Council Report 1982-1983

Published in the 1983-1984 Handbook.

This report has been compiled from the reports given to the 1983 A.G.M. by the Officers of the Association.

The season saw Winter League entries fall from 106 teams in nine divisions to 96 teams in eight divisions. Two important rule alterations were adopted for the season. A point per set won scheme was adopted to replace the two points per match and this appears to have been a great success, making league matches more competitive. Clubs were given more freedom in selecting teams as the grading system of selecting Winter League teams was scrapped in favour of a player nomination system. Both Rules will be reviewed at the end of the 83/84 season to see if any alteration is required. It was very pleasing to see the marked improvement in three of our junior players as the season progressed, namely Neil Wright, Mark Hubble and Tony Reed. One of the good points in favour of team selection by nomination is that youngsters can be brought up from the ranks above the established older players not withstanding their lower gradings.

From the Competitions point of view the 10% drop in team entries to the league did not seem to affect entries to events. As with the previous season the team finals were played at York R.I. and the Charity Pairs event at Y.G.L., Rufforth Hall. The latter event has established itself as a popular item in our crowded calendar.

The Bagshaw Trophy finals were played at York R.I. in January. The entry for this event was much as last season in terms of numbers. The York Closed Championships were again sponsored by N.I.M. Company, but the entry was 19% down on last season. We are indebted to the sponsors for their support.

Monthly Council meetings were reasonably well attended, although a large number of Clubs did not attend at least two of these and were fined. This is a great pity because the Council meetings give Clubs a chance to air their views and to contribute to the running of the Association.

Unfortunately Coaching sessions at the Railway Institute had to be curtailed due to roof repairs but attendance at the sessions held were very good. More helpers are required for next season, please.

In the Yorkshire League, our Mens 1st team will be promoted to the Premier Division, but the second team will find themselves in Division Two next season. The Ladies team had a successful season finishing third and the Junior team were unbeaten at home but could not win away from home.

Over 90 members and guests attended the Annual Buffet Dance at the Railway Institute Sportsground, Malcolm Hall, the York Closed Sponsor, was principle guest.

The Association wishes to record its thanks to three officers and one Yorkshire League team administrators who resigned at the A.G.M. for all their hard work. They are: Clive Warley (Match Secretary), Mike Wadsworth (Yorkshire League Secretary), John Glew (Handbook Secretary) and Gus Horvath (Junior Team Administrator).

Sometime during the 83/84 season, the Association may have to decide which bat covering Rule it wishes to play under. From 1st January, 1984, entrants to International events will have to use bats with different coloured surfaces each side. The National and County bodies are likely to follow suit at some stage.

Finally thanks to the Clubs who made available their premises for matches and meetings.

D. C. Atkinson.

League Tables and Players' Averages 1982-1983

Shepherd Trophy 1982-83