· Web viewBob welcomed everyone to the AGM and gave his introduction and report. (see attached) Apologies. The following apologies were noted: Barry Ingleson, Mike Harvey, Jenny

Devon Hockey Umpires’ Association

Minutes of Annual General Meeting 2020

Held on: Monday 10 August 2020 at 7.00pm Via: “Zoom”

The AGM commenced at 7.00pm.

Attending:

Richard Hill, Matt Reynolds, Sue Sharland, Gus Mcvey, Jackie Brooks, Dani Bunt,

Bob Whitell, Chris Luxton, Tom Spencer, Steve Pearce, John Brett, Anne Baker,

Keith Dingle, Graham Woolcock, Mike Daniel, Denise Aplin, Roger Triscott,

Martin Stoneman, Bill Goodridge, Rob Logan, Hannah McGown, Martin Harvey,

Michelle Judge, Mike Harris, Neil Foster, Richard Jones, Jane Jones, David Gillespie,

Malcolm Woodward, Jon Mutter, Emma Hulme, Jack Gillick, Alice Gillick,

Matt Foster, Paul Potter, Matt Reynolds.

1. Introduction by Bob Whitell (President DHUA )

Bob welcomed everyone to the AGM and gave his introduction and report. (see attached)

2. Apologies

The following apologies were noted:Barry Ingleson, Mike Harvey, Jenny Mitchell, Giles Ebbut, Jo Rendle, Mike Dutton, Mark Sims, Paul Rose, Dave Chard, Simon Driver, Rob Ware, Paul Earnshaw, Pete Hammond (unable to access Zoom)

3. Approval of Minutes from the DHUA AGM 2019

The Minutes of the DHUA AGM 2018 were proposed for approval.There were no amendments. Proposed by Jackie Brooks and seconded by Rob Logan.This was agreed by all present.

4. Matters arising from the Minutes

There were no matters arising.

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5. Reports to the AGM:

5.1. Treasurer: (Jackie Brooks)

(The Treasurer’s Report was circulated before the meeting to all members)

JB pointed out to everyone the reason the accounts have not been signed off by Peter Hodge (Independent Examiner of Accounts). Unfortunately, this was due to the current Covid 19 restrictions. They will be processed in the near future.

JB provided a brief summary of the reasons for a “loss” this year…reduction in income and commitment to investment in equipment and umpiredevelopment. (eg. expenditure on new headsets, whistles, cards etc for the young umpires)

We are showing a loss of £4,500 but have £20,500 in the reserve.

Peter Hodge reminded members that it was good practice to maintain a healthy reserve.BW indicated that we had chosen to use some of our reserves in order to invest in recruitment. There is a key correlation between recruitment and generating income through appointments.BW advised the meeting that it was our intention to maintain a reserve but also to sustain some investment in supporting umpire development.

There were no queries regarding the accounts.

Approval of the Report and Final Accounts:

Proposed by Denise Aplin and seconded by Tom Spencer

The President thanked Jackie for her continued hard work and efficiency throughout the year.

5.2 Membership Secretary: (Denise Aplin)

(Membership Secretary’s Report attached below)

Question from Martin Harvey do we know the split between male/female umpires?

DA said she did not have this information at hand at this moment.

Approval of the Report:

Proposed by Mike Daniel and seconded by Martin Stoneman

This was agreed by all present.

The President thanked Denise for her continued hard work and efficiency throughout the year.

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5.3 Appointments Secretary (Matt Reynolds)

MR summarised main points in his report (see attached)

Bob Whitell explained to meeting that MR had taken over from Graham Woolcock at the start of the season. BW thanked Graham Woolcock for all he has done for DHUA during his time as appointment secretary and for his support for MR in the transition period.

Approval of the Report:

Proposed as correct by Richard Hill and Seconded by Matt Reynolds.

The President thanked Matt for his hard work and efficiency throughout the year.

Mike Daniel added a brief report regarding BUCS Appointments for the season. He explained that he administers the appointments which are proposed by Peter Hammond. All BUCS matches received appointments.

BW thanked Mike and Peter for taking over the appointing responsibility in November 2019 and for their efforts during the remaining season.

