England Cricket Association for the Deaf AGM 2008...
The 5th AGM was held at Sussex CCC, Hove on Saturday 16th February 2008.
1. WELCOME/APOLOGIES/ATTENDANCE
Stefan Pichowski opened the AGM by welcoming everyone to the meeting. He appreciated that Hove is not an ideal location to hold an AGM and acknowledges that it was difficult for a lot of people to travel so far. The reason for picking today was that most of the committee were in Hove for the training weekend.
Apologies : Les Townend (President), Ashley Holdsworth, Simon Lycett, Mike O’Mahony, Mike Kelly, Umesh Valjee and Mike Towler.
Attendance : Stefan Pichowski, Martin Redshaw, Lucy Riding, Peter Dixon, Blyth Duncan Snr, Ron Young, Jeff Levick, Chris Weinmann, Nigel George, Sula Gleeson, Nigel Davenport, Blyth Duncan Jnr, Mark Woodman, Stephen George, Saul Allison, Mohammad Farooq, Liam Backhurst, Ben Young, James Higgins, Andrew Shayegan, Cliff Wilson, Moazzam Rashid, James Dixon, Lisa Higgins, Chris Backhurst, Helen Dixon, Pat George, M Cammiade.
2. MINUTES OF LAST YEAR’S AGM
The minutes were read and agreed by Martin Redshaw and Chris Weinmann. It was signed by the Chairman.
3. MATTERS ARISING
Ron Young asked about the grave concerns in the financial matters raised in the last AGM and had they been resolved?
Stefan Pichowski replied that there were some problems with our suppliers and these were satisfactorily resolved.
4. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Introduction
Since the Pakistan tour to England in August 2006, it is argued that ECAD has developed rapidly than ever before in terms of projects, number of participants, registered members, training weekends, matches and tours.
This is backed up by the strong section of volunteers and officials, which continues to allow developing deaf cricket in the UK.
There is no excuse to rest on their laurels as ECAD must seek to thrive and continue projects such as Awards for All, regional cricket, national cup competitions, national/international tours, coaching for deaf cricketers of all ages and ability and etc.
Special thanks must go to the following for their excellent support to ECAD: -
Lucy Riding (ECAD Secretary), Ron Young (Head coach), Jeff Levick (Team manager), Kate Peckham (Physiotherapist), Jon Everett (Support Staff), Mike O’Mahony (Player and support staff), Bobby Denning (coach), Chris Weinmann (ECAD Fixture-secretary), Martin Redshaw (ECAD Treasurer), Simon Lycett (tour co-ordinator), Blyth Duncan (Assistant team manager), Mike Rose (Scorer), Sula Gleeson (Interpreter), Roger Fuggle and Ian Martin (ECB), Peter Dixon (Sponsor), Southport & Birkdale CC (Lancashire), Wolverton Town CC (Buckinghamshire), Godalming CC (Surrey), Northern Universities, Colwyn Bay CC (North Wales), Edgbaston CCC (Warwickshire CCC), Somerset CCC, Paignton CC (Devon), Durham CCC, Burnmoor CC (Durham), Percy Main CC (Northumberland), Hampshire CCC, Yorkshire CCC, Lancashire CCC, Sussex CCC, Nottinghamshire CCC, MK Trust – Campbell Park (Northants CCC), Worcestershire CCC, Nigel George (Parent & South-West tour co-ordinator), Sarah Norrel (scorer).
I apologise if anyone has been left out, as you can see, there were so many people who have helped support ECAD.
Everyone mentioned (in no particular order) in the above have put in an enormous amount of effort to support ECAD.
Short-term plan
- ECAD National Cup – generate more participants for INDOOR and OUTDOOR competitions
- Successful tour of the Ashes tour in England, July 2008
- Development/National Squad – continue training and matches with hearing peers
- Train our members to become level II coaches.
- Continue to promote ECAD and recruit new members.
