West Midlands Basketball League

WEST MIDLANDS
BASKETBALL LEAGUE

COMMITTEE
MEETING – 6 JAN 2009

Present:

Mike Neal (Chair), Dave Slade (Vice Chair),Andy Millington (Secretary), Keith Kershaw (Referees), Jane Huffer (Treasurer), Tony Johnson Appeals),Denise Kearney (Fixture Changes), Barrie Viner, Zoran Pancic, John Taylor, Kevin Henry, Roy Francis, Stephen Barnes and Nigel Evans.

Apologies:
Jim Smith and Makis Chatzmichallis.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read over and signed as being correct. There were no matters arising.

The Chairman opened the meeting by wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

1. Secretary (Andy Millington)

No report matters covered below.

2. Referee’s Secretary (Keith Kershaw)

2.1 After some technical issues I shall have a new e-mail address from 13^thJanuary, and this will be Keith dot Kershaw at mypostoffice dot co dot uk

2.2 There are a number of games to cover later in the month & I shall be able to organise them once my e-mail has been restored.

2.3 February draft appointments should be with officials by 16^th January.

2.4 Score books. I still have some available.

2.5 Will referees please ensure that the relevant person, i.e. coach or captain, completes the referee assessment form.

3.Competitions Committee

1. WM 125. Birmingham Blazers A v Stafford Hoops. Stafford Hoops only had 3 players present. Game awarded to Blazers A 20 – 0. No point to Stafford Hoops. Blazers incurred referee fees and expenses of £22.50 and Stafford Hoops to pay this sum. This must be paid to the League Treasurer by 27^th January. League Secretary to inform Stafford Hoops.

2. WM 135. Stoke v Wolves CC. The game started 15 minutes late due to the late arrival of Wolves CC. At the end of the game the scores were tied
   at 105 all. Due to the sports hall closing there was not time to play any overtime. Game to be replayed on a date to be arranged. Stoke will cover the cost of the sports hall & Wolves CC will pay all referee fees and expenses.

3. WM 146. Walsall Wizards B failed to fulfill this fixture. Game awarded to Stoke Heath 20 –0. No point for Walsall Wizards B.

4. Fixture Re-arrangement Secretary (Denise Kearney)

The following games have been re-arranged & dates agreed by clubs concerned

The following games still need to be arranged & dates agreed

ARUP Campus.

All remaining home fixtures will be played at Arden School, Station Road, Knowle on a Friday with 19.45 Tip-off. Fixture re-arrangement are as follows and all clubs have been notified of the new dates.

5. Treasurer (Jane Huffer)

Fines paid

The following fines have been paid: JH 13/08 & JH 14/08

Outstanding fines

JH11/08 (WM001) Aston A’s. Rule 6cii. £20. Not paid now increased
to £45.

JH12/08 (WM021) Aston A’s. Rule 6ci. £5. Not paid now increased to £11.25

JH15/08 (WM046).
ProGuard Pistons. Rule 6cii. £5. Not paid now increased to £11.25.

New Fine

JH 16/08 (WM135) Wolves CC Rule 3evii. £4.

6. Cup competitions

The finals of the Rosebowl & Plate competitions have been put back one week and will now take place at Dame Elizabeth Cadbury Sports Hall on Sunday 3^rd May. The Plate Final will tip-off at 17.15, and the Rosebowl Final will tip-off at 19.00hrs.

6.1 Rose Bowl Round 3

6.2 Plate Competition Round 1

The following teams have byes into round 2: Lasers, Shropshire, BC Bears, Stoke, Smith’s Wood, ProGuard Pistons, Churchbridge, Stoke Heath, Stafford Hoops, Blazers B, Chase Panthers B

For both competitions:

• The Management
  Committee reserves the right to alter handicaps if deemed necessary.
• Will at home clubs ensure they have their sports hall reserved for these games.
• Games MUST be played in this week.
• Visiting teams.
  Please allow plenty of time for travelling if you are visiting an unfamiliar venue.

7.

Appeals (Tony Johnson)

An appeal was heard from Anita Renton, West Mids Police against a 6 match ban and fine. After considering reports and a personal statement from Rob Goodwin the appeal was partially upheld and was reduced to a three match ban and a £10 fine.

8.
Any Other Business

8.1 Barrie Viner sought clarification on rule 2ciii (Senior National League registered Players must have played 3 WMBL or Rosebowl
games before Christmas otherwise their WMBL registrations will be cancelled) as a key member of Bears who has been with the club for many years has been unable to comply with the rule and now faces missing the rest of the season. Barrie suggested that the rule be changed to the end of January, due to the late start of the League. For the time being the rule stands and an alteration will be proposed at the AGM. The Secretary was asked to check other teams with National League players to ensure the rule is complied with.

8.2 Tony Johnson presented a report on the results of the recent questionnaire (attached). Tom Sunley (Warriors 01952 505865 sunley dot tom at btinternet dot com ) and Nigel Hanson (Aston A’s 0121681514 nigel dot hanson at mobileemail dot vodafone dot net) have massive experience in obtaining funding, and have both offered to advise clubs on the different sources from where funding can be obtained. It was clear from the results that the more financially secure clubs are those who get involved in local schools with coaching etc, as a trade off for reduced fees, and this also provides a source for future players which will hopefully ensure the future of clubs.

9.
Date of Next Meeting

The next Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday 3^rd February 2009 in Room 45 at Leasowes Sports Centre, Kent Road, Halesowen at 6.30pm prompt.