GRAY HOOPER HOLT LLP MID SUSSEX FOOTBALL LEAGUE. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CLAIR HALL PERRYMOUNT ROAD HAYWARDS HEATH Thursday 12 th July p.m.

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1 GRAY HOOPER HOLT LLP MID SUSSEX FOOTBALL LEAGUE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CLAIR HALL PERRYMOUNT ROAD HAYWARDS HEATH Thursday 12 th July p.m.

2 GRAY HOOPER HOLT LLP MID SUSSEX FOOTBALL LEAGUE THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE GRAY HOOPER HOLT LLP MID SUSSEX FOOTBALL LEAGUE WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY 12 th JULY 2018 AT CLAIR HALL, PERRYMOUNT ROAD, HAYWARDS HEATH, RH16 3DN COMMENCING AT 7.30 P.M. SHARP Each Full Member Club is entitled to send two representatives to the Annual General Meeting of the Competition of which only on may vote. Any new or continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given will be fined Apologies for absence AGENDA 2. To receive and confirm the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 4 July To consider any matters arising there from 4. To receive and adopt the Chairman s Report, the Financial Report, Draft Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 May Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the Management Committee): AFC Acorns, FC Rangers, Holland Sports, Hollington United, Horley AFC, Horsham Town, Horstead Keynes, Mile Oak, Sovereign Saints, St Francis Rangers 6. Constitution of Divisions for season Election of Officers and Members of the Management Committee:- Patron Mr K S Somerville President Mr L L G Parsons Associate Vice-Presidents Mrs J Hall, Mr D A Austen-Jones, Mr D Chilton & Mr R Matthews Honorary Vice Presidents Those shown in the Handbook Chairman Mr D Brooker Vice Chairman Mr D Port General Secretary Mr M J Brown Assistant General Secretary Mr P A John Treasurer Mr P Hambling Fixtures Secretary Mr D Budgen Referees Secretary Mr R Cherryman Registration Secretary Mr R W Peters Veterans Fixture Secretary Mr B Thomas Media Officer Mr D Kirkcaldy League Welfare Officer Mr M Gidman Nominations for Management Committee to retire in 2020 (4 seats): Mr N Hahn, Mr P Hartman, Mr I Muzio 8. Appointment of Independent Examiner: Anthony K Webb Limited

3 9. Alteration to Rules (FA Standard Code, Competition and Challenge Cups) 9.1 As proposed by the Management Committee (of which notice has been given and sanction by the Sussex County Football Association has been received); 9.2 As ordered by The Football Association (of which notice has been given). 10. To fix the date for the commencement of the season and kick off times applicable to the Competition [The Fixtures Secretary will recommend 1 st August 2018 for the former to allow the Allan Washer Trophy fixture and any inter-league representative matches to be played prior to Premier Division and Championship Division matches commencing on Saturday 18 th August 2018 and on Saturday, 1 st September 2018 for all other Divisions. Kick off times applicable to the Competition: The official time of kick off (which may be varied at the discretion of the Fixtures Secretary) for the starting of matches on Saturday throughout the season is 2.00 p.m. The official time of kick off (which may be varied at the discretion of the Fixtures Secretary) for the starting of cup matches on Saturday throughout the season is 1.30p.m.The time of kick off for matches played other than on Saturday (including Public and Bank Holidays) shall be as arranged by the Fixtures Secretary. ] 11. Other business of which due notice has been given and accepted as being relevant to the Annual General Meeting followed by the Presentation of Merit Awards and Trophies Directions to Venue of the Meeting:- Clair Hall is situated on the east side of the B2028 (Perrymount Rd), just south of the Haywards Heath Station roundabout and north of the Munster Green traffic system on the A272 in Haywards Heath.