Medium term plan
- Continue to introduce new coaches for ECAD
- World Cup 2009 – the planning to win the World Cup
- Increase number of workshops in the UK
- To set up further international tours and competitions
- Develop an established Development Squad
- Develop an established Under 25 Squad
- Develop regional squads
- Develop county squads
Long-term plan
- Stabilise and build on the financial status of ECAD.
- Increase the members of ECAD
- To become the number one team and deaf cricket organization in the world
Constitution
In accordance with the ECAD Constitution, I am seeking an amendment to the existing Office Structure to improve the running of the organisation.
Vice-chairman (Honorary)
There is a need for ECAD to appoint a vice-chairman due to the growing demands at the organisation as there are countless hours spent by our volunteers with a need to delegate work to more parties.
The vice-chairman will have an honorary role (role of honorary as per attached constitution) within the committee and will take full responsibility in the running of the committee and when it is appropriate, refer to the chairman.
This position will be subject to an election every three years in similar way to the Executive positions of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. The first election will take place at the forthcoming AGM.
I would therefore like to propose Mr Peter Dixon as Vice Chairman for the next three years. This has been seconded by Mr Mike O'Mahony.
If you are aware of any other members who would be keen to be vice Chairman, please let me know as soon as possible.
Treasurer (Honorary)
As ever, Martin Redshaw is instrumental to ECAD and has been the one of the quiet officials working in the background who worked very hard to ensure the smooth running of the organization.
I propose Mr Martin Redshaw as Treasurer for the following three years. Which is seconded by Mr Mike O’Mahony.
Commercial Manager
It is proposed that ECAD appoint a Commercial Manager to devise an annual (April to March) programme with sponsors, this year’s fixtures, Ashes coverage/international coverage, last year’s scorecards/reports, players’ profile, forewords from officials, winter training weekends, domestic cup details, regional Schools of Excellence for the Deaf etc.
This is potentially a source of income for ECAD with the appropriate costs for printing etc.
This need has arisen as ECAD are developing a variety of exciting projects with so many enthusiastic deaf cricketers attending events run by ECAD.
ECAD are always seeking for funding to help raise capital to pay for the costs.
It is proposed that the Executive Committee of ECAD makes this appointment as Commercial Manager.
Development Co-ordinator
The appointed person will work closely within the ECB structure and work in partnerships with the counties and the regions.
Other working partnerships may be established such as working with NDCS, lottery funding, Awards for All and etc.
The Co-ordinator will also oversee the Development Squad of ECAD and is responsible to appoint the Coach/Manager.
Child Protection Officer
ECAD have a responsibility to their members, supporters, playing members, officials and volunteers.
Therefore it is proposed that the Executive Committee of ECAD makes this appointment as Child Protection Officer to work closely with the ECB Child Protection Officer.
Domestic/National Cup Co-ordinator
As ECAD seek to host annual indoor and outdoor cup competitions, it is proposed that the Executive Committee of ECAD makes this appointment as Domestic (or) National Cup Co-ordinator.
Australia tour to England 2008
From a chairman’s point of view, a lot of effort, countless hours, organizing, financial support, delegation, teamwork and resources was required to put together a 3-week tour. This meant checking the facilities of the grounds, hotels, and transport.
It is undoubtedly an exciting and historic tour. Already several counties are aware of the tour and the media interest will generate in months to come.
I wish both England and Australia good luck and I hope to see 3 memorable series in the test matches, one-day internationals and in the Twenty/20.
The main agreement between England and Australia for the tour: -
1 warm-up match, 2 test matches, 1 x Twenty/20 and 4 one-day internationals.
Home team provide for: -
Catering during match days, grounds, umpires, transport, match balls and etc.
Away team provide for: -
Own flights, hotel costs up to £12, 000 pounds (sterling), catering outside match days for 16 people.
The National ECAD Cup
South Africa, Australia and Pakistan hold their own domestic tournaments over a few days in a specific location.
The latest idea for the ECAD National Cup is that we have 6 to 8 teams playing 8 a side in a 15 overs format over a weekend in September or perhaps even during the Ashes series. This must be carefully planned and not clashing with the national major events that has led to so many people pulling out of the ECAD National final in the past.
