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Monash University CC News

Committee Meeting 17, 2003

By Stephen Pearson



Meeting number 17 for the season 2002/03
Date & Time of Meeting: 26/4/2003 at 5:30pm
Meeting Venue: Racecourse Hotel, Caulfield

1. Preamble
Committee present:
Shelley Wilson President, chair
Stephen Pearson Secretary
Natalie Abbott VWCA delegate
Bec MacLeod Vice President
Angie Dickson Events Manager
Tracy Widdows Treasurer

Apologies:
Belinda Browne Equipment Manager
Mrinal Mahajan SD&CCL Delegate


2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 3/03/2003 were presented for acceptance, and accepted without amendments.

MOTION: ‘That the minutes of meeting held on 3/03/2003 be accepted’.

Moved: Tracy Widdows
Seconded: Natalie Abbott
CARRIED: Yes


3. Treasurer’s Report
Discussion:
As discussed during the previous meeting for construction of the trophies Dave Harrison will be paid his $500 in two $250 installments.

Stephen Pearson reported that Belinda Browne had incurred costs totalling $150 for engraving.

Tracy Widdows reported that Association payments have been arranged and are currently with Frank Interrigi of MONSU.


Tracy Widdows reported that a full financial report will be available at the AGM, and that the club generally made money from Merchandise Sales this season.

Tracy Widdows reported that the payments to MONSU require photos, and thinks mug shots should be taken at the presentation night.

Natalie Abbott reported that the club has been issued an invoice by the VWCA for $177.60 for ground hire during the semi-final.

Action: Tracy Widdows to pay $250 to Dave Harrison from petty cash for trophies at presentation night.

Action: Tracy Widdows to pay $150 to Belinda Browne from petty cash for engraving at the presentation night.

MOTION: ‘That Craig Robinson be paid the remainder of his yearly salary, $1000’.

Moved: Stephen Pearson
Seconded: Bec MacLeod
CARRIED: Yes

MOTION: ‘That Craig Robinson be paid a bonus of $500 for coaching the women’s 1st XI into the grand final’.

Moved: Shelley Wilson
Seconded: Bec MacLeod
CARRIED: Yes

MOTION: ‘That the club raise a cheque for $177.60 payable to the VWCA for ground hire during the semi-final’.

Moved: Natalie Abbott
Seconded: Bec MacLeod
CARRIED: Yes

4. Business Arising From Previous Meeting
4.1. Safety Policies

Action: The Final draft of safety policies to be sent to Stephen Pearson for presentation at the AGM (Tracy Widdows/Natalie Abbott).

5. General Business

5.1. Meeting Attended
VWCA A-grade meeting:
Nat Abbott reported that clubs present felt that presentations should be done on the ground immediately after the grand final as compared to this season, inside the clubrooms.

The minutes of this meeting are attached.

VWCA C-grade meeting:
The minutes of this meeting are attached.

5.2. Life Membership Guidelines
Discussion:
Shelley raised the possibility of 15 years of financial membership before being considered for life membership. Although this has merit, and adds value to life membership, there was believed to be a high amount of service to be given to the club during 10 years, and that more than likely it would take almost 15 years to complete the amount of service required.
The committee discussed the possibility that all existing life members (currently only Craig Robinson) may not be able to be contacted, and therefore there should be a footnote added to the guidelines to account for existing life members being deceased or unable to be contacted.

5.3. Pre-Season Training
Discussion:
The committee again pointed out the need to update posters at Monsu, with new contact details.

Indoor training will be organised at Xavier College again, as a small investigation into costs revealed that Xavier is the cheapest by far. The training is to start late June, and from August we will start doing 1½ hour sessions. The committee also decided to book a few additional Sunday Nights, if the booking can be cancelled at no extra cost.

Action: Stephen Pearson to draw a new poster for the Monsu Gym, and submit to the rest of committee.

Action: Stephen Pearson to liase with Xavier College to organise indoor training dates.


5.4. Coaching Positions
Discussion:
Shelley Wilson advised that Adrian Wilson is not an option and mentioned that the amount offered by MONSU may be insufficient for a player of that calibre. Shelley noted that the club may have to be willing to add to that offered by Monsu to ensure that quality coaches are secured.

Bec MacLeod advised the committee that Graeme Morna had contacted her in regards to coaching at the club, but that he may be more interested in the women’s coaching role than the men’s. As we have a women’s coach, we may contact Graeme in regards to the men’s position.