5.4 Chief Coach (Peter Hammond)

Bob Whitell read out the Chief Coach’s report. Unfortunately, PH had been unable to access Zoom and had texted to express his apology. The report is attached.

Approval of the Report:

Proposed as correct by Mike Daniel and seconded by Bob Whitell. This was agreed by all present.

6. Proposals for the year 2020/2021

6.1 Subscription Rate for Membership

The DHUA Treasurer recommended that the subscriptions rates for members should remain at current level for the new season.This was proposed by Tom Spencer and seconded by Peter Hodge.This was agreed by all present

6.2 Appointments fees payable by clubs

The DHUA Treasurer recommended that the current levels should be continued for the forthcoming season. In view of the current circumstances it would be inappropriate to make any further amendments.

The Committee had recommended the following rates as a proposal for the AGM: A Clubs £10, B Clubs £16, C Clubs £24, D Clubs £35

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The above fees were proposed for acceptance by Hannah McGown and seconded by Martin Harvey. This was agreed by all present.

6.3 Mileage and Expenses Rates for Members and the Management Committee

The DHUA Treasurer recommended that the current rate of 45p per mile be continued and applied to both appointments expenses and other travel expenses for administration/coaching commitments etc.

The above recommendations were proposed by Keith Dingle and seconded by RogerTriscott. This was agreed by all present.

7. DHUA Independent Examiner of Accounts:

7.1. Appointment of Independent Examiner of Accounts

There were no additional comments to the accounts prepared.The President thanked Peter Hodge for his diligence as our Independent Examiner of the Accounts.

Peter Hodge was nominated to continue as our Independent Examiner:Proposed by Bob Whitell and seconded by Steve Pearce. This was agreed by all present.

8. Election of DHUA Officers of the Association and Officials of the Management Committee for 2020/21:

8.1. President

Bob Whitell informed the meeting that he wished to step down from the role of President of the Association. He has been in post for four years.

There has been no register of interest or any nominations received.

Keith Dingle remarked that this was potentially the first time in the history of the Association that there would be no President in office.

Michelle Judge asked whether a re-defining of roles may assist the situation. BW indicated that he would reflect on that scenario and consult with the Committee about the way forward.

8.2. Secretary.No other nominations were received.

Richard Hill was proposed by Tom Spencer and seconded by Mike Daniel.

This was agreed by all present.

8.3. Treasurer

There were no other nominations.

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Jackie Brooks was proposed by Bob Whitell and seconded Denise Aplin

This was agreed by all present.

8.4. Election of Management Committee Members

There are 2 vacancies available on the Management Committee to replace members who had recently stepped down.

BW invited anyone at the meeting to consider offering support to DHUA as a member of the Management Committee.

BW has had one self-nomination: Rob Logan

It was proposed by Bob Whitell and seconded by Neil Foster to accept the nomination for Rob to join the committee.

All present agreed and BW welcomed RL on to the Management Committee.

BW thanked all of the officers who were able to continue in post and all of the committee members who had given their time and support to DHUA over the season.

9. Election of Vice-President (s)

There were no nominations this year.

10. DHUA Awards for the Season 2019/20

BW stated that this was always the most pleasurable part of our AGM.

The following awards had been made by the Committee and were announced by BW:

Hospitality Award: 1st Devonport 1st 2nd Okehampton 1st 3rd Okehampton A 4th Torbay 1st

New Neutral Pool Umpire: Vicky Bendle Young Umpire of the Year:

Bob Whitell outlined the history of the Julia Gill Award and presented this to Josh Parry of Torbay HC. BW will write to Josh to express his appreciation of his efforts this season.

Club UDO of the Year: David Gillespie (Devonport Services HC) Club Discipline Award: Plymouth University Ladies 1st and OPM 1st Umpire of the Year:Neil Barnes and Rob Ware

11.Any Other BusinessNone

Bob Whitell thanked everyone for attending the AGM.