This allows local deaf clubs, deaf schools or even members’ made up teams to enter the tournament.
Either a location in the Midlands or an alternative region that has both an excellent deaf community nearby or two pitches which would be ideal to hold the matches over 1 or 2 days.
With the specific proposals taking place, the principles behind this idea is;
Avoid excessive travelling
Bring the cricket deaf community together
Narrow the gulf of the standard between the international players and novices
A unique opportunity to promote deaf cricket to the ECB and the public
Provide better value for the members of the ECAD
Co-ordinators are required to arrange accommodation, umpires, trophies, transport, events off the pitch, catering and etc.
There are several key roles for people to participate to make this work.
Lucy Riding is to distribute the emails to current players, NDCS, deaf magazines, deaf cricket clubs, local deaf clubs, schools/colleges and etc.
Winter training
ECAD are waiting to hear confirmation from the ECB for the budgeting for the winter nets during 2008-09. It is also anticipating that following the success of the 2007 Indoor tournament, another one will be staged.
Summer 2008
Deaf Ashes (3rd July to 25th July)
National Cup (tbc)
Warm –up/friendly matches (see details on www.cricketdeafengland.co.uk)
Proposals for future tours
- Pakistan
Pakistan was in the middle of organizing a tour in Pakistan during February 2008 for a 20/20 tournament. Since the pull out of several countries, the tour has since disintegrated.
It has been made clear that the ECB hold strict regulations about any England Cricket team touring Pakistan.
There was also an announcement of changeover of personal in the PDC’s committee.
- South Africa
Late last year in 2007, South Africa deaf cricket have approached me to invite ECAD to tour South Africa in Pretoria in March 2009 for a 2 or 3-week tour. A budget cost of the tour was requested and South Africa deaf cricket have yet to respond.
- New Zealand, World Cup 2009
The New Zealand Cricket Board has since announced that they will prepare the next deaf cricket World Cup in Auckland at around December 2009 to January 2010. Further information to be provided.
DCIF
There appear to be little or no communication from DCIF. The chairman, Dr Singh, has not provided a statement or any kind since India World Cup 2005. Despite various attempts to arrange a meeting 2 years before the NZ World Cup 2009-10, no conclusion was made. At some point, this year, the NZ Cricket Board will be laying the foundations for the World Cup in Auckland.
Future training for coaches within ECAD
Ron Young, ECAD Head Coach & Level III Coach, is planning to provide Level II coaching courses for ECAD’s members with a view to start in September or October 2008. Several members have already volunteered to attend the courses.
NDCS play a key role in this where they will be asked to invite several of their children to participate in the courses.
Website – www.cricketdeafengland.co.uk
No doubt, most members will be aware of the new launch of ECAD’s website by now. The success of the website illustrates the powerful tool of communication as the majority of people have some form of access to emails and the internet.
It is anticipated that the success of the website will continue to grow. Special thanks must be made to Mike O’Mahony and Colin from Dataright. Colin has done a superb job for ECAD.
Working partnership with NDCS
NDCS and ECAD have already started working in partnership in the last few months when NDCS have advertised some of the training weekends during the winter to their members. As a result of this, several deaf children have attended the training sessions to enjoy their love of cricket. It also helps when they see role models of current England deaf cricketers and they will aspire to copy their new heroes.
NDCS and ECAD will be planning toward a partnership of regional and county workshops across the UK. Encouraging news are that NDCS are applying for further funding to contribute for coaching and matches.
Awards for All
Due to the excellent application form processed by Jeff Levick and Mike O’Mahony, ECAD were awarded £10, 000 for promoting and developing grass roots development in deaf cricket in the UK. ECAD are committed to spending this money on training weekends and in the National Cup.
ECB new regional structure and new Schools of Excellence for the Deaf
Jeff Levick has working very hard to promote disability/deaf cricket, which includes networking with cricket clubs across the UK. We are in the current process of setting up new Schools of Excellence for the Deaf. Bristol and Old Trafford have already agreed to have their regional School of Excellence for the deaf at their indoor school.
