Cheltenham League Meetings

CHELTENHAM ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Minutes of the Management Committee Meeting at the Victory Club Cheltenham on Wednesday, 28th February 2007.

Attendees: G Cook, J Crowther, N Oram, L Fisher, J Hunt, T Onions, A Clayton, B Hill, R.Overington,

Apologies: R Attwood, A.Stiley, M.Lytheer, P Tustain

Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 31st January 2007 were read and accepted

Matters Arising from the minutes.

The General Secretary informed the meeting that he had received notification, from Cheltenham Civil Service, of the action taken by the GFA against the club following the abandonment of their Division Five match against Cleevonians before Christmas. It was reported to the meeting that the GFA had found Cheltenham Civil Service to have been responsible for the abandonment. Consequently, the General Secretary proposed that the score of this match at the point at which it was abandoned, this being 5-0 to Cleevonians, be allowed to stand and this was agreed unanimously.
The meeting was informed that a letter had been received from FC Electrics in relation to the communication that had been reported to the meeting of January 31st 2007 and it was confirmed that this would be dealt with under correspondence
The meeting was informed that Smiths Athletic had indicated that they believed that the report, as presented to the meeting of January 31st, from Referee A Smith with regard to the match between Belmore Jags and Smiths Athletic in Division 3 on 13th January, was wrong. Smiths Athletic pointed out that their goalkeeper had not been dismissed during the course of this match. This was noted
It was reported to the meeting that a cheque had been sent to Cheltenham Borough Council to cover payment of pitches based on a unit price of £20.43 per pitch per match rather than £20.95 as quoted by the Borough Council in their invoice. The meeting was informed that, to date, there had been no further communication from the Borough Council with regard to this matter although the League Treasurer, Mr Les Fisher, was unable to confirm whether or not the cheque returned to the Borough Council had been cashed.
The General Secretary informed the meeting that a letter and email had been received from Smiths Athletic making further appeal against the fine imposed upon the club at the meeting held on Wednesday, 3rd January for a transgression of League Rule 11(F) - failure to submit teamsheets. The meeting was informed that this matter had not been considered at the meeting held on January 31st. The meeting was informed that Smiths had been fined £10 for failing to send the teamsheets to the results secretary for the match in question. Mr Les Fisher, the results secretary, told the meeting that he had looked into this matter and discovered that, whilst teamsheets had been sent, only one of them was correct. It was, therefore, decided that the fine imposed upon Smiths Athletic should be reduced to £5.
It was reported that an email had been received from Winchcombe Town making further appeal against the fine imposed upon the club at the meeting held on Wednesday, 3rd January for a transgression of rule 10(b) for being responsible for a late kick off. In support of this appeal, the club had elicited a letter from referee A Smith confirming that Winchcombe Town were not responsible for the late kick off, as it was, in fact, the home team, FC Electrics, who were some 5 minutes late. After discussion, it was agreed that the fine imposed upon Winchcombe Town should be rescinded and that, as a consequence of the receipt of the letter from Mr Smith, FC Electrics should be fined according to rule for a late start.
The General Secretary reported that a further email had been received from Winchcombe Town in appeal against the fine imposed upon the club at the meeting held on Wednesday, 31st January for a transgression of rule 10(f) for not notifying the Assistant Secretary, in writing, of a postponement within 3 days of the match in question. In support of this appeal, Winchcombe Town enclosed a copy of an email that was sent to the League Assistant Secretary on the day of the match in question, informing him of the reasons that the match had been postponed. This was accepted and the appeal was upheld. It was also confirmed that Winchcombe Town's appeal deposit should be returned.
Email from Star FC in appeal against the fine imposed on the club at the meeting held on Wednesday, 31st January for a transgression of League Rule 11(b). Star FC were fined for reporting a score incorrectly. In support of their appeal, however, the club maintained, that they did report the game in question as a 2-0 defeat and that, as this is the score that is displayed on full time, they were confused as to why the club had been fined. Mr Les Fisher, the Results Secretary, showed the result card in question to the meeting and it was noted that, whilst it might be considered that a score of "0" or "2" had been entered for Star, a score of "0" was entered for Gaffers, Star FC's opposition in this match. Mr Terry Onions reported that both clubs had entered a score of 2-0 to Gaffers on their result cards and Mr Fisher confirmed that this was the score that Star had reported by telephone on the day of the match. As this indicated that the referee's card was wrong, the Star FC appeal was upheld and the appeal deposit returned.
Letter from Tewkesbury YMCA in appeal against 3 fines imposed upon the club at the meeting held on Wednesday, 31st January. These fines relate to rule offences regarding League Rules 5(I), 11(a) and 11(b)
After discussion, it was decided that the appeals relating to fines imposed under League Rules 5(I) and 11(b) were unsuccessful, but the appeal relating to the rule offence reported under League Rule 11(b) was upheld. It was further decided that Tewkesbury YMCA's appeal deposit should be retained
Email from Naunton Park in appeal against the fine received by the club under rule 10(f), for failing to notify the Assistant Secretary in writing of the reasons for a postponement. Naunton Park claim that the match in question was a Division 4 fixture against Belmore Jags III on 25/11/2006 and that Belmore Jags had withdrawn their third team from the League before the date of the match.
The General Secretary informed the meeting that, according to the information that was entered on the Division Four page of Full Time, written confirmation that Belmore Jags had withdrawn from Division Four was received on November 20th and that this withdrawal was confirmed at the Committee meeting of Wednesday, 29th November, 2006. It was agreed that it was likely that a match scheduled to be played on November 25th, 2006 would have been cancelled because of Belmore Jags withdrawal and the appeal was upheld. It was further decided that the appeal deposit should be returned to Naunton Park

