ENGLAND SQUASH MASTERS COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD ON 17 DECEMBER 2011 AT BURY

 PRESENT

Martin Pearse (Chairman), Adrian Wright, Mike Clemson, Stuart Hardy, Dave Hardern, Steve Mcloughlin, Robert Smith and Peter Alexander

 APOLOGIES                Chris Nutley and Matt Baker

 MINUTES  of the meeting held on 21 September 2011 were approved

 THE STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF MASTERS SQUASH

 Mike had circulated a paper setting out some of the issues around the planning and programming of all the Masters Squash which falls under the auspices of ESR, and suggesting that we should seek a meeting with ESR about the greater integration of all Masters activity. It was agreed that Mike should draft a letter to ESR seeking such a meeting. It was also agreed that the direction of such integration should be that ESR might assume more responsibility rather than this Committee

 It was noted as an example that Dave Hardern had to change the date of one of the Home International weekends because of a clash with the more recently arranged British Open

 INTER-COUNTY MASTERS EVENTS

 There was much discussion arising from Peter’s paper proposing that the Inter-County Masters events should start afresh every season rather than being based on the previous seasons divisions and results. Also that the early rounds should be regionalised in a league format, while still retaining a finals weekend towards the end of the season, thus hopefully opening up more flexibility for harmonising dates with the Masters Regionals. A vote was taken and this was agreed unanimously to support these proposals

  Chris Nutley had notified the Committee that ESR would be reviewing the arrangements for the Inter-County Championships in the New Year, and that this Committee’s views would be taken into account along with those of the County Associations

 THE REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS

 (a)    A letter from Mo Sarwar (Coventry) had been received expressing the view that the balance of benefits and obligations for host clubs needed to be reviewed. Mo had received the impression that the use of Brian Brock as tournament manager would be obligatory, but the Committee confirmed that this was not the case, and that it was up to the host club to provide a manager, with Brian on offer if required.

(b)   It was agreed that, in the light of our experience to date and information provided by ESR on other possible venues around the country, we should review the criteria and locations of venues for 2012-13 onwards, and that the Chairman should provide a report and proposals for consideration at the next meeting

 

FINANCE

 

Steve reported that he has now assumed the responsibilities of Hon. Treasurer, but was not able to provide a statement of our current position, as some accumulated funds still needed transferring from the website manager to the Masters Account, although he assured the Committee that we have a healthy balance. It was agreed that any ideas for the use of these funds should be sent to Steve, and that he should put forward a report and proposals for their use at the next meeting

 HOME INTERNATIONALS

 Dave reported that, as a consequence of the British Open Masters being played in the week ending 12/13 May 2012, he had to change the date of the Nottingham weekend to 25/26 May and, because of a clash with the Nottingham Test match, to agree to increased hotel prices. He therefore proposed to increase the cost to players to the same as that for the other International weekends ie £175. This was agreed, and Dave was thanked for his efforts on this matter

 WORLD MASTERS 2012

 There was general agreement that the entry fee was exorbitant, and it was agreed that the Committee would like to know why it was so high, and why it had been arrived out without consultation with this Committee.

  Robert and Stuart had received late or no notice of a recent meeting of the Planning Committee, and would ask to see the minutes as soon as they were available

 BRITISH OPEN

 It was noted that the British Open would be held at the O2 arena in May 2012, and that the Masters events would be held at the same time in the London area. The Committee failed to see why this should be the case, given the cost and traffic implications. In 2013 and 2014 it would be held in East Yorkshire, venues and dates to be confirmed

 WEBSITE

 Adrian reported that its adaptation was still work in progress, with help from Brian Brock. There was general agreement that it is much improved, and Adrian was thanked for his effort and commitment

 OTHER BUSINESS

 Concern was expressed about the decline in quality of Dunlop balls, many of which did not appear to be round ! Committee members were asked to monitor the situation.

 In view of the excellent facilities provided for this Committee meeting, it was agreed to give the Bury Club an appreciation of £100

 NEXT