Meeting closed at 20.30pm

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DHUA AGM 2019/2020

Membership Secretary’s Report

Facts & Figures – as at 1st August2018/19 2019/2020

Vice Presidents 5 6

L1 Qualified inc Unassessed 208 232

Neutral Pool DHUA

Neutral Pool – West/ Higher

37 38

U21 inc unassessed 25 17

U18 inc unassessed 17 25

Level 1 Qualified (Visitor) 9 9

L1 Unassessed Concessionary 35 42

L1 Re-activation

Whole Membership – All 342 369

Transferred L1 In = 9

L1 Out = 8

L1 In = 3

L2 In = 3

Moved Away from Devon i.e. lost touch 8 2

Resigned/Retired/Deceased 10 2

Marriage 1 1

10% Club discount – Membership Fees

This will continue next season. – will inform nearer the time of the cut-off date – last year was 31st October.

Activity SweepAll up to date. No Termination.

New Unassessed Umpires – Level One Courses (Concessionary Membership)New Unassessed umpires are granted a concessionary (free) membership for a year. In lieu of lockdown have extended last season’s courses to cover next season as well.

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Online courses- am regularly receiving emails from EH to confirm attendances on the online courses and adding to website.please ensure that any participants agree to share their info otherwise Devon HUA are not aware of their status.

Re-Activation DHUA has now a Re-activation Policy for Inactive umpires and 3 did not gain assessment in the year so are now removed, however 3 did. There are currently none in this category.

First Shirt SubsidyWe offer a subsidy on an umpires’ first DHUA shirt. This will be as a refund through the personal area. Please contact our treasurer if unsure.

Forgotten UmpiresDue to GDPR deletions including failure to accept the Data Protection Policy we lost several umpires and we await contact from them if they want to continue membership.

Have had 2 requests to rejoin.

DHUA will be refunding membership fees to any umpire who completes three appointments through the DHUA appointments system for league or cup game during the normal league season.A membership fee needs to be paid up front as usual. The refund can be claimed by the umpire after completion of three games via the claim other expenses in their personal area, however it will not be directly refunded to the club, if this is the case please let me know and I will reduce next seasons club membership fee and liaise with the umpire accordingly.

These games will also count towards a club’s status for next season.

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President’s Report to DHUA AGM August 2020

Introduction and welcome to the AGM

Welcome:

Thank you for participating in this specially arranged “Zoom Meeting” arranged as a means of holding the AGM in these difficult times.

Thank you for taking part as means of demonstrating your support of our Association and in particular to show support for our officers and committee members.

We would have preferred, of course, to have held a gathering and buffet at our normal venue as a way of celebrating the season together, talking things through and catching up with each other on a social basis. However, time has passed by and it was agreed by the Committee that the necessary business of the AGM should be undertaken so as to establish the Committee and officers to take things forward into the “new” normal and into a possible “new” era in hockey structure within the region and indeed the county. More on that later.

At the end of the AGM we will announce our 2019/20 Season Awards.

We are all aware of the fact that the season came to an abrupt end as the pandemic restrictions were imposed in mid-March, leaving the league season fixtures almost completed and the Devon finals unplayed.

The decision was made by the league associations to draw a line under the season at that point and to announce the subsequent promotions and relegations that would apply. Our congratulations to all of our Devon clubs gaining promotion and our sympathies to those who found themselves going the other way!

The unexpected early end to the season and all of the restrictions placed on activities have had an impact on normal reporting and analysis of the season. However, we must use this point in the year to reflect on the season that ended a few months ago and begin to consider how we move forward to the new season…we must reflect on what is within our control to manage and to act upon as well as consider what we may need to address as the coming weeks unfold.

As ever most things have gone well but there are always the frustrations, the unexpected incidents and those issues that maybe with hindsight we might have managed more effectively.

This is the opportunity to reflect on the amount of work undertaken by dedicated personnel in our Association, DHA and in our clubs. Hours of work spent by a few dedicated people to ensure that others can reap the benefit of their endeavours on the pitches across our County.

Unfortunately, I also find myself considering the aspects of our endeavours which present the greatest challenges and frustrations:

Recruitment and retention Player discipline

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Inability to meet demands for our services and/or deliver to the standards we wish to set Too much pressure on a few (officers and umpires) Establishing and organising opportunities which are then poorly supported by clubs or

individuals Managing finances and trying to be fair to all clubs Struggling to operate as part of a structure which itself has challenges to meet

(ie West and England HA)

On behalf of the Association, I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to each of the HUA officers, who will present their own reports, for all their conscientious and hard work on behalf of Devon HUA and Devon Hockey. We are fortunate to have a small core of conscientious colleagues who give a great deal of time undertaking the all-important routine administration tasks that bring things to fruition and give thought to strategies needed improve and develop umpiring and hockey provision in our County.Thank you too, to colleagues who offer their services regularly and are prepared to be pro-active and contribute with additional offers of support when necessary. We appreciate also, the contribution made by all members who do their best to be available whenever possible.Thank you to those Clubs that recognise the challenges of umpiring, welcome umpires and manage their Club affairs efficiently.Thank you too to all those Club umpires who contribute to the umpiring of hockey across the County. We wish we could do more to support these colleagues but of course resources are very stretched.