Correspondence & Referees Reports: Correspondence Reported for Discussion

Letter from Smiths Athletic explaining the reasons why the club postponed its 3rd team fixture in Division Four against Charlton Kings on Saturday, 3rd February, 2007. This match was postponed at 2.00 pm when Smiths Athletic came to realise that they only had 6 players available to their third team
The contents of this letter were noted and it was decided that Smiths Athletic should be charged with failing to fulfil a fixture under the provisions of rule 10(f)
Letter from FC Electrics acknowledging receipt of the letter sent to them by the League with regard to the communication received from the club's reserve team manager, countersigned by the club secretary, as reported to the meeting of January 31st. FC Electrics apologise unreservedly both to Mr John Hunt, personally, and, also, for the manner in which they handled this matter.
The contents of this letter were noted and welcomed by the Committee, although it was noted that FC Electrics had failed to pay the invoice,which included the £25 fine imposed as a direct result of the receipt of the original letter, by the deadline date. The General Secretary recommended that this matter should now be considered to be closed and this was agreed.
Email from Tewkesbury YMCA giving details of the reasons why they awarded a low mark of 15 to referee M Jones for the Division Two match between FC Barometrics and Tewkesbury YMCA played on 3rd February, 2007.
Letter from the GFA, attached to a copy of the report sent in to them by referee M Jones in relation to the dismissal, during the course of the aforementioned Division Two match, of a Tewkesbury YMCA player who refused to give his name
This was noted
Email from Charlton Rovers asking that their reserve side is not allocated a pitch at King George V playing fields again, even when there is no pitch available at the Beeches. The club also question why their Division 4 match was the only game on Saturday, 10th February to be relocated to this venue when 19 other games were postponed.
Reply sent referring Charlton Rovers to the minutes of the clubs meeting, which they failed to attend, in which it is explained that the only games that will be relocated to Council owned pitches are those which were scheduled to take place on other council pitches in the first place.
Reply received apologising for the original email
Email from Charlton Rovers questioning the fines imposed at the meeting of January 31st
This was noted
Before considering the next item, Mr Bob Overington temporarily took his leave of the meeting.
Email from Hatherley Rangers bringing the League's attention to the possibility that Cheltenham Civil Service may have played an ineligible player in the Division One match played on Saturday, 10th February, 2007. This email had an attachment which showed that the player, Ricky Garrett, was named at No 10 on the teamsheet submitted on the day.
Mr Terry Onions, the League Registration Secretary, informed the meeting that, at the moment, he was not in a position to fully investigate this matter as he had not received all the relevant information from Cheltenham Civil Service. He did report, however, that Ricky Garrett had played 8 times for the Reserve team this season, prior to the match on February 10th.
Mr Onions was asked to contact Cheltenham Civil Service to ask them to provide the necessary information and to report back to the next meeting. He was also asked to point out to the Club that the provision of this information on a regular basis was a requirement of League Rules and to ask them to ensure that the adhered to this requirement in the future.
Letter from Tewkesbury YMCA in which the club makes a series of observations with regard to the manner in which the League is administered.
This was noted. The General Secretary was asked to write to Tewkesbury YMCA to point out that the club was at liberty to suggest new rules, or amendments to existing rules, at any General Meeting of the League.
Letter from Gaffers in which they give their version of the events that lead to the abandonment of the Division Four fixture away to Charlton Kings on Saturday, 17th February, after 35 minutes with the score at 2-2. This match was refereed by a substitute referee provided by Charlton Kings after the appointed official withdrew.
Letter from Charlton Kings giving their version of events with regard to the aforementioned match.
The General Secretary informed the meeting that he believed that this matter should be dealt with severely, especially as the matter of respecting Club appointed referees had been a subject addressed at the recent clubs meeting. He proposed that the score of the match at the time of the abandonment should stand as the result and that both clubs should be fined £15 and have 3 points deducted from their total in Division Four. This was agreed unanimously.
