MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF

LANCASHIRE COUNTY RUGBYFOOTBALL UNION

HELD AT TYLDESLEY RUGBY CLUB ON 20TH JUNE 2018

President Dave Clarke welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1. Apologies

John Dewhurst, Steve Rigby, Jim Hainsworth, David Matthews, David Herriman, Margaret Herriman, Bill Chappell, Margaret Chappell, Roly Heptonstall, Allan Bower, John Huyton, Tim Harper, Bill Nichol, Frank Morgan, Robbie jones, John Heald, Bill Hopkinson, Dave Aigwin.

2. Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on Wednesday 21st March 2018 at Liverpool St Helens FC.

All minutes have been circulated and they are on the Lancashire County RFU website.

3. Matters arising.

There were no matters arising.

4. RFU Representatives Report. Chief Executive’s Report

• The CEO had met the Sports Minister and received very positive feedback on the RFU’s approach to governance reforms and the resulting steps that had been taken. • The new Chief Financial Officer, Sue Day, was introduced. Her focus would be on agreeing the business plan for 2018/19 and looking at the medium to long-term shape of the business. • The AGP programme had seen 10 Rugby Turf and two Rugby Share pitches laid with five pitches currently being built and six about to star • The GDPR toolkit had been launched and it had already had 2000 views and 700 downloads. • The RFU investment in the commercial arm of USA Rugby was struggling. The original investment was not about making a financial return but about supporting a potential Tier 1 Union in their development. • The facilities management of the stadium had been outsourced to CBRE and it was stated that this was not for financial but for practical reasons. • A recent review had shown that the RFU’s health and safety and fire strategies were not best practice and that rectifying this was a priority. • The East Stand project had proved to be a very difficult process. Due to overruns caused by difficult ground works and re-designs related to bomb blast protection and fire safety, the Board had agreed to pay acceleration costs to ensure that the stand was completed in time for the Autumn internationals. The fit-out Contract and Settlement Agreement with Willmott Dixon Interiors (WDI) has now been agreed and signed by both parties. This now secures an accelerated programme to achieve completion by 22nd October 2018 with target date of 28th September remaining.

International Report

• The CEO and Steve Tew (NZ Rugby) had been appointed to the Limited Board. • It was reported that the governance of the Six Nations was currently being discussed and this work will affect the running of the Lions and should ensure that both organisations are in a strong place going forward. • World Rugby Representative Council ratified the appointment of Deborah Griffin as World Rugby representative. • Draft AGM Calling Notice Council approved the 2018 AGM Calling Notice. The AGM was to be held at Cowdray Hall, London on 8th June 2018. • Approval of the RFRU Constitution Council approved the draft constitution of the Rugby Football Referees Union.

Chairman’s Update Following the negative article in the Daily Telegraph on 23 May, there was a placed interview with the same newspaper some days later which sought publicise the work that we as a union are doing to improve diversity and inclusion within the Game. The Board approved as the RFU’s representative to replace Jeff Blackett} Community Game Board Report Rob Briers reported that CB Roadshows would be taking place in May and June

Community Game Board Presentations Presentations were given on the recent National Rugby Survey, Player Development and Competition Development. Ticketing Strategy Mike Cordell reported on the game-wide consultation on the ticketing strategy and outlined the key points of the strategy.

Professional Game Board The Professional Rugby Injury and Surveillance Prevention Report 2016/17 (PRISP) had been launched and one of the outcomes of the report was the likelihood of a trial for tackles below nipple height in the U20 Rugby World Championship. It was also suggested that there might be a trial in the Championship around refereeing/carding related to high tackles. Injuries occurring on AGPs were being monitored both in the professional and community games.

Governance Committee Report

• Chris Cuthbertson expanded on the work of the Laws Sub Committee and the Global Law Trials. • World Rugby were to consider the GLTs at its May meeting. [World Rugby had subsequently agreed to the GLTs] • Club Insolvency Regulations - Chris Cuthbertson explained proposed changes in the Regulations which addressed the position regarding clubs going into liquidation and forming new entities but not suffering any rugby consequence.