This is behind the idea of the ECB’s new regional structures across the UK and it provides cover in different regions and in each county. There are exciting new opportunities for people who wish to develop their skills in the marketing of cricket.
There are still other regions of the UK to explore such as the London region and the Midlands.
Final words
I am confident that all members in ECAD will have a very successful and enjoyable summer. The prospects are bright with a very strong support from officials, ECB, relatives, working partnerships, sponsors for our playing members.
As Monty Panesar once quoted “Gordon Greenidge, the great former West Indian opening batsman, said “Monty, there is no point in playing cricket, unless you enjoy it and play it with a smile on your face”. It is a stark reminder to us all on why we play, participate and watch the great game.
Enjoy your time with ECAD.
REMARKS : None
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT
I have been secretary now for just over a year and it has been a big learning curve for me, so many thanks to everyone for their patience and guidance. I would like to pay particular thanks to Blyth Duncan Snr for helping me in obtaining various paperwork and payments. We have a busy year ahead and I am very much looking forward to getting stuck in!
Last year was certainly busy. With the help of the funding we received from “Awards for All”, we concentrated on finding new players at grass roots levels and also on the development side for our current players. We have held several winter training weekends to achieve these two goals and think we have been successful in doing so, judging by the size of the database. We have one more training weekend in Nottingham where we will be concentrating on those players that are going to be in our National Squad in the run up to the Ashes Series in July. Details of the ECAD fixtures for the run up to and for the Ashes Series are announced on our website.
There were two tours with the ECAD national team – in Durham and Devon. Again, both were successful.
We did not have our usual ECAD Cup tournament but we did hold an Indoor Tournament in Edgbaston in September. It was good to see both old and new players come along and thanks to the Croydon DCC and West London DCC for bringing their teams.
As the Chairman stated in his report, there is much to come in the future of deaf cricket which should be very exciting and I look forward to being part of, and working with all of you.
REMARKS : None.
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
(Martin Redshaw handed out two lots of accounts for the years 2006 and 2007.)
The 2006 and 2007 Accounts shows dramatically different levels of activities.
The 2006 Accounts covered most of the activities associated with the World Cup in India (November 2005) as well as the Pakistani tour here in August 2006.
The 2007 Accounts is mainly concerned in “tidying up” the accounts for these two major activities outlined above.
Furthermore, the main reasons why the 2007 Accounts show little movements are twofold:
- The increasing involvement and financial support from ECB, and
- No major tour either here or overseas.
In last year’s AGM, one of the major aims of ECAD was to strengthen the finances of ECAD and I am pleased to say that we are progressing nicely in this direction. The idea behind this is to allow ECAD to support the activities which are not covered by either AFA (Awards for All) or ECB.
REMARKS : Stefan Pichowski reiterated that it was important for ECAD to have a stable financial base. It is good to have a reserve for a “rainy day” and also to have money there to spend when necessary.
- ELECTIONS
Vice Chairman
Stefan Pichowski explained the role of Vice Chairman. He is happy to continue as Chairman of ECAD but felt that he had neglected his cricket playing. He enjoys playing but with the duties of Chairman, there was a danger of losing that enjoyment. After discussing this with several committee members, it was agreed that the Chairman of ECAD should be a Deaf person and that a Vice Chairman be nominated to carry out the Chairman’s duties and oversee the operations of ECAD. Peter Dixon has offered to be that person. Stefan Pichowski said he was very confident that Peter Dixon will do a great job.
Stefan Pichowski nominated Peter Dixon and Mike O’Mahony seconded the nomination. All members present gave a show of hands of approval.
