Well, a season now completed. Overall things have gone well but there are some areas that can be improved on.
I'm concerned with my own performance as Secretary in that I allowed things to drift on between September and February before I got my act together in competition terms.
There were reasons for it which I won't bore you with but if re-elected (any takers?) I will set my targets of activity within time requirements and will undertake and complete them.
Two major disappointments to me in the season gone was our failure to organise the South Humberside qualification group of 4 to 1 in the Amateur and our failure to organise the Team event.
The 4 players affected have received written apology and entry fee returned but we shouldn't run away from our responsibilities. We messed up!
The Team event is to be undertaken as a matter of priority in September's new season start.
Anyone looking to join the 13 entries received?
Now that's the whinging put behind me. Can I congratulate our tournament performers and especially the champions.
Brian Harvey confirmed his stance as a fine player who is difficult to beat by taking the Grand Masters title.
Paul Bennett had an exceptional season. The 21 year old topped the ABC and Junior Ranking list then became the English Amateur Champion.
Robin Wilson, at 13 years 4 months, established new records by becoming the youngest Under 19 title holder and winning the Under 16 title on the same day.
Darren Kell won the CIU Individual title.
The results again re-affirm the worth of the Teesside Boys Billiards League with Paul, Robin and Darren being products of it.
It is 1989 since a non-Teessider won either the English or CIU titles - so why aren't you doing it in your area?
How different it might have been? On reflection of the tournaments I noticed on a number of occasions that games were won by as little as 1 point in a 2 and 4 hour match. Commiserations to the losers. But for that single shot missed you could have become Champions Many of us have commented that the EASB Coaching Scheme does not sufficiently encompass Billiards. I've raised it at EASB Management and Executive Committee meetings and have seen letters in Pot Black about it.
Robby Foldvari is one of the ten national Area coaches and undoubtedly will coach billiards if requested.
Director of Coaching Terry Griffiths rang me personally following my EABA report to the Executive on the subject making the following points.
It is accepted that there is limited availability for billiards but it is not intentional. Area coaches are to have regional coaches under their direction and it requires capable and interested personnel to make it work.
The request is made - can you help? Contact Michelle Moran at WPBSA, 27 Oakfield Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2AT tel: (0117) 9744491 if you can.
Finally, can I thank Malcolm & Helenna Lax for their many instances of support and assistance to me over the course of the season completed and hope Malcolm doesn't convince the Editor to omit this paragraph. He's shy. Many thanks, it is greatly appreciated
No sooner have we said "Goodbye Freya, Hello Sarah" we now say "Goodbye Sarah and Hello Laura".
The 2nd tier of professional snooker administration needs, saw Freya moved upstairs, whence she came, to the WPBSA. Now her deputy who was promoted to EASB Co-ordinator has also followed upstairs.
We are now in the seemingly capable hands of Laura Wakeman who moves into this position.
I know were not the easiest of people to deal with but hopefully Laura will be with us for some continuity of business.
The recent Association Committee meeting determined the following points:
Bob Coales of Nuneaton Snooker Centre was thanked for his assistance and support of our activities.
John Richmond was confirmed as Minutes Secretary to the Committee.
The Association Executive Committee were confirmed as Chairman Peter Shelley + 6 being Albert Hanson (Sec), Alan Hughes QBE (Treasurer), Malcolm Lax, Derick Townend, Steve Crosland and Ellis Lloyd.
An AGM will be held before the end of the year, those entitled to vote in the election of the Committee are those who had entered the English Amateur.
A member of the WPBSA Board will attend the next Association Committee Meeting.
Financial statement presented and accepted. All future entries and fees direct to Treasurer. Open an interest bearing account.
EASB funding grant for year 1997/98 agreed as £2500.
Re-affirmed commitment to support the English Open Championship when it comes into being.
Some prizes to Amateur and Masters still to be paid.
1996/97 Team event to be staged at the start of new season. 1997/98 Team Event to be played later in season.
Concern over upper age limit on Junior Ranking events. Adjustment down from 21 years and under needed.
Copy of Association minutes to be forwarded to EASB, along with balance sheet and budget projections.
Sponsorship of Paul Bennett to World Open in Malta rejected on principle of professional inclusion in event.
Separate bank account for Billiard Player magazine.
Breakdown of tournaments and prize monies for season 97/98 agreed. Considerable increase in prize monies agreed for Amateur and Masters. Fees to be £12.
Criticism of errors and mistakes during last seasons activities, particular reference to Middlesbrough section. New style entry form to be presented.
Ellis Lloyd to be tournament Director for all Nuneaton activities.
Entries close for English Amateur on 12th October.
No late entries to be allowed. Round Robin qualification to last 32 players. Seeding at discretion of Committee.
Last 32 to be split north/south and play through to final 8. Qualification weekends to be 14th/15th and 2 lst/22nd March with 8 to 2 in 4 groups. Semi- Final and Final at Nuneaton 4th/5th April. Grand Masters final stages at Nuneaton 28/29th March.
Re-affirm dress code. Letter to entrant re. dress and bad language at Nuneaton. Letter to entrant regarding withdrawal from tournament while in play.
Team event 3 to play from 4 registered, games of 1 hour duration.
Make further attempts to recover English Amateur Runner Up trophy from Middlesbrough Club.
Billiard balls to be spot white, white and red in tournaments.
Next meeting 16th October. Meeting closed at 11.55pm.
Thanks extended to Reardon Club for allowance of meeting facility and hospitality.