Email from Naunton Park, notifying the League of the events that took place on Saturday, 17th February, 2007 that lead to the cancellation of the Division One match between Endsleigh and Naunton Park. This match was Endsleigh's home fixture but had been rearranged for King George V playing fields and was cancelled when Endsleigh were unable to provide a suitable, alternative referee following the failure of the appointed official to attend the ground
Letter from Endsleigh, giving a chronology of the events that lead to the cancellation of this match, from their perspective.
After due deliberation, it was unanimously agreed that, under the circumstances as detailed, Endsleigh, as the home team, had failed to provide an adequate substitute referee and that the club would, therefore, be charged under the provisions of rule 10(f) for failing to fulfil a fixture.
Letter from Smiths Athletic giving details of the recent communications between the club, its 2nd team manager and Mr Andy Smith.
It was confirmed to the meeting that the League had now been informed that Mr Andy Smith had not passed a referees exam and that he would not, therefore, be considered for any further appointments by the League until such a time as he was a bona fide, qualified referee. In addition, given the circumstances surrounding this particular individual, it was unanimously decided that clubs should be instructed that, for the rest of the season, they must not use Mr A Smith as a substitute, club referee for any game under the Cheltenham League's jurisdiction for which there was no officially appointed referee.
Email from Charlton Rovers in which they inform the League that the result of their Division Four match with Naunton Park Reserves on 27th January was 8-1 to Charlton Rovers and not 7-1 as stated on Full Time.
It was confirmed by Mr Terry Onions that this game was reported by both clubs on their result cards as having finished 8-1 to Charlton Rovers and Mr Les Fisher confirmed that this was also the score entered on the Official Referee's Result Card. However, Mr Fisher also confirmed that the score reported over the telephone by Charlton Rovers had been 7-1 and it was therefore decided that Charlton Rovers should be charged with failing to correctly report the score of this match
Email from Tivoli Rovers forwarding the email received by the club from the authorities at Kingsmead School following the Division Five match against Tewkesbury Town that was held at this venue on Saturday, 24th February. In the email from Kingsmead School, it is brought to the attention of Tivoli Rovers that the state in which the dressing room, used by Tewkesbury Town, was left is unacceptable and Kingsmead School warn Tivoli Rovers that repetitions of such incidents may lead the School authorities to withdraw the use of their facilities.
It was noted that the information provided by Kingsmead school in this regard had emanated from a very reliable source and so, consequently, the General Secretary was asked to write to Tewkesbury Town to instruct them to apologise to both Kingsmead School and Tivoli Rovers for the disruption and difficulties caused. The General Secretary was also asked to point out to the club that they would be held financially liable for all damage caused and all reparations required.
Email from Star FC asking permission to play T Wolfendale in the club's third team for the remainder of the season after Saturday, 3rd March.
After due consideration of the case put forward by Star FC in this matter, permission was granted. However, the General Secretary was asked to point out to the club that permission would have to be sought again if T Wolfendale played for the club's second team again this season, after Saturday, 3rd March, and that he would only be able to play for the club's third team if the reserve side was also playing at the same time.
Letter from Belmore Jags, containing details of minutes of a club meeting held during February 2007.
It was noted that, whilst the minuted submitted by Belmore Jags were a distinct improvement on the club's previous attempt, they were still not satisfactory. However, on this occasion, it was decided that the club would not be charged with failing to satisfactorily attend to the business of the League and that, instead, the General Secretary would write to Belmore Jags to point out the shortcomings in the minutes as submitted. He was asked to copy this letter to the Chairman of Belmore Jags to ensure that he was aware of the situation as it stood.
Letter from Mr M Murray, the referee at the Division Three match between AC Olympia and FC Electrics on Saturday, 24th February.. In this letter, Mr Murray informs the League that the FC Electrics linesman broke his linesmans flag and that, after the match, he discovered that the flask in which he kept his half time drink had also been damaged.
The General Secretary was asked to write to Mr Murray to ask him to detail the amount required to replace the items that had been damaged. It was agreed that the League would pay this sum back to Mr Murray in the first instance, and then recover the amount from FC Electrics. He was also asked to write to FC Electrics with regard to this matter and to point out that behaviour such as that reported by Mr Murray would not be tolerated in the future.

