Apologies: Janet Goody, Neil
Liversedge
Minutes of previous meeting: Agreed as correct.
1.
Correspondence
1.1.
Unacceptable correspondence had been received by
Samantha Menear from Plashet 2, a second occurrence this season from the
club. Agreed that a final written warning
would be given, with a minimum penalty of 1 month suspension of the club from
the league if it happened again. TW to write to the club.
1.2.
Considerable correspondence with Rutland HC had failed
to generate the necessary improvement in administration, particularly on match
day arrangements. The meeting agreed objectives
and deadlines for the club on such matters as umpiring resources, club
officers, match times and venues, and league fees, all of which would have to
be satisfied prior to the start of next season, failing which the club would
not be admitted to the league. TW to
write to the club and monitor progress.
2.
Playing matters
2.1.
Issues from previous meeting
Mile End Stadium - floodlights have been
repaired and pitch markings renewed.
Plashet teamsheets - final warnings on teamsheet accuracy have been issued by
SM and PS to both teams.
2.2.
Season end date
Agreed that Sunday 5th April would be the last date
for matches.
2.3.
Incomplete transfers
Noted that at Feb 1st, the only incomplete transfer was Andrew
Hockley from BSE to St Ives*.
2.4.
EML Manager reports and issues
Prem A, Prem
B, Div 1
No significant problems. Organisation by clubs of indoor postponements has
been much improved this season.
1, 2N,2S
Several match cancellations have not been called
in, otherwise no significant issues.
3-6NE
Only issue is a possible failure to directly confirm a change in match time
- under investigation.
5-7NW
No significant issues, save that the switching of players
from one team to another has needed careful monitoring to ensure that the reasons
for changes are genuine, e.g. changes in form, fitness, or availability.
3-5SW
The duration of multiple yellow card bans has been
raised as a concern – the duration of ban for a 6th yellow card exceeding
that of a red card, but without an appeal. Noted that yellow card bans are accumulative, and
a 6th card ban reflects persistent misbehaviour. The effect of increased penalties this season can
be reviewed in comparison to last year at the end of the season.
7-9SW
A match that was affected by an error in arrangements
was played very late and as a friendly. Due
to fixture congestion one team has now asked for the 0-0 result to stand as a league
result. Still under consideration.
3-6SE
3SE: final
warning to East London re late postponement.
4SE: Colchester- London Met game rearrangement
proving difficult. If
necessary PS will impose a March date.
5SE: no issues
6SE: Colchester
have complained about opposition not returning for teas,
and have been advised to charge the visiting club for wasted food, as per League
Guidelines.
7-10SE
7SE: complaints about poor quality Essex University
teas have been referred to the club.
8SE, 10SE: nothing to report.
9SE: rearrangement of start times by Plashet
2from 10.00 to 10. 30 said to be not properly advised to away teams. TW to remind club of procedures.
2.5.
East Women’s League
Premier
Some recent postponements due to weather have caused problems
for travelling teams when the cancellation appears to have not been clearly or promptly
notified. A number of matches are still in
the process of rearrangement.
2.6.
1S, 1N
Again, poor notifications of weather postponements to the travelling team have caused
problems. Several fines have not been paid
and some clubs are being particularly obtuse about doing so. Stronger
action will be taken.
2NE, 2NW
There have been potential issues with some clubs switching
players from one team to another week by week. Clubs have been made aware that such changes are
monitored to ensure that they have been made within the rules.
2.7.
2SE, SW
A complaint has been received from Brentwood about the quality of umpiring in a match with Bromley
and Beckenham. SMe will refer club to Kent HUA.
3.
League structure and organisation
3.1.
The review of County Ladies League rules in so far as they may affect
East League team selections is under way. A paper will be circulated. TW.
4.
Finance
4.1.
Fines are long outstanding from some Clubs. SMe
to advise TW who will issue 7-day notices.
5.
Umpiring
5.1.
A proposal from ERHUA that teamsheets should show which
umpire had issued which card, and the reasons for it was discussed, but collection
of such information via teamsheets was thought to be impractical.
5.2.
Agreed to add spaces for Captains names and for Umpire
Registration Numbers to teamsheets next season.
5.3.
Noted that Disrepute Incident raised by Cambridge University
Ladies against the umpires in a match with Thurrock
had not been upheld by the Regional DA.
6.
Discipline
6.1.
Cards to date: EML 699Y and 23R/MMO, EWL 84Y 2R.
7.
Rule change proposals
for the 2009 AGM
7.1.
Rule 3.1 change already
agreed
7.2.
Rule 5.3 change already agreed
7.3.
The text for a
rule 4.4 amendment in line with previous discussions was agreed (attached)
7.4.
Following a number of recent incidents in which there have been disputes over the care or otherwise with which home teams have checked pitches and informed away teamsof weather cancellations, an amendment
to rule 4.5 was proposed to give authority to League Managers to apply penalties to home teams
not properly advising cancellations. This was discussed and agreed (attached).
7.5.
A registration deadline of Feb 1st in rule 3.2 was agreed, in line with
Regional Leagues agreement with EH..
7.6.
The complete
review of the rules has begun, with the intention of clarifying wording and incorporating
guidelines without changing the basic meaning of rules. However, a few points have arisen where real rule
amendments are needed. These were discussed
and agreed:
3.3.2 Players in higher divisions may
not play down more than two teams lower.
4.3 Definition of standard slip dates applicable to
all seasons.
4.3.3 Indeterminate penalties under rule
7.2 removed and League Managers given discretion to impose fines for failing to
load home fixture details on the website, and to award matches against teams making
time or venue changes without properly informing the opposition.
(All attached)
8.
AGM and Presentation
Day:
Letchworth HC
confirmed for 7th June.
· Timetable (room from 12,
AGM at 2, Buffet at 3, Presentations from 3.30): RN
· Catering for 90 people: RN
· trophies return, purchase,
engraving: RN, SMe, SMa
· pennants: PS
· certificates: TW
· VIP and Sponsor invitations:
RN
· AGM agenda &
papers: TW
·
Invitations to league winners –
League Managers
9.
AOB
9.1.
Noted that Cliff Gulbis will be relocating to Guildford
next season, but is willing to continue as League Manager providing a slight delay
in forwarding card details to RM is acceptable.
Agreed wholeheartedly.
10.
Future
meetings: Committee
at Stansted Hilton 5th Feb, 16th
Apr; AGM 7th
June, Letchworth HC.
*subsequently, a late transfer
was agreed, as due to a change of domicile.