Tuesday 17th December 2019 We will start with drinks from 7pm at The Croham Arms, South Croydon, CR2 7PB followed by a quick trip to Little Bay, South Croydon, CR2 6PB where will sit for our meal at 8pm
Watch this space for details of our next Social Event.
The 2019 Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 7th May 2019 .
MINUTES
1. The Chairman (Geoff Knight) welcomed eleven members to the meeting. The attendees were: Geoff Knight, Steve Cornell, Geoff Turner, Bob McLeod, Matt Johnson, Ian Turner, John Lewis, John A Carter, Hugo de Mel, David Brown, Stephen McGuire and Chris George.
2. Apologies for absence were recorded from May Ayad, Katy Petro, Adam Knight, Roy Goldsmith, Steve Hodge, Malcolm Austin, Chris Henderson, Colin Wilson, Keith Ebdon, Heather Cornell, Peter Wiseman, Brian Hurn, Nigel Bovey and Ian Humphrey.
3. The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 13th March 2017 were approved after minor adjustment. The amended minutes were approved by the meeting and were signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising.
4. Chairman's Report. Geoff Knight assured the meeting that following the transfer of the organisation and administration of training within the county from the local associations to the Surrey ACO, CUSA has no plans to disband. East Surrey have already disbanded and West Surrey are considering their future which the Chairman found very disappointing. He emphasised the important role that local associations play in providing a forum for their members and the chance to interact socially.
5. The Secretary (Steve Cornell) gave his report and thanked the Committee Members for their support over the year. He particularly thanked Geoff Turner, Brian Hurn and David Brown for the important work they do on training He had organised the traditional Committee Christmas luncheon at the Chateau which had been a great success.
6. The Treasurer (John A Carter) delivered his brief report. The Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 30 September 2017 was circulated. The Treasurer reported that it had been a very quiet financial year and pointed out that as we no longer receive a grant from the Surrey Cricket Board and as an association no longer incur any training costs the accounts are very simple with the only expenditure being the secretarial and administrative expenses. Members' subscriptions were slightly down from the previous year. We had £4,812.00 in the bank as at 30th September 2017.
7. The Training Officer (Geoff Turner) presented his report. He stated that the new laws had been introduced into new courses and that the whole process of training umpires has changed. Previously the local associations, in our case CUSA, had organised and conducted the training. Now this is done centrally which whilst substantially decreasing the administraive workload means that there is veryu little pre-course contact with students. CUSA held a stage 1 course with eleven participants at the end of January. Four moved on to the stage 2 course where we had nine participants. In addition three evenings have been allocated for presenting the new laws. Geoff was grateful for the help and encouragement offered by Brian Hurn and David Brown and to Howard Cohen and Matt Johnson for their involvement. Matt Johnson addressed the meeting with his Surrey ACO hat on and his report is reproduced in full below.
The decision of ECBACO members nationally to be effectively “taken over” by the ECB last year has indeed fundamentally affected the dynamic of the way the education and recruitment, as well as the development of Umpires and Scorers is handled. This includes the way courses are organised, the course material and funding.I would stress that all the local training officers in Surrey had, and will continue to have, a full input in the locations, timings and organisation of this season’s training courses with the County Education Officer. The training team are central to all we do.The ECB is determined to increase the numbers of people who remain in the game by becoming match officials, and are determined to make it as easy as possible for them to do so.They also wish to lower the average age of those umpiring and those involved in training match officials, as well as reaching out to a more diverse ethnic community.Their motto is “Education for All, a Pathway for those who want it”In fact, shortly there will be a facility for people who wish to qualify as Umpires or Scorers to do so without any “Face to Face” classroom learning at all. We await details of this scheme.As the SACO committee, we are charged with implementing these goals in a practical way. This presents challenges to long established ways of operating. It also sets us the challenge of retaining the long experience and talents of all who have worked over many years to make Surrey one of the best organised ACO in the country.We are not here merely to serve the Leagues who operate panels, we work as closely as possible with all leagues in the county, including many who do not operate formal panels at all.We also have an obligation to organise courses and ongoing support for officials in all areas of the County.In order to do so, we need to have trainers and mentors available all over the county. I agree that not every experienced Umpire will be a good mentor, and our County Performance Officer, Brian Hurn works hard to identify and support those who are willing to mentor new recruits with the local training officers and appointment secretaries of the various leagues.Also, social events, both formal and informal at various locations around the County serve a valuable purpose in building a strong “community” of match officials, leading to greater retention.Anecdotally, all the local associations in Surrey and other home counties have seen a drop in attendance at social events, especially out of season in recent years. This may reflect the changing demographic of the membership, and the increased demands on the time of younger members both at work and within the family.Also the different and additional benefits of being a member of a “local” association as opposed to the benefits of being a member of the national ECBACO are less obvious than they were in the days of the ACU&S.Therefore, the role of organised local associations and their framework is worthy of close consideration.While you are in no way answerable to the SACO, and any decisions regarding the future of CUSA is solely for the members of that organisation, I think our SACO Committee should discuss specific tasks and roles we may engage with West Surrey, Croydon and Farnham and District in delivering to our mutual current and prospective new members.Also, the AGM is scheduled for 19 March at Ashtead CC, and I would be delighted to welcome any constructive suggestions from any of the local associations as to how they may adjust to continue the excellent work they have done over many years.I hope to see you at the AGM, I look forward to your positive contribution of new ideas and initiatives.