Stephen Pearson discussed with the committee that Leroy De Alwis had contacted him, and that he planned to meet with him during the next two weeks. Stephen invited Shelley Wilson to join them.


6. Date of Next Meeting
Date & Time of next meeting: The AGM 28/05/2003 at 7:30pm
Place of next meeting: Ramler Room Level 3, Chisholm Tower, Monash University, Caulfield Campus, at 7:30pm.

Meeting closed at: 6:35pm

7. Coming Events
· May 28th MGCC Annual General Meeting


A GRADE MEETING

POST SEASON 2002/03

March 19th, 2003


MINUTES


Present:
Kiemi Lai (VWCA)
Kelly Morris (VWCA)
Natalie Abbott (Club Ambassador / Monash Gryphons)
Rebecca Macleod (Monash Gryphons)
Debbie Dearaugo (Brunswick Park)
Kirsty Steen (Riverside)
Priscilla Jordan (Riverside)
Vicki Downs (Box Hill)
Sarah Pantaleo (Box Hill)
Rebecca Brown (Box Hill)

Apologies:
Peter Byrnes (Frankston)



Meeting opened 7:05pm by KM



1. Issues arising from previous meeting

(a) Underage bowling restrictions

· KL explained to clubs that the VWCA will most likely adopt ACB policy due to risk management issues therefore major changes against the ACB policy will unlikely be adopted.
· DD asked what’s the penalty for clubs inadvertently or intentionally bowling underage players for more than their allotted overs. KM told clubs that it was the team’s and umpire’s responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen and that scorers should also keep an eye on it like the 10 overs per bowler rule in one-dayers.
· DD said she was worried that kids might be lost to the game because they aren’t given a go, however RB argued that the rule gives other kids that might not necessarily be the best bowlers a chance to have a bowl as well.
· NA said that the term “medium pace or faster” needs clarification. There may be a situation where a player bowls both medium and spin in a game therefore she believed that the rule should include all bowlers for consistency sake. NA also said that it is important for ACB research to apply to girls as well boys.

(b) Boundary restrictions

· KL confirmed that there are no maximum boundary restrictions, only a minimum of 40 metres.

(c) Local media contacts

· Each club was distributed a list of local radio contacts.
· KM asked if any clubs followed up on the local media information given out at the mid-season grade meeting. Riverside said they followed up with their local paper and had a few articles in the second half of the season and they also started developing a website.
· KM suggested that clubs should make contact with their local media when they start pre-season training.

(d) Fines for forfeits

· NA suggested that clubs should lose points rather than being fined for late forfeits.
· VD argued that increasing fines would only affect the people in clubs that are trying to the right thing.
· KM also suggested that fines for late forfeits may effect the number of matches played because some teams might forfeit early so they wont lose points or get fined when they may have a chance of getting a team together the next day.
· It was agreed that late forfeits were not an issue in A Grade.

2. Open Forum

(a) Finals presentations

· The clubs that participated in finals this year agreed that the presentations after the match were a good idea.
· NA proposed that the runners-up should be awarded with medallions as well. She also said there needs to be a proper process on how medallions are presented after the match (eg. When it should be do, where, and what the umpires should say, etc).
· RB suggested that a representative from the Board is better than having an umpire make presentations. DD said that this would give an opportunity for people to get to know the Board members and she also suggested that if Board members were unavailable then the VWCA should ask its Life Members or other appropriate representatives. NA suggested sponsors could be asked to make presentations.
· NA also proposed that there should be an award for player of the finals

(b) Number of Overs

· VD said that the number of overs for A Grade should be reduced from 85 to 80 if District 2nds were to do that (it was proposed in the District 2nds mid-season meeting that the number of overs in D2 should be reduced from 85 to 80.) VD said not bowling an extra 5 overs would mean the fielding team would not have to rush through its overs and it would also be 5 less overs for underage players so there shouldn’t be an issue of teams forfeiting because they have too many underage players.
· RB raised the question why can’t teams just stop play once 85 overs are bowled in a day (eg. Regardless of time). It would solve the problem of teams being disadvantaged for getting through their overs quickly.
· It was agreed that A Grade should remain 85 overs.

(c) Grounds

· NA proposed that there should be a minimum standard for grounds in A Grade and umpires should be able to say if it’s not safe to play on if the minimum standards are not met.
· All clubs thought that EMP’s home ground was not up to A Grade standard.
· RB suggested that there should be incentives for clubs to look after their grounds (or push their local councils to). For example, have a rating system for grounds and the top club should receive something at the end of the season.
· VD asked if there is a list of council contacts. KL said that the VWCA could help clubs out if they have problems contacting the council. DD commented that Brunswick Park have a very good relationship with their council and they generally get things done straight away so it is important that clubs have a good relationship with their council.

