Minutes of the Annual General Meeting West of Scotland Squash
Season 2009/10
Giffnock Tennis & Squash Club
Monday 7th June 2010
Henry Reid (David Lloyd Renfrew)
Kieran O’Neill (Whitecraigs RFC)
Iain Logan (Western)
Stewart Hamilton (Giffnock)
Steve Carlin (SSRC)
David Ward (SSRC)
Robert Steel (Whitecraigs RFC)
Alisdair Meldrum (Ayr)
Ian McGill (Ayr)
Norman Paterson (Wishaw)
Paul Eley (Wishaw)
Andrew Philips (Western)
Katrina McMahon (Western)
Billy Stevely (Giffnock)
Shaun Donny (Whitecraigs LTC)
John Howie (Whitecraigs LTC)
Michael Grant (Strathgryffe)
Tom Clancy (Wanderers)
Mike Dewar (Wanderers)
George Allan (David Lloyd West End)
Martin Woods (Strathgryffe)
Andrew Duff (Buchanan Drymen)
Iain Shaw (Townend)
Paul King (Broomhill)
David Lamont (Broomhill)
Alan Pearson (Newlands)
Bill Hayburn (Largs)
Graeme Bamford (Largs)
The meeting was adjudged to be quorate.
Apologies received from Stewart Allan, Emma Ford, and Andrew McSherry,
2) Minutes of the previous meeting were approved on the proposal of Michael Grant, seconded by Henry Reid
3) President’s Report –
Henry Reid (HR) commented that this has been a smooth & well run season, giving credit to sterling work by League Secretary Stewart Hamilton (SH) behind the scenes. HR expressed thanks to SH. This was the West’s first season utilising PAR scoring. There has been mainly positive feedback with regards to the change, although there has been some negative feedback in lower divisions. On the whole, most players appeared to be happy, and therefore there appears to be no need to revert to hand-in-hand-out. This year’s tournaments have in general been ran on schedule. Iain Logan (IL), Emma Ford (EF), Steve Carlin (SC), and Kieran O’Neill (KON) have been involved. One of the more pleasing aspects of this season has been the performance of our junior players, in particularly in the Inter Regional competition, and in the international matches, where results have been positive, and show great improvement. A group of 6 juniors have represented the country from the West. HR expressed gratitude to Billy Stevely (BS), Martin Woods (MW), and EF, who have strived continuously throughout the season to get juniors involved and playing regularly.
HR reminded all at the meeting that West Squash are actively supporting coaches for UKCC qualification, and invited any potential candidates to get in touch.
HR voiced congratulations to Stewart Crawford for becoming assistant national coach. Congratulations also to IL for gaining his first O35 cap for Scotland.
With regard to this year’s Dinner dance, it was agreed within the committee that this event would purely be used to fund West Squash. The night was enjoyed by all, and £800 was raised. HR reminded all that dinner is a permanent fixture on the last Saturday of April each year.
At this point HR would normally hand over to EF, as incoming President, but as she is on holiday, will continue to chair the meeting. HR expressed thanks to the committee for their assistance and wished them luck for the future.
4) Treasurer’s Report
HR advised that Treasurer Stewart Allan (SA) is not present due to being called South by work commitments. In addition HR is disappointed to report SA would not be able to continue as treasurer. HR asked those at the meeting if anyone had any suggestions, or indeed would like to volunteer for the post.
HR apologised to the members as SA had been unable to provide a spreadsheet with the normal information given at an AGM. In the absence of a formalised accounts summary, HR read a short report from SA:-
“Investment account balance £6076 & Working account £3011, making total available funds £9087
Ticket money from dance still outstanding (various clubs).
West Squash has healthy capital balance. Season fees have covered web hosting, Horizon League Software, UKCC course subsidies, and other expenses throughout the year.
I propose leaving the team fees at the current rate.
However team fees require to be paid more quickly. The following points should be noted:
(i) Collection of fees is more difficult than it should be. Possible suggestion could be that teams pay up-front to enter leagues.
(ii) Collection of monies for dance difficult and fragmented
(iii) Central office be made available to clubs. (HR advised he has volunteered his office to allow correspondence / payments etc. )
(iv) Still £1690 outstanding in team fees. “
Question from Dave Ward re lack of accounts in the package – SA not avail to provide. HR apologised – these will be made available ASAP.
5) Tournament Convenors’ Reports
Steve Carlin (SC) provided the report as follows:-
The second West Senior Ranking and Junior B event was held at the start of April at David Lloyds Renfrew with just under 50 players from all over Scotland took part over the weekend. The first division was won by Ewen Urquhart of Inverness with Kenny Boyle being the best placed West player
coming 3rd in that division.
The second division was dominated by the West with Andy Phillips, Douglas MacMillan, Jason Lang and Ben Mazzucco taking the top 4 spots. Further down the leagues we had Adam Reid come second in Division 4 and David Tolland beat Sandro Mazzucco in the final of the 5th division.