4 GRAY HOOPER HOLT LLP MID SUSSEX FOOTBALL LEAGUE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE CLARE HALL, HAYWARDS HEATH ON 4 JULY 2017 Present Officers: M Brown, R Cherryman, P John, L Parsons, R Peters and D Port Life Member W Malins Elected Representatives: D Brooker, R Farley, I Muzio, and B Thomas. Vice President: Mrs J Hall, D Austen-Jones, D Chilton, R Matthews, P Miles, Co opted Member: P Hambling and Mark Gidman In Attendance: All Member and New Clubs with the exception of 4. The President welcomed guests, Anne Taylor from the Sponsors, Mathew Major, Chairman, Ashley Slaughter, Football Services Manager and Jade Harker, Disability Football Development Officer from the Sussex County FA and all delegates to the meeting. Before the meeting commenced a minute s silence was observed for League and Club colleagues who had passed away since the last Annual General Meeting. 1. Apologies Vice President M Stratford and Elected Representative P Hartman and P King 2. The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 21 June 2016, having been previously circulated, were received and confirmed. 3. Matters Arising There were no matters arising. 4. The Chairman s Report and Draft Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts. The Chairman highlighted a number of items from his report, firstly, that the FA had awarded Step 7 to the League. He reported on the demise of the Redhill & District League and welcomed those clubs who had chosen to come to the Mid Sussex League. The Chairman explained that the League had been selected by the FA to be one of two Leagues in Sussex who would be piloting the Temporary Dismissals (or Sin Bins) initiative. The Chairman thanked Ian Earl for his time as Vice Chairman and Sean Furminger, Fixture Secretary, both of whom were standing down. Finally, the Chairman thanked Gray Hooper Holt LLP for its continuing Sponsorship of the League. The Chairman s Report was adopted. The Draft Balance Sheet for the year ended 30 April 2017 was presented, with the meeting being advised that the final Accounts would be presented to the Management Committee at the November meeting. 5. Election of clubs to the Mid Sussex League. Charlwood, Crawley Albion, Eastbourne Athletic, Godstone, Oakwood, South Godstone, South Park and Walton Heath Football Clubs were all duly elected to fill vacancies on the recommendation of the Management Committee. 6. The Constitution of Divisions for season The revised Proposed Constitution circulated at the meeting was adopted following some points raised by a few clubs. (The Roll was called with Crawley Panthers, Hurstpierpoint, Keymer & Hassocks and South Godstone not being present) 7. The Election of Officers for season was as follows:- Patron President Associate Vice-Presidents Mr K S Somerville Mr L L G Parsons Mrs J Hall, Mr D Chilton, Mr D Austen-Jones and Mr R Matthews.

5 Honorary Vice-Presidents Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Fixtures Secretary Veterans Fixtures Secretary Referees Secretary Registration Secretary Media Officer Vice-Presidents as shown in the League Handbook Mr D Port Mr D Brooker Mr M J Brown Mr P A John Mr P Hambling Mr L Parsons Mr B Thomas Mr R Cherryman Mr R W Peters Mr D Kirkaldy Representatives nominated for election to the Management Committee: Messrs R Farley, S Furminger, P King and M Gidman were duly elected and retire in Independent Examiner Anthony K Webb Limited were appointed as Independent Examiners. 9. Alteration to Rules 9.1 Alterations as Ordered by The Football Association. Alterations to Rules ordered by The Football Association, details of which had been previously circulated to clubs, were noted by delegates for implementation for season Alterations Proposed by the Management Committee. Details of alterations to Rules proposed by the Management Committee had been previously circulated to clubs and sanctioned by the Sussex County Football Association, were unanimously adopted by delegates for implementation for season The commencement of the playing Season and Kick Off Times for was fixed as 1 st August For the playing of fixtures, the Premier and Championship would commence on the 19 th August with the remaining divisions starting on the 2 nd September. Kick Off times were set at 2.00 p.m. for League and 1.30 p.m. for Cup matches. 11. Any Other Business Mr A Slaughter, Football Services Manager at the Sussex County FA gave a presentation on the Temporary Dismissals (Sin Bin) Pilot Jade Harker, Disability Football Development Officer gave a presentation on Football Disability Pledge 12. Trophies and Awards were presented as follows: Ms A Taylor from sponsors Gray Hooper Holt LLP presented Merit Awards totalling 2,750 to 29 member clubs. Delegates were reminded that without the company s generous sponsorship it would not be possible to make such awards Ms. Taylor then presented the following trophies and awards:- Sportsmanship Trophy Fairwarp Liverpool Arms Cup for the First Team scoring the most league goals Lindfield (101 goals) Linesman s Award Mr E Smith (Rotherfield FC) Linesman s Award Runner Up Mr W Morley (Copthorne FC) Top Referee Mr J Doctrove Top Level 7 Referee Mr A Prodger Mrs Jean Hall then presented the following trophies and awards:- Secretary of the Year Mr D Manning (AFC Ringmer) Runners Up Mr G Brailey (Burgess Hill Albion) & Mr A McIntyre (Forest Row) Supplementary Competition Awards Group 1 Polegate Town Group 2 West Hoathly Group 3 Eastbourne Rangers II Group 4 Copthorne IV Group 5 Roffey III Group 6 East Row Group 7 Heath Rangers There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.35 p.m.

