Minutes of the Committee Meeting held at Chester R.U.F.C. Clubhouse on Thursday 11th November. 1993 at 6.30 p.m.

Present: F.Povall (in the Chair), G.C.Cox, M.Cohen, D.B.Lewis, G.Marrs, C.J.Coventry, M.Farr, D.Western, H.Middlebrook, D.Wyatt, A.Senn, D.B.Pye, S.Kennedy, M.J.Lord, J.Pinnington, D.A.Ewing, J.M.Young, K.F.Sheldon, R.Haslehurst, W.Gott, D.J.Mason, L.Galey, M.Gavin, G.P.Hughes, B.Davies, C. Hughes , W.Buckland, M.R.Williams, A.Jones, D.I.Adams.

Apologies: F.Price, N.Morris, I.Hart, D.Mallalieu, N.Lenton, M.Wroe, B.Ewing, C.Gibson, V.Middleton, A.Koenen, D.Wright, C.Kirby

Before the Meeting commenced members stood for a minutes silence in memory of David Roberts, Secretary and Committee Representative of Whitehouse Park RFC who died recently, and Simon Dockerty an U.21 player who was killed in a road accident.

The Chairman welcomed Roy Manock, Chairman of the North Division Committee, who addressed the Meeting on the function of a Division and its relationship with its Constituent Bodies, and then answered questions.

Minutes: The Minutes of the Meeting held on 9th September, 1993 having been circulated were confirmed and signed. Matters Arising - playing sections are again reminded that the County Secretary needs to be notified of any serious injuries. The secretary reported 1. That he attended a meeting, together with other County secretaries, with Bill Bishop and his working party. 2. That he has written to Staffo~dshire and North Wales, and spoken to Lancashire regarding 'B' XV fixtures later in the season.

Hon. Secretary's Report: A letter has been received from Durham R.F.U. secretary congratulating Cheshire on gaining promotion. C.White is retiring as D.T.A. (South West). The secretary has the terms of reference if anyone wishes to apply for the post. A member of Sefton Rugby Club has devised a computer system for installation and use in a rugby club. The question of entertaining visiting teams after County games is to be discussed at the next North Division Committee Meeting. Walter Gott proposed that traditional hospitality should be continued, and this was ag~eed with the proviso that a set number should be agreed for the visiting party. There is a conference for Constituent Body representatives to be held at Castlecroft on Sunday 5th December to consider the future format and timing of the County Championship. Roy Manock reported that papers will be presented by Senior Clubs, Kent, John Jeavons-Fellowes, lan Beer and Dick Best and then, after discussion in syndicates, delegates will be asked to vote. Cheshire, together with the other North Counties, want to keep the County Championship as a premier competition, but Many other Counties seem to have lost interest. Moore R.F.C. has been banned from the Cheshire Cup & Plate Competition for 1993/94 because .they contravened R.F.U. regulations. Hon. Treasurer's Report: Money has been received from C.I.S. (only half of last Season's A.D.T.contribution) and from T.V. ( also down on last Season.) To date ~2000 has been paid out ta the Colts section and ~1500 ta the Youth section. At the Finance Sub-Committee meeting it was decided that ~1000 should be donated ta the R.F.U. Presidents' Player Disability fund. Ian Beer will be invited ta attend the Cheshire Cup Final on April 17th, 1994 when the cheque will be presented ta him together with contributions from member clubs. Printing costs of Membership Cards are increasing and members are asked ta let the secretary know whether they want a change ta a cheaper soft caver version. Agreement has been reached with the RFU, thanks ta the efforts of Harry Middlebrook, for the payment of ~1500 per club for travel ta and from the Isle of Man for the Cheshire Cup Competition, up to a maximum of ~3000. This is for one Season only and arrangements for future seasons will have ta be discussed with the Isle of Man clubs The Tetley Sponsorship will continue for Season 1994/95. The Colts were unable ta travel to Cumbria on October 23rd because the hired coach failed ta turn up. The Cumbria officiaIs are claiming ~600 ta coyer costs of staging the game. HM Customs and Excise have been wrongly claiming VAT on subscriptions since September 1990. Team Managers are reminded that jerseys must be properly laundered after use and returned ta Len Galey, the match Secretary. Laundry accounts must be clearly identified before submission ta the treasurer. Walter Gatt pointed out that clubs should be vigilant when arranging insurance caver for trips abroad. RFU insurance only covers travel from point of arrivaI ta destination and ta and from games. Any extra travel e.g. sightseeing trips, are not covered~ He quoted an instance where a player was killed in a car trip accident while touring abroad, but his dependants were unable ta receive any benefit from the insurance.

