Council report 1980-81

Published in the 1981-1982 Handbook.

The General Secretary, David Atkinson, reports that attendances at the monthly Council Meetings held October 1980 to May 1981 were reasonable. Thanks were due to Rowntree's and Railway Institute for the use of meeting rooms. Also thanks were due to those Officers and Club Representatives for their support at the monthly meetings, which hopefully will continue. 59% of the affiliated clubs were fined for not attending at least two of the eight Council Meetings: a few more faces at these meetings would be welcome, even if the Association funds suffer.

The Treasurer, Peter Thompson, reports a healthy financial situation, with over £1,000 in the Accumulated Fund. Entry and registration fees will not be increased for Season 1981-82.

The Press Secretary, Christine Elliott, reports that 1980-81 was a good season for press coverage, with a lot of space being devoted to Tony Sanderson, who played for the County at senior level and also did well at tournaments. The Press Secretary and some of the Officers appeared on a Friday night spot on Radio Leeds. Next season hopefully we will have two or three spots.

The Annual Buffet/Dance had a new venue, the De Grey Rooms. Our President, Mike Riley, presented the awards and a new trophy, the Cameron Trophy, was presented to Terry Adams of Coneysthorpe. This trophy is to be presented each year to the player who has shown sportsmanship, sociability and a respect for the game throughout the season. The Social Secretary, Shirley Cameron, wonders whether a Disco/Social Night might attract more players, and welcomes suggestions for venues, etc.

Our Coaching Secretary, Betty Norman, reports that on average 40 players attended the Sunday morning coaching sessions held at the Railway Institute, using ten tables, three of which were provided by way of a 60% grant from the Sports Council. More players are required to help with the coaching sessions, so if you are interested in helping on a casual basis, please contact Betty.

Tournaments and Competitions were not as well supported as in previous years, but hopefully this is only a temporary setback. The "new look" York Closed was played over a day and a half, and was much easier to administer with only three games unfinished by the estimated times stipulated in the programme. All the main finals were completed on time. Surely this cannot be a bad thing, remembering past years' experiences. Paul Cameron ran the Bagshaw Tournament in January, and Mike Shepherdson has taken over the Summer League.

The Handicap Committee came in for criticism, but statistics show that there were two ties in the Shepherd and Machell events and 33 matches finished with margins of 7 points or less. Handicapping was way out on only 11 occasions. A big vote of thanks should go to the Committee.

Sally Downs, the Match Secretary for Divisions 1-5, reports that some promotion/relegation issues were not decided until the very last fixture. One club in particular caused a lot of trouble over fines and scorecards - York/Selby Youth. However, a word of praise to York University, whose record of administration in the past has been far from perfect. This season they fulfilled all fixtures and incurred no fines. During the season there was some criticism of Sally's actions as Match Secretary. Sally would like to point out that she tries to do the job by the Association Rules, which were voted into force by the clubs that form the Association. NONE of the clubs that have expressed dissatisfaction with the present Rules have submitted any changes.

Clive Warley, Match Secretary, Divisions 6-10, reports a fall in fines for late scorecards. There were no withdrawals from the League last season. Four teams kept the same three players all season. The number of teams turning out with only two players is rising, and this seems a pity when we know of so many players looking for a regular game.

From the Yorkshire League point of view the season was not very successful, but all our teams except the Juniors managed to retain their respective places. The Yorkshire League organisation, and in particular that of their League Secretary, has been deplorable during the season, with a distinct lack of information being made available. The availability and dedication of York's men's players has been outstanding, with only 13 players being called upon to fill 12 places during the season. Tony Sanderson had a 100% record in Division 1B.

League Tables and Players' Averages 1980-1981

In April 1981 Tony Sanderson was 8^th in the England Junior Boys rankings.