6 CHAIRMANS REPORT I would like to start this, my 10 th Annual Report, by paying tribute to Lawrie Parsons, our President and Fixtures Secretary, who has successfully steered this season to a sensible conclusion. This is despite the extended periods of inclement weather, the wettest that I can remember. Aided by the goodwill of Clubs and the support of the Management Committee, only 23 league fixtures were not completed. Towards the end of March, when the outlook was very bleak indeed, we made some strategic decisions to abandon 2 cup competitions, allow for double headers, introduce a pro rata points system for league games not completed by the end of April, extend the season for the Premier league and all cups to the 12 th May, and provide financial support to clubs for the hire of 3G or grass floodlit pitches to enable matches to be played when normal pitches were unplayable. Although some of these decisions didn t please everyone it did deliver the desired outcomes. Further, 12 cup finals were played over an unusually short period of 3 weeks and we are very grateful to Haywards Heath Town FC for their outstanding efforts in hosting nearly all of these matches. Attendances were good and we made a welcome positive net income from gate receipts. Thanks to everyone for going the extra mile to stage these matches. As a Step 7 league in the National League structure we are enjoying greater support from the FA, both administratively and financially. Additional grants totalling 5,000 have been received for website development, emergency aid courses, merit awards, social media officer kit and CPD training meetings. We are also holding 2,000 that is available on application for clubs to carry out minor infrastructure improvements. A further similar sum will be available for next year. We will also be invited to enter a representative team in the National KO competition, something that was made exclusive to Step 7 leagues a couple of years ago. Our Step 7 status for the Premier division has been consolidated. Our position in the National League structure and our stability as an established league continues to attract new clubs. New blood is essential for our competition to remain strong with balanced divisions. For next season the FA have directed Hollington Utd FC to join our Premier division and subject to AGM approval various teams will transfer in from the East Sussex League, the West Sussex League and the now defunct SCFL Reserves league. In addition new clubs and additional teams of existing clubs will join, all as detailed in the proposed constitution. Copthorne FC have chosen to take a lateral move into the SCFL. The Premier division will continue as 14 teams. Burgess Hill Albion FC and Eastbourne Rangers FC are promoted from the Championship and Portslade Athletic FC are relegated. As agreed at the March SGM, Division 2 downwards is to be regionalised into a north/south split for next season. This is in response to concerns expressed by clubs that players and officials are drifting away from Saturday football in part due to the travel time required to fulfil fixtures. The trend of player s numbers in recent years has been 3089 in 2002/3 rising to a peak of 4762 in 2011/2 and now Problems with our website platform and getting it transferred to a new provider resulted in a cessation of David Kirkaldy s weekly blogs. The re-designed website is now operational and feedback from clubs and players is that it meets stakeholder needs and expectations concerning league, club and player data. The creation of Facebook and Twitter accounts remain under consideration. Communication improvements promised by the FA to integrate Full Time with Whole Game remain ongoing. However, it is disappointing that, as I have reported for the past 2 years, there are still no plans to introduce referees match return cards as an online benefit