Peter Dixon said that since he has been involved with ECAD, he has seen huge changes in ECAD operations. Players may not understand the work carried out behind the scenes e.g., the arranging of the training weekends and the Ashes tours, working on the foundations laid by Mike O’Mahony, raising the profile of ECAD. The World Cup in 2005 is a good example of this. Jeff Levick, Ron Young and Blyth Duncan Snr have all been working hard setting up the four regional schools of excellence and this will take a lot of work behind the scenes to develop, bringing in young players and developing an international team. The future of ECAD is becoming part of the ECB structure. He was honoured to attend the ECB Disability meeting recently and he sees more ECB influences being passed down and ECB will eventually become responsible for all the disability groups. Stefan Pichowski has done a fantastic job on building up on the foundations and he is very happy to support Stefan in progressing this further. His contact details will be made available soon but if there are queries or issues that you wish to raise, please put them through Lucy Riding.
Treasurer
Stefan Pichowski thanks Martin Redshaw on behalf of ECAD, for all his hard work in the background on behalf of ECAD. It had been a stressful few years and 2007 should have been a relatively easier year for him.
Stefan Pichowski nominated Martin Redshaw and Mike O’Mahony seconded the nomination.
All members present gave a show of hands of approval.
Secretary
Stefan Pichowski explained that Lucy Riding had taken on the role from Chris Weinmann for the past year. Chris had been Secretary for 3 – 4 years and had done an excellent job. Lucy had done equally well in taking ECAD onto another level.
Nigel Davenport nominated Lucy Riding and Blyth Duncan Snr seconded the nomination.
All members present gave a show of hands of approval.
REMARKS : Ron Young asked why the Chairman had not been elected. Stefan Pichowski explained that the elections for each role occur every three years and he was elected in October 2005 so his tenure will be up at the next AGM.
- MOTIONS
Commercial Manager ;
Stefan Pichowski said it was important to generate income for ECAD. The Devon tour in 2007 gave way to a good idea, which led to this role being created.
Stefan Pichowski nominated Nigel George and Blyth Duncan Snr seconded the nomination.
All members present gave a show of hands of approval.
Nigel George accepted the position and said that he plans to build on what had been done for the Devon tour by creating a programme to include information about ECAD. It is early days and will need to work within ECB’s parameters. There is also a possibility of fund raising events.
Development Co-ordinator ;
This post has been created in light of the creation of the four regional schools of excellence and to oversee the development squad. Stefan Pichowski is very keen to take on this role.
Ron Young says this was an excellent idea and fully supported him, but expressed concern that Stefan Pichowski had just relinquished the Chairman’s duties only to take on these extra duties.
Stefan Pichowski agreed with this concern. He explained that the Chairman’s duties included a very wide range of things but he felt that this role was more specific and would still allow him to concentrate on his playing.
Jeff Levick nominated Stefan Pichowski and Nigel George seconded the nomination.
All members present gave a show of hands of approval.
Child Protection Officer ;
Jeff Levick said that this position was brought up during the Awards for All process but all organisations require a Child Protection Officer to be appointed.
Jeff Levick nominated Kate Peckham and James Dixon seconded the nomination.
All members present gave a show of hands of approval.
Domestic/National Cup Co-ordinator ;
Stefan Pichowski said that this position had petered out as there are very few deaf cricket clubs now and one of the big problems was the travelling for the players. The role of the co-ordinator is to organise 1 day or 2 days matches to regenerate interest. Ron Young said this was a very good idea but requested that these matches are not organised during the Ashes series as it will be too distracting for the players and Jeff Levick agreed with this point.
Stefan Pichowski nominated Simon Lycett and Ron Young seconded the nomination.
All members present gave a show of hands of approval.
Stefan Pichowski also added that Simon had done a fantastic job in organising the first week of the Pakistan tour, so is confident that he will do a great job. Nigel George said that Simon will be an important figure for the younger players of ECAD.
- INTERNATIONAL/DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Ashes series – the Australian team will be coming over in July for 3 weeks and there are various domestic matches booked in May and June. (Details of domestic matches are in the AOB section.)
Chris Weinmann will be looking to organise a few matches for the Development squad this season.
Simon Lycett will be looking after the domestic side.
