|
Cheltenham League Meetings CHELTENHAM ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL LEAGUE Minutes of the Management Committee Meeting at the Victory Club Cheltenham on Wednesday 24th May 2006. Attendees: R Attwood ,J Crowther, N Oram, L Fisher, A.Stiley, B Hill, M.Lytheer, J Hunt, R.Overington, P.Tustain. Apologies: D Barrett, G Cook, T Onions Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 26th April 2006 were read and accepted Matters Arising from the minutes. The fine imposed upon AFC Southside at the last meeting had not been collected as the missing card eventually turned up with 6 different post marks on it, suggesting that it had, indeed, been lost in the post. It was noted that this meant that AFC Southside, as a new club to the League this season, had not incurred any fines and it was confirmed to the meeting that they were the only club to achieve this feat this season. The meeting was informed that no further information had been received with regard to the investigations that were being conducted into incidents at the end of the Division Three match between Prestbury Rovers Reserves and St Marks Reserves. It was noted that, this season, matters relating to payment for the usage of Cheltenham Borough Council Pitches by clubs in the Cheltenham League during the course of the season had been resolved swiftly, amicably and to the satisfaction of all parties. It was reported that there had been no response from the GFA with regard to the matter of Naunton Park playing Cheltenham League fixtures in a full England replica kit, complete with 3 lions badge and single star motif. It was agreed, however, that the League would contact Naunton Park to inform them that this strip would not be acceptable for use in the Cheltenham League next season. The meeting was informed that an appeal had been received from Bredon
against the fine imposed at the meeting of April 26th for a violation
of rule 11(b) - incorrect score. Bredon's appeal claimed that the score
was indeed 4-0 to Smiths Athletic as stated. Bredon also appealed against
the fine imposed under the provisions of Rule 13(j) for the failure to
submit a referees card and teamsheet. Bredon claimed that when they have
two home fixtures on the same day, all the paperwork for the two games
was sent to the League's Result Secretary in the same envelope. They pointed
out that, on the day in question - 18/03/06 - the second team were, indeed,
at home and that there was no fine for this game, which suggested that
the referee's card and teamsheets for this fixture arrived satisfactorily.
Bredon claimed that this would have to mean that the third team paperwork
would, therefore, also have been received. Correspondence: Reported for Discussion Email from Moreton Rangers bringing the League's attention to the fact
that St Marks had failed to fulfil the Division Two fixture at Moreton
on April 22nd. Moreton point out that this is the second time that St
Marks had failed to turn up for this fixture and request that the League
award the match to them rather than put them to the time, trouble and
expense of another rearrangement. Correspondence Notified to the Meeting but not discussed Email from Brockworth Albion, thanking the Management Committee for progressing
their application to enter their reserve side in the League next season
and pointing out the fact that the team has been playing in Stroud League
Division Two this season Rule Offences: The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 5(h): Failure to satisfactorily attend to the business of the League. Fine £15 St Marks CA (failure to hold a committee meeting in April as required), Finlay Rovers (failure to hold a committee meeting in April as required), Smiths Athletic (providing an incorrect teamsheet at the Senior Charity Cup Final contrary to the request of two League Officials) The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 5(I): Failure
to pay invoices within 14 days The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 10(b) - Failure to play fixtures in hierarchical order: Fine £25: 29/04/2006 St Marks The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 10f - failure
to fulfil a fixture: The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(a) - failure
to complete Result cards correctly. Fine £5 for each offence The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(b) - Notification of results or postponements to the Results Secretary: fine £10. 19/04/06 - Div 5 Churchdown Panthers (No result. Received one day late); 20/04/06 - Div 2 Finlay Rovers (No Result); 22/04/06 - Div 5 Bredon (reported 3-3. 