Executive Committee Meeting
13thAugust2015
Leicester Banks CC, Banks Road, Aylestone, Leicester, LE2 8HA
Minutes
David Miller / Andy Jones / Nigel Kinch / Gordon HubbardRichard French / Sam Rowe / Mark Ward / Robin Whait
Rob Doleman / Mike Challands / Guy Jackson / Jonny Lawrance-Owen
Paul Whiteman / Kevin Smyth / Roger Stead
Jeff Baxter / Colin Green / Brad Peake
Apologies:
Kevin Smyth, Jonny Lawrence-Owen.
Approval of the Minutes of the meeting held on 9th July 2015.
The minutes were approved.
Andy Jones has not yet made contact with Woodhouse Eaves but will do so shortly.
Andy Jones has not contacted the Notts League regarding Sutton Bonnington because the club has not yet submitted an application to join the League. If and when an application is rec’d AJ will contact the Notts League.
Rules 14e and 15k.
Clarity is required regarding these rules.
For 14e the intention is to prevent, for example, 1st XI players playing in 2nd XI rearranged games and artificially strengthening the 2nd XI. It was agreed that the rule will normally only be applied where players are involved on consecutive days (ie. where a 2nd XI rearrangement takes place on the day after the original scheduled date, a 1st XI player who plays on the Saturday cannot then play for the 2nds on the Sunday). There may be occasions when this rule will lead to a shortage of players for a club in respect of the Sunday fixture. In such circumstances clubs should contact the Management Committee and ask for dispensation.
For this season we amended the rules to allow 1st XI players to play in 3rd XI and 4th XI fixtures (and 2nd XI players to play in 4th XI fixtures). There is scope for this to be exploited during the last 4 weeks of the season when Rule 15k places limits on the number of players allowed to be ‘imported’ from clubs’ higher ranking teams. Therefore it was agreed to implement a ban on the movement of 1st XI players to 3rd XI and 4th XI fixtures (and 2nd XI players to 4th XI fixtures) during the 4 week window when Rule 15k applies.
Tier reps to inform clubs immediately.
Maher Stars v Mountsorrel 2
This match, scheduled to be played on 8th August did not take place because Maher Stars’ ground was not available. Accordingly 15 points were automatically deducted from Maher Stars and 30 points awarded to Mountsorrel.
An email has been rec’d from Highfield Rangers FC, who own the ground, pointing out that they did not inform Maher Stars that the ground would not be available. Given the circumstances the Committee resolved to rescind the ‘forfeiture’ points and ask that the game be rearranged, if possible. Mountsorrel will be allowed to choose which side will host the match and will also be allowed to select players from both team within their club (to maximise their ability to field a side). If a rearrangement cannot be agreed the match will be treated as an abandonment and 5 points will given to both sides.
Paul Whiteman to contact the clubs regarding a rearrangement. A decision is req’d by Monday 17th August.
Sharnford 2 v LCSA
This was a rearranged game where Sharnford fielded 4 players that had played in their 1st XI on the Saturday prior to the match.
The Committee took into account the fact that Sharnford (who have struggled to field XI players in their 2nd team this season) had agreed to a rearrangement request by LCSA and that without the rearrangement LCSA would probably have had to forfeit the game. In light of this it was felt that it would be unfair to punish Sharnford for effectively enabling the game to take place. Given that LCSA had a winning draw it was concluded that the game was not spoilt by the introduction of the four Sharnford players and no action is to be taken.
Andy Jones will inform both clubs.
Hinckley v Loughborough Greenfields 2
There was a report of blatant cheating by a ‘team’ umpire.
In that there were no neutral umpires attending it is difficult to impose any sanctions. However, views were expressed that team umpires are causing some problems which leads to angry exchanges on the field of play. It is important that the League is seen to be tackling this issue and it was agreed that the Tier Reps will request feedback from clubs at the end of the season.
Leicester Teachers 2 v LCSA 2
There was a claim that LTAM played an ineligible player.
It would appear that a player registered with another club did play for LTAM without him being transferred from the originating club. The Committee agreed to request feedback from LTAM before determining whether a points deduction should apply.
Robin Whait will contact LTAM and report back within 7 days.
Substandard pitches.
During the season the Committee has rec’d a number of complaints about substandard pitches and the League requires an action plan to deal with these.
Discussions took place regarding a number of clubs where either formal visits have taken place, anectdotal evidence has been rec’d or there are very low average marks submitted by the opposition on the League website. These clubs need to be split into two categories:
a) teams playing on council prepared parks pitches (or similar)
b) private club grounds
There has been a significant amount of effort on behalf of the League to assist/influence groundsmen in certain Local Authorities to prepare wickets of an acceptable quality. This has not really had any meaningful effect. Therefore an alternative solution needs to be found. The Committee discussed allowing non-turf pitches to be used at council owned grounds. It was agreed that this might be feasible in the lower divisions and further exploratory work will be carried out.
