permission to play the game under floodlights in March.
Email from Hatherley Rangers detailing the club's disappointment with the charge brought against them at the meeting of 22nd February and their subsequent expulsion from the Senior Charity Cup competition.
Reply sent asking Hatherley Rangers to provide the League with any information it could, which it felt might disprove the charges brought, by 9.00 am on February 28th.
Email from Cheltenham Saracens asking for permission to sign on two players who were previously registered with Rowanfield United
Reply sent detailing the fact that the League would not accept the re-registration of Rowanfield United players until it was confirmed that all the club's debts to the League had been discharged
Email from Hatherley Rangers requesting permission to play Matt Jeynes in their first team in Division One. Matt Jeynes had played 18 games for Chipping Norton Town in the Hellenic League up to the date of the request.
Reply sent stating that Matt Jeynes would be able to play for Hatherley Rangers once he satisfied all the criteria of League Rule 8
Email from Sherborne Harriers confirming that they would be able to undertake their fixture against Tewkesbury Town on Saturday, April 15th and asking whether or not the League would give its permission for the club to move to a ground in Guiting Power
Reply sent explaining that the League would not have any particular objections to a move to Guiting Power but that the ground would have to be inspected before it was used for Cheltenham League matches.
Email from Finlay Rovers giving details of their officers
Letter from St Marks containing the minutes of their committee meeting held on February 27th. The date of the next meeting is not specified
Letter from Northleach Town, containing the minutes of their committee meeting held on 23rd February. The date of the next meeting is quoted as being March 20th.
Email from Elmbridge Old Boys giving details of their new change kit, which is White Shirts, Black short and Black socks
Email from Referee Jim Harding giving details of a change of address. His new address from March 16th will be 4, Brook Court, 53, The Park, Cheltenham GL50 2SB. His home telephone number is 01242 570704 and his mobile number is 07789 516171
Email from Andoversford Nomads giving details of a change of first choice strip. Their new strip is to be Red and Black striped shirts, Black Shorts, Black socks.
Email from Belmore Jags giving details of their proposed squad for the Senior Charity Cup Semi Final against Winchcombe Town on Thursday, March 9th.
Email from Belmore Jags requesting special permission to play Paul Green in the Senior Cup Semi Final against Winchcombe Town. Permission was sought because two other goalkeepers registered with the club had suffered broken fingers and ribs respectively.
Email received from Finlay Rovers containing minutes from their Committee meeting, held in February 2006. These minutes detail the club's intention to discontinue its reserve side next season. No date for the next meeting is given
Email from Finlay Rovers, containing details of the clubs accounts
Email from Cheltenham Civil Service confirming that the club would be able to host the Minor Charity Cup Semi Final between Churchdown Panthers and Bredon on April 6th
Emails from Smiths Athletic concerning the plans of the authorities at Newlands Park to run three football pitches simultaneously on Saturdays next season and requesting confirmation that the use of "dual" posts - ie Rugby posts with a second, lower crossbar at the height required to play football - would not be acceptable to the Cheltenham League as this seemed to be part of the Newlands Park strategy for next season.
Email from Smiths Athletic informing the League that their Secretary would be away for the weekend of 18th-19th of March
Email from AFC Southside asking for confirmation that the changing rooms at the Burrows Playing Fields would still be opened for their game at this venue on March 11th, even though Hatherley Rangers would no longer be playing there at the same time
Reply sent confirming that details of AFC Southsides fixture, with the stipulation that it was to be played at the Burrows, had been sent to Cheltenham Borough Council at the beginning of the week
Email from Cheltenham Civil Service asking for confirmation of their presumption that playing records for players of Division Four sides now needed to be adjusted to take account of the withdrawal of Hatherley Rangers
Reply sent confirming this to be the case as Hatherley Rangers record had now been expunged from the League
Email from Tewkesbury Dynamos asking for advise with regards to what they should do to rectify the situation in which they had been unable to provide a teamsheet for their match against Charlton Kings on Saturday, 11th March
Reply sent advising them to send one to Charlton Kings as soon as possible
Letter from Star FC containing a copy of the club's application to join the Northern Senior League for season 2006-2007
Letter from Beeches FC requesting an application form to join the Cheltenham League for season 2006-2007
Email from Winchcombe Town asking that their Division One game on Saturday, 25th March should be cancelled in deference to the fact that their first team were engaged in the Senior Charity Cup Semi Final the previous evening.
Reply sent pointing out the fact that this game had already been cancelled and that it would be rearranged in due course
Email from Smiths Athletic giving details of the squad that was to be used by the club's reserve side in the Senior Charity Cup Semi Final
Email from Winchcombe Town confirming that the club would be unable to consider accepting a rearranged fixture on Monday, April 17th
Email from Belmore Jags giving details of the squad to be used by the club's 1st team in the Senior Charity Cup Semi Final and asking for confirmation that all the players listed were eligible.
Reply sent confirming the eligibility of certain players on the condition that the information provided about their playing activity during the course of the current season was correct.