Correspondence Notified to the Meeting but not discussed

Letter from Charlton Kings requesting Cup Final Tickets
Email from Whaddon United acknowledging the fact that the League had cancelled the registration of the player who was involved in the head butting incident in December 2006 after a match with Elmbridge Old Boys and confirming that the club had already taken the decision not to use this player again this season
Email from Winchcombe Town asking if they might be allowed leave to appeal again against the decision taken at the Management Committee meeting of 3/01/07, if they were able to get hold of a statement from the referee in question confirming that the club was not at fault for the late kick off as reported.
Reply sent confirming that they would be able to register a further appeal so long as their was fresh evidence to consider
Email from Smiths Athletic pointing out inconsistencies in the report submitted by referee A Smith, as reported to the meeting of 31/01/2007. Smiths point out that the dismissal that their goalkeeper was not dismissed towards the end of the game and that they only had one player sent off and not two.
Email from AC Olympia, giving details of a change of secretary. The new sectretary is Mike Clayton, 0f 11 Hisnams Field, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, GL52 8LQ. Mike's telephone number is 01242 676367 and the email address upon which he can be contacted is chowlin10@hotmail.com
Email from Finlay Rovers asking for permission to play Joe O'Hara in the Finlay Rovers Reserve side that will contest the Minor Charity Cup Semi Final on Tuesday, April 10th. Finlay Rovers also inform the League that they have recently moved their pitch.
Reply sent confirming that if Joe O'Hara has played at least 6 League games for the side by this date, he will be eligible for selection for the semi final
Email from Newton FC registering new change kit details. Newton FC's new change kit will now be red shirts, white shorts and white socks
Email from Winchcombe Town requesting that players Moore, Yeates, Wood and Hammond be allowed to play for the clubs 2nd team.
Reply sent giving permission for the players to play in the 2nd team but stipulating that they may only do so when the first team are playing. The reply also points out that the club is only allowed to use 3 such players in any one match.
Letter from Belmore Jags claiming that the club has no knowledge of the instigation of County Court proceedings against them by Kingsmead School and assuring the League that they are making every effort to ascertain the details of this matter
Letter from Northway, giving details of a new address for their secretary. This is now 58, The Hopyard, Northway, Tewkesbury, Gloucester. GL20 8RR
Email from Tewkesbury YMCA informing the League that, due to problems with renovation works at Tewkesbury School, they were unable to fulfil their home fixture with Moreton Rangers on Saturday, 24th February, but suggesting a fixture swap, as they had yet to play their away game against Moreton Rangers, which was scheduled for March 31st
Email from Kings requesting additional administrative paperwork
Email from Winchcombe Town informing the League that their Secretary will be unavailable to fulfil his duties from 25/02/2007 to 02/03/2007
Letter from Apperley FC making application to join the League for season 2007-2008
Letter from the GFA containing the draw for the Semi Finals of the County Cup Competitions
Email from Finlay Rovers containing the minutes of a club committee meeting that was held on Thursday, 22nd February, 2007
Email from Whaddon United in which they register their desire to have Clyde Crescent considered as their home ground for season 2007-2008 although they recognise that, as building works at this venue may not be completed before October 2007, that they may have to play at alternative locations, such as Priors Farm, until then.