Nominations Committee Report Council approved the following recommendations for Season 2018-19:

• Jason Leonard had been appointed as the Six Nations representative. Jason is not co-opted to Council but has a standing invite to all Council meetings and relevant Council functions. • Deborah Griffin had been appointed to World Rugby it is now necessary to appoint another Women and Girls representative to Council. • Privilege Members of the RFU: M R Cordell G K Simpson • National members: M O Alphonsi MBE, M E Corry MBE • Nominations Standing Committee: A A Shorney, K Andrews, M E Waplington • Ratified the appointment of Phil de Glanville to the Board, and the reappointment of Helen Weir to the Board. K Andrews also sits on Education and Age Grade Sub Committee and is RFU Representative to ERFSU. RTJ Briers continues on the RFU Board and Chairman of the Community Game Board.

A table recording and reporting Council attendance at committee meetings was being produced for circulation to CBs

Business Plan The Board time spent discussing and debating the proposed Business Plan for 2018/19. This was presented to Council at the June meeting: After a significant period of revenue growth and investment in the game, the RFU is starting to face similar pressures to many other sports and businesses in the UK. Given these rapidly changing market conditions and a return to a ‘normal’ RWC loss- making year in 19/20 (and likely in the next cycle), it is essential that RFU now focus on the reduction of our overhead base to deliver our Strategic and Rugby priorities in a more cost- effective way. Factors affecting the financial downturn: • We are now back to RWC financial cycle, not since 2011/12 season have RFU made a loss • Every four years RFU make a loss due to no Autumn Internationals in RWC year - 2019/20 • No new major investment ie Compass deal • Sponsorship declining • Broadcasting deals are now different and possibly less revenue • Higher professional costs that are fixed • Ticket sales up and TEL & ERH also drive new revenues. Proposed Actions: • Be confident but realistic • Maximise money to invest • Minimising spend on non-rugby areas ( as far as possible) • Take action now 18/19 rather than wait for 2019/20 • Drive efficiency across RFU- reduce RFU back office from 19% to 16%

Annual Regulations review

Council approved a number of regulation and competitions regulation changes. These are set out in Part A and Part B of the Matrix. Council also delegated authority to Governance to finalise the drafting of the regulations set out in Part A and competitions regulations set out in Part B of the Matrix.

Safeguarding The Board undertook specialist safeguarding training, which was led by David Smellie, the Head of the Safeguarding Unit at Farrer & Co. As “Protect” is one of the pillars of the Strategic Plan, it was important for the Board to understand both their obligations as a Board, and role they may be able to play in order to help safeguard children and vulnerable adults throughout the Game.

Professional Game The Board was pleased to approve the appointment of Chris Booy as the new chair of the PGB. This will be the first time that the PGB is not chaired by a Council member. Nevertheless, as a former Council member, and one of the six chairs of the Regional Activation and Legacy Groups for RWC 2015, he will be well placed to understand the views and needs of the RFU in that forum.

Executive Team Lucinda Pullinger is supporting the process to recruit a successor to John Feehan as CEO of the 6 Nations. As an interim measure Ben Calveley, Head of Strategy and Corporate Affairs, has been seconded part-time to the Six Nations as Acting Chief Operations Officer and the Lions as Acting CEO to ensure the organisations run successfully until new leaders are in place.

GDPR The toolkit provided for the Game continues to gain traction, with 5,000 views and over 2,500 downloads. The RFU’s own internal GDPR project has delivered well, with privacy notices and internal processes being completed and published.

Ticketing As Council may have seen, certain black market ticket and hospitality operators have briefed journalists that they intend to challenge the RFU’s ticketing policies. We remain confident of our position, and enforcement of the RFU’s ticket terms and conditions for the benefit of the game as a whole remains a priority.

Sponsorship Official Hydration Partner – Coco Fuzion, a coconut based sports drinks, have made an offer to replace Lucozade as England Rugby’s Official Hydration Partner and become a Tier 3 RFU sponsor. IBM – IBM have made an offer to renew for another four years as a Tier 2 sponsor. We are appraising their offer in the context of 18/19 budget and hope to close a deal by the end of June.

Twickenham Experience Limited England Rugby Hospitality –the RFU is taking direct control of the ERH Direct marketing strategy and budget in an attempt to improve ERH Direct sales. TEL trading - YTD trading for the 10 months to April is £0.9m ahead of target PBIT (£9.0m).

Ken Andrews presented the above report. It will also be added to the County Website.

He noted that he had been nominated for the Standing Committee and was also continuing with the English Schools Committee. Rob Briers would continue as Chairman of the Community Game Board and would continue to work throughout the country working with the various CBs.

Tim Stirk raised the question of how the new demographics which would include more women on the Board be solved. RB replied that all nominations would go through the Board and the RFU were currently interviewing. Helen Duggan who had been involved with the process previously said that there were internal candidate process which then went to an application process.

TS then asked about how true it was that the RFU was ‘broke’ and how would this impact on the Community Game. RB replied that the RFU were not ‘broke’ but there had been an over enthusiastic expectation of the income that would be derived from broadcasting etc.

Ernie Neely then asked if there had been an overspend on the East Stand then surely this would have an impact on the Community game. RB replied that the money for the East Stand was capital funding so consequently there should not be an impact at club level.

John Robertson queried newspaper reports about redundancies at the RFU.RB replied that this could not be speculated on or discussed as there was currently a Legal Process and Employee Consultation being carried out.

ISB then asked about the Artificial Pitch Programme and what would happen next. KA replied that the pitches appeared to have been a success and it was now intended to reflect on the effect and the next stage of the programme.

PH then queried the effect of any redundancies on Lancashire. Again RN reiterated that as there was an Employee Consultation currently being carried out then there could be no discussion or speculation on the matter.

5. Committee Reports.

These had all been circulated in the Annual report. There were no comments.

6. Playing Reports.

These had all been circulated in the Annual Report. There were no comments.

7. Election of three members to the Disciplinary Committee

Philip Holden Proposed by Brian Stott. Seconded by John Greenwood.

Steve Blackburn Proposed by Brian Stott. Seconded by John Greenwood.

Tommy Hughes Proposed by Brian Stott. Seconded by John Greenwood.

8. Election of Chairman and five members of the Cup and Competitions Committee Chairman Mike Cornelia Proposed by Ernie Neely. Seconded by Ian Spivey. Secretary Brian Hurst Proposed by Ernie Neely. Seconded by Ian Spivey. Bill Lowe Proposed by Ernie Neely. Seconded by Ian Spivey. Brian Minor Proposed by Ernie Neely. Seconded by Ian Spivey. Tommy Hughes Proposed by Ernie Neely. Seconded by Ian Spivey. Alan James Proposed by Ernie Neely. Seconded by Ian Spivey. Dave Clarke Proposed by Ernie Neely. Seconded by Ian Spivey.

9. Election of four members to the Club and Community Rugby Committee Kate Benatta Proposed by Carol Baker. Seconded by Chris Smail. Jane Dolloway Proposed by Carol Baker. Seconded by Chris Smail. Gary Morgan Proposed by Carol Baker. Seconded by Chris Smail. Steve Blackburn Proposed by Carol Baker. Seconded by Chris Smail.

10. Election of two members to the Financial and Finance Committee

Chris Smail Proposed by Mark Downs. Seconded by Paul Deakin.

Stephen Briers Proposed by Mark Downs. Seconded by Paul Deakin.

11. Election of two representatives to the Schools’ Committee

Dave Herriman Proposed by Ken Andrews. Seconded by Tommy Hughes.

Peter Hughes BEM Proposed by Ken Andrews. Seconded by Tommy Hughes.

12. Election of two representatives to the Mini and Junior Committee

Ian Spivey Proposed by Brian Hurst. Seconded by Alan James.