R.F.U. Representative's Report: Clubs have been asked ta sign a Declaration of Compliance form regarding amateurism. However some clubs hav~ objected ·to the wording on the form, and a new form is being devised which clubs will be requested to sign and return before next Season. The East stand will be completed in readiness for the AlI Blacks game on 27th November. Work on the new West stand is likely ta commence at the end of this season. The Bishop Commission will be submitting an interim report ta the RFU before Christmas with a full report available by the end of the season. Sales of debenture seats are still on-going, and have already raised approx. 10 million pounds. The Twickenham ground will be open to spectators from 11.00 am for the International games this season. This will enable fui 1er use of the facilities available. Clubs have received offers for tickets from firms such as Mike Burton's. Any club found guilty of involvement will be severely punished. Clubs must not raffle tickets to raise money for club funds.

Football Report: The structured season caused many problems with the County Championship games occurring so early in the season, and National leagues 1 and 2 playing fixtures on the same dates. However, response from clubs has been exceptional, and even though 12 players were not available from last season's successful squad, the newcomers acquitted themselves weIl and the result was an unbeaten season with promotion to Division 1. This was due mainly to the hard work put in by the two coaches, Len Davies and David Buttery. Richard Haslehurst paid tribute to their contribution, and also thanked the Committee for their support. He looked forward to fixtures against Lancashire, Durham and Yorkshire again next Season. The President suggested that many things needed doing to stay in the top Division. There is a need for correct presentation and marketing of the County. He thanked Richard Haslehurst for his report, and his contribution towards the unbeaten record over the last two seasons culminating in promotion to Di~ision 1. It was agreed that there should be a celebratory Sunday lunchtime get­ together for the players who have represented the County during the last two seasons; preferably before Christmas. Richard Haslehurst to contact the players to assess their response.

Courage Clubs Championship Report: A meeting of the North Division representatives was held at Kirby Lonsdale on 26.10,93. Clubs must ensure that players are registered and ELIGIBLE. Problems should in the first instance be addressed to the County rep. (Mike Lord) and not to Bob Archer. To date there have been queries regarding 9 clubs and 17 players in Cheshire. AlI resolved! Still the same problems - registration forms ineligible and incomplete/flawed; results not phoned in on time; match cards not sent in on time. There are new registration forms available from Barbara Q'Reilly, Michael Humphries Associates (071-820-9911). There are currently 20,000 players registered in the North Division i.e. level 6 and below. Any player leaving full time education has his registration record wiped clean, and he becomes eligible immediately on registration.

Under 21's Report: The opening game of the County Season, against a strong Yorkshire side at Park F.C., resulted in defeat by 12pts - 5pts. The U.21's Committee wish to thank the Birkenhead Park Committee, and especially M. Poste, for their cooperation in staging the game. The next championship game,against Lancashire, will be played at Liverpool St.Helens on Wednesday December 22nd at 7.00 p.m. There is also agame against U.A.U. (North) at Caldy on 5th December.

Youth Report: The Junior Colts trials will be held on November 21st and the Clubs U.16's trials on December 5th. It has been decided to issue medals to aIl the finalists in this season's Cup Competitions. ~150 sponsorship has been obtained from Texaco, but more money is still required to purchase aIl the medals. Requests from teams outside Cheshire to compete in the Cheshire Mini Festival have been turned down. This competition is,quite rightly, a domestic matter. The Draw for aIl five Junior Cup Competitions has been made. Clubs have been notified and asked to complete the 1st Round by 28th November.There are 13 clubs in the U.13 competition, 15 in the U.14's,14 in the U.i5's,13 in the U.16's and 9 in the U.17's.

