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ForumALCBSA: General2020 Counties Meeting

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2020 Counties Meeting

#1 · February 18, 2020, 11:18 am

Quote from Murr on February 18, 2020, 11:18 am
Hi Guys just to let you all know I traveled to Glasgow on Sunday to attend this years Counties AGM.
Here is the minutes of the meeting for anyone who is interested in seeing how it went.
What stands out is how much commitment and work Tam and Stuart and the rest of the guys that help them put in to build and run the annual competition. To help with us supporting this competition we hope to enter two teams this year. The dates for the competition are still to be finalised so we will ask for who is interested and available after we know when it will be.
It’s a bit of a read but hopefully some will find very interesting

SCOTTISH COUNTY SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP

2020 AGM: TOLLCROSS, GLASGOW: 16thFEBRUARY 2020

DECISIONS AND ACTIONS

ATTENDEES:

Tam Moran and Stuart Johnstone (Tournament Directors), Lindsay Currie (Dumfries and Secretary/Treasurer), Kevin Glen/ Colin Marshall/Alan O’Neil (Cumbernauld), Sandy McIntosh (Paisley),Raymond Murray (Aberdeen), Craig Bradshaw, Willie Craig.

Linked in via fb:

Moray: Adam McLeod; Dundee: Jamie Colligan; Glenrothes: Dale Williams/David Coulter; Edinburgh: Darren Gilbertson

NON- ATTENDEES:

Representative from Ayrshire, Borders

Apologies: Billy Henderson (Chairman & West of Scotland)

Approval of Minutes of 2019 AGM

Approved: Raymond Murray; Seconded: Willie Craig

Committee Elections

It was agreed that the 2020/21 Committee membership would be as follows:

Chairman: Billy Henderson

Vice Chairman (new position): Stuart Johnstone (who will initiallystand in for Billy)

Secretary/Treasurer: Lindsay Currie

Joint Tournament Directors: Tom Moran and Stuart Johnstone

Referees Co-Ordinator: Willie Craig

County Reps:

West of Scotland: Graham Innes

Dumfries: Lindsay Currie

Paisley: Sandy McIntosh

Cumbernauld: Kevin Glen and Colin Marshall

Aberdeen: Raymond Murray and Kenny McPherson

Borders: Mark Riddle

Moray: Adam McLeod

Glenrothes: Dave Coulter

Edinburgh: Darren Gilbertson

Dundee: Jamie Colligan

Financial Status Report

Lindsay presented the Accounts, noting that a net inflow of approx.£1400 had increased reserves to some £2400. This surplus had arisen due to increased entry fee income, sale of cloth (provided by sponsor Strachan) as well as a substantial income from the sale (on Ebay) of Taom chalk and tips which had allowed for payment for photography. It was also noted that stock currently consisted of 10 sets of Aramith Tournament balls + some lighting accessories.

Feedback from 2019 England v Scotland Match (Raeburn Trophy)

The consensus was that the week-end in Merseyside had been a great success, other than the result.

Feedback from 2019 Championship

Noting another highly successful event, spread over 2 days and 2 venues for the 1st time, the learning points were as follows:

1 The playing conditions in the Q Club (all tables having been reclothed for the event) were considered excellent. The Masters tables were, however, of lesser quality (only 2 having been recovered) and the heating was not really adequate.

2 The use of the Casino as well as provision of food on the Sunday was discussed (see below for way forward)

3 It was agreed that trousers and shoes (together with the team top) were to be encouraged in order to enhance the professionalism of the event, particularly of the Finals day which would be live streamed.

4 It was encouraging to note the number of young players attending the event.

PREPARATIONS FOR 2020 AND BEYOND

2020 Raeburn Trophy

The event would be staged at the Q Club on 4th/5th April and feature both the County and Plate Champions. Tam advised that some sponsorship was likely to be received (English sponsor) which would be used for a prize fund. Additionally, it was agreed that a donation of £100 would be given to the Q Club for use of the facilities.