2-2 stated on card); 27/04/06 - Div 1 Tewkesbury YMCA (incorrect score. Reported 1-9 when 2-8) The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(c) - late result cards. Fine £10: 13/04/06 - Div 2 Naunton Park, St Marks; 15/04/06 - Div 4 Gaffers, Div 5 Naunton Park; 22/04/06 Div 1 Northway 04/05/06 - Junior Charity Cup High Tech Rangers, Woodmancote The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 13(j) - Failure to submit referees cards or teamsheets. Fine £5: 08/04/06 - Div 4 Gaffers (No card or sheets); 15/04/06 - Div 1 Belmore Jags (No sheets from opponents), Div 4 Bishops Cleeve (No card or sheets); 22/04/06 - Div 5 Charlton Rovers (No card or sheets) League Membership Interviews 2006-2007 Five clubs had been invited to attend the meeting for interview before the Management Committee formulated its recommendations for a proposed League constitution for season 2006/2007. These clubs were Cheltenham YMCA, Newton FC, FC Barometrics, Beeches and Tivoli Rovers. Each of these clubs were seen in turn Cheltenham YMCA FC Cheltenham YMCA were not in attendance. Newton FC Newton FC were represented by Wayne Baker, Treasurer, and Sarah Baker, Secretary. After the Chairman's introductory remarks, Mr Baker explained to the meeting that his club had developed from the Newton Heath Reserve side that had finished the current season in 6th place in Division One. He explained the circumstances that had lead to both the parent club and its reserve side deciding that it would be best to go their separate ways. He then went on to elucidate the fact that, of the players that had been used by Newton Heath Reserves last season, 70% had played together since they had represented Cleeve Colts at under 14 level. Further to this, he explained that a further 20% had been with the team since it began life in Division 6 of the Cheltenham League as Newton Heath Reserves whilst the other 10% had signed up at the beginning of the season. He assured the meeting that at least 15 of the players that had represented the team last season had already indicated their intention to remain with the side next year and he expressed his satisfaction with this state of affairs because most of the players were in their twenties and all of them were very reliable. Mr Baker then went on to confirm that the team was already in possession of all the kit, balls, nets and other requirements from the point of view of equipment that they would need to be a viable concern. In response to a question from Mr Arthur Stiley, Mr Baker confirmed that the new club would have no remaining ties with Newton Heath and emphasised the fact that, in reality, the team had always been financially independent from the Newton Heath club. He confirmed that fundraising had already gone well, with a significant sum being added to the club accounts from a recent event. The meeting was informed that the new club already had three sponsors and that it had been agreed that a signing on fee would be levied on each player at the start of every season. Mr Baker asked if the team could continue to play at Whaddon Rec, which it had used as its home ground for the last few seasons, and he was informed that the League was not aware of any reason why this should not be the case. Mrs Baker confirmed that she had already been helping Mr Baker with the administration of Newton Heath Reserves and that, between them, they already had approximately a year's experience of running a club. Following the conclusion of the interview, it was unanimously agreed to recommend that Newton FC should be accepted into the League for season 2006-2007. FC Barometrics FC Barometrics were represented by Ted Major, their Chairman, Russell
Anderson, Secretary, and Alan Roberts, Treasurer. The delegation explained
to the committee that the club had started as a Sunday side in 1976 and
had spent the last 30 years playing in the Cheltenham Sunday League. They
expressed their opinion that the Sunday League had deteriorated over the
last few years and that it was this, along with the fact that they were
playing the same sides every season and finding it more difficult to raise
a side on Sunday mornings that had persuaded them to switch to playing
on Saturdays. The meeting was informed that the club had already resigned
from the Sunday League and it was emphasised that they were already an
operating club which intended to draw up a new constitution and set of
rules if it was elected to the League. The meeting was assured that the
existing members were unanimously in favour of the switch to the Cheltenham
Association Football League. Following the conclusion of this interview, it was unanimously agreed that it should be recommended that FC Barometrics should be accepted into the League for next season. Beeches FC Beeches were represented by Mick Ricketts, Secretary and Treasurer, and
Daren Wiltshire, first team manager. At the conclusion of this interview, the committee was unanimous in its agreement that Beeches FC should be recommended for membership of the Cheltenham League for season 2006-2007. Tivoli Rovers Tivoli Rovers were represented at the meeting by Tony Holmes, their secretary, Annette Holmes, the club's treasurer, and David Holmes, a committee member. Upon the invitation of the chairman, Mr Holmes gave some details with regard to the history of the club. He told the meeting that he had been an active member of another club in the league and that, during the course of the season, he had been approached by several of the players to form a separate club. This he had agreed to do, in conjunction with his wife, and they had set aside a significant sum of money to establish the new entity. Mr Holmes went on to assure the meeting that the club had commitment to sign from more than enough players to ensure that they would be able to have a healthy squad of players. In response to a specific question, Mr Holmes