Coaching Report: The programme for the Autumn/Winter 1993/94:- Line-out play 30th November by David Cusani at Macclesfield RFC. Back Play lst February by Paul Turner at Sale F.C. Weight Training 29th March by Martin Callery at Chester College Plyometrics 20th April by W.Stuart at Sandbach RFC A ~ession on scrummaging will be arranged at Wirral RFC. AlI coaches on the County register will be notified. A Development Plan will be completed before the end of November. Provisional dates have been booked with Chester College for the Summer programme which will coniist of Schools of Excellence for Under 15's and Under 16's in July, and the Coaching Awards week-end 8 - 10 July. The Committee continues to update its register of coaches, and any coach not receiving information should contact David Rickard (051-625- 5832).The figures at the end of September 1993 are as follows:-

Qualification Preliminary Intermediate RFU Coach Senior Coach not known 34 66 35 7 7

Individual Members Report: Since the last meeting 6 new members have joined. These include 5 Life Members. Some Committee members have not paid their subscriptions!! To those who are not Individual Members "Don't you think that you should be?". Please join and encourage members of your clubs to do the same. We need your money and your support.

Competitions Sub-Committee Report: The Preliminary Round has been completed with wins for Shell(Stanlow), Bowdon, Altrincham (Kersal), Sandbach and Dld Anselmians. Only' 2 clubs informed the secretary of the result!! The lst Round proper will be played on 28th November. The Draw for the 2nd Round will be made after this Committee Meeting. The disqualification of Moore has caused a problem in that there are now 15 entrants for the Plate. There will be 7 lst Round games on February 6th and 1 club will receive a Bye. N.B. The Cup rules have been amended to come in line with the Laws of the game and there will be THREE replacements allowed.

Mini & Junior Report: There have been problems in arranging matches in Wales because Welsh clubs did not play according to the RFU Continuum;insurance is affected. However the matter has been resolved and the Welsh Clubs have agreed to play to the RFU guidelines. The problem of school v club loyalty still exists and action is to be taken to try and resolve the matter. There has been dissatisfaction expressed with the organisation of area U.l5 trials. There is a need for guidance on correct proc~dure. Promotional Sub-Committee Report: The World 7's trophy trail was, after much hard work, a success. AlI clubs who participated gained a lot in terms of publicity, resources and exposure within local schools. The Cheshire Constabulary are organising a project in an effort to prevent young people becoming the victims of crime. This will be based in three areas - Winsford, Macclesfield and South Cheshire. The appropriate clubs - Northwich, Macclesfield and Chester - will be notified with more details. It is intended that the YDO will train a number of Community Beat Officers in the basics of the game so that they can take the game into schools. Hopefully it will develop within clubs being used, with celebrity stars making appearances. Clubs have been circulated with a synopsis of the Promoting the Game sub-committee and a feed-back will be appreciated GOOD or BAD!

Disciplinary Report: The following is a list of players who have appeared before the Disciplinary Sub-Committees this Season:-

B. Dath suspended for 60 da ys S. Williams Hoylake Sine Die (review after 1.9.95) 1. Stanton Birkenhead Park 120 days J. Garrett Oldershaw 30 da ys P. Collins Prenton 60 days C. Lister Port Sunlight 60 days P. Beddard Moore 30 da ys D. Beardmore Old Salians 21 days P. Woodcock Bramhall School 28 da ys

N.B. The Hoylake Club appealed to the R.F.D. against the Sine Die suspension on S.Williams and the appeal hearing was hald on 8th November. The decision allows S.Williams to play again from 1.9.95.

Any Other Business: John Young reported that April 9th 1994 is to be a day for Youth rugby with the finals of the Daily Mail Schools Competitions and 16 group v Wales 16 group. Clubs and schools are invited to take parties of children to Twickenham to support the events. Cheshire Schools beat Shropshire Schools 19 - 11 at D.18 level and 13 -8 at D.16 level.

Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held at the Chester Club on Thursday 13th January, 1994 at 6.30 p.m.

