February 2015 Meeting Minutes
Published February 2015Minutes of the Committee Meeting of the DBA held on Wednesday 18 Feb 2015 at the Isca Centre.
Draft minutes awaiting approval at the next meeting.
Present: Michael Hamon (Chairman), George Simnett (vice-Chairman), Terence Treeby (Hon Secretary), Vivien Peters (Hon Treasurer), David Clarke (North), Ros Morgan (West), Pam Ward (South), Terry Cannon (East), Jeanine Keith (Tournament Administrator).
1. Apologies. Keith Ponsford (East), Paul Ainsworth(South),
2. Minutes of meeting 13 Nov 2014.
2.1. Nov 4.2. was reworded; the minutes were then accepted and signed as correct.
3. Matters arising.
3.1. (Nov 3.1.) At and following the committee meeting in Nov 2014 it has been confirmed that Alison Pollok has joined the selection sub-committee.
3.2. (Nov 3.2.) A member was approached to serve on the Conduct Sub-committee but declined. David Clarke agreed to fill the vacancy.
3.3. (Nov 3.3.) Revised terms of reference for sub-committees were circulated on 17 Nov. The terms will be reviewed again in 12 months.
3.4. (Nov 3.5.) The calculations for Tollemache expenses for 2014 were varied from the minute after selection. The limit of £400 for expenses stands for 2015 and 2016.
3.5. (Nov 4.2) The Treasurer will write to Torquay BC about their request for help with bridgemates. The committee reaffirmed the minute from Nov 2013 : 4.5. Any future claim for one-third of the cost of dealing or scoring equipment will be considered on an individual basis but cannot be guaranteed.
3.6. (Nov 5.1). Terence Treeby agreed to act as magazine correspondent; in-county results on the online magazine will have a link to the DBA website.
3.7. (Nov 5.5.) Two new non-affiliated clubs were reported. No progress on affiliation.
4. Treasurer's Report and Financial Matters
4.1. The Treasurer’s report was circulated in advance. The DBA current account balance is £13844 as at 10th February which includes 2015 Congress entries. DBA subsidised Andrew Robson’s tour by £700. Tollemache entry fee was £400. Teams of 8 had 7 entries and prizes (including entry to the Garden Cities) were set so as to approximately break even.
4.2. The abnormally low entry for the Devon Pairs (Julia Chadwick) final was discussed and a prize structure agreed. For rule changes for future years see 5.2.
5. Secretary’s Report and Correspondence (including S Shareholders’ report on EBU matters)
5.1. Letter from Jonathan Taylor from Winkleigh (North); newly moved to area; EBU teacher starting teaching in 2015; possibly starting daytime club with possible affiliation; buying his own duplimate and prepared to help county.
5.2. Following circulation of notes on update of Rule Book, members were asked to make written comments so that a fully revised version can be prepared for the next meeting. In the interim two changes were agreed.
(a)(A)Bridge In Devon
Change
The DBA organises events in Devon; it runs its own events and it licenses others such as charity events run by a club. All EBU members are welcome to join in any listed event. Non-members of the EBU may also take part in some of the events. Please check with the organiser first.
To
The DBA organises events in Devon; it runs its own events and it licenses others such as charity events run by a club. Most listed events require players to be EBU members; some in addition require membership of DBA. Non-members of the EBU may also take part in some of the events. Please check with the organiser first.
Change
At County level the DBA is affiliated to the EBU and EBU members in Devon automatically become DBA members. The EBU is the national bridge organisation for England and as such represents the interests of players and clubs. The DBA promotes bridge and competitions for local players.
To
(b)Note (D)3. Concerning Devon Pairs was discussed and the following change agreed:
Change
The leading 4 pairs qualify for the EBU’s Reg Corwen Trophy (The Inter-Counties Pairs Championship) and the entry fees, but not expenses, will be paid by the Association. The entry fees of reserves subsequently playing in the Corwen will be subsidised by the Association.
To
The leading 4 pairs qualify for the EBU’s Reg Corwen Trophy (The Inter-Counties Pairs Championship) and the entry fees, but not expenses, will normally be paid by the Association.
5.3. The Secretary circulated a report on advice given to clubs and sections on conduct and other matters (after consultation with EBU). Appreciation was recorded for help from John Pain (EBU Laws and Ethics Secretary), Gordon Rainsford (Chief Tournament Director) and two EBU Board members with particular expertise.
Advice-in-common was identified for wider circulation:
(1) Problems are often more easily solved if dealt with in the playing room by the Director. Players should be aware that they should call the Director for misbehaviour, and the Director should be aware that penalties and sanctions are available. The EBU White Book gives guidelines.
(2) Non-playing disciplinary problems are more easily dealt with if there is a watertight constitution, similar to the EBU model constitution. Clubs should make the effort to change their constitution if necessary.
(3) Action outside the existing club or county constitution should not be taken. It may be contrary to the Laws of Bridge, the law of the land, or human rights legislation.
(4) If a problem is not covered by a constitution or rules, then advice should be sought (e.g. from the EBU) before making up a solution.
(5) Any possible conflict of interest should be avoided at all costs.
