WEST SQUASH
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
FRIDAY 13TH MAY 2016
7:00 PM, GIFFNOCK LTC.
1. ATTENDEES
NAME CLUB
Alan Marshall Strathgryffe
Alan Pearson Newlands
Alex Everingham Whitecraigs LTC
Andy Duff SSRC
Blair Michie Linwood (On-X)
David Armstrong Linwood (On-X)
David Bow Western
George Allan SSRC
Gillian McKenzie Western
Jon Moore Western
Martin Woods Scotstoun
Michael Grant Strathgryffe
Stewart Hamilton Giffnock
Non-voting observers/ Presenters
David Fallon SSRL
Maggie Still SSRL
Norman McGlinchey SSRL
There are twenty two clubs in the West Region, and seven member clubs were represented, meeting the constitution requirements of 25%.
2. APOLOGIES
NAME CLUB
Stuart George Giffnock
Billy Stevely Whitecraigs LTC
Kevin Lawlor Western
3. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS AGM MINUTES
Proposed by Michael Grant, seconded by Alan Marshall.
4. MAGGIE STILL, CEO SSRL
The recently appointed CEO of SSRL, Maggie Still, introduced herself to the room and expressed how much she is enjoying her new role. She is very keen to support West Squash in developing the sport in the West of Scotland, and is specifically aiming to build and foster positive relationships with all clubs in the region. With 72 clubs affiliated to SSRL across the whole of Scotland, 22 of these clubs are from the West region.
A key goal of SSRL is to maintain, and if possible increase, future support and funding from Sportscotland (the National Agency for Sport). The best way to achieve this is through showing growth in the club membership of SSRL, by way of increased numbers of members on club Annual Returns.
In terms of performance, the last few months have had some promising developments. Paul Bell has been appointed National Coach and Martin Heath has been appointed Elite Performance Coach. Results-wise, the Women’s European Team were promoted in their first year competing and the Men’s European team gained third place ahead of Germany, surpassing the fourth place finish for the last four years. The goal of the organisation is to surpass even these results in future years.
5. APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS
Alan Pearson advised that the organisational accounts are healthy. This year generated a surplus of approx £2000, better than last year. Season 2015/ 16 had 84 teams in the West Squash Leagues. This should generate £3360 (84 teams @ £40); although in reality £3590 was generated due to late payment by several teams (subject to an extra £10 levy). Season 2015/16 saw 100% payment of team fees.
For the full 2015/16 Statement of Accounts, see Appendix 1.
The committee also gave massive thanks to our three sponsors: Imperial Commercials, Brechin Tindal Oatts and Northern Piling Ltd. Many thanks also to Andy Duff for his hard work in generating sponsorship for the organisation.
6. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR & ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS
George Allan is to step down as Tournament Convenor. Stuart George will take on this role moving forward into season 2016/17, assisted by Brendan Forrester from Newlands.
John Crawford indicated he would be stepping down as Association secretary. This place is vacant and the committee will look to find a suitable secretary moving forward. Suggestions will be especially welcome from clubs who are currently not represented on the committee.
7. HONORARIA
No honoraria for this past season.
8. TEAM FEES
The team fees for Season 2015/16 were £40 for payment on time, £50 if paid late. It was proposed by Alan Pearson that team fees stay the same for season 2016/17 and this was seconded by Michael Grant.
9. CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS INTIMATED TO THE ASSOCIATION SECRETARY
No matters intimated.
10. CONVENOR REPORTS
League Secretary Stewart Hamilton
The West Squash Leagues all went well this season, nothing to report. There is a West Racketball League running this summer.
It was suggested from the floor to hold a SportyHQ seminar suggested to educate member clubs on how to properly use SportyHQ.
Gill McKenzie suggested a Team captains facebook group.
Tournaments George Allan
The west A and B events ran well, supported by SSRL. However, this season all tournaments run by West Squash were cancelled. Any feedback welcomed.
Juniors Martin Woods
MW stated that the committee are looking to develop a junior development strategy for the coming season, which clearly outlines a competition pathway for our younger players and includes the Upstarts tournaments, BigShots events and the Junior League.
West Regional Coaching Programme
During season 2015/16 the following squads were running:
Development B 9 Players Tuesday 4:30 – 6:00 PM Scotstoun
Development A 8 Players Tuesday 6:00 – 7:30 PM Scotstoun
Performance B 9 Players Tuesday 7:30 – 9:00 PM Scotstoun
Performance A 8 Players Thursday 8:00 – 10:00 PM Scotstoun
Scottish Junior Inter-regional Championships 2015/16
Saturday 30th April/ Sunday 1st May 2016 – Colinton Castle Sports Club
Under 11 Team – 2nd Place
Under 13 Team – 2nd Place
Under 15 Team – 1st Place
Under 17 Team – 2nd Place
Under 19 Team – 2nd Place
Upstarts Billy Stevely
Billy Stevely gave apologies and was unable to attend.
Coaching Martin Woods
The coaches used for the regional programme during season 2015/16 were George Allan, Stuart George, Jason Lang and Ross Lawrie. MW extended an open invite to all coaches who wished to come and observe any of the coaching sessions.
Refereeing John Crawford
See Appendix 2.
11. SPORTYHQ UPDATE
It was agreed that SportyHQ had been a success over the past year. As agreed earlier in the meeting, the committee will look to hold a SportyHQ seminar to educate member clubs on how to properly use SportyHQ, for example, in how to set up box leagues or tournaments for their club.
12. PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL AWARDS
This year’s winners of each division were as follows:
Division 1 Giffnock LT & SC
Division 2 Strathgryffe LT & SC 2
Division 3 Whitecraigs LTC
Division 4 David Lloyd West End 2
Division 5 Linwood Sports Centre
Division 6 David Lloyd West End 3
Ladies Division 1 Western LT & SC 1
Ladies Division 2 Hamilton
Junior of the Year Fraser McCann (Newlands)
13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
As there was no other business, the 2016 Annual General Meeting closed at 8:30 PM.