- AOB
Ashes – negotiations are still going on between the ECB and CA (Cricket Australia) and details will be released once settled. Ron Young said that the selection process is still ongoing. 15 players are required for the squad and the selectors are Ron Young, Jeff Levick, Blyth Duncan Snr and Umesh Valjee. There are still spaces left for the squad so he asked all the players to do their best this weekend. He hopes to name the final squad next month and the players that are not selected will be in our Development squad. He stressed that players are not to be disappointed if not selected for the final squad as they will be vital to our warm up matches to be held in April through to June, and the Development squad have a match against the Australia team.
Chris Weinmann said that in the Australia tour 2004, there were different teams for 1 day matches and test matches. Will that happen this time?
Ron Young replied that for this tournament, they will pick the best team possible. When they were in Australia, they gave everyone a chance to play as they were away from home, but as we are playing at home, the best team possible will be selected.
Mark Woodman asked if there will be separate squads for the different types of games.
Ron Young replied that there is no funding to do that.
Mark Woodman asked what if someone broke their arm etc
Ron Young replied that since we are at home, we can replace players more easily so again the opportunity is still there for those players not selected.
Stefan Pichowski added that even though players may not be selected, it is still important to keep training as opportunities may arise.
Stefan Pichowski went on to confirm the matches booked for the summer;
Training weekend at Trent Bridge in April – invitation only
2 day match in Milton Keynes on 26th/27th April – ECAD North vs. ECAD South
1 day match in Milton Keynes on 18th May – ECAD North vs. ECAD South
1 day match at Lords on 20th June – ECAD vs. Marylebone CC
1 day match in Christleton on 6th July – ECAD vs. Christleton CC
(Ashes fixtures to be announced shortly)
Jeff Levick added that another tournament will be arranged later in the year, like the Indoor Tournament last year, with teams from 4 regions. Again, this is important part of development and bringing in new players.
James Dixon asked about the cricket coaching.
Stefan Pichowski said he has had discussions with Ron Young about the possibilities of training players to become Level 2 coaches as there are a lot of projects coming up – regional schools of excellence, NDCS, County Cricket.
Ron Young explained the logistics; the training involves 8 modules, a “support and practice” session and a final assessment, the time restraints to complete the training etc, but he hopes that a course will take place in September or October this year. He will need the services of Sula and one other interpreter, hire of a hall and course material for each player. The cost for each player will be about £120 so we need to look into the funding for that.
Stefan Pichowski said that while some players have already expressed an interest in taking this course, if there are any other players who would like to get involved, please do let us know now as it is very important for our long-term plans.
Jonathan Everett raised the issue of TASS funding. A small problem had cropped up recently where the ECB Development Officer advised someone to take a course in nutrition as part of his development. However, an interpreter is not provided for and the average cost is £150 each time. Who provides this? If the TASS fund is used, the deaf person is worse off than another player who would not incur this extra cost.
Stefan Pichowski said that this was a very good point and this issue would need to be raised with ECB. Peter Dixon said that the TASS awards are for all players to help develop their cricketing skills by receiving one to one coaching, learning about physiology and nutrition and so on. He agreed that interpreting costs is unique to deaf athletes and would speak with Ian Martin about the issue.
Nigel George raised the matter of audiograms. Do all players have to provide this or just the new players?
There was some discussion on this. Stefan Pichowski has records for the players who have played in previous tours but Martin Redshaw said that hearing can either improve or get worse.
It was agreed that all players should provide an audiogram now and Blyth Duncan Snr will be the co-ordinator of these records. Stefan Pichowski will seek an amendment to the constitution to show that all audiograms are to be renewed every three years.
Nigel George asked about outfits for all committee members as it would look more professional.
Peter Dixon said that the team, coaches and tour manager will be provided with formal and sportswear by ECB. But ECB will not provide for any other members, so we will have to make our own arrangements for procuring formal wear for other committee members and this will be looked into.
James Dixon asked when the new kit would be given out.
Peter Dixon said that ECB are pressing ECAD for the names of the final squad but the kits will be provided once the squad is announced. They will be the same as the England cricket team.
Stefan Pichowski added that there will be no names or numbers on the back of the shirts due to costs.
The meeting was closed at 4:30pm.
The next AGM meeting will be announced by the Secretary.