(d) Umpiring

· NA expressed concern about umpires that always umpire the same home games, which could lead them to subconsciously favour a particular club. NA proposed that the VWCUA should try to spread umpires out regardless of where they live.

(e) Finals

· DD suggested that the Grand Final should revert back to the 3 day format. She also suggested that the semi-final could also go over 3 days on the Labour Day weekend for consistency between the semi final and final. RB suggested that instead of reverting back to the old 3-day format, the 3rd day could be optional.
· VD argued that too much can happen in between weekends in a 3-day final and there may be people unavailable to play on a Monday.
· DD said that if finals were over 2 days, then it should be over 2 weekends (ie. Saturday/Saturday) instead of Saturday/Sunday because teams are not used to playing 2 days in a row in the regular season. Also, distance is an issue in A Grade and it is difficult for teams to travel two days in a row.
· NA suggested that the grand final should be played on a neutral ground
· KM explained that there are liability issues involved in playing finals on neutral grounds. KL also explained that there are costs involved for the finalists if finals are played on a neutral ground.
· NA and KS said that it was important that the finals be played on a surface that the majority of games are played on in the regular season. However, NA also said that this could be unfair if the two finalists have home games on turf and then have to play the final on synthetic.
· KS suggested that there should be set grounds for finals, like in District 1sts. PJ said that this would be difficult because of clashes with men’s finals.

(f) Clearances

· PJ proposed that players shouldn’t need to be re-registered with the VWCA when going from one club to another. RB said there might be problems with this with open clearances.

(g) Substitute Players

· NA proposed that the substitute player rule should apply to finals as well as the regular season for consistency. DD argued that the rule should only apply to state representatives. VD thought that in a grand final there should only be 11 players.
· VD and NA said that it is a good rule but teams can take advantage of it.

3. Junior Development

· All clubs received a copy of a “Working with Schools Guide”, “Engaging Youth in Your Club” guide and a sample “Junior Development Program”.
· Clubs were encouraged to develop junior teams at their club and to ensure there are strategies in place for juniors to make the transition to senior cricket.
· KL also encouraged clubs to nominate any juniors they think would benefit from some coaching over the winter for the Sharon Tredrea Development Squad. KL stressed that it’s not an elite program and all girls in secondary school are encouraged to take part.

4. General Business

· KL updated clubs on the modified cricket competitions that were held this season and suggested that if clubs have enough players for one and a half teams they should consider entering a team in one of the modified competitions. KL said that the VWCA will attempt to run a mid-week competition in Ascot Vale again next season, but whether it gets going will depend on the number of teams.
· All clubs thought a square leg & scoring workshop will be very helpful and would be interested in attending.
· KL reminded clubs that the list of Level 1 Coaching Courses during the winter are available to be downloaded from the Cricket Victoria website and from their Regional Cricket Manager.
· One club suggested fundraising / grants should be covered as a topic issue.

5. Next Meeting

· All the clubs thought that there should be a pre-season meeting to discuss any new rule changes, how clubs are going with numbers, recruitment issues and general things to get clubs up and running.


The meeting closed 8:55pm






C GRADE MEETING

POST SEASON 2002/03

March 26th, 2003

MINUTES


Present
Kiemi Lai (VWCA)
Kelly Morris (VWCA)
Shelly Wilson (Monash Gryphons)
Sue Keey (Gisborne)
Christine Norris (Coburg)
Georgie Dwyer (Brighton East)
Lynn Anderson (Brighton East)
Simon Feidler (Mornington)
Emily (La Trobe Uni)
Debbie Yates (Club Ambassador / Kingston Heath)
Di Farland (Coburg)
Lauretta Dixon (Bundoora United)

8. Apologies
Jan Pope (Mornington)


Meeting opened 7:05pm by KM


1. Issues arising from previous meeting

(a) Compulsory retirement for batters

· All clubs were in favour of compulsory retirement rule for batters be reinstated.
· All clubs agreed that the retirement score should be more than 35 runs. LA suggested 50 because it gives the batters some recognition (ie. it’s a milestone). However, five clubs were in favour of 40 runs, and only two were in favour of 50 runs. The problem most clubs saw with 50 runs was that it tends to take a while for someone to make 50, therefore it can defeat the purpose of bringing the retirement rule back in.