Rule Offences:

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 5(I): Failure to make payment of invoices within 14 days
i. Late Payment of Invoices: Fine at discretion of Management Committee: Invoices due on 14/03/06: Belmore Jags (Invoice 5b, £50, paid 17/03/06) Fined £20, Churchdown Panthers (Invoice 12b, £15, paid 17/03/06) Fined £15,

Before considering charges brought under the provisions of League Rule 8(Q), Mr Bob Overington left the meeting

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 8(q) - playing an ineligible player: 11/02/06 - Div 1 Hatherley Rangers (1 point deduction), 04/03/06 - Div 3 Charlton Rovers (3 point deduction & fined £15)

Mr Bob Overington returned to the meeting

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 10(b) - Late Kick-offs (Away team) 25/02/06 - Div 5 Star FC (10 minutes late - fine £5); 11/03/06 - Div 2 Finlay Rovers (10 minutes late - fine £5).

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 10(e) - playing with less than 11 players: 18/03/06 - Div 3 Andoversford Nomads (played with 10 players - fine £3)
The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(a) - failure to complete Result cards correctly. Fine £5 for each offence
No registration Numbers: 25/02/03 - Div 1 Newton Heath, Div 5 Sherborne Harriers; 11/03/06 - Div 1 Newton Heath.
Incorrect referees Name: 11/02/06 - Div 5 Naunton Park (No referee named when M.Murray; 18/02/06 - Div 1 Northway (stated J.Harding when M.Malin), Div 5 Charlton Rovers (stated G.Wilkins when G.Webber); 25/02/06 - Div 4 Charlton Kings (No referee named when M.Jefferies), Phoenix United (stated C.Dawson when M.Murray).
No Referees Marks: 25/02/06 - Div 2 Moreton Rangers
No Sportsmanship Marks: 11/03/06 - Div 2 Moreton Rangers
Incorrect Score: 11/03/06 Div 3 St Marks (stated 7-0 when 7-2).

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(b) - Notification of results or postponements to the Results Secretary: fine £10. 18/02/06 - Div 5 Tewkesbury Town (Incorrect score 4-0 - result card states 4-1); 25/02/06 - Div 2 Naunton Park (Incorrect score 3-4 - result card states 2-3), Div 4 Cheltenham Civil Service (Incorrect score 0-0 - result card states 1-1), Smiths Athletic (No result); 04/03/06 - County Junior Cup Smiths Athletic (No result).

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(c) - late result cards. Fine £10: 11/03/2006 - Div 4 Gaffers; 18/03/06 - Div 1 Northway

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(f) - teamsheets. Fine £10. 18/02/06 - Div 1 Belmore Jags (late teamsheet), Div 5 Sherborne Harriers (no teamsheet); 25/02/06 - Div 5 Naunton Park (no teamsheet); 11/03/06 - Div 1 Belmore Jags (No teamsheet).

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 13(c) - no assistant referee. Fine £5: 25/02/06 - Div 5 Naunton Park; 11/03/06 - Div 5 Naunton Park

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 13(h) - No report received for Referee mark of less than 4. Fine £5: 11/03/06 - Div 2 Moreton Rangers.

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 13(j) - Failure to submit referees cards or teamsheets. Fine £5: 18/02/06 - Div 4 Gaffers (No Card or sheets), Div 4 Tewkesbury Dynamos (No Card or sheets); 25/02/06 - Div 1 Northway (No sheet from opponents), Div 4 - Cheltenham Civil Service (No Team Sheets); 04/03/06 - Div 1 Kings (No Card or sheets), Div 2 Cheltenham Civil Service (No Team Sheets), Div 4 - Gaffers (No card or sheets), Tewkesbury Dynamos (No Card or sheets); 11/03/06 - Div 1 Dynamos (NO card or sheets), Div 2 Gala Wilton (No Sheets), Div 4 Charlton Kings (No card or sheets), Div 5 AFC Southside (No card), Tewkesbury Town (No card); 18/03/06 - Div 1 Belmore Jags (No card)

Following consideration of this rule, the General Secretary was asked to look into circumstances in which the club had posted the card but it had been lost in the post

The following clubs have been charged in accordance with rule 14b - withdrawal of a team after the AGM. Fine £50: Hatherley Rangers, Rowanfield United