The West Closed was held near the end of April at SSRC and with a lot of help from Kieran and everyone at SSRC it was a great success again.
The A Event was won by Peter O’Hara who was up against Owen Hadden in the final and the The A Plate was won by young Stuart George who came from two games down to beat Chris Holt in one of the matches of tournament.
So if the A was somewhat processional, the B Event was a different story and definitely the most fiercely contested event. Both semi finals were punishing five setters which saw Ashley Stevenson take out the experienced Martin Sullivan and Norman Patterson defeat Christopher Farrell. When it came to the final, the gallery was beyond packed and Ashley quickly took a 2-0 lead over Norman. However, Norman was just getting started and he won the third, saved a few match balls in the 4th and then took the 5th 11/8 to emerge well deserved B event champion.
The B Plate was won by Kieran Pole of Giffnock against Graeme Crawley of townend.
The C Event, was won by Kieran O’Neill who managed to hold it together against Maggie Dick from SSRC to record a 3-1 win.
Due to the late scheduling of the Closed and Ranking Event, the West Team Knock Out has been pushed to be warm up event for next season. If we find that entries are lower than normal we will go back to the end of season slot in the calender, format will be as per previous years and entries will be opening some point over summer, keep an eye on the website.
6) WoSSA’s Scottish Squash Representative’s Report. See constitutional matters below.
7) Junior Report
HR advised the Junior Report as follows:-
General trend with regard to Junior players is positive.
During this season, West players have performed very well in all events. Notable players include Ross Andrew, Ben Mazzucco, James Wilson, Kerry Nichol, Morgan McGuire, Stewart Breen, and Harry Anderson, who have all competed regularly in the leagues and tournaments.
On a sadder note, the West committee was grieved to learn of the sudden death of a promising young player, Michael Stoakes of Allander, following a very short but severe illness. All on the committee convey their deepest sympathies to family and friends.
This year’s player of the year was the aforementioned Harry Anderson of Whitecraig’s Rugby Club. Harry is ranked top in Scotland in his age group, having competed strongly both in junior events, and indeed in the West Senior Leagues, where he has won a match, and knocked on the door on several other occasions.
Performance in the junior tournaments have also been positive:-
During this season’s Inter-Regionals, the U11’s won their section, the U13’s came third, and the U15’s were runners up by the narrowest of margins, losing on points countback.
This year’s Junior Closed was held at Whitecraig’s LTC with a strong field competing in the various age graded events, and the West Junior Open at Newlands, again boasting an encouraging entry.
Great credit also must go to the coaches operating in the West who have built up a momentum of activity via regular challenge matches and tournaments not traditionally on the calendar. Jason Broadberry and Emma Ford have held regular West-sponsored Youngstars events at various clubs, with pools of approx 60 juniors competing. In addition, Jason, Emma, Billy Stevely of Giffnock, and our own Martin Woods have set up regular matches involving Giffnock, Strathgryffe, Whitecraigs Tennis, and Newlands, some of which you can read about on the website.
8) League Secretary’s Report
SH advised this year’s biggest problem was the weather – 12 matches postponed and picked up at end of season. No problems with scoring or updates.
Strathaven will now be known as Parklands as they have adopted Parklands as their home on a permanent basis.
No major disputes to report this season.
9) Election of Office-bearers
The following appointments were made: – (note that only new members or members changing position need be proposed and seconded)
Position Nominee Proposer Seconder
President Emma Ford
Vice –President & Secretary Kieran O’Neill Henry Reid Martin Woods
Past President Henry Reid
Treasurer Stewart Allan (at present, replacement being sought)
League Secretary (Disputes) Iain Shaw
League Secretary (Administration) Stewart Hamilton
Tournament Convenor Steve Carlin Henry Reid Kieran O’Neill
Junior Convenor Billy Stevely Steve Carlin Michael Grant
Committee Member Bobby Cameron Kieran O’Neill Steve Carlin
Committee Member George Allan Michael Grant Martin Woods
Committee Member Martin Woods
Committee Member Catriona McMahaon Martin Woods George Allan
Committee Member David Ward Paul King David Lamont
10) Team Fees
Last year fees were increased to £50 with £10 discount for early settlement.
Financially there is no need to increase these fees. HR proposed to leave team fees as they are. HR stated that during this season, teams who have outstanding fees will not be allowed to compete. Alan Pearson suggested we name and shame offending clubs on the website. Paul Eley proposed that towards the end of the season teams be docked points if they have not been paid. John Howie stated this may not affect some clubs if they are mid table. After much discussion regarding details of punitive action for non-payment, HR proposed a vote:-
-Early settlement discount available if fees paid by end October
-If fees are not paid by Christmas, weekly fines of 10 points would be imposed on teams.
This vote was taken and carried by a clear majority.
