IWHC Extraordinary General Meeting – Wednesday, 15 June 2016 held at the Black Sheep, Ryde at 7.00 pm

Present:

Ray Wheeler, Harry Kirby, Alison Austin, James Liddiard, Derrick Austin, Jon Milton, AlyTownend, Jaimie Unsworth, Simon Butler, John Pearson, Jon Kirby, Kate Ednay, Adam Payne, Stuart Allen, Leeya Roovis, Liam Roberts, Nicky Richardson, Saffron Hart, Lewis Heaven-Gandy, Mark Dickinson, Neil Harris, Stephen Woodford, Nye Richards

HK took the Chair prior to the Election of Officers, welcomed members to the EGM, confirmed that the meeting was quorate and thanked all for attending. The EGM had been called following the non-quorate AGM (20th May 2016).

1Apologies

Apologies had been received from: Alex Breach, Claire Caddick, Clive Green, Barry Lloyd, Ellis Lynas, Hannah Seaman, Jim Moreton, Helen Hunnybun, Matt Cripps, Peter McKnight, Rio Penn-Grice, Jason Heaven-Gandy, Carl Joyce and Patrick Butt

2Minutes of the AGM held on 15 May 2015

Proposed by Neil Harris and seconded by AlyTownend that the Minutes were a true and accurate record. This was agreed unanimously. The Minutes were signed by the Chairman (HK).

3Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

4Chairman’s Report

All tabled reports were taken as read as they had been uploaded to the Club Website prior to the AGM (20 May 2016)

This has, in my view, been a very successful playing season.

From my experience there is a good team spirit within each team.

However this sense of belonging and goodwill does not always seem to permeate beyond each team. Each seems to operate as a separate unit, with little communication across teams.

I believe a large element of this is due to not having a club house where players can gather after playing away; a place to share experiences, disappointments and successes. There have been times when teams have been pitch-side, supporting others, but that doesn't seem to carry over into a meeting place after games.

The men have had infrequent, but useful selection meetings (Minutes on the website). These gave the opportunity to share views, even if there was disagreement. At least individual player's performance was discussed, and options considered, but I am still concerned that there may not be enough inter-team communication across the club.

This is an evolving and developing club. I consider the large number of young members coming through and realise that their views and aspirations may not always align with those of the "establishment". It's important that we do not overlook, nor dismiss, those young shoots but encourage and nurture them. They are the IW Hockey Club of years to come. As Chairman I have tried to "bridge" various factions and disagreements. I am aware of the privilege of being in this role. I am humbled by the trust members place on me. I have remained neutral and often put another party's views to explain a situation. This has usually, but not always, been successful.

One of my key aims, as chairman, has been to keep all members informed of decisions being made and the reason for those decisions. ALL committee minutes are put on the club website as soon as soon as possible after being written up (thanks JP). They are usually available to all members within one week of a meeting. They are not "censored", not redacted in any way. They present an accurate record of what was said and the arguments made.

There are occasions when certain sections of the club arrange social activities for their group. Some have viewed these with suspicion and seen it as a negative, or divisive. As far as I'm concerned those are opportunities to bond a group together.

The Social Committee has worked hard to arrange activities to suit all members. They sought views on what members would like to be offered. They created opportunities to meld the club together. If members choose not to attend, that is their choice, and no fault of the organisers. Opportunities for extended socialising have been missed by members. If something specific to younger ones, or even "more mature ones", is needed, make the group aware of what is wanted. They are not mind readers. I appreciate all their sincere efforts to draw the club together. The Awards Dinner was a successful, outstanding example of developing the club spirit (seating the President and Chairman (oldest members!?) with some of the youngest club members was inspirational. It reflected the willingness to be inclusive).

This season, as in previous ones, both the Treasurer, and Secretary have struggled to keep up to speed with records of payments or accurate lists of membership. We established, what we hoped would be efficient, systems at the beginning of the year, but even these did not resolve the difficulties. I understand that there may be proposals at the AGM to address this issue.

I am indebted to so many people who contribute to the smooth running, or even enable the continued existence, of this club. Every year, at this time, members of the committee are viewed negatively and there is a demand for change. Every year there is the opportunity for change. Members have the opportunity to wipe the board clean, to replace all, or individual, post-holders, to elect those you would wish to run the club. However, those wanting change do not put themselves forward as officers. The result is that those prepared to spend time on committees and give a commitment are re-elected; without them there would be no IW Hockey Club.