Resignation of Peter Newcombe

The Letter of resignation from the Management Committee, that had been received from Peter Newcombe, was read to the meeting.
In response to this the Chairman addressed the meeting and reiterated his sentiments, as expressed earlier in the season, that the League was currently in the fortunate position of having an experienced committee of honest and knowledgeable people who contributed to the fact that the League's standing and administration were ranked with the best in the county. It was for this reason that he was greatly concerned about the loss of a servant such as Peter Newcombe. He informed the meeting that he had engaged in a lengthy conversation with Peter subsequent to the receipt, by the League, of his letter of resignation. The Chairman went on to confirm that he had answered all of the points made in the letter as best he could and even managed to put the record straight in some instances. He had emphasised to Peter that everyone who remained on the Committee accepted the integrity of Hatherley Rangers but that, faced with the situation that presented itself, it was beholden upon the committee to make a decision in accordance with the rules of the competition. The figures obtained from the Hellenic League confirmed, after a lot of investigation, that a player used by Hatherley Rangers in the Senior Charity Cup Quarter Final had played too many League games for Chipping Norton Town to be eligible for the Quarter Final match on the date on which it was played and this left the League with no option but to confirm Hatherley Rangers' expulsion from the competition. The Chairman emphasised to the meeting the fact that, in his opinion, had the League not taken the decision that it did, the club that had brought the matter to the attention of the League could have appealed and would, in all probability, have won that appeal.
In summation, however, the Chairman expressed his belief that there were, undoubtedly, a lot of instances in which ineligible players were being played, both in League games and in cup games. He emphasised the fact that the League could not take action unless these matters were reported to the Management Committee. He concluded by asking all Management Committee members to bring any such matters that they, themselves, witnessed, to the attention of the General Secretary as soon as possible, no matter what the circumstances as this was the duty of each committee member, to help to ensure that the League was run correctly.
The meeting asked the General Secretary to write to Peter Newcombe thanking him for his service on the committee, assuring him of the fact that Hatherley Rangers FC were still held in high esteem, and expressing the hope that he might consider a return to Management Committee duties at some stage in the future.

Fixtures & Charity Cups

The Assistant Secretary, Mr John Hunt, reported that all outstanding league fixtures for this season had been confirmed. He informed the meeting that, latterly, there had been some enforced changes because of ground closures in readiness for the cricket season of which he had not, previously, been told. He emphasised that clubs who felt that they still had an outstanding fixture should contact him immediately.
Mr Hunt then went on to record his thanks to Cheltenham Saracens and Bishops Cleeve Football Clubs for hosting the Senior Charity Cup Semi Finals on March 23rd and March 24th. He reported that, at the first semi final, £149.40 had been taken and that this had included the donation of all referees fees and expenses. He also confirmed that the second semi final had realised £187.
He informed the meeting that he was aiming to hold the Junior Charity Cup Final at Bishops Cleeve, which may have to be on a Friday, and the Minor Cup Final at Cheltenham Saracens. Further to this, the Chairman confirmed that he had received permission from the Cheltenham Town board for the League to approach Mike Heather, the club's head groundsman, with regard to agreeing a date for the Senior Cup Final. It was agreed that the General Secretary should contact Mr Heather as soon as possible to ascertain this date.
The meeting concurred that the charges for the finals should be £2.50 for adults for the Senior Charity Cup Final and £2 for the other two finals. Concessions for both would be charged at £1.
Thanks were also recorded to Equipment 4U for the donation of 4 match balls for use in the Final ties. The Secretary was, however, asked to write to each of the competing clubs in the remaining Semi Finals to ask them to provide a match ball from each club for use in these matches, in accordance with usual practice.
Mr Arthur Stiley provided the following recommendations for the appointment of officials at the Final matches

Senior Charity Cup: Referee: P.Daly
Assistants: C. Bowen, R Goodwin
4th Official: M. Ball

Junior Charity Cup Referee: T. Gladwin
Assistants: P.Gilder, C.Burridge
4th Official: S Glyde

Minor Charity Cup Referee: M.Jones
Assistants: C.Dawson, M.Murray
4th Official: A Kirby
These were agreed.

In addition, it was decided that the Chairman would approach John Finnigan, the captain of Cheltenham Town, to make the presentations of the trophies at the Senior Cup Final. It was further agreed that the League's two vice-chairmen would present the trophies at the other two finals, with Mr J Crowther doing the honours at the Junior Cup Final and Mr B Attwood performing the duties at the Minor Cup Final.

Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer presented an interim financial statement to the meeting, which was unanimously accepted. In addition, he pointed out that £195 had been spent on repairs to the First Division Cup and that this money had been recovered, in its entirety, from the League's insurers. He also informed the meeting that £525 had been paid to Endsleigh Insurance for the renewal of the League's Officers Indemnity policy.
He brought the attention of the meeting to the fact that £80 had been paid on a recent claim from the benevolent fund and confirmed the figures reported by the Assistant Secretary with regard to the amount of money taken at the two Senior Charity Cup Semi-Finals.

Club Review

The General Secretary reported that he had received a minutes from all three clubs under review. He also informed the meeting that, with regard to playing matters, all clubs currently under monthly review had fulfilled all their fixtures over the course of the previous month. In addition, Northleach Town had not incurred any fines during March whilst Finlay Rovers and St Marks had only picked up one each.

It was also reported to the meeting that Northleach Town had sent a cheque for £30 with their entry form for season 2006-2007. It was noted that Northleach Town were not intending to enter a new side in the League for next season and that, therefore, this cheque was unnecessary. After discussion, it was decided that this cheque should be returned. Northleach Town had also forwarded a Club Player Debts form for a player who owed them £33 in relation to a GFA disciplinary charge. It was noted that, whilst this form was completed correctly, the League did not accept notification of debt until after the final day of the season. It was agreed that the club should be notified of this and that they should also be advised that matters such as this should always be reported to the GFA in the first instance.

It was agreed that the situation would continue to be monitored

Rules Revision
The General Secretary reported that the proposed changes to League Rules had been considered by the League Sanction and Rules Revision Committee of the GFA on Thursday, 23rd February, a meeting that he had attended. The meeting was informed that the GFA Committee had agreed with all the rule changes apart from one, which related to the telephoning of results. It was felt by the GFA Committee that the suggested penalty for failing to report a result might involve clubs being fined twice for the same offence and asked that the League reconsider this proposed alteration to rule. Two alternative suggestions for the new wording of this rule had been put forward and the meeting unanimously agreed on the adoption of one of these into the rule revisions to be presented to the AGM in June.

Any Other Business:
The meeting was informed that numerous cards had been received from the matches officiated over the preceding month that had not been completed. The names of the referees concerned were passed to Mr Arthur Stiley, the referee's secretary, and he agreed to speak to them

The estimates received from Don Browning's trophies for the repair of numerous of the League's cups were presented to the meeting. It was agreed to proceed with the necessary repairs. It was also confirmed that the cup presented to Tewkesbury Dynamos for winning Division Five last season was in good repair when the club received it. It was therefore agreed that the cost of the repairs required to this trophy should be passed on to the club.

The meeting was informed that, with 2 days still to go until the deadline for the receipt of entry forms for next season, applications had been received from 9 new teams wishing to join the League, 4 of which had come from clubs which would be new to the League

The General Secretary informed the meeting that he would be unavailable from Monday 3rd April to Friday 7th April inclusive.

The meeting was informed that Rebecca Skinner, the recently appointed Football Development Officer with the GFA, had asked if it might be possible for her to attend the next Management Committee meeting, on April 26th. This was agreed

It was reported to the meeting that 8 clubs had applied for FA Cup Final tickets and Committee members were asked whether or not they would like their own names put forward for tickets for this year's final. In response, Les Fisher, Mike Lytheer and Ben Hill asked to be considered.

Committee Members were asked by the General Secretary to confirm whether or not they would be standing for re-election at the League AGM in June. All members of the committee confirmed their intention to seek re-election

The meeting was informed that, at the last GFA Council meeting, details had been distributed of an increase in the rates payable to referees and assistant referees as from next season. The new rates for 2006-2007 would be £16 for a referee and £13 for an assistant. This would rise by a further £2 in the Senior Amateur Cup and £1 for all other GFA County Cups.

It was pointed out to the committee that the scheduled date for the meeting at the end of May was only one week prior to the AGM. With this in mind, the meeting was asked to sanction the rescheduling of the meeting to Wednesday, 24th May, 2006. This was agreed.

Copies of the latest edition of the League's History Newsletter, as compiled by the Honorary Historian, Linda Wilson, were distributed.

It was noted that a number of clubs had made requests for extra copies of numerous League forms, particularly triplicated teamsheets, and the meeting was assured that each club had been issued with more than enough of each item to last the whole season at the AGM last June. It was agreed that the General Secretary should look into the possibility of charging clubs for additional forms.

Les Fisher, the League's Treasurer asked for confirmation that a raffle would be run at the Senior Cup Final. This was agreed.

Reports on Referees from Star FC and Sherborne Harriers FC were read to the meeting. These were noted.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.58 pm

NEXT MEETING - WEDNESDAY 26th APRIL, 2006

AT 7-15 PM