confirmed that the club that he had previously been involved with was Belmore Jags but he assured the meeting that this club was fully aware of the plans to establish Tivoli Rovers as a separate entity. The meeting was informed that the new club would be expecting to sign 8 players who played for Belmore Jags 2nd team in Division Three in 2005-2006 and probably two more who played in Division 5 for the third team. He also claimed that the numbers would be made up of youngsters who were keen to become involved. Again in response to a direct question, it was confirmed that the club would have one player who was a qualified referee and it was also confirmed that, if needs be, they would also be able to call upon another volunteer with significant refereeing experience. The meeting was informed that the players who had been playing for Belmore Jags and who intended to sign for Tivoli Rovers had indicated that they would not be playing for Belmore Jags next season even if Tivoli Rovers were not accepted into the League. The Club's delegation then went on to inform the meeting that it was their intention to play their home matches at Kingsmead School but they also made it known that they would be more than prepared to play at King George V playing fields if the school or its facilities were deemed not to be of Cheltenham League Standard. Finally, the club presented interim accounts and a budget plan for the new season to demonstrate their financial viability. Following the conclusion of the interview, it was unanimously agreed to recommend Tivoli Rovers acceptance into the league in the proposed League Constitution for season 2006-2007. League Constitution 2006-2007 A first draft of a League Constitution for the 2006-2007 season, including the new clubs who would be recommended for membership, was circulated. After discussion, a proposed constitution for next season was agreed for recommendation to the Annual General Meeting. 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. Following the completion of the Financial Report, it was noted that the time had passed 9.00 pm and it was unanimously agreed to suspend standing orders. Honoraria Before consideration was given to this item on the agenda, Messrs Oram, Fisher, Stiley and Hunt left the room It was agreed that the following Honoraria should be recommended to the AGM General Secretary £375.00 Victory Club £175.00
The General Secretary informed the meeting that it had been suggested by the Chairman of the League that the position of Patron be added to the list of officers and that it should be proposed at the AGM that Dennis Barrett, the League's retiring President, be elected to this position. This was agreed unanimously. The draft copy of suggested Guidelines for Matches Played on Neutral Grounds had been distributed in advance. The General Secretary informed the meeting that it was intended to print these guidelines at the back of the handbook for next season. He explained that they would not be able to become part of the League's rules as they did not comply with the Standard Code of Rules as established by the Football Association. The guidelines would, however, contain the caveat that any transgression of the provisions contained therein would be regarded as a failure to deal satisfactorily with the business of the League, contrary to the requirements of League Rule 5(h). With this in mind, it was unanimously agreed to include the guidelines in the 2006-2007 league handbook. The General Secretary reported to the meeting that Belmore Jags had incurred 43 fines during the course of the season and it was agreed that a hearing into the clubs administrative affairs should be conducted during the course of the next Management Committee Meeting in July. Consequently, the General Secretary was requested to write to Belmore Jags to inform the club that they were required to attend this meeting. It was confirmed that all three of the games that had not been fulfilled by St Marks in Division Two at the end of the season should be awarded to their erstwhile opponents. The Treasurer, Mr Les Fisher, informed the meeting that the figures that had been provided to Cheltenham Borough Council with regard to pitch usage during the course of the season, had been formulated on the assumption that Hatherley Rangers had used two pitches at the Burrows prior to the demise of their reserve team in February. This was based on information received from Hatherley Rangers. Mr Fisher informed the meeting that Cheltenham Borough Council had now been paid on this basis but that Hatherley Rangers now informed the League that they had only used one pitch. It was agreed that Hatherley Rangers should be invoiced for the use of two pitches. The Assistant Secretary, John Hunt, asked if the League had any plans to make presentations of awards to mark significant long term service to the League or to clubs within its ranks. It was agreed that this would be discussed at the next meeting. Mr John Crowther gave details of the final standings in the Linesman's Cup, the John Ingram Cup and the Bill Meadows Cup. There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.23 pm NEXT MEETING - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AT 7-15 PM
|
| Meetings Index | Home |