2020 Championship

NUMBER OF VENUES

On the understanding that at least one additional ‘County’ would be represented together with exiting Counties fielding additional teams, the working assumption was that the 2020 entries would exceed 14 teams, the maximum number which could be accommodated using two venues; a 3rd venue would therefore be needed.

CHOICE OF VENUES

Tam advised that both the Q Club and the Masters would greatly welcome the competition to return to these venues; this was agreed. Noting the assumption that a 3rd venue would be needed, threepossibilities were discussed: Red Triangle, Ballroom and Lucky Break. It was agreed that Tam/Stuart would review these options, provide a list of pros/cons including what each venue could offer and provide the outcome such that a group decision could be made(Tam/Stuart)

RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

It was noted that a 3rd venue would require an additional TD. Cumbernauld advised that if the Red Triangle was successful in being chosen as the 3rd venue they would be able to supply a TD. It was agreed to wait until the outcome of the option review before pursuing further.

DATE OF COMPETITION

A date of 3rd/4th October was agreed subject to venue availability, with a fall-back date of 31st Oct/1st Nov (TDs to finalise)

ENTRY FEE

Following discussion on the cost per player presented by Stuart the following was agreed:

The 2020 Entry Fee would be £20 per player (ie £200 per 10 man team)

This fee would remain at £20 per player for the 2021 and 2022 events.

All players would receive a free raffle ticket as part of the entry fee.

In order to encourage youngsters, a refund of £20 per player would be given to any County who fielded a player(s) aged 20 or under on the day of the event.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTIES/FEES

It was agreed that the closing date for team entries, together with the £200 team fee, would be 31st May 2020.

50% RULE

Raymond advised that due to work commitments (eg offshore oil rigworkers) some of the Aberdeen players could not meet the 50% requirement although, when available (eg on shore) they were able to exceed 50% of ‘available’ matches. Recognising that one of the main aims of the championship is to encourage as many players as possible it was agreed that a relaxation of the 50% rule could be made under such circumstances, which would include shift workers. After much discussion it was agreed that each County could nominate up to 5 players each year who, in the opinion of the County representative, fall into this category but these players must achieve at least 30%; the names and reason to be forwarded to Lindsay who would retain a database. It was agreed that the ‘policing’ of this relaxation must be the responsibility of each County. (County reps to action)

FORMAT

This will be dictated/determined by the number of entries but it was considered that the Sunday KO stages would require two venues.

BUFFET

It was agreed to continue with a buffet for the players on the Sunday.

CASINO

A more time limited casino would take place on the Sunday.

RAFFLE

A raffle would be held (suggested that tickets started to be sold on Saturday) noting some prizes already held (from previous years’donations)

AVAILABLE GRANTS

Tam advised that receiving a further grant from Glasgow SportsCouncil would probably prove more difficult due to potential changes in structure/funding. Stuart advised that further grant opportunities could be explored eg Glasgow Council and Sportscotland; this was agreed (TDs to explore) Lindsay advised that he was still waiting for the annual NGB letter of support and it was noted that this letter would most likely be needed to progress these other opportunities. It was agreed that Lindsay would contact the NGB and try to expedite the letter. (Lindsay)

SPONSORSHIP

Aramith/Strachan

Stuart and Tam fed back the outcome of their London trip to negotiate forward sponsorship. A 3 year deal (worth approx.£10000) had been agreed (written confirmation awaited) covering cloth (24) and tournament balls (24). Stuart and Tam were congratulated on their achievement. It was agreed that they should be reimbursed air fare and accommodation (£500 agreed; supporting paperwork had been sent to Lindsay). It was also agreed that future out of pocket expenses would be payable on receipt of paperwork. The move to a 3 year deal was considered to be a worthy achievement which would greatly support the stability/growth of the tournament.