I would like to thank those members who give up their own precious time to train and develop the youth of the club, also I would like to thank those who train the adults; unsung heroes! I would like to thank ALL committee members for the time and effort given to the club over the year and for the support and advice given to me in my role. Some colleagues do not have a high profile and they work in the background. They would only be recognised for their efforts if they stopped, and suddenly the club grinds to a halt. I have avoided using names because I am aware that I would inadvertently omit someone and that causes hurt. Just please accept my sincere, grateful appreciation of all that you do, and all that you have done in the past.

Harry Kirby May 2016

5Secretary’s Report

Well it’s been an interesting season, but in general things have run fairly smoothly until as seems to be the norm, the AGM information is issued - see later

I have passed all information on to the relevant committee members and as far as I know it has been dealt with. As always getting reports for meetings is a last minute chase round - it just makes it so much easier for the minutes and also to speed up the meetings.

Kate has prepared a letter to be sent to the Hampshire Ladies League Secretary regarding starred players. I would also suggest that we send a letter to the Hants Men’s League Secretary as last year regarding the start times in relation to our travel - it seems to affect the 2s more as the lower teams are usually given either early or late starts.

Hampshire

The Hampshire Ladies AGM is on the 9th May and the Hampshire HA AGM is on 21st June - both at Trojans.

England Hockey AGM was in March and I sent apologies on behalf of the Club.

A couple of points that seem to occur every year is the lack of members willing to take on committee roles and the lack of communication .

I would like to suggest that our IWHC members’facebook page is restricted to just that (not all the members are on the facebook page and those on the page are not all members) - members only, as we have the other page for non-members to get in touch and also our webpage for people to find out about us. I don’t think that we should let everyone see some of the messages that are posted, in particular the youngsters and their parents. It is not a good advert for the club.

I fail to understand why some people are getting so fired up and negative about the club and its rules. People sign up for membership and sign a declaration that they will abide by and comply with the club rules etc, but of course they don’t actually read the T and Cs and then suddenly decide that they are not what they want when AGM time comes around. It seems to happen every year despite notice of the meeting this year being given on the 1st March. However, hopefully, the committee will agree that we have correct ways of changing the Constitution and that must be adhered to.

I would also like to record the fact that I do not have a full list of members and their contact information as it goes to the Treasurer and does not get to me; so I would like to suggest that all membership forms are directed through the Secretary in future, so that a complete record can be kept.

The other concerning matter is the lack of any development and how we can take the club forward. There are a lot of youngsters going to training, but we need to ensure that we keep their interest and offer them some competitive hockey or they will lose interest.

Alison Austin

AA added that a response was due to be sent to the Hampshire AGM together with the Club’s apologies and reasons for non-attendance (Tuesday, 21 June 2016 at 7.30 pm at Trojans HC), regarding the proposed reorganisation of the lower men’s Hampshire Leagues. The Club were supporting the regionalisation of Divisions 8, 9 and 10 and a statement prepared by JP would be forwarded to the HOL Secretary. This statement would be posted on the Club website so that all members could view the content.

6Treasurer’s Report

(Balance Sheet and Income Statement attached.)

JL noted the following points:

  • Loss of c£3,000 over the course of the season
  • Loss due in part to an outlay of c£2,000 on new kit (shirts and Ladies GK equipment)
  • Affiliation fees up by c£500
  • Fuel costs up by c£800 to c£2,000 (in part due to Ladies’ 1st XI using cars this season instead of a mini-bus)

James Liddiard

JL had indicated that he was standing down as Treasurer. HK thanked him for his efforts in the post. This was echoed by those present.

Officer Reports (Tabled)

Ladies’ Club Captain

The ladies season has seen a mixed bag of results however I think we have by far exceeded expectations in our club development.

We have had significant movements of players in and out of the club which has made fielding two teams challenging at certain times in the season. I know many smaller clubs are beginning to question the starring system Hampshire have and certainly the fact that 9 of our 1st XI are unable to ever be available for the 2nd XI has certainly been frustrating - especially as it doesn’t appear to stop other larger clubs from playing illegible players. However, thanks to the hard work of Kate and Aly we have got to the end of the season with both teams retaining their league positions and a club’s side of both players looking to earn a place at Hampshire finals day.