(b) Starting time of matches

· Clubs were asked whether they thought that the starting time for C Grade matches should be earlier than 1:30pm.
· SK pointed out that the number of overs increased by one this season but there weren’t any provisions in the time to allow for that one extra over. She proposed that the starting time be 1:15pm.
· DY proposed that the number of overs go back to 35 (instead of 36) so that the starting time can stay the same.
· Clubs were asked to vote on whether it should (A) go back to 35 overs, 1:30pm start, or (B) remain at 36 overs and start at 1:15pm.
· All clubs voted for Option A (35 overs, 1:30pm)

(c) Pitch surface

· All clubs were in favour of making C Grade a “synthetic” competition.
· GD emphasised that this should include no matting as well as no turf.

(d) Fines for forfeits

· Clubs from C North West said late forfeits was generally not an issue in their grade
· South East clubs said there were a number of forfeits, but most were advised in time.
· A number of South East clubs pointed out that Melbourne Tooronga consistently made late forfeits by waiting for their players to turn up at the ground.
· Latrobe Uni thought that the current fine is sufficient and increasing the fine will only affect clubs that can’t afford it.
· DF said that if fines were increased, then it’s important that there is a clause for exemptions in case of extraordinary circumstances.
· SF said that it is important to distinguish between forfeits and walkovers.
· KM pointed out that clubs could appeal any fines they receive through the Appeals Committee.
· Clubs did not come to a conclusion about whether or not an increase in fines for late forfeits was appropriate.

(e) Under 17 and Under 19 bowling restrictions

· KM informed clubs that any proposed rule changes to make the underage bowling restrictions more lenient would most likely be rejected by the VWCA because they will follow the ACB policy.
· SF suggested that there should be specific places on the team sheet to nominate U/17 and U/19 players.
· Most clubs agreed that umpires did not consistently apply the rule this season, including the second half of the season.
· DY pointed out that if C grade goes back to a maximum of 7 overs per bowler, underage bowling restrictions would not affect C grade as much.

(f) Local radio contacts

· All clubs received a list of local radio contacts and were encouraged to make contact with them the same way as they were advised with the local newspaper at the previous grade meeting.
· KM asked if any clubs followed up on the local media advice given at the previous meeting.
· SK mentioned that Gisborne followed it up and has received good coverage. DY said that Kingston Heath sent information / stories to their local paper but they didn’t put it in.

2. Open Forum

(a) Fines vs. loss of points

· LA thought that a fine rather than a loss of points is more appropriate and less harsh for late player registrations. She suggested that there should be a grace period for late registrations in the first 3 weeks.
· Coburg mentioned that they have been fined for late registrations before because a player’s previous club had not done the paperwork. DY suggested that clubs contact Jill Crowther to get a verbal clearance and explain the reasons.
· SK thought that if a fine instead of loss of points be applied, then it should happen throughout the season, not just for the first 3 weeks, otherwise it would be unfair. CN agreed

(b) Finals

(i) Number of games

· Emily from Latrobe Uni thought it was unfair that the C Grade final is best out of 3 when no other grade is. She especially thought playing 2 games in a row is unfair because the players are not used to it. She believed that if the finals were to stay at 3 games, then it should be split over 3 weekends so then you wont have to play 2 games in a row.
· DF suggested that the best of three finals should be played on Saturday/Saturday/Sunday, that way you get a break between games 1 and 2 and you only play 2 days in a row if it goes to a 3rd game.
· Clubs were asked to vote on whether the finals should be played over (A) one game, or (B) 3 games.
· 3 clubs were in favour of option A (one game) and 4 were in favour of option B (best of 3 games).
· Clubs were encouraged to put in a rule change for the next council meeting if they want the final to be 1 game.

(ii) Neutral ground

· There was some discussion as to whether the final should be played on a neutral ground. Some were in favour of a neutral ground, however, some thought that the top team deserved to have an advantage.
· CN pointed out that the costs for using a neutral ground would be a problem if a club has more than one team in the finals.
· SW suggested that there should be set grounds for finals. DY thought this would be unfair because there would be a financial bonus to certain clubs.

(c) Umpires

(i) Neutrality of umpires

· SW was concerned about umpires umpiring in games with a club they are affiliated with (eg. As a player, past player or administrator).
· Coburg suggested that an umpire should remove themselves from games involving a club they are affiliated with in the first couple of seasons so they’re not perceived to be biased.
· KL said she will take these concerns to the VWCUA.