It was agreed that, as per last year, the cloth would be offered for sale to the participating venues (selling price of £187 per cloth in2019) (Tam to action). It was noted that there was a possibility that all 24 sets of balls could be made available this year and if so these would be retained and added to existing stock (noting potentially 45 sets needed on the Saturday)

Peradon

The above discussions are likely to lead to an introduction to potential Peradon sponsorship which could involve offering theNaming Rights to the tournament (Strachan/Aramith OK with this possibility). It was noted that a trip to Merseyside would probably be required to pursue this potential avenue.

TAOM

Tam advised that TAOM would probably not be as generous as in the last 2 years although a proposal had been submitted.

McBookie

Tam advised that he now had a contact name in this betting company and would be sounding them out, noting that a similar type betting company sponsor the English County Championship(Tam to follow up)

Table Sponsorship

It was agreed that each County would be invited to seek £50 sponsorship of a table. This would entitle sponsors to be included in the Programme, place marketing material on the table gantry as well as be included in a social media promo video [Craig Bradshaw advised that his photography business would be the opening sponsor] (County reps to follow up; Lindsay to be the point of contact)

FUNDING FROM WORLD SNOOKER

Tam advised that discussions with Jason Ferguson had taken place on the future of the tournament (see below) and that WPBSAwould, noting the absence of funding from the Scottish NGB, agree to fund the Referees and Tournament Directors for the 2020 tournament in line with funding provided to the English county events by EPSB (written confirmation received). It was consideredthat this now ‘opened the door’ for a more active exchange/interface with World Snooker, including the formal endorsement of the event by WPBSA (via programme/flyers/media coverage etc)

Potential for 4 Nation/International Championship

Tam reported that his /Stuart’s meeting with Jason Fergusson and Bob Hill covering the growth of the tournament and the potential for the Raeburn model to expand initially into a Home Nations tournament and ultimately a European/World amateur team event had been very well received. The Scottish ‘model’ was considered compelling and Stuart had been invited to send his presentation to Bob Hill, the designated world snooker contact; this was agreed(Lindsay, as Secretary, to action) Should a Home Nations tournament be established then Scotland would be seeking to be the inaugural host.

Lindsay Currie

Secretary

18th February 2020

Hi Guys just to let you all know I traveled to Glasgow on Sunday to attend this years Counties AGM.
Here is the minutes of the meeting for anyone who is interested in seeing how it went.
What stands out is how much commitment and work Tam and Stuart and the rest of the guys that help them put in to build and run the annual competition. To help with us supporting this competition we hope to enter two teams this year. The dates for the competition are still to be finalised so we will ask for who is interested and available after we know when it will be.
It’s a bit of a read but hopefully some will find very interesting

SCOTTISH COUNTY SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP

2020 AGM: TOLLCROSS, GLASGOW: 16thFEBRUARY 2020

DECISIONS AND ACTIONS

ATTENDEES:

Tam Moran and Stuart Johnstone (Tournament Directors), Lindsay Currie (Dumfries and Secretary/Treasurer), Kevin Glen/ Colin Marshall/Alan O’Neil (Cumbernauld), Sandy McIntosh (Paisley),Raymond Murray (Aberdeen), Craig Bradshaw, Willie Craig.

Linked in via fb:

Moray: Adam McLeod; Dundee: Jamie Colligan; Glenrothes: Dale Williams/David Coulter; Edinburgh: Darren Gilbertson

NON- ATTENDEES:

Representative from Ayrshire, Borders

Apologies: Billy Henderson (Chairman & West of Scotland)

Approval of Minutes of 2019 AGM

Approved: Raymond Murray; Seconded: Willie Craig

Committee Elections

It was agreed that the 2020/21 Committee membership would be as follows:

Chairman: Billy Henderson

Vice Chairman (new position): Stuart Johnstone (who will initiallystand in for Billy)

Secretary/Treasurer: Lindsay Currie

Joint Tournament Directors: Tom Moran and Stuart Johnstone

Referees Co-Ordinator: Willie Craig

County Reps:

West of Scotland: Graham Innes

Dumfries: Lindsay Currie

Paisley: Sandy McIntosh

Cumbernauld: Kevin Glen and Colin Marshall

Aberdeen: Raymond Murray and Kenny McPherson

Borders: Mark Riddle

Moray: Adam McLeod

Glenrothes: Dave Coulter

Edinburgh: Darren Gilbertson

Dundee: Jamie Colligan

Financial Status Report

Lindsay presented the Accounts, noting that a net inflow of approx.£1400 had increased reserves to some £2400. This surplus had arisen due to increased entry fee income, sale of cloth (provided by sponsor Strachan) as well as a substantial income from the sale (on Ebay) of Taom chalk and tips which had allowed for payment for photography. It was also noted that stock currently consisted of 10 sets of Aramith Tournament balls + some lighting accessories.

Feedback from 2019 England v Scotland Match (Raeburn Trophy)

The consensus was that the week-end in Merseyside had been a great success, other than the result.

Feedback from 2019 Championship

Noting another highly successful event, spread over 2 days and 2 venues for the 1st time, the learning points were as follows:

1 The playing conditions in the Q Club (all tables having been reclothed for the event) were considered excellent. The Masters tables were, however, of lesser quality (only 2 having been recovered) and the heating was not really adequate.

2 The use of the Casino as well as provision of food on the Sunday was discussed (see below for way forward)

3 It was agreed that trousers and shoes (together with the team top) were to be encouraged in order to enhance the professionalism of the event, particularly of the Finals day which would be live streamed.

4 It was encouraging to note the number of young players attending the event.

PREPARATIONS FOR 2020 AND BEYOND

2020 Raeburn Trophy

The event would be staged at the Q Club on 4th/5th April and feature both the County and Plate Champions. Tam advised that some sponsorship was likely to be received (English sponsor) which would be used for a prize fund. Additionally, it was agreed that a donation of £100 would be given to the Q Club for use of the facilities.

2020 Championship

NUMBER OF VENUES

On the understanding that at least one additional ‘County’ would be represented together with exiting Counties fielding additional teams, the working assumption was that the 2020 entries would exceed 14 teams, the maximum number which could be accommodated using two venues; a 3rd venue would therefore be needed.

CHOICE OF VENUES

Tam advised that both the Q Club and the Masters would greatly welcome the competition to return to these venues; this was agreed. Noting the assumption that a 3rd venue would be needed, threepossibilities were discussed: Red Triangle, Ballroom and Lucky Break. It was agreed that Tam/Stuart would review these options, provide a list of pros/cons including what each venue could offer and provide the outcome such that a group decision could be made(Tam/Stuart)

RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

It was noted that a 3rd venue would require an additional TD. Cumbernauld advised that if the Red Triangle was successful in being chosen as the 3rd venue they would be able to supply a TD. It was agreed to wait until the outcome of the option review before pursuing further.

DATE OF COMPETITION

A date of 3rd/4th October was agreed subject to venue availability, with a fall-back date of 31st Oct/1st Nov (TDs to finalise)

ENTRY FEE

Following discussion on the cost per player presented by Stuart the following was agreed:

The 2020 Entry Fee would be £20 per player (ie £200 per 10 man team)

This fee would remain at £20 per player for the 2021 and 2022 events.

All players would receive a free raffle ticket as part of the entry fee.

In order to encourage youngsters, a refund of £20 per player would be given to any County who fielded a player(s) aged 20 or under on the day of the event.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTIES/FEES

It was agreed that the closing date for team entries, together with the £200 team fee, would be 31st May 2020.

50% RULE

Raymond advised that due to work commitments (eg offshore oil rigworkers) some of the Aberdeen players could not meet the 50% requirement although, when available (eg on shore) they were able to exceed 50% of ‘available’ matches. Recognising that one of the main aims of the championship is to encourage as many players as possible it was agreed that a relaxation of the 50% rule could be made under such circumstances, which would include shift workers. After much discussion it was agreed that each County could nominate up to 5 players each year who, in the opinion of the County representative, fall into this category but these players must achieve at least 30%; the names and reason to be forwarded to Lindsay who would retain a database. It was agreed that the ‘policing’ of this relaxation must be the responsibility of each County. (County reps to action)

FORMAT

This will be dictated/determined by the number of entries but it was considered that the Sunday KO stages would require two venues.