Looking ahead…we must give thought to what we are seeking to achieve and what issues may impact on all that we do. In that sense our aims are similar to those of recent years:

The key issue remains…limited resources available to deliver the quality of umpiring we wish to have in place across our county.

More umpires, at all levels (Club/HUA/Regional/National), are needed…progress in this respect is not heartening, despite our efforts to get the message across and establish opportunities to address the need.

Other issues: More coaching and mentoring…if we are to raise standards then this area is key. We have

done well in terms of adding to the team of umpire developers (coaches and mentors). However, we struggle with providing development opportunities for colleagues because qualified developers are needed to umpire matches. As a result, our good intentions are frustrated by this situation.

Higher standards…inadequate numbers mean resources are spread thinly…the outcome is therefore the risk of placing colleagues in situations which are out of their comfort zone.We have found ourselves unable to appoint to games which demand experienced, capable colleagues. This has become most apparent on Sundays when availability is very low.

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Morale of the umpiring team…there is a fine line between giving your services to umpiring willingly and enjoying the experience and/or finding yourself overloaded or indeed unappreciated and becoming dis-illusioned and therefore choosing other activities for “r and r”. This becomes an increasing issue if resource levels do not improve.

Devon HUA is trying hard to progress and develop…we are well respected as an HUA by others (England HA/West and neighbouring HUAs). We have a significant number of umpires undertaking West appointments as well as a few umpires appointed regularly to National League fixtures.However, there have been some tensions this season with regard to policies on Regional Ladies League appointments. Again, these are related to a lack of resources and consequently frustrations about how to fulfil appointment demands.The message is clear on all fronts that clubs and individuals must engage with this this issue if we are to avoid a major crisis in our sport. Congratulations to all colleagues who have been promoted to higher panels both indoor and outdoor. We also have colleagues operating as TDs for National League and for some International competitions.Well done to them all!

We lost the services during the season of a small number of very able colleagues who have chosen to take a rest from umpiring. We are grateful to all of them and we will miss their input and experience. However, these losses are not easily overcome and to some extent they are a result of the issues I have already mentioned.

Moving forward…the coming seasons will see some changes. There are reviews of the structures of organisation across the country and there will be some impact on Regional HUA and County HUA structure and organisation.England Hockey is aiming to reduce and streamline all aspects of administration. Major change presents challenges and DHUA has registered support for the intentions. However, there will be organisational matters to address as the transition process takes place.Many of us attended a “Zoom” presentation last week. David Elworthy (England Hockey) set out the the purpose of the re-structuring and expressed the need for change if hockey and umpiring was to be able to move forward. It is clear that the vision is intended to bring benefits to our sport if we can grasp this opportunity to make the essential structural and organisational changes to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Commence the AGM Agenda

Thank you everyone for all that you contribute to DHUA and for your attendance tonight.

Bob WhitellPresident DHUA July 2020

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Selection and Coaching Committee Report to the AGM 2020

The SCC met on four occasions during the 2019/20 season – we took the opportunity to add the Appointments Sec, Matt Reynolds to the Committee with myself, Graham Woolcock, Neil Foster, and Neil Barnes with Bob Whitell attending on request to assist us with our discussions. On each occasion we have reviewed the progression of umpires and opportunities for development activities.During the season, we added 3 new umpires onto the Neutral Panels, a number were promoted onto higher panels and we implemented a plan to help umpires achieve West Status with 4 being successful and 2 waiting for assessment.Congratulations to all the Devon members who have made progress with their umpiring careers this season.