7 for both referees and league administrators. The FA initiative managed locally by the Sussex County FA provides for debt recovery from players and the sanction of sine die suspension from all football in England continues to be successfully used. Last season we were one of the pilot leagues who introduced, with some trepidation, temporary dismissals for dissent. The impact on player behaviour has been judged to be beneficial, there being a nationwide 38% reduction in cautions in dissent. I m pleased to say that many doubters now recognise the benefits of this initiative as demonstrated by the recent FA survey in which 82% of respondents considered it a good idea. The FA plan to make it mandatory for Step 5 downwards from season 2019/20 onwards. Rotherfield FC have proposed that we introduce a compulsory good standard match ball for the Premier and Championship, and optional for all other divisions. Mike Brown has negotiated an exceptional price of 22 for a Mitre Delta ball, including our league logo, from Premier Sports. This proposal will be put to the AGM. 12 months ago circumstances resulted in some forced changes of officers. Paul Hambling became Treasurer, Lawrie Parsons took on Fixtures as a stop gap measure, Paul John added Compliance to his portfolio and Duncan Brooker stepped up to be Vice Chairman. During the season Mark Gidman took on the new and very necessary position of League Welfare Officer. I m very grateful to all these gentlemen and indeed all other officers and management committee members for their hard work throughout the season. For next season there will be further changes. I plan to step down as Chairman and I m delighted that current Vice Chairman Duncan Brooker has agreed to put himself forward to replace me. As many of you will know, Duncan has many years of football experience both as a referee and as secretary of Portslade Athletic FC. He will bring fresh ideas, energy and leadership that will benefit us all. I m happy to continue to serve as Vice Chairman if the AGM so wishes. Lawrie Parsons wishes to step down as Fixtures Secretary due to poor eyesight, making extended periods of computer work too much of a strain. He will be pleased to continue as President and I m sure that everyone will be delighted for him to do so. Lawrie is in discussions with a previous committee member to succeed him as Fixtures Secretary and I m hopeful that we ll soon be able to announce an appointment. After several months of his attending management committee meetings as an observer I m pleased that Nick Hahn of Crawley Devils offers himself to serve as a club representative. Mike Brown as General Secretary, Paul John as Assistant Secretary and Compliance Officer, Roger Peters as Registrations Secretary and backstop for all roles, plus Richard Cherryman as Referees Secretary offer themselves for re-election. They provide the stability and continuity that is essential for the success of the Gray Hooper Holt LLP Mid Sussex Football League. Gray Hooper Holt LLP have offices in Haywards Heath and Redhill and as I do every year, I ask that you make them your go to firm for legal advice and services. Their financial and legal support of our League, 4,000 each year for the past 20 seasons, one of the longest, if not the longest, serving sponsor in English football, is a huge benefit for all of us. Please tell your club members! I encourage Clubs to continue to take advantage of the emergency aid and assistant referee courses that we provide. The assistant referee courses are free of charge. We also offer Safeguarding training and it will be mandatory that if you wish to register an U18 player then you must have a Club Welfare Officer. Mark Gidman will be pleased to help you work through these requirements if you need advice. With all the recent publicity and court cases we must structure ourselves to provide a safe environment for U18s.

8 The League is inching towards Chartered League status. Qualification requires 60% of our Clubs to be Standard Chartered accredited and we are now a little above 40%. The benefits were presented at the 2017 AGM by the Sussex County FA. Liaison with the Mid Sussex Youth and Minor league has developed in recent months. Ian Muzio has become a co-opted member of their management committee and Gary Manville-Dickens similarly attends our meetings. The purpose is to develop pathways for youth players to find adult clubs and not be lost to football. If any of our clubs is interested in linking up with an independent youth club then please let me know. Next season Barry Thomas will succeed Ian Muzio. Efficient administration of the League also depends upon good Club Officers and I m pleased to announce that Chris Clarke of Sporting Lindfield FC has won our Secretary of the Season award. Alex Oecken of Hurstpierpoint FC was the runner up. For the second year running the Assistant Referee s award goes to Elliot Smith of Rotherfield FC. Martin Theobald of Lindfield FC was runner up. The Sportsmanship Cup goes to East Court FC I am also pleased to say that, based on scoring by Clubs, John Doctrove, for the second year running, is the top referee and Harry Wood is the top Level 7 referee. Congratulations to both and thanks to all our referees who serve us so well. For the second year running Lindfield FC were the Premier League champions. Willingdon Athletic FC were runners up closely followed by Cuckfield Rangers FC in 3 rd place. The basement had Portslade Athletic FC and Peacehaven and Telscombe FC IIs some distance adrift at the foot of the table. I congratulate Cuckfield Rangers FC on winning the Montgomery Cup, reversing the Premier league table by beating Lindfield FC after extra time in the hard fought final. Also Eastbourne Rangers who were runners up in the Sussex Intermediate Cup. The veterans Cup was won by Dorking Wanderers FC on penalties following a 3-3 draw at full time. Horley Town FC were runners up. The continuing popularity of the veterans competition was enhanced last season by the introduction of seeding teams into A and B divisions to make matches more balanced. Finally I m very pleased to congratulate two members of our Management Committee. Lawrie Parsons recently received the FA s 50 year long service award for services to football and Doug Austen-Jones the Long and Meritorious service award from the Referees Association. I wish everyone an enjoyable 2018/19 season and I thank you all for your support over the past 10 years. It has been a pleasure and a privilege for me to serve the Gray Hooper Holt Mid Sussex Football League. David Port, Chairman June 2018