Referees Reports reported for discussion

Phoenix United v Belmore Jags Reserves, Div 3, Sat 03/2/07: Referee M Jagus reports that the pitch was poorly prepared and that there were two large dog faeces on the pitch
It was noted that this was the second report in two months to be received from a referee with regard to the pitch used by Phoenix United at Tuffley Park and the General Secretary was asked to write to Phoenix United to ask for their comments.
Brockworth Albion III v Elmbridge Old Boys, Div 4, Sat 03/2/07: Referee N Newport-Black reports that he sent a player off for violent conduct as the player kicked an opponent whilst he was on the floor.
This was noted and it was decided to review this matter once the GFA disciplinary processes had been completed.

Referees Reports Notified but not discussed

Cheltenham Saracens III v Woodmancote, Div 2, Sat 27/1/07: Referee M Ball reports that the pitch was the best pitch that he has refereed on all season so far and he commends both its excellent quality and also the University of Gloucestershire groundstaff
Tewkesbury YMCA v Star FC Reserves, Div 2, Sat 27/01/07: Referee S Glyde reports that this was an excellent match in which both teams were extremely sporting.
AC Olympia v Phoenix United, Div 3, Sat 27/1/07: Referee E Baker reports that Phoenix United were late arriving and, as a consequence, caused the match to start five minutes late. He also reports that Phoenix United only had 10 players and that they did not supply a linesman
FC Barometrics v Tewkesbury YMCA, Div 2, Sat 03/2/07: Referee M Jones reports that he dismissed a player from the field of player for two cautionable offences who refused to give his name on both occasions that he was shown the yellow card.
Northleach Town v High Tech Rangers, Div 2, Sat 03/2/07: Referee D Watts reports that he cautioned 3 players, dismissed another and that all four players could have been shown the red card
Phoenix United v Belmore Jags Reserves, Div 3, Sat 03/2/07: Referee M Jagus reports that the pitch was poorly prepared and that there were two large dog faeces on the pitch
Brockworth Albion III v Elmbridge Old Boys, Div 4, Sat 03/2/07: Referee N Newport-Black reports that he sent a player off for violent conduct as the player kicked an opponent whilst he was on the floor
Naunton Park II v Cheltenham Civil Service III, Div 4, Sat 03/2/07: Referee P Gilder reports that Naunton Park only had 10 players and that the goalposts were 7'6" at one side and 8'6" at the other
FC Barometrics v Bourton Rovers, Div 2, Sat 17/2/07: Referee A Butler reports that Bourton Rovers had 4 players with incorrect numbers on their shirts when compared to the teamsheet
Phoenix United v Falcons, Div 3, Sat 17/2/07: Referee N Newport-Black reports that Falcons arrived late and caused the match to kick off at 2.40 pm. He also reports that Falcons did not provide a linesman
Naunton Park II v Kings II, Div 4, Sat 17/2/07: Referee E Bishop reports that this was an excellent game between 2 very competitive and co-operative teams which was a pleasure to officiate

Rule Offences:

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 5(I): - Late Payment of Invoices. Fine £15
Invoices due 19/02/07: FC Electrics (invoice 70a, £45, paid 23/02/2006 ), Kings (invoice 83a, £5, paid 21/02/2006), Naunton Park (invoice 77a, £65, paid 23/02/2006 ), Northleach Town (invoice 70a, £45, paid 23/02/2006 ).

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 10(b):
i) Delaying the kick off 02/12/06 - Div 3 FC Electrics (5 minutes - Fine £7.50), 27/01/07 - Div 3 Phoenix United (7minutes - away team. Fine £5), Div 5 Bredon (15 minutes - away team. Fine £8); 17/02/07 - Div 3 Falcons (10 minutes - away team. Fine £5).
ii) No First Aid kit: Fine £5 03/02/07 - Div 2 Tewkesbury YMCA.