BUFFET

It was agreed to continue with a buffet for the players on the Sunday.

CASINO

A more time limited casino would take place on the Sunday.

RAFFLE

A raffle would be held (suggested that tickets started to be sold on Saturday) noting some prizes already held (from previous years’donations)

AVAILABLE GRANTS

Tam advised that receiving a further grant from Glasgow SportsCouncil would probably prove more difficult due to potential changes in structure/funding. Stuart advised that further grant opportunities could be explored eg Glasgow Council and Sportscotland; this was agreed (TDs to explore) Lindsay advised that he was still waiting for the annual NGB letter of support and it was noted that this letter would most likely be needed to progress these other opportunities. It was agreed that Lindsay would contact the NGB and try to expedite the letter. (Lindsay)

SPONSORSHIP

Aramith/Strachan

Stuart and Tam fed back the outcome of their London trip to negotiate forward sponsorship. A 3 year deal (worth approx.£10000) had been agreed (written confirmation awaited) covering cloth (24) and tournament balls (24). Stuart and Tam were congratulated on their achievement. It was agreed that they should be reimbursed air fare and accommodation (£500 agreed; supporting paperwork had been sent to Lindsay). It was also agreed that future out of pocket expenses would be payable on receipt of paperwork. The move to a 3 year deal was considered to be a worthy achievement which would greatly support the stability/growth of the tournament.

It was agreed that, as per last year, the cloth would be offered for sale to the participating venues (selling price of £187 per cloth in2019) (Tam to action). It was noted that there was a possibility that all 24 sets of balls could be made available this year and if so these would be retained and added to existing stock (noting potentially 45 sets needed on the Saturday)

Peradon

The above discussions are likely to lead to an introduction to potential Peradon sponsorship which could involve offering theNaming Rights to the tournament (Strachan/Aramith OK with this possibility). It was noted that a trip to Merseyside would probably be required to pursue this potential avenue.

TAOM

Tam advised that TAOM would probably not be as generous as in the last 2 years although a proposal had been submitted.

McBookie

Tam advised that he now had a contact name in this betting company and would be sounding them out, noting that a similar type betting company sponsor the English County Championship(Tam to follow up)

Table Sponsorship

It was agreed that each County would be invited to seek £50 sponsorship of a table. This would entitle sponsors to be included in the Programme, place marketing material on the table gantry as well as be included in a social media promo video [Craig Bradshaw advised that his photography business would be the opening sponsor] (County reps to follow up; Lindsay to be the point of contact)

FUNDING FROM WORLD SNOOKER

Tam advised that discussions with Jason Ferguson had taken place on the future of the tournament (see below) and that WPBSAwould, noting the absence of funding from the Scottish NGB, agree to fund the Referees and Tournament Directors for the 2020 tournament in line with funding provided to the English county events by EPSB (written confirmation received). It was consideredthat this now ‘opened the door’ for a more active exchange/interface with World Snooker, including the formal endorsement of the event by WPBSA (via programme/flyers/media coverage etc)

Potential for 4 Nation/International Championship

Tam reported that his /Stuart’s meeting with Jason Fergusson and Bob Hill covering the growth of the tournament and the potential for the Raeburn model to expand initially into a Home Nations tournament and ultimately a European/World amateur team event had been very well received. The Scottish ‘model’ was considered compelling and Stuart had been invited to send his presentation to Bob Hill, the designated world snooker contact; this was agreed(Lindsay, as Secretary, to action) Should a Home Nations tournament be established then Scotland would be seeking to be the inaugural host.

Lindsay Currie

Secretary

18th February 2020