HR stated the necessity of ensuring the invoices go to the correct address and again mentioned that KON can be contacted via the website to advise correct contact details.
Paul Eley asked that all payment / penalty terms be on the website and on the invoice.
HR stated it is obvious the invoicing of teams and the chasing up of fees has been a problem in recent seasons, but we now have a solution, and the matter should be cleared up in the coming months, prior to a new treasurer being appointed.
11) Constitutional Matters
The committee propose that the League Eligibility as stated in the League Rules, be amended as follows:-
“All participating clubs shall have paid their annual team fees to West of Scotland Squash and must be affiliated to Scottish Squash”
HR remarked that West Squash is unusual, compared with most other sports, in that we are not affiliated to our national governing body. HR feels that in recent times Scottish Squash (ScSq) have come a long way from the old days, and it was now time to review our relationship. HR then deferred to Iain Logan (IL), West Representative on the ScSq board:-
IL mentioned some points to consider as reasons for change to affiliation policy:-
Significant developments in ScSq
Scottish Squash Chief Exec Officer has now changed and is directly accountable to the ScSq board. This change coincided with two line up changes:- Paul Frank, and Kim Atkinson both resigned. Paul has been replaced by Roger Flynn and Kim replaced with John Dunlop. John Dunlop focused on promoting the game and driving it forward long-term.
Why Affiliation is important
ScSq is currently missing its biggest component in that the West is by far the biggest region in Scotland. As a sport, squash is almost completely dependant on funding, to tune of £300k, only £45k of which comes from membership.
Failure of all regions to affiliate is an easy get-out clause for the government and Sports Scotland to remove funding, as they are not seen as a true representative body.
Opportunities generated from aligning with ScSq include:-
-Commonwealth Games 2014:- Plans are in place for a 6 court squash centre facility in Scotstoun. This facility would give the West the terrific option for hosting major tournaments.
-Racketball Development – ScSq has been charged with developing racketball as a feeder sport for squash. This can only benefit squash clubs by keeping courts busier and strengthening potential customer base.
-Plans in place for three regional development officers (hopefully full time, dependant on funding) with remit to support squash and racketball throughout Scotland.
-Program of school participation for squash during summer. Events planner will be heavily involved.
The prognosis for the sport is dire if we do not affiliate. If the West do not affiliate this represents another nail in the coffin of the sport as a whole.
Income generation is not the reason for the change. If successful this change would not actually generate more income, if extra is generated this will be capped next year. The priority to get 100% membership.
Structure of affiliation fees Affiliation fee structure is:
£225 per team and £1 per competitive member.
Discussion Points on the proposal
Ian McGill asked if it was reasonable that teams/clubs be sanctioned if they cannot pay affiliation? IL responded by stating it is only right that clubs pay affiliation to the governing body, and that we all have a responsibility to the sport as a whole.
Dave Ward asked what the sanctions were? IL: Affiliated clubs will continue to affiliate. Non affiliated clubs will receive NO benefits.
Andrew Duff asked if the clubs would need to pay in a lump sum or be spread over a period? IL stated he felt that ScSq would be flexible, but this required clarification.
Mike Dewar said there needs to be a fairer system. In their club for example, there is no facility to allow juniors to play.
Dave Ward asked what the total revenue was going to be raised. Iain Shaw advised the approximate sum £20k.
Ian McGill of Ayr stated as an example, that they were considering entering another team in the league but would not now be able to fund this, should affiliation become a reality.
Dave Ward asked what would happen in case of a “NO” vote on the proposal? Martin Woods stated that affiliated clubs would still have benefits. Therefore an individual player who wished to enter a Scottish Squash sanctioned tournament would need to join one of the affiliated clubs. Members of non- affiliated clubs would receive no such benefit. Academy players would also need to play for an affiliated club. Robert Steel asked if juniors would have to move to another club to play in Junior events. IL advised this was the case.
Dave Ward stated his club could not afford £1000 affiliation.
IL felt that were some good points being made by the floor. Obviously the motion was going to suit some clubs more than others. IL felt that we should consider a wider picture, and who perhaps would not pay the affiliation fee.
Norman Paterson stated he would be disappointed if the vote was “no” as he would have to join an affiliated club to play Masters events.
Bobby Cameron asked if affiliation would mean the West would have greater representation on the ScSq board? IL: There would be a vote available for every 10 members.
Further to the above lengthy discussion, the vote was taken. The result was:
In favour of the proposal:- 50 votes Against:- 13 votes
HR stated we would negotiate with ScSq on behalf on the member clubs.
HR stated he has mixed feelings about this but ultimately this will be positive for the game as a whole.
12) A.O.C.B.
Paul Eley proposed change to scoring in div 2 from PAR11 to PAR15. Motion carried by clear majority.
13) Close of meeting
The President closed the meeting with thanks to all for attending and to Giffnock for the use of their facilities.