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 10(e): - Failure to play a match with 11 players 27/01/07 - Div 3 Phoenix United (10 players - fine £3); 03/02/07 - Div 4 Naunton Park (10 players - fine £3).

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 10(f):
i) Failure to notify the Assistant Secretary in writing of a postponement within 3 days of the match. Fine £15: 17/02/07 - Div 1 Endsleigh (No written confirmation of a broken fixture)
ii) Failure to fulfil a fixture: 1st Offence - Fine £15 & 3 points deducted: 03/02/07 - Div 4 Smiths Athletic, Div 5 Sherborne Harriers; 17/02/07 - Div 1 Endsleigh, Div 4 Charlton Kings, Gaffers

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(a) - failure to complete Result cards correctly. Fine £5 for each offence
No Sportsmanship Marks or incorrect marks: 20/01/07 - Div1 Naunton Park (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 3 Belmore Jags (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 4 Naunton Park (marks not awarded out of 10), Whaddon United (marks not awarded out of 10); Senior Charity Cup Belmore Jags (marks not awarded out of 10), Endsleigh (marks not awarded out of 10), Tewkesbury YMCA (marks not awarded out of 10), Junior Charity Cup Bishops Cleeve (marks not awarded out of 10), Whaddon United (marks not awarded out of 10); 27/01/07 - Div 1 Belmore Jags (marks not awarded out of 10), Endsleigh (marks not awarded out of 10), Naunton Park (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 2 Northleach Town (marks not awarded out of 10), Tewkesbury YMCA (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 3 Belmore Jags (marks not awarded out of 10), Whaddon United (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 4 Naunton Park (marks not awarded out of 10), Tewkesbury Town (marks not awarded out of 10), Whaddon United (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 5 Finlay Rovers (marks not awarded out of 10); 03/02/07 - Div 1 Belmore Jags (marks not awarded out of 10), Endsleigh (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 2 Tewkesbury YMCA (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 3 Belmore Jags (marks not awarded out of 10), Bishops Cleeve (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 4 Tewkesbury Town (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 5 Churchdown Panthers (marks not awarded out of 10); 10/02/07 - Div 1 Endsleigh (marks not awarded out of 10), Div 4 Tewkesbury Town (marks not awarded out of 10).
No Score or Wrong Score Given: 27/01/07 - Div 5 Cleevonians ( match v Sherborne stated score 3-1 when 1-3).
03/02/07 - Div 3 Whaddon United (No Score Given),
Incorrect referees Name: 27/01/07 - Div 1 Belmore Jags (No referee named); 03/02/07 - Div 4 Charlton Rovers (stated P.Gilder when M Kimber); 10/02/07 - Div 4 Gaffers (No referee named)
No Division stated: 03/02/07 - Div 3 Andoversford Nomads

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(b) - Notification of results or postponements to the Results Secretary:
Fine £5 (first offence): 27/01/07 - Div 5 Sherborne Harriers (No result); 17/02/07 - Div 1 Dynamos (No result);
Fine £15 (Third offence): 10/02/07 - Div 3 Northleach Town (No Notification of Postponement);
Fine £30 (sixth offence) 27/01/07 - Div 4 Charlton Rovers (incorrect score. Reported 7-1 but stated 8-1 on card)
Fine £35 (seventh offence) 10/02/07 - Div 4 Charlton Rovers (late result - 5.50 pm)

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(c) - late submission of Match Result Cards to the Registration Secretary: Fine £10 20/01/07 - Div 1 Naunton Park, Div 4 Naunton Park; 27/01/07 - Div 4 Gaffers, Div 5 Gaffers; 03/02/07 - Div 1 Naunton Park, Div 4 Naunton Park; 10/02/07 - Div 4 Naunton Park;

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 11(f) - Failure to correctly complete teamsheet. Fine £10: 20/01/07 - Minor Charity Cup Star FC (No Sheet Submitted); 17/02/07 - Div 2 Bourton Rovers (reported by Referee for having 4 players with numbers different to teamsheet)

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 13(c) - Failure to provide a club linesman Fine £5: 27/01/07 - Div 3 Phoenix United; 03/02/07 - Div 4 Naunton Park; 17/02/07 - Div 3 Falcons.

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 13(h) - submitting incorrect marks for referees.
i) No Referees Marks: Fine £5: 20/01/07 - Div 2 Woodmancote.
ii) Referees not marked out of 100: 20/01/07 - Div 1 Northway, Junior Charity Cup Broadway United, Minor Charity Cup Churchdown Panthers, FC Electrics. 27/01/07 - Div 1 Dynamos, Div 2 Cheltenham Saracens, Woodmancote, Div 3 Broadway United, Falcons, Northway, Div 4 Cheltenham Saracens; 03/02/07 - Div 1 Northway, Div 3 Broadway,

The following clubs have been fined in accordance with rule 13(j)-Submission of referees cards & teamsheets.
i. Submission of an incomplete or incorrect Club Referee's Card. Fine £10: 17/02/07 Div 5 Charlton Rovers (No score or number of players), Cheltenham Civil Service (No Score), Gaffers (No Division stated, no signature from home captain)
ii: Failure to submit Referee's Card within 5 days of the match. Fine £10: 03/02/07 - Div 3 Phoenix United, 10/02/07 - Div 1 Hatherley Rangers, Div 4 Kings;
iii: Failure to submit Referee's Card within 10 days of the match. Additional Fine £10 & Club Suspended: 03/02/07 - Div 3 Phoenix United, (Suspension now lifted), 10/02/07 - Div 4 Kings; (Suspension now lifted);
iv Failure to submit Teamsheets within 5 days of the match: Fine £5 for each missing teamsheet: 10/02/07 - Div 4 Kings; (both sheets missing),

Fixtures

John Hunt, the League's Assistant Secretary, informed the meeting that he had now re-arranged all fixtures that had recently been postponed due to the weather and cup commitments and reported that all rearrangements had been catered for without needing to exceed the season end date. However, he went on to confirm that the season would need to be extended were there to be any further postponements and asked the meeting to ratify his proposal that no further club requests for fixture cancellations should be approved this season other than under the most extenuating of circumstances. He also asked that the requirement of all clubs to check the new fixture dates on full time and to acknowledge their acceptance of all such fixtures to him by Saturday, 10th March, should be included in the next newsletter. This was agreed.
Mr Hunt concluded by asking that Cheltenham Borough Council be approached with regard to playing fixtures on Council pitches that involved clubs that didn't usually use them. It was agreed that the General Secretary would write to Mrs Jean Smith of the Borough Council in the first instance.

Treasurer's Report

Mr Les Fisher, the League's Treasurer, informed the meeting that the first Senior Charity Cup Semi Final, between Hatherley Rangers and Moreton Rangers, which had been played at Bishops Cleeve FC on Wednesday, 21st February, had realised £175.80 at the gate. Mr Fisher expressed his opinion that this had been an excellent return from this game. The Chairman, Mr Cook, thanked everyone on the committee who had attended the meeting, particularly Mr John Crowther, who had stood on the gate taking admission money with Mr Fisher contrary to medical advise.
He also informed the meeting that the League's insurance policy that covered damage to trophies would now, no longer, indemnify the League against scratches and dents. The General Secretary informed the meeting that the only cup that had been returned to the League at the clubs meeting on January 31st in a damaged condition was the Senior Charity Cup, which had been won by Winchcombe Town last year. He informed the meeting that the estimate for the repair of this damage had been set by Brownings at £250. The General Secretary was asked to look into the Insurance policy, to attempt to ascertain whether or not the damage caused to the cup could be covered by the existing Insurance policy. It was agreed, however, that if it could not, the cost of the repair would have to be passed on to Winchcombe Town.

Charity Cup Sub Committee Report

The report produced from the last meeting of the Charity Cup Sub Committee, which was held on Wednesday, 7th February, 2007, had been distributed in advance. It was noted that all four Semi Finals below the Senior Charity Cup were to be played at the Newlands. It was explained that this was a departure from previous years, when all the semi finals had been played at separate locations, which it was hoped would be mutually beneficial to the League and to the authorities at the Newlands. The General Secretary explained that the Committee felt that holding all of the games at the same venue would make the administration of the events more straightforward, especially from the perspective of the man power required and, also, from the point of view of making collections on both of the days. It was confirmed that the bar at the Newlands would be open to all persons attending the matches and that no charge was being made for the use of the pitches, whilst the management of the venue had no objections to collections being taken in the bar after the matches as well as around the pitch during the games. It was confirmed that the matter of manpower for each of these evenings would be discussed at the next meeting on March 28th.
The meeting's attention was brought to the matter of the second Senior Cup Semi Final, which was scheduled for Thursday, March 8th. It was pointed out that Mr John Crowther would be unable to attend and that, as a consequence, a further League official was required to be in attendance at St Peters Field from 6.00 onwards to man the gate with Mr Les Fisher. It was confirmed that John Hunt, Alan Clayton and Terry Onions would all be available undertake these duties.
The attention of the meeting was also focused on the arrangements that had been made by the League's President, Mr John Crowther, for the provision of the programmes for the Final Ties of each of the League's Charity Cup competitions. A prototype was available for inspection and it was explained that this was an arrangement that Mr Crowther felt could be extended to all the League's printing requirements and which could, therefore, lead to a bespoke sponsorship arrangement for the whole League. This was welcomed by the committee and the Chairman and General Secretary were asked to progress this matter as and when it was appropriate.
It was also agreed that in this, the first year during which an arrangement with the Chelsea Building Society would be operating, it would be desirable to invite the Chief Executive Officer of the Building Society to present the Senior Cup and medals on the night of the Final. Consequently, the General Secretary was asked to write to the Chief Executive to formally invite him to be the Guest of Honour at this season's Senior Cup Final.

Alterations to Rules 2007-08

Proposed alterations to League and Charity Cup rules for Season 2007-08 had been distributed in advance and the General Secretary elaborated on the rationale behind each of the proposed changes. It was also explained that all proposed changes to League Rules had to be submitted to the GFA by the end of March for the consideration of its League Sanction & Rules Revisions Committee at the beginning of April.

Chains of Office

The Chairman, Mr Gordon Cook, explained to the meeting that the League's Patron, Mr Dennis Barrett, had recently offered to purchase chains of office for both the League President and the League Chairman. Mr Cook expressed his belief that this was an extremely generous offer and this was agreed unanimously. The General Secretary informed the meeting that he was in receipt of a catalogue from Vaughtons of Birmingham, one of the foremost purveyors of items such as Chains of Office and the cost of these items was briefly discussed. It was agreed to establish a sub committee to progress this matter further and that this sub committee should consist of the Chairman, the General Secretary and the Treasurer. It was further agreed that, if the cost of the items, identified by the League for purchase, exceeded the budget to which Mr Barrett was working, the League would meet the cost of the difference.

Any Other Business:

The General Secretary pointed out that the deadline for making application for Cup Final tickets was Thursday, March 1st and informed the meeting that he had so far received applications from Southside, Star, Smiths Athletic, Elmbridge Old Boys, AC Olympia, Charlton Kings and Naunton Park. The General Secretary asked if there were any Committee members who were interested in making application for Cup Final tickets. All committee members present confirmed that they were not interested in Cup Final tickets this season.

The General Secretary brought the meetings attention to the playing record this season of Endsleigh. It was noted that Endsleigh had not played a home league match this season since Saturday, 23rd September, 2006 when they beat Shipton Oliffe at home 2-1. Their only other League game at home this season had been played on Saturday, 9th September, 2006 against Winchcombe. This was noted by the meeting and the General Secretary was asked to write to Endsleigh to express the League's concern over this state of affairs, although it was also noted that the club had conducted itself correctly during the course of this difficult period and that it was, currently, no further behind with its fixtures than numerous other clubs.

Mr Les Fisher, the League's Treasurer, asked Mr Terry Onions to provide him with details of Registrations submitted this season so that he could invoice clubs accordingly and this was agreed.

Mr John Hunt reiterated his request that the requirement for clubs to check fixture rearrangements on Full Time and to acknowledge their acceptance to him by March 10th, should be included in the next newsletter. This was agreed.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.00 pm

NEXT MEETING - WEDNESDAY 28th MARCH, 2007