Chairman 13th January, 1994

Amendments to the Membership Card

D.B.Pye (Shell Stanlow) 41, Broadland Road, Great Sutton, South Wirral L66 2JR (051-355-2973) Tribute should be paid to Chairman of Selectors Richard Hazlehurst and Coaches Len CHESHIRE Davies and Dave Buttery for their great efforts over the last few seasons and Captain Chris Brierley. Dai Adams, your Hon Secretary, produced this comprehensive report, along with NEWSLETTER many others throughout his time in office and his loyalty and hard work were acknowledged when he was elected a Vice President of the County at the last meeting Congratulations Dai. Individual Members' Secretary Dennis Western, White Cottage, 118 Irby Road, Heswall L61 6XQ ln order to comply with our Bye-Laws, Ken Speakman-Brown one of our more active Telephone: 051-6483208 Individual Members, has suggested the following which has the full approval of your committee: "Any Individual Member who intents to attend the AGM and wishes to receive a copy of the Agenda, Committee Report and Accounts in advance of the Dear Member, meeting, must notify the Individual Members' Secretary at least 28 days before the date of the meeting as notified in the Membership cardo Individual members are reminded that whilst they are entitled to attend the AGM in accordance with the SEASON 1993 - 1994 Byelaw 20, they are not entitled to vote." A new season dawns upon us, with the expectation that Cheshire will continue to make further progress on a very successful year under the past leadership of John Young who carried out his extensive duties in an exemplary fashion. Time moves on DISCIPLINARY and we have a new President at the helm. The number of players sent off this season is less than last season. 18 plus one schoolboy in the East and 21 plus two schoolboys in the West. One of the many MESSAGE FROM YOUR NEW PRESIDENT - FRANK POVALL changes to the Laws of the Game last season which has probably escaped the notice of most people concerns Law 26 - Foui Play. Under this Law, which is of course Your Chairman, David Wright, asked if 1 could produce a few words by way of applicable worldwide, it is now permissible to cite a player, who is suspected 'of introduction as the incoming president for the season 93/94. committing an act of foui play, to show cause why he should be held accountable even My introduction to rugby came through a big man in every sense of the word, Ken though his act was not detected by match officiais and he was not sent off. Carr, a na me 1 am sure is remembered by many. He having played for Birkenhead Park Further under the R.F.U. Resolutions, applicable in England only, such cases of and Cheshire. misconduct must be referred to the appropriate Constituent Body for consideration. Wallasey Rugby Club, my home club, suggested in 1967 that the role of County The only difference from a 'sent off' case is that the player is presumed to be innocent Representative could be of interest. During the ensuing years 1 have been involved in until the case has been proved. many sub committees which hopefully will stand me in good stead. The time spent with County Colts and Under 21'5 have endorsed the belief that we must develop skills, understanding and knowledge of the game in those age groups, TIES, UMBRELLAS AND SWEATERS hopefully retaining those young men into the senior side. Dennis will continue the marketing of County Ties, Sweaters and Umbrellas and will The fortunes of the County for last season are clearly available in the Annual Report, be pleased to receive suggestions for other products which could be made available to but it would be remiss of me not to make note that the senior side have progressed members. from division three into division two. Thanks are due to the squad, team manager and Ties are (5.00, Sweaters (Botany Wool) [25.00, and Umbrellas [15.00 plus postage coaches. and packaging, if appropriate. Under the guidance of John Young and his officers and sub-committees, the County If there is anything Dennis or 1 can do to assist vou over the new season, please let has strengthened its organisational structure which 1 am convinced will assist in either of us know. bringing the County to its rightful position. Your support as individual members in this process is essential for which many thanks. Yours sincerely 1trust that 1will be able to build further on past developments. it is my intention to visit each Club, hopefully at management committee level, subject to their approval, in an attempt to further develop the links, lines of communication and understanding DAVE WRIGHT between County and Club. C~man, Individual Membersh_ ~inally 1 loo~ forward to m~g many of vou duri~-County season at ail levels of ,~representatlve games. '.,gJ ..... • SUBSCRIPTIONS THE COURAGE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP As most of Vou will be aware the Annual Subscription last year increased to f6 which it This was an eventful season, especially in the top 3 leagues 'where the move to 10 is hoped will be maintained for the next few years. 