The triumph lies in the significant numbers of junior players we can boast in both the 1st XI and 2nd XI. Whilst the coaching of Jon is an obvious factor, it is without doubt due to the presence of the ladies – Kate, Aly, myself, Kirsty (when she can) and Mackensie - on Monday nights that the ‘jump’ up to 2nd XI hockey is no longer viewed as a big step because we are familiar faces. As such we have seen the influx of the u14 squad eager to be playing on Saturday as soon as they turn 13. I can only thank the girls for giving up even more of their time and say how incredibly proud I am of the set-up we have put in to motion.

Onwards and upwards!

Looking to next season our biggest challenge is going to be umpiring. With Neil’s news that he is stepping away from the club, the Ladies 1st XI are now in a difficult situation. We have to have a qualified umpire for our fixtures so this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Jon and Adam are happy to help on the odd weekend however I know Jon will want to support the junior girls on their journey into senior hockey and likewise Adam will not want to give up a huge number of playing opportunities. I have mentioned this in the hockey circles and ‘getting Harry qualified is easy’ is the number one response or ‘we don’t need umpires’ or ‘I hate umpiring’. As per normal NOBODY wants to step up - this is fairly obvious with the silence Aly’s regular pleas were met with on a normally pretty vocal Facebook page! We need as a club to begin to recognise that without umpires we CANNOT play. Umpires do not last forever and certainly we cannot expect Derrick and Harry to give up every weekend just because players just want to turn up and play. If each team had a number of qualified players, who on home games can rotate to support other teams, then it would be very rare for anyone to be asked to miss playing opportunities. I think we need to find ways of making the job appealing - perhaps through cheaper match fees on days when you umpire – but also stress the importance and necessity.

Finally I would like to finish on a big thank you. Nicky Richardson has had the unenviable task of communicating with Ryde School on a regular basis and I know has found the role of Fixtures Secretary (for both sides of the club) time consuming, frustrating and exhausting. I am incredibly impressed that she hasn’t ended losing it at times because that is testament to her lovely nature. I don’t think people fully appreciate what goes on behind the scenes and rarely say a big enough thank you. So from me and the ladies a huge thank you and I hope you can wake up on match days without panicking that pitches aren’t booked or that Ryde School will have ignored our bookings!

Jaimie Unsworth

Men’s Club Captain

Let’s start with the good bits – overall a good solid season for both men’s sides, who both sustained a promotion challenge but both we’re pipped at the end, with the 1s just missing out on points, and the 2s fate effectively sealed by a plainly ridiculous decision by the Hampshire League Secretary.

Unfortunately, that’s about it for good news this season.

As colleagues will know by now, I am not seeking re-election as men’s section captain. I have an increase in workload due to a new job and far less spare time to commit to the role. I have enjoyed my two years in post, but the club is not heading in the direction I had hoped and it is time someone else is given an opportunity. I wish the incoming Men’s Section Captain luck.

On the field, we still have issues regarding the non-selection of some 2s players to play in the 1s. There was also the situation with the 2s captain resigning and moving up to the 1s which caused a huge knock on effect to the 2s, resulting in them losing an outfield player and a driver when resources were already very limited and saw them go out short a number of times. It also resulted in the club losing a valued member, and indirectly the 1st XI coach. The situation could have been handled much better.

When I came into post, I envisaged a men’s section that worked together, that gave opportunities to every member, which socialised together and supported each other and did not have any political bias. Sadly, we have a fractured section with two teams effectively playing as two separate clubs, a lack of opportunities, no effective selection, a lack of social opportunities and ongoing political biases.

An effective men’s section should work together, players should regularly move between teams to make training viable and ensure ongoing progress, and no one - I repeat - no one, should not be considered for a team. The phrase ‘not good enough’ is not an excuse but is used almost on a weekly basis and discriminating against fully paid up members by deliberately not picking them when short, and more often than not calling on non-members to play, is absolutely unacceptable, yet is has again continued this season despite assurances in September that it would not. I have been involved in a number of sports clubs down the years, and I have never, ever known a club pick non-members over members on such a regular basis.

Hockey is an expensive sport and it is simply not fair people are not given a chance to play despite paying their money or turning up to training every week. If we were a club of 5 men’s teams, it wouldn’t be an issue, but we are not, and the first XI need to accept that the second XI players are the ones to step up when needed regardless of who they are. The 1st XI choosing to play a friendly with 10 players, rather than ask some members of the 2s to play, is a shocking example of this.

I am not saying all the above to have a go at anyone - I am saying it because these issues need to be tackled if the club is to have a viable future. I myself have had a number of people say they do not wish to play next season because of what goes on.