8. The Social Secretary's Report Steve Cornell was pleased to report that our social gathering have improved a little from last year. The functions that were arranged have on the whole been well supported The first of the year was 22nd March at the Pear Tree followed by dinner in the Mekan a Turkish restaurant in Purley with fourteen attendees. I can again recommend the shish kebab delicious. Next came the Croham Arms and the Little Bay on the 3rd May with thirteen attendees. The Lamb Shoulder was the order of the day very nice it was too. In October by your Tasting Committee visited the Little Bay restaurant in South Croydon and as a result the Christmas Dinner was booked for, and took place on Tuesday 12th December at the Little Bay. I am pleased to report that this was well attended with a turnout of seventeen. I have received complementary reports from all who attended. I have booked as our annual starter for 2018 The Mekan Restaurant in Purley for Tuesday March 27th 2018 all are welcome and no deposit is required but please contact me to give me some ideas on numbers attending. We will again assemble at the Pear Tree pub beforehand and a circular will be sent out beforehand.
9. Election of Officers. The following officers were duly elected unopposed: President: Colin Wilson Proposed Geoff Knight Seconded Hugo de Mel Chairman: Geoff Knight Proposed Steve Cornell Seconded Bob McLeod It was proposed by the Chairman and Seconded by Matt Johnson that the following Officers be elected en bloc: Secretary: Steve Cornell, Assistant Secretary: Ian Turner, Training Officer: Geoff Turner, Treasurer: John A Carter, Social Secretary: Steve Cornell, Assistant Social Secretary: Heather Cornell, Webmaster: May Ayad, Assistant Webmaster: Heather Cornell. Other Committee Members: Matt Johnson, John Lewis, Steve Hodge.
10. Any other Business: Ian Turner reported that he and the Secretary would be updating the membership lists. Bob McLeod reported that under new Data Control legislation it would be prudent for the committee to examine the way any records or membership lists were held. The Chairman agreed that this would be pursued and Bob offered his assistance if needed.
There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed.
The 2018 Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 6th March 2018 at Old Whitgiftians Cricket Club
MINUTES
1. The Chairman (Geoff Knight) welcomed eleven members to the meeting. The attendees were: Geoff Knight, Steve Cornell, Geoff Turner, Bob McLeod, Matt Johnson, Ian Turner, John Lewis, John A Carter, Hugo de Mel, David Brown, Stephen McGuire and Chris George.
2. Apologies for absence were recorded from May Ayad, Katy Petro, Adam Knight, Roy Goldsmith, Steve Hodge, Malcolm Austin, Chris Henderson, Colin Wilson, Keith Ebdon, Heather Cornell, Peter Wiseman, Brian Hurn, Nigel Bovey and Ian Humphrey.
3. The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 13th March 2017 were approved after minor adjustment. The amended minutes were approved by the meeting and were signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising.
4. Chairman's Report. Geoff Knight assured the meeting that following the transfer of the organisation and administration of training within the county from the local associations to the Surrey ACO, CUSA has no plans to disband. East Surrey have already disbanded and West Surrey are considering their future which the Chairman found very disappointing. He emphasised the important role that local associations play in providing a forum for their members and the chance to interact socially.
5. The Secretary (Steve Cornell) gave his report and thanked the Committee Members for their support over the year. He particularly thanked Geoff Turner, Brian Hurn and David Brown for the important work they do on training He had organised the traditional Committee Christmas luncheon at the Chateau which had been a great success.
6. The Treasurer (John A Carter) delivered his brief report. The Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 30 September 2017 was circulated. The Treasurer reported that it had been a very quiet financial year and pointed out that as we no longer receive a grant from the Surrey Cricket Board and as an association no longer incur any training costs the accounts are very simple with the only expenditure being the secretarial and administrative expenses. Members' subscriptions were slightly down from the previous year. We had £4,812.00 in the bank as at 30th September 2017.
7. The Training Officer (Geoff Turner) presented his report. He stated that the new laws had been introduced into new courses and that the whole process of training umpires has changed. Previously the local associations, in our case CUSA, had organised and conducted the training. Now this is done centrally which whilst substantially decreasing the administraive workload means that there is veryu little pre-course contact with students. CUSA held a stage 1 course with eleven participants at the end of January. Four moved on to the stage 2 course where we had nine participants. In addition three evenings have been allocated for presenting the new laws. Geoff was grateful for the help and encouragement offered by Brian Hurn and David Brown and to Howard Cohen and Matt Johnson for their involvement. Matt Johnson addressed the meeting with his Surrey ACO hat on and his report is reproduced in full below.