(ii) New umpires

· SK made the suggestion that if an umpire has never umpired a women’s game before and are “trainees” then they should not be allowed to umpire a game by themselves (ie without a “trainer”). She would rather see teams umpire themselves than to have totally new umpires (ie. if a “trainer” doesn’t show up, then the “trainee” shouldn’t umpire by themselves). All clubs agreed.

3. The Future of C Grade

(a) Number of matches in a season

· There was some discussion as to whether the number of matches in a season should remain the same. CN thought that the December/January break was too long. However, LD disagreed, saying it was good for Bundoora because they have a lot of junior players that go away over the school holidays. SK thought the break was good for multi-team clubs because it meant they could definitely fill at least one team.
· DY raised the point that C grade doesn’t play on long weekends throughout the season, but yet have to play on a long weekend for the semi finals. CN said it should be up to the clubs to communicate to players when finals are on so that they can make themselves available.
· LA asked if C grade could start the same week as all the other grades (ie. one week earlier than this season). Clubs were asked to vote on whether they thought C grade should start (A) 1 week earlier (ie. same as all the other grades) or (B) the same time as this season (ie. one week later than all the other grades).
· 3 clubs were in favour of Option A and 4 were in favour of Option B.

(b) Bowling restrictions

· DY suggested that the maximum number of overs a bowler can bowl be reduced back to 7 overs (instead of 9). She suggested that this would give more players a go, otherwise teams can get away with only using 4 bowlers every week.
· LD thought it should be the captain’s discretion whether or not to bowl a player for 9 overs. However, DF disagreed, saying that some teams won’t give everyone a go unless the rules are in place.
· Clubs were asked to vote on whether they thought the maximum number of overs a bowler can bowl should be (A) 7 overs or (B) 9 overs.
· 7 clubs were in favour of option A, 1 was in favour of option B and one undecided.

(c) Uniforms

· SK proposed that “anything white” should be allowed in C grade. She believed the cost of uniforms is an issue for new players and some girls may already play in pants. It will cost a player to get culottes or it would cost them to visit a doctor to get a medical certificate to wear pants.
· DY agreed that the rules should be relaxed in C grade because it is a learning grade and there are lots of new players.
· No conclusion was reached with regards to changing the uniform rule for C grade. Clubs were encouraged to put in a rule change for C grade uniform if they believe it should be changed.

(d) One C Grade competition

· KL asked how clubs would feel if C North West and C South East were combined to make one C Grade competition, in light of the declining number of teams in both C grades.
· All clubs thought travel would be an issue if this was to happen, especially if there are a lot of juniors in a team and they rely on parents to drive them.
· GD suggested that more forfeits might occur because of clubs not wanting to travel.

(e) Coaching programs

· Latrobe Uni raised the point that all coaching programs are for juniors and that older players need to have the opportunity to take part in coaching programs as well.
· KL told clubs about the District Firsts Coaching & Development Program where District Firsts coaches and senior players are encouraged to conduct a coaching session with lower grade clubs in their area. KL told clubs to contact her if they want a District Firsts coach or player to take a session and the VWCA can arrange it.

4. Junior Development

· All clubs received a copy of a “Working with Schools Guide”, “Engaging Youth in Your Club” guide and a sample “Junior Development Program”.
· Clubs were encouraged to develop junior teams at their club and to ensure there are strategies in place for juniors to make the transition to senior cricket.
· KL suggested clubs look at entering a combined team with another club if they are having difficulties in getting a girls’ team by themselves.
· Clubs were also encouraged to nominate junior players for the Sharon Tredrea winter coaching squad. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the VWCA website.

5. General Business

· All clubs were interested in attending a square leg / scoring workshop. SK suggested this be done close to the start of the season so it’s fresh in people’s minds. She also suggested putting a “how to score” information sheet in the scorebooks and on the internet.
· SW thought the workshop should be a “Train the Trainer” workshop and it’s up to the clubs to pass it onto their members.
· It was suggested that the workshop be combined with the pre-season Grade Meeting.
· All clubs were in favour of having a pre-season Grade Meeting for C Grade to go through any rule changes.
· SF asked if the VWCA could ensure that the ladders on the website are accurate.
· KM told clubs that it’s hard to keep updated ladders on the website when a lot of fines are given out retrospectively. She said the ladders on the website are unofficial and that clubs should go by the official ladders they are given at council meetings.
· GD suggested that an updated ladder be sent to all clubs a week before the semi-finals.



KM thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting at 9:20pm.