SUSSEX RFU COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE – MINUTES OF A MEETING ON 11TH JANUARY 2017.

Present: K. Nichols, (Chairman) L. Beale, J. Thompson, S. Flint, P. Sealey. Apologies: G. Thomas, L. Peerless, N. Lyons.

Minutes of the previous meeting we agreed. Chairman’s Roundup – Weather had been good so far – no postponements. Sussex 1 was the main problem area. 3 teams (Worthing Dev., Chichester 3, Bognor 2) had pulled out, 3 other teams had cancelled 3 games each. Elsewhere, Littlehampton and Sussex Police reported serious lack of numbers. Early KO rounds had been completed, but it was clear that there was little enthusiasm for either Sussex or RFU KO’s.

Facebook Fixture Bureau – LB was congratulated on what was proving to be a useful addition. He was concerned to prevent it becoming a ‘chat line’, and restricted it to Fixture requests. Also being used by Kent & Surrey Clubs. Edenbridge had played 3 or 4 fixtures against Sussex Clubs. Suggestion that they may join Community League.

Questionnaire – Agreed that the Fixture Forum was of little use to determine policy and that the Questionnaire – should be suitably modified - to include asking how many fixtures Clubs wanted, and dropping the KO’s with top two teams in each League playing off for one of the Trophies . SF to suggest additions – PS to circulate revised version before sending out in mid- February to be returned by early March.

Disputes – Agreed that we had to support BSMS – proposed that next Season, their dates be known in advance, and fixtures re-scheduled before publication – rather than ad hoc during season. Holbrook – had agreed to play cross-league fixture as a double-header.

Sussex 1. GT had recommended a 10 team League and expressed doubts as to the ability of several sides. Committee felt that in view of the 6 cancellations by lower XV’s, the best format would be to revert to First XV’s only, although these would include One-team Clubs* – at 17 Dec Sussex 1 (excl. Crawley 1) would consist of: Uckfield, Hellingly, Burgess Hill, Seaford, Shoreham, East Grinstead, Ditchling*, Barns Green*, Newick, Midhurst*. This would mean 3 second XV’s being relegated, and 5 being promoted. It would also solve the problems associated with the alleged playing of First XV players by lower XV’s in this League.(but may transfer them downwards). To be suggested in Questionnaire. Separate League for One-team Clubs and for 2nd/3rd XV’s not popular.

Knockouts 7 games in Bowl, Vase, Salver played so far – next main round is due on 25th February. General acceptance that they should be dropped, and top two sides in each League play off. Lewes 1 had now withdrawn from Bob Rogers to concentrate on League.

Other Sussex Leagues - Reasons for cancellation generally lack of players – travel occasionally an issue. At level 12, some criticism of the ‘cross-league’ fixtures. Agreed that although a combined Table will be produced – including ‘success rate’ promotion will be determined on the Table at the end of intra-league games –( ? as long as they have played the cross-league fixtures). Expulsion after 4 cancellations supported, but requirement to play friendlies against expelled Clubs not popular. (Reason for this was to try to keep expelled teams together).

Community League – Very much a ‘work in progress’ but appears to be giving sides like Crawley 3/Crowborough 3/Sea Serpents, a viable alternative. ? ask Edenbridge to join .

AOB New blood was needed on the Committee – PS again asked members to look for a replacement.