[<<] [>>] by Quiller Barrett
13 Oct 2001 (CqE Official News)

The CA Council met on 13th October 2001, after the AGM. This report is based on unconfirmed minutes of that meeting; some decisions from recent committee meetings are also included. If you would like further information on any item, please contact the CA Secretary, Nigel Graves.

AGM

All the Council's proposed changes to the Rules of the Association were agreed.

Stephen Mulliner was elected a Vice-President.

Council Elections

The following were elected:

Chairmen of the other principal committees:

The Selection Committees were also elected:

Development

Council has authorised grants to several clubs from the CA's Benefactors Fund that over many years had reached £30,000. Subject to certain conditions Budleigh Salterton, Cheltenham, Southport and Sussex County clubs will benefit over the next three years. The Marketing Committee will take initiatives to replenish the Benefactors Fund.

Equipment

Barlow GT and Dawson 2000 International (both first and second colours) have received approval.

Hoop running tests have been carried out on Omegas, comparing them with high quality 'traditional' hoops. The Tournaments Committee is considering the conclusions.

International

Council congratulated David Openshaw and his many helpers for the excellent organisation of the 2001 World Championships held in London.

It is hoped to arrange Association croquet matches with Canada and Egypt.

Priority will be given to developing players with the potential to help us win the MacRobertson Shield in 2003.

Laws

The first edition of the 'Official Rulings on the Laws of Croquet' (ORLC) has been published on the Internet.

Management

The Management Committee has reviewed the Council's objectives for 2000/1 and concluded that committees have been generally successful in achieving them. Objectives have been agreed for 2001/2.

A Relocation Working Party has been set up, chaired by David Magee, to plan the CA's office move. At the time of writing the future location has not been decided but priority consideration is being given to building an office at either the Surbiton or Cheltenham clubs.

Arrangements are being made to appoint a successor to David Collins who wishes to stand down as the CA's Commercial Agent. David has shown there is plenty of scope to increase sales revenue, from which all members benefit.

Following members' approval of changes to the CA Rules at the AGM, Council has approved the appointment of individuals to pools from which the Executive Committee may select panels to consider any disciplinary issues, or matters that go to appeal. Disciplinary Panel Pool: I. Bond, H. Hall, R. Hilditch, C. Irwin, B. Judson, W. Lamb, D. Magee, D. Openshaw, R. Rogers, D. Trotman and I. Vincent. Appeals Panel Pool: W. Arliss, Q. Barrett, R. Bray, D. Gaunt, S. Mulliner, B. Neal, A. Oldham, R. Rogers, J. Solomon and L. Wharrad.

A new Publishing Committee has been established, responsible for the magazine, website and for overseeing all other CA publications. There is no longer any requirement for a separate Magazine Committee.

In 2002 the per capita rate for the Club Membership Fee will be £6.

Marketing & Membership

New publicity leaflets for Association and Golf croquet have been well received.

Plans are being developed to recruit more Individual and Club Members of the CA.

Tournaments

The Hurlingham Club has confirmed that it will continue to offer the CA the use of lawns for major croquet events without any charge.

In 2002 the rate per day the CA will pay for a lawn (including balls) has been increased to £20. A guidance note is being issued to clubs regarding the CA's lawn marking, mowing and hoop setting requirements. There will be some increases in tournament entry fees.

A sub-committee is being set up to deal specifically with matters affecting tournament managers.

Quiller Barrett