109 individual members availed team leagues in 93/94 led to a scramble for places. Cheshires senior Club, Sale themselves of the opportunity of becoming Life Members at the bargain price of f25, managed some good performances and will stay in Division 2. and this amount has now been placed on deposit to provide a regular income for the Congratulations to league champions Macclesfield (NW1), Oldershaw (NW2) and County. Those who did not become a Life Member last Season will still have the Anselmians (Cheshire). Dukinfield were also promoted, but sadly Lymm, Sandbach, opportunity to become one, but the fee is now f50 which still represents good value Wirral, Marple and Douglas(lOM) were ail relegated. for money. Ali members will continue to be admitted free of charge to ail County Games and to the Finals of the Cheshire Cup and Plate, together with the opportunity The main feature of the season was the tightening up of the rules regarding the to apply for International Match tickets. playing of ineligible players. This hit dozens of Club's in the North and 10 Cheshire Clubs lost league points because of this. It is essential that Clùbs only play eligible players, other wise they will have points deducted. Remember the League Secretary INTERNATIONAL TICKETS - URGENT Bob Archer checks every team card after each game, replacements must also be registered. The same format as previous seasons still apply with ail applications for tickets being dealt with by your Assistant Treasurer, Harry Middlebrook. The first match for your The offshore Clubs 'problem' came to ~ head during the year with 6 main land Clubs diary is the England v New Zealand game on Saturday 27 November 1993 for which an not travelling to the IOM. As a result of much effort by the County Officers and the advanced application was made by Harry prior to the start of the new season. The Courage League Representative a solution has been found which is acceptable to ail. Home International Championship continues as usual when England play Ireland on Next season no Club will have to find more than f350 for their game on the Island. 19 February 1994 and Wales on 19 March 1994. The regulations for eligibility for entering the Pilkington Cup this season have been Commencing with the 1992/93 Five Nations international matches, ticket allocations changed. Ali Clubs in the National League Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 will qualify and the ceased to be related to the size of applications and a points system was employed. The County can nominate one other club. As Winnington Park, the Cheshire Cup winners, allocations to Constituent Bodies are now based on the size of their membership, both are already assured of a place, the runners up New Brighton were unanimously club and individual. approved. ln recent seasons, a relatively small number of tickets at the top price has been available but the completion of the East Stand has brought about a very substantial R.F.U. REPRESENTATIVES REPORT increase in the number of these tickets priced at f30. George Cox our Representative attended numerous meetings on the County's behalf The re-development of Twickenham has resulted in a considerable reduction of lower­ and made several reports back to the Committee. George's considerable efforts at H.O. priced tickets for international matches. This, in turn, has caused difficulty with on behalf of the Isle of Man Club's resulted in a satisfactory result to a long-standing allocations to those clubs, in particular service units, universities and colleges, who problem. Amongst other matters of interest the experimental laws are to be kept in have the greatest demand for tickets in the lower price categories. place for a further year with minor adjustments. Larger logos are to be allowed. 162 sq Requests from Constituent Bodies are almost entirely for tickets at the two highest cm on balls and jerseys, .81sq cm on stockings and boots. The regulations relating to prices and it has been decided that these will be the only categories offered, by R.F.U., amateurism were corrected to include regulations relating to Rugby League players commencing with the 1993/94 Five Nations internationals. The very small number of seeking admission or readmission to the game. The RFU consider that Rugby League lower priced tickets (f18 and (10) will still be available through clubs. players who have never played should be admitted to Rugby Union on Tickets will continue to be allocated on a rotation basis, a detailed record has been less stringent conditions than those who have played Rugby Union and moved to kept to ensure fairness in distribution. 1 must stress that vou must stick meticulously to Rugby League. The building of the new East Stand is weil up to schedule and when the instructions on the application form - if not complied with Vou application will be topped out later this year the ground will accommodate 68,000 spectators. The RFU rejected. Non-payment of subscription by the end of September will also invalidate received f2,000,000 from the last World Cup. your application. SEND YOUR APPLICATION (Before 30th September 1993) ANNUAL REPORT TO: N. H. MIDDLEBROOK, The report is enclosed setting out the various activities carried out under the County's 27 CLARENDON ROAD, SALE, CHESHIRE M33 20U jurisdiction. rEL: 061-962 2957 You will note how weil our County 1st XV played winning ail three games in splendid fashion ensuring promotion tp Division Two where we will play Leicesters.hire at home who will deal with ail enquiri.e.~ *ut International Tic~ - Cheques payable to at New Brighton on 18th S~mber and away a!~~rwickshire on 25 Septemb~nd Cheshire R.F.U. please.·~ V Cumbria on 22 October. _.;;.r \ • ',/ ,-"