BJFC – September Meeting {17/9/03}

Attendance: U7s, U8s, U9s, U10s(Bl), U10s(Gn), U11s, U12s, U13s, U14s

U15s, U16s, Girls section, Sen ‘A’ & Sen 1^st XI. – Non attendance in Bold.

Apologies from Steve Charlesworth, Robin Ringham, Steve Brown, Darren Smith

and Andy Parkinson.

1. Minutes of previous meeting.

Accepted as read.

2. Matters arising.

After consultation with the parents Clive has pulled his under 8s out of the League. Dave Wright contacted the YEL to register the Clubs dissatisfaction and followed it up with a formal letter of complaint, we will be insisting on a refund. No response to date.

Both Under 10 teams have reported that the new Mini goals are not up to standard, Steve Charlesworth will be contacted to check on the type he is using, and we can then obtain a similar set for the future.

3. Sports Ground Report.

After the break in to cars during the last meeting it was noted that the Police had taken up to 10 days to pick up the surveillance tape, but unfortunately the recorder was not working properly. It has now been repaired. The club had complained over a recent private booking for Cricket on Sunday 14^th Sep due to start whilst Mini Soccer games were in progress, it was agreed the start would be 1230 Hrs.

4. Match Controller / Fixtures.

September fixtures are progressing without any problems, but it is stressed the importance of passing on information on changes/early K/O times to Jed ASAP. Sheets for October were issued with a potential problem on Sat 18^th because of Cup rounds. Up to date sheets will be posted on the Web site and pinned to the notice board in the corridor (Managers to amend their own copies accordingly).

5. Secretary’s report.

Housekeeping: Dave Wright reported on the deplorable state of the facility when opening up on the first Saturday of the new season (Sat 6^th Sep). The litter on the field was extensive and damage was caused to the Bowls green. The following morning was no better, on opening for Mini Soccer the room was left in an unacceptable state; bins were full, chip papers left and a qty of mugs were left in the sink. Changing room lights were left on; nets and peg bags were left in corridor.

Post erection faired little better on the first Saturday with posts stowed in a dangerous manner and bolts missing. Come on chaps lets pull it together, this is not acceptable.

6. Treasurer’s report. {Including Charter Standard}

Darren Smith (U11s) has received a sponsorship cheque for the sum of £200 for new kit, but will need substantial addition of funds from the Club. This was agreed by the Committee on the proviso that the kit remains the property of the Club and is of course Blue/Green. Monies collected remain on schedule with nothing else to report.

Charter Standard meeting last Tuesday went well with the main topics of Club Charter and Manager Training being debated. Steve Brown has prepared a document for perusal, this was handed out – feedback for next meeting please. A lot of work remains to be done to get everyone trained to Stage 1 of the Coaching Certificate, but with a combination of individuals attending College courses and the remainder opting perhaps for a ‘Poplars’ course held in the spring hopefully it will come together. Dave Wright questioned the outcome if some Managers failed to commit, a representative is required from every age group (except Seniors), but the time span will be investigated. Barbara is aiming for completion by September next year. All are reminded the Club have committed.

Jez Whittle (Child Protection Officer) is to address the next meeting on the requirements of the Club policy hence the earlier start of 7.30pm.

Contained on the Charter Standard handout was a letter drafted by Steve Brown on two points, which may prevent our achieving the full ‘Development Award’ if desired. The contents of the letter proved to be very contentious to say the least with issues and remarks seemingly unfounded and questioned by many in attendance. The relationship with the school seems to be on a good footing with certain Committee members in attendance having first hand knowledge. Children from the school feature greatly in current B.J. sides and we have in the past assisted in school activities and provided kit.

It has been mentioned on numerous occasions that the facility is a finite resource currently being managed at its maximum capacity by a dedicated group of volunteers including Parish Councillors and Ground staff. It is worth noting however that the Charter Standard have an important and taxing agenda to achieve but it is not their brief to discuss policy with the Parish Council – that is the function of this Committee only. Hopefully Steve will be at the next meeting to debate further and explain the so-called ‘elitist clique’ we have acquired.

Pat has been approached by Frank Hunt (‘New’ League Coordinator) inviting us to join the new Nottinghamshire Senior League when it forms in approx two years time – this will be the major senior league in the county. It is hoped the Senior ‘A’ team will consider joining also and become active in supporting the 1^st XI in a reserve roll, this will be put to the players. Robin has agreed to meet Frank Hunt to discuss any further issues.