Minutes of the SDTTL 2007 AGM, held at Rawreth TTC on the 19^th July 2007

1) Southend votes unanimously for a No Postponement Rule

The AGM voted unanimously for a no postponement rule to be added to the winter format. Postponements will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances with permission being sort first from the Result Secretary. Obviously common sense prevails here, but not being able to field your strongest team or not enough players, will not be accepted. Games can however be brought forward. In addition the 21 point rule has been removed. It was agreed that this rule change is to be reviewed at the 2008 AGM.

2) The Rosebowl Knockout Competition

Following a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that instead of a Singles only competition, Doubles will be reinstated and a more suitable handicap system worked on. It was agreed to work on the handicaps to ensure a reasonable length Match when teams in the same divisions meet; i.e. the better player/s starting from scratch. It was also agreed to re-combine the Cup into a single competition for all divisions.

3) Doubles to the Winter Format was again rejected

It is now a tradition that the proposal to have one game of doubles added to the winter is put on the agenda. Again this was rejected by the AGM.

4) Prompt Start and Finishing times

The AGM asked that matches start promptly by 7:45 in order to finish promptly. Some playing venues now have a prompt vacating time and in order to comply, a prompt start is essential. In addition, with the number of juniors now playing in the league, a prompt finish is important on school nights. Clubs were reminded that when they specify a time, they should themselves be on site at the time requested.

5) A New Badge for SDTTL

JJ put it to the AGM to let her know, what the design on the League badge was - nobody knew. Therefore it was agreed it was time for change with a new design which links the three affiliated councils, Southend, Rochford and Castle Point. One suggestion is that of a sailing boat flying a flag with the initials S R C which would reflect the waterways within each of the council’s boarders. The idea will be given to a graphic designer to produce in multiple formats to be used for the web, letter head, engraving, and embroidery.

6) Shirts for Rep Teams

It was agreed that we would get shirts embroidered with the League badge for Essex Rep Players. A lengthy discussion was had as to whether the league or players should foot the whole cost of each shirt or if the cost should be split, with the League and player each paying a percentage. It was agreed that fundraising such as the quiz night/s and summer-hardbat funds would be set against the cost of rep shirts. The rule for qualifying to wear a rep shirt remains – you have to play 3 times representing the SDDTL.

7) New Playing Venue.

Stuart Gibbs proposed that with the risk of losing the Warehouse Centre, we investigate building our own Centre or finding a suitable venue already built. Stuart explained that he had done much such work for the Basildon League in the early 90s but at the time, the ETTA had ruled it out. Today we have a new ETTA Board and Stuart feels the time may well be right to move a new move.

Stuart will contact the ETTA to see if he can locate his original proposals.

It was left for a fuller discussion at our first Executive Committee Meeting at which time a Sub-Committee will be formed for this: Andy Nunn, Rawreth juniors, volunteered to be on the sub-committee. There was much enthusiasm from the AGM for Stuart’s proposal and we all look forward to developments.

8) No being no other business, the AGM closed at 10.00 pm

Jayne Johnson 20^th July 2007