MINUTES OF A CRICKET WALES BOARD MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2012 AT THE SWALEC
STADIUM
Present: Roger Morris (Chairman); Robin Varley; Ted Tipper; Neil Hobbs; Clive Franklin; Richard Penney; Colin John;
Peter Hybart; Alan Hamer; Susie Osborne (Sport Wales); Tim Masters (ECB)
1
Welcome, Introductions and changes relating to Glamorgan Cricket
In welcoming members to the meeting, the Chairman explained that Glamorgan Cricket, with three of
their nominees sitting on the Board, had decided to change two of their nominees so that Hugh Davies
and Harry Lazarus would no longer be Directors of Cricket Wales. One of their replacements, Alan
Hamer, Chief Executive of Glamorgan Cricket, was welcomed by the Chairman. The second replacement
will be named as soon as possible. Alan Hamer informed the meeting that the Glamorgan Committee is
eager to develop stronger links to club cricket in its bid to recruit more ‘home-grown’ players.
The Chairman had written personally to Hugh Davies and Harry Lazarus and the Board instructed Peter
Hybart to write on behalf of the Board to thank them for their contributions to the work of the former
Cricket Board of Wales and to Cricket Wales.
Glamorgan’s right to nominate Board Members was noted. It was also noted that the AGM would be
required to ratify the nominations.
2
Apologies for Absence. Ieuan Watkins and Ally Pitman
3
To approve the minutes of the meeting held 26th September 2012.
The Minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record
4
Matters Arising
a. Cricket Wales OSCAs – The Cricket Wales nominees attended the event at Lord’s and enjoyed the
day. Ted Tipper observed that he is keen that Cricket Wales should develop its own awards process
and hoped that this could be achieved in time for the spring of 2013. Alan Hamer stated that
Glamorgan Cricket would be happy to co-operate with such a process. It was agreed that Peter
Hybart and Ted Tipper would put a process in place with the closing date for nominations being the
end of February, in time for a Spring 2013 event.
b. Directors’ ‘tool-kit’ – this is work in progress
c. Welfare of Children and Vulnerable Adults – a letter from the NSPCC had been previously circulated
that encouraged Cricket Wales to proceed to Level 3. The Chairman stated that our current
reluctance to move forward just yet is borne out of a wish to embed current processes more deeply
before moving on to the next level.
d. The SKY money had now been distributed to coaches/clubs
5
To adopt Issue 1 of the Cricket Wales Outcomes Strategy and the Related Innovation Plan - Copies of
the document had previously been distributed. The Chairman observed that his initial response to this
ECB initiative, last February, was one that tended towards cynicism but that he had been truly impressed
by the subsequent developments. The document was adopted, save for the addition of ‘Parents’ to the
list of ‘Funders.’
6
To Receive an Update and to Discuss Elements of the Innovation Plan:
6.1 ‘Develop and implement new forms of the game’ (Andy Lees, ECB) – Mr Lees described two forms
of the game that have proved to be popular. “Last Man Stands” is an 8-a-side game operated on a
global scale through a series of commercial franchises. It has proved to be successful in bringing
back to the game players who had previously left the game. He agreed that the format could be
taken up by anyone but there are advantages of allowing the ‘franchise’ to operate it and the whole
concept is supported by an excellent website. There is a franchise in South Wales operated by Mr.
Paul Ricketts. On the proposal of Ted Tipper, the Board agreed to support this process without
actually endorsing it, by maintaining contact with Mr. Ricketts. Cricket Wales will not release its
database.
Mr Lees also referred to Indoor cricket played within a ‘tension net.’ This requires a semipermanent indoor facility – there is no such facility in Wales, though a development in Carmarthen is
a possibility in the future.
6.2 ‘Develop the pathway which feeds Wales Age-Group Squads’ - A wide-ranging discussion discussed
possible outcomes, with the possibility of fewer, larger regions becoming the most obvious pathway
to excellence. The catalyst for this discussion has emerged from a combination of two factors: a
significant number of mismatches between current regional sides; the requirement by Sport Wales
that this part of their grant be more focussed on excellence. The Board agreed that the JCC
members will need to be included in any subsequent debate. The paper was adopted on the
understanding that a regional playing structure will be re-designed in time for the 2014 season. A
review group will be established that will look at Regional Cricket, NDC’s and Welsh Squads, and will
report back to the Board with final recommendations in late summer/early Autumn 2013.
6.3 ‘Improve capability to engage more Women and Girls within cricket’ – Gavin Hawkey is acting as
Chairman of a group to consider this element of the Innovation Plan. The group will include Ted
Tipper, JCC members, some participants and possibly some parents. It was emphasised by some
members that there has been over-emphasis on higher-level teams without the numbers at grassroots level to sustain the current structure.
6.4 ‘Develop greater Customer Insight and improve Performance Measurement’ – The actual
measurement of progress and gaining customer insight was the subject of a meeting held recently
and attended by Steve Wood, Tim Masters, Susie Osborne, Peter Hybart, Gavin Hawkey and Kerry
Lloyd. There will be another meeting in February to consider further the subject of surveys,
‘Twitter’, measurement etc
7
Financial Report
7.1 Draft 2011/12 unaudited accounts (previously distributed) - Colin John, the Finance Director,
commented on the accounts which have been passed to the auditors. He explained that £27,000 of
unspent money received from ‘Chance to Shine’ would not be reclaimed but will be passed to the
following financial year and must be spent then. The Finance Director commented on some of the
apparent anomalies: a large overspend by Wales Age-Group sides has resulted in strict budget
controls being imposed on each team for 2013; The ‘Cricket Income’ item shows a much reduced
figure that is explained by the fact that the company selling the kit deals directly with the players;
the Gwalia Cup Final was held at Panteg CC, resulting in lower costs, so only £3000 (of the £5000
available) was claimed from The Gwalia Group; there are still some affiliation fees to come (about
£2000). Expenditure underpayments were mainly caused by timing issues (eg Gavin Hawkey took up
his post later than was budgeted for).
The report was adopted
7.2 Remuneration sub-committee - The Committee (comprising the Finance Director, Clive Franklin and
Richard Penney) met on Nov 1st and was joined by Susie Osborne who was able to provide
information about other sports and bench-marking information. The group decided not to
recommend an ‘across the board’ award this year, but agreed to tidy up some disparities. Expenses
will be left at the current level. It was recommended and agreed by the Board that the
Remuneration Committee be made permanent and would meet at least annually.