Allan Bower Proposed by Brian Hurst. Seconded by Alan James.

13. Election of Hon County Doctor

James Widnall Proposed by Gary Morgan. Seconded by Ernie Neeley

14. Election of Hon County Solicitor

John Bullough Proposed by Brian Stott. Seconded by Brian Hurst.

15. Election of the Hon County Team Secretary

Steve Rigby Proposed by Mel Whittle. Seconded by Dave Hodgson.

16. Election of Hon Membership Secretary

Ann Marie Briers Proposed by Mark Downs.Seconded by Carol Baker

17. Election of two representatives to the Northern Leagues Sub Committee.

Dave Clarke Proposed by Chris Smail. Seconded by Brian Hurst.

Ken Potter Proposed by Chris Smail. Seconded by Brian Hurst.

18. Election of two representatives on ERCA

Dave Herriman Proposed by Mel Whittle. Seconded by Ernie Neeley

Dave Hodgson Proposed by Mel Whittle. Seconded by Ernie Neeley

19. Election of one representative to the NOWIRL Committee

Tommy Hughes Proposed by Brian Hurst. Seconded by Howard Hughes.

20. Election of one representative to the Colts League Committee

Tommy Hughes Proposed by Brian Hurst. Seconded by Howard Hughes.

21. Election of Child Safeguarding Manager and two Deputy Safeguarding Managers

Carol Baker Proposed by Kate Benatta. Seconded by Helen Duggan

Christine Spivey Proposed by Kate Benatta. Seconded by Helen Duggan

Sue Hopkinson Proposed by Kate Benatta. Seconded by Helen Duggan.

22. Election of County Webmaster

Anne Clarke Proposed by Mark Downs. Seconded by Howard Hughes.

23. Correspondence

There was no correspondence appertaining to this meeting.

24. Dates of General Committee Meetings for 2018/2019

Wednesday 21st November 2018 at Preston Grasshoppers RFC(Inc Financial AGM) 7pm

Wednesday 20th March 2019 at Liverpool St Helens RFC 7pm

25. Date and time of next meeting 21st November 2018 7.00pm at Preston Grasshoppers RFC

26. AOB

Tom Fitzgerald requested that the success of Lancashire should be recognised. The County Championship Cup had been retained and Lancashire had proved to be the most successful County having won the Cup for a record 25 times. Recognition should be given to the whole Lancashire set up which has led to this success.

The meeting closed at 8.05pm

Attendees

President Steve Blackburn

Senior Vice President Dave Clarke

Vice President Gill Burns MBE

Vice President Brian Stott

Vice President Carol Baker

Past President Ernie Neely

Past President Peter Hughes Past President Rob Briers

Past President Tommy Hughes

Past President Malcolm Worsley

Past President Dave Hodgson

Past President Tom Fitzgerald

Hon Secretary Mark Downs

Hon Treasurer Paul Deakin

RFU Rep Ken Andrews

Director John Greenwood

Chairman of Finance Chris Smail

Aldwinians T Hulmes

Birchfield E Wiles

Blackburn G Bancroft

Broughton Pk A P Marsland

Burnage E Haynes

Burnley M Nichols

Eccles W Lowe

Fleetwood S Doherty

Garstang R Ayers

Heaton Moor D Todd

Leigh T Hughes

Littleboro’ B Hurst

Liverpool Collegiate G Morgan

LSH D Woodcock

Lostock A James

Tyldesley B Belcher

Vale of Lune D Hogson

West Pk J Bradbury

Wigan D Clarke

Wythenshaw D Birchall

Women and Girls H Duggan Mini and Junior I Spivey

Safeguarding C Baker

C Spivey

League K Potter

D Clarke

Finance C Smail

Seniors j Greenwood

Individual Members B Minor

C Smail

Individual Members T Hughes

A Clarke

K Benatta

V Blackburn

J Robertson

J Morgan

L Latham

I S Brown

A Andrews

HM Whittle

B Jubb

A Thompson

H Duggan

H Henderson

M Griffin

E Neely