The 2019/20 season has been another where due to umpiring shortages, we have also found ourselves frustratingly short of resources to implement coaching as would like to be achieved in Devon. However, mostly due to injury, we have managed to maintain our assessment development support whilst seeing a reduction in our ability to provide coaching support. Thank you to those who have made themselves available to assess, coach and mentor as well as fulfilling umpire appointments. We have also built a relationship with Hampshire HUA and Somerset via Keith Dingle to continue to work together to support and develop umpiring in the South WestWe were able to complete 75 coachings and 51 assessments (supporting 14% of appointments). We also carried out 8 L1 assessments, of which only 1 had not yet reached the standard required, who subsequently passed at a second viewing.

As well as group coaching opportunities based around junior and senior tournaments and regional events (thanks to those who assisted this season) - there have also been several other development activities:

a development event at Devonport Services and a similar event at OPMs. a ‘Rules evening’ in Taunton in support of Somerset Umpires. an umpire exchange with Hampshire where we swapped 2 umpires between Southampton and Exeter A development event was run alongside a National League game with support from the National

League umpires and Richard Shaw – a great benefit for the half dozen who attended (including our visitors from Hampshire)

A development event on a match in Plymouth

The sudden end to the season caused by Covid-19 unfortunately curtailed our development activities and prevented the usual reward of appointments to finals day.

I ran one Umpire Developer course with 5 participants – following the pandemic, these together with L1 and other courses are now being run online by England Hockey.

The SCC will review the umpire panels prior to the start of next season.

My thanks go to all those who have coached and assessed during the season and often changed their plans at short notice to enable our members to receive these coaching and assessment opportunities. I am also appreciative of the approach shown by our members to receiving coaching and assessment – which has resulted in our association and members being recognised as excellent in Devon, other counties and at England Hockey.

We have also set up a direct link with the clubs to aid communication as below:Annexe A – SCC/Club UDO Contacts

Pete Hammond Matt Reynolds Graham Woolcock Neil Foster Neil BarnesISCA DSHC Okehampton

&Col’sTavistock East Devon

Exeter University Plymouth University

North Devon Plymouth Marjon ECVH

Exe OPM Kingsbridge PGSOBs AshmoorDawlish Plym Valley Newton Abbot Mannamead Dart

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Teign Sidmouth and Ottery

Dartmouth Tiverton Torbay

Honiton Hornets Taw Valley White Eagles

I would like to thank Bob Whitell for his positive involvement on the SCC as well as his support during his time as President, aiding our discussions and guiding our actions on the disciplinary issues that have arisen throughout the year.

Pete Hammond, Chief Coach

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Appointment Secretary Report

Well I have survived the year of the appointing process……….

So let me start with a huge thank you to all of you for your availability and undertaking of fixtures  during the season which allowed 901 appointments to be made.

Your patience as some errors were made on my part during the season with appointments and have measures in place to prevent a recurrence.

The 901 does represent a significant reduction from the previous seasons 1261 appointments.  If we had not lost 2 weekends to storms/travel advice and the last 2 weekends of the league this would have cleared the 1000 but nevertheless a reduction.

The most significant element of this reduction stems from a decision of the SCC to seek to give single appointments to umpires on a Saturday.  Not that this has stopped a number of clubs from looking at our appointments listing then approaching appointees for games before or after, contrary to the reason this decision had been taken.

We wanted members to be fresh for their game, to be able to engage with teams post_ match, have a drink with their colleague which is all a part of why we umpire.

So what is next?

Well any appointments made, once a return to play is initiated, will fully comply with the relevant and current COVID restrictions in place, if restrictions change in an area post appointment being made I will seek to adjust appointments/cancel as appropriate.

With some media reporting that those over 50, and as I’ve just qualified to be in that group I feel that I can say this, may face some restrictions it becomes even more important that clubs fully grasp the reality that they really must ensure that they drive toward self sufficiency and quickly.

I listened as my predecessor in this role, whom along with Peter H I thank wholeheartedly for their continued support and communication, gave this message in previous years and can but hope that actions are taken.

And as a message to clubs; that middle of Saturday cluster of games……….the league has given scope to use other evenings etc where travel would allow, Sunday’s we are extremely limited for our available resources, the weekday evenings are getting much more availability.

So thank you once more, we will await to see what happens but please keep in contact with me if you need to.

Matt Reynolds

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