Andy Jones to liase with John Upton and Colin Green
Substandard pitches at private club grounds largely result from either lack of funds, lack of know-how or lack of effort. Colin Green agreed to contact those clubs where there are concerns. Consideration will also be given to making it mandatory for certain clubs to attend LRACG groundsmen’s meetings. Praise was given to Croft, Huncote and Dunton Bassett for the improvements they have made to their pitches.
Colin Green to report back to Committee regarding ‘target’ clubs.
It was noted that the end of this season sees teams being potentially relegated as a result of not meeting the criteria for their Tier.
Colin Green will report back to Committee regarding clubs under threat.
There was a more general discussion surrounding the issue of teams that have a good playing strength but play at grounds with poor facilities – and thus being ‘stuck’ in low divisions. A number of solutions were discussed including mergers, using available grounds of a better quality and non-turf pitches. The Committee will seek to provide a menu of options for clubs in order to assist them wherever possible. Clubs that do not accept assistance or do not wish to ‘help themselves’ are unlikely to find support going forward.
U19 T20 finals day.
Laura Joyce is seeking assistance from the League to ensure the day is a success.
It was agreed that the League should supply (and pay) umpires if required. Jeff Baxter is going to speak with Laura on Monday.
Andy Jones will liase with Jeff to ensure that the League supports this event.
Bowlers considered to be ‘throwing’ the ball.
A complaint was rec’d from Langtons about the unsatisfactory handling, by a League umpire,of a situation that arose during their game with Leicester Caribbeans. An account of events was given to the meeting. Guy Jackson informed the meeting that the ECB has issued full guidance on how to deal with these situations. He will forward a document to Gordon Hubbard (and the rest of the Committee) so that League umpires can be given guidance on how to properly deal with these situations. It was agreed that this guidance should appear in next season’s handbook.
Guy Jackson to provide all committee members with ECB guidance on ‘throwing’.
Gordon Hubbard to ensure that umpires are briefed accordingly.
Application to join the League.
An application has been rec’d from Maher’s to put a 2nd XI into the League. This will be dealt with after the end of the season. With Maher's existing team playing in Division 9 and being unable to progress higher due to their facilities, their new 2nd XI will be stuck in Division 10.
Potential League structure problems with Prem 2nd XIs.
There is the potential for 2nd XI teams of Premier League clubs blocking promotion from Division 1 to the Premier Division.
Two proposals were distributed at the previous meeting and analysed. The situation was also discussed at the recent Premier League meeting. After all of this there still seems no realistic prospect of an equitable solution. In the absence of a solution the Committee decided to simply monitor the situation going forward. Jeff Baxter reported that a joint Leics/Northants Premier League might resolve the issue and that there are indications that this could be up for discussion.
Leicester Mercury complaint.
Andy Jones rec’d complaints from Jonathan Paul (of the Leicester Mercury) and Tim Murray regarding false (joke) names being provided to Leicester Mercury photographers.
AJ described the circumstances which led to the complaints – which was the provision of an ‘amusing’ name to an unwitting Mercury photographer. The Committee understood that this kind of thing was viewed as ‘jolly japes’ by some of the cricketing fraternity. AJ pointed out that the Mercury is very unhappy about it and has requested that accurate names are given to it’s photographers/reporters. It was agreed that Tier Reps should email their clubs asking them to give accurate names in order to preserve the League’s relationship with the Mercury.
All Tier Reps to issue an email to their clubs reminding them of their responsibilities.
Awards Dinner.
The Committee agreed to pay for the OSCA winners’ tickets. Jeff will speak to LRCB about their tickets. Same Rowe has not yet contacted Charles Dagnall regarding doing the Compare’s job. The comedian has been booked. A speaker has not been sourced as yet. It was agreed to buy a new trophy for Division 4C. All existing trophies need to be returned by the end of August.
Rob Doleman will email all clubs advising them of their minimum ticket purchase and asking for actual attendee numbers. He will also email clubs with trophies asking them to return them. He will also contact Heather at LRCB to confirm arrangements for the OSCA winners. Rob will also continue the search for a suitable speaker.
Sam Rowe to contact Charles Dagnall.
Ball trials.
Rob advised that the feedback from clubs had been insufficiently positive to warrant a change in supplier. There does appear to be some demand for a decent quality pink ball in the lower divisions. Rob will contact Grey Nicholls to let them know the outcome of the trials. It was agreed that although the outcome was negative in this instance, limited ball trials should continue, where appropriate, in order to ensure best value for clubs and for the League.
Discipline.
Sam Rowe outlined cases that had arisen.
Earl Shilton v Broomleys
There was a confrontation between a wicket keeper and a batsman. An umpire’s report was submitted to Sam as a result of the incident. This has led to a 3 match ban for the players concerned.
Barwell v Loughborough Town 2
A representative of Loughborough Town has submitted a complaint to Sam. Barwell players are accused of serious foul and abusive language to spectators of Loughborough Town. The case is ongoing and Sam has informed the County Welfare Officer due to the nature of the allegations made.
On a general note Sam urged umpires to report any incidents that they consider unsatisfactory – it is difficult to stamp out unacceptable behaviour without the help of umpires.
Meeting closed at 10.15pm.
Next meeting Thursday 17th September.