26/10/2006 - Minutes from Malaga Province Umpires & Markers Association Meeting

Minutes Of The Annual General Meeting

Santa Maria Bowls Club – Tuesday, 24 October, 2006

PRESENT :-

APOLOGIES :-

Mrs. N. Shaw       Mr. D. Tolfree

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING :-

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 October, 2004 were agreed as a true record by those Members who attended. 

MATTERS ARISING :- 

There were no matters arising. 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT :- 

The Chairman commenced his Report by saying it had thankfully been a “trouble-free” two years following the complaints received prior to the previous Meeting. No complaints had been received as to the standard of Umpiring and he was grateful for the support and contribution of those who had officiated. 

SECRETARY / TREASURER’S REPORT :- 

The Secretary endorsed the Chairman’s comments regarding support from Members. Concern was expressed at the fact our numbers were dwindling with many existing Umpires no longer active and ill-health depriving us of the services of Doreen Musgrove and Ian and Desiree Anthony.

Mrs. Shields commented on the issue of the new Laws coming into effect and the revised Law Books were currently with Tony Winterton, the Federation’s National Delegate. Payment was being requested in advance, which the Association was not prepared to do, and Mr. Land agreed to liaise with Mr. Winterton to reach a compromise. 

The Senior Officials advised the new Laws would be introduced concurrently throughout Spain and suggested this may coincide with the 2007 National Championships. 

On the Financial side, Mrs. Shields said that no money was now being taken from Members and there was no “fund” for the Association. Where payment was being made to cover “subsistence”, this was being met from the “takings” for the Tournament in question. 

ELECTION of OFFICERS :- 

The Chairman and Secretary both confirmed their decision to stand down but they would still actively participate and advise on issues as necessary.

Mr. Johns proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the Members. He also commented on the contribution of Mrs. Shields to National affairs and how much her input had been missed since she stood down from the Federation. 

Despite the many commitments of other Members the following agreed to take office for the next 12 months to maintain, and hopefully develop, the activity of the Association :- 

Mr. G. Land ( Chairman )   

Mr. G. Adams ( Vice-Chairman )

Mr. M. Johns ( Secretary ) 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS :- 

A number of issues were discussed and it was agreed the new Committee would review the following :- 

- A revision of the Umpire’s Course and final Examination. The latter was considered to be extremely important to reduce the time taken on the written section as this was a possible deterrent to recruiting new people.

- The running of a Marker’s Course as the forerunner to developing future Umpires.

- The running of a “Refresher Course” to coincide with the introduction of the new Laws. The Committee would then ensure each Club had a   clear understanding of them and their interpretation.

Mr. Johns commented on the need for more Umpires and Markers if the Costa Del Sol were to stage any future National event. He, along with Tony Frowd, were now sitting on the National Committee and would be able to monitor activity from the other regions and comment accordingly.

There were no further items for discussion and the Meeting closed at 12.30 with thanks expressed by the Chairman to everyone for their attendance and contribution.    

 Murray Johns ( Secretary )                                 26 October, 2006