S 5.4. The Chairman attended the EBU AGM in Nov with proxy from non attending shareholders. Further details on EBU website. (Chairman attending). A shareholder will attend the next meeting on Wed 13 May.
5.5. Ruth is helping the Secretary work towards a more continuous calendar rather than issuing a once-a-year listing. The Secretary is now able to edit events on the website.
5.6. EBED have advised changes to arrangements and charges for Directors’ courses.
6. Section Reports
6.1. (North) £653 raised for charity from 20 tables at Filleigh in February. Congress entries about 56 pairs and 31 teams. AGM 28 Apr at 6pm at Caen.
6.2. (East) Woolcott entries were down but should still show a surplus. AGM to be confirmed.
6.3. (West) report circulated. The Heart Foundation Swiss Teams was again a success and £300 donated to the BHF. The newly formed with 6 teams in the 1st division and 4 in the second has been well received and it is hoped to build on this success. AGM to be confirmed.
6.4. (South) report circulated. Winter pairs average 7½ tables. First 3 sim pairs have raised £1235. The upcoming Thursday event has 12 clubs (including 7 non-affiliated). Pam Ward and Tim Walton are stepping down at their AGM and it may be difficult to form a new committee. The Constitution requires a Chairman and a Treasurer. Publicity and help from clubs may be needed. AGM 20 May at 6.30pm at Torquay.
7. Sub-committee reports
7.1. Technology sub-committee [George Simnett, Paul Ainsworth, Ruth Edmondson]
(Nov 7.1.) The Bridgemate seminar by Don Pearson had 14 attendees and Don was aided by Robin Barker. Attendees learnt that not all problems have to be solved by travellers.
The Chairman and Ros Morgan had observed Bridgepad scoring in action at Kingsbridge Estuary U3A BC and commend the system as an affordable alternative to bridgemates for once-a-week clubs.
7.2. EBU Counties Working Group. [Dick Andrews] no report.
7.3. Tournament Sub-Committee. [Jeanine Keith (Tournament Administrator), Terence Treeby, Vivien Peters]
The teams of 8 went well but only 7 teams took part this year compared to 11 in 2014.
The Western Morning News is progressing to the semi-final stage in the main event.
The county teams in the Western League are not doing very well this year. After 5 matches played all 3 sections are lying in 5th place.
Julia Chadwick. At the time of the meeting 24 pairs who have confirmed their entry. Many clubs say the rise in entry fee is too much and their players are not prepared to pay the extra cost. 2012 169 played at 8 clubs, 83 scored 50%+, 36 pairs at final. 2013 33 pairs at final. 2014 215 played at 11 clubs, 102 scored 50%+, 35 pairs at final. 2015 229 played at 14 clubs, 122 scored 50%+, 24 pairs entered for final.
Western league rota to 2019 based on current membership shares was agreed.
7.4. Education Sub-Committee. [Andrew Leslie, Carol Ritzen]
Update on Byrne visit circulated showing all 32 places taken, with reserves. Budget discussed.
Discussion on further Andrew Robson tour in Oct 2016 (or possibly Mar 2017) and organiser held over.
Ongoing strategy for education (including schools and youth) and training to be discussed at the next meeting.
EBEB club teacher training course at Bristol 6/7 June.
7.5. Selection Sub-Committee. No report..
7.6. Congress Sub-Committee. [Marion Kelsey, Terence Treeby, Mike Kelsey, Vivien Peters]
Report circulated. Current entries about 40 tables with income £7100. Approval given to pay £220 for 250 score booklets (down from £230 for 300). Terence Treeby confirmed his wish to give up running the congress after the 2015 event. Mike Hamon is shadowing for this year.
7.7. Conduct Sub-Committees: [Steve Quinn, Maureen Baser, George Simnett, Keith Ponsford, one vacancy, Jeanine Keith co-opted for specific business and now stood down]
The conduct committee has been acting on behalf of a club; has concluded and has reported to the club, which thanked them for their work.
7.8. Disciplinary Sub-Committees: [Michael Hamon, Robin Barker, Andrew Leslie, Paul Ainsworth, Ann Slee] No report.
8. AGM Preparations
8.1. On or before 26 Apr notices will be sent to each affiliated club asking for nominations and resolutions by 16 May. On or before Sun 24 May, the agenda has to be confirmed by the Chairman and Notice convening the meeting must be sent to each member. This will be done by email where known or by named slips (possible samples shown) via club secretaries for handing out to members. Agenda and special business to be sent to each affiliated club on or before Sun 24 May. All notices etc will also be posted on the website. Formal notice is also included in the April EBU magazine.
8.2. The officers need to confirm if they are available for re-election. (75% vote needed to extend vice-Chairman beyond 3 years).
8.3. The committee agreed to propose to the AGM that P2P will have its first rise to 4p; the club subscription will remain at zero and the Devon part of direct membership remains at £3. Noted that this will still leave Devon among the cheapest.
9. Any Other Business. None.
10. Next meetings
10.1. The next meeting will be at the Isca Centre at 6.30 pm on Wed 27 May. Committee members are sub-committees are asked to send documents for circulation to the Hon Sec by 6 May at the latest.
10.2. AGM
10.3. (Post-AGM)