The decision of ECBACO members nationally to be effectively “taken over” by the ECB last year has indeed fundamentally affected the dynamic of the way the education and recruitment, as well as the development of Umpires and Scorers is handled. This includes the way courses are organised, the course material and funding.I would stress that all the local training officers in Surrey had, and will continue to have, a full input in the locations, timings and organisation of this season’s training courses with the County Education Officer. The training team are central to all we do.The ECB is determined to increase the numbers of people who remain in the game by becoming match officials, and are determined to make it as easy as possible for them to do so.They also wish to lower the average age of those umpiring and those involved in training match officials, as well as reaching out to a more diverse ethnic community.Their motto is “Education for All, a Pathway for those who want it”In fact, shortly there will be a facility for people who wish to qualify as Umpires or Scorers to do so without any “Face to Face” classroom learning at all. We await details of this scheme.As the SACO committee, we are charged with implementing these goals in a practical way. This presents challenges to long established ways of operating. It also sets us the challenge of retaining the long experience and talents of all who have worked over many years to make Surrey one of the best organised ACO in the country.We are not here merely to serve the Leagues who operate panels, we work as closely as possible with all leagues in the county, including many who do not operate formal panels at all.We also have an obligation to organise courses and ongoing support for officials in all areas of the County.In order to do so, we need to have trainers and mentors available all over the county. I agree that not every experienced Umpire will be a good mentor, and our County Performance Officer, Brian Hurn works hard to identify and support those who are willing to mentor new recruits with the local training officers and appointment secretaries of the various leagues.Also, social events, both formal and informal at various locations around the County serve a valuable purpose in building a strong “community” of match officials, leading to greater retention.Anecdotally, all the local associations in Surrey and other home counties have seen a drop in attendance at social events, especially out of season in recent years. This may reflect the changing demographic of the membership, and the increased demands on the time of younger members both at work and within the family.Also the different and additional benefits of being a member of a “local” association as opposed to the benefits of being a member of the national ECBACO are less obvious than they were in the days of the ACU&S.Therefore, the role of organised local associations and their framework is worthy of close consideration.While you are in no way answerable to the SACO, and any decisions regarding the future of CUSA is solely for the members of that organisation, I think our SACO Committee should discuss specific tasks and roles we may engage with West Surrey, Croydon and Farnham and District in delivering to our mutual current and prospective new members.Also, the AGM is scheduled for 19 March at Ashtead CC, and I would be delighted to welcome any constructive suggestions from any of the local associations as to how they may adjust to continue the excellent work they have done over many years.I hope to see you at the AGM, I look forward to your positive contribution of new ideas and initiatives.
8. The Social Secretary's Report Steve Cornell was pleased to report that our social gathering have improved a little from last year. The functions that were arranged have on the whole been well supported The first of the year was 22nd March at the Pear Tree followed by dinner in the Mekan a Turkish restaurant in Purley with fourteen attendees. I can again recommend the shish kebab delicious. Next came the Croham Arms and the Little Bay on the 3rd May with thirteen attendees. The Lamb Shoulder was the order of the day very nice it was too. In October by your Tasting Committee visited the Little Bay restaurant in South Croydon and as a result the Christmas Dinner was booked for, and took place on Tuesday 12th December at the Little Bay. I am pleased to report that this was well attended with a turnout of seventeen. I have received complementary reports from all who attended. I have booked as our annual starter for 2018 The Mekan Restaurant in Purley for Tuesday March 27th 2018 all are welcome and no deposit is required but please contact me to give me some ideas on numbers attending. We will again assemble at the Pear Tree pub beforehand and a circular will be sent out beforehand.
9. Election of Officers. The following officers were duly elected unopposed: President: Colin Wilson Proposed Geoff Knight Seconded Hugo de Mel Chairman: Geoff Knight Proposed Steve Cornell Seconded Bob McLeod It was proposed by the Chairman and Seconded by Matt Johnson that the following Officers be elected en bloc: Secretary: Steve Cornell, Assistant Secretary: Ian Turner, Training Officer: Geoff Turner, Treasurer: John A Carter, Social Secretary: Steve Cornell, Assistant Social Secretary: Heather Cornell, Webmaster: May Ayad, Assistant Webmaster: Heather Cornell. Other Committee Members: Matt Johnson, John Lewis, Steve Hodge.
10. Any other Business: Ian Turner reported that he and the Secretary would be updating the membership lists. Bob McLeod reported that under new Data Control legislation it would be prudent for the committee to examine the way any records or membership lists were held. The Chairman agreed that this would be pursued and Bob offered his assistance if needed.
There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed.