Minutes - Commitee Meeting 20 Feb 2017
Minutes of meeting held at Leigh RUFC on February 20th. 2017
Those attending
Peter Rhodes, Fred Swarbrick, John Powell, Reg Robinson, Andy Thompson, Ian Cosens, Greg King, Craig Hine, Jon Daldry.
Apologies
Paul Whiston, Dr. Sara Shackleton
Matters Arising
None
Finance
Greg King presented up to date accounts which showed a healthy balance.
Greg reported that some sponsorship monies were still to be received but these would be off set by normal end of season expenses. He also reported that the £1000 Charitable sponsorship had been received in the benevolent fund. No problems are envisaged.
Fixtures
John Powell reported that weather had been kinder this season than in previous years and accordingly any postponed game had already been re-arranged. None were outstanding.
Finals
The Finals committee confirmed that they had visited five clubs who had applied to host our finals. All were thought well able to produce a good day for us but the recommendation was that this year the finals would be held at Aspull and Wirral. It was noted that many clubs are booking various events well in advance these days so it was recommended that in future finals should be booked 2 year in advance. It was therefore agreed that Burnley would be one of the host clubs for 2018 plus 1 other. The committee thanks Rochdale and Old Bedians for their excellent bids and look forward to those clubs applying again.
Dinner
John Powell reports that arrangements for our Presentation Dinner are on track and he is about to confirm the menu. Costs will remain as before with part of the costs being donations to the benevolent fund. Reg. Robinson will attend to the guest list.
Premier League
The committee felt that there was a need to discuss the disparity in strength between the top and bottom of the Premier League. It is known that some teams/players are unwilling to travel to a fixture where they know that they are likely to lose by a big score. Some quote likelihood of serious injury or just possible loss of morale. This had been discussed previously – some years ago - culminating with a meeting with the clubs at Liverpool St. Helens. Subsequent to this the current Conference system was introduced for the second half of the season. The committee feel this has worked well but still some clubs are unhappy.
John Powell will canvass clubs by e-mail for any other ideas and if necessary another meeting with Premiership clubs and top Division 1 clubs to try and find agreement.
** Subsequently a Meeting has been arranged at Preston Grasshoppers on the 20th March to seek the views of the Clubs. As League Secretary of the Cotton Traders Premier League John Powell will Chair the Meeting **
Exclusions
The committee was sad to note that there had been more concedes and exclusions this season than in previous years. Members have been asked to consider any possible rule changes or other ideas which may help clubs to retain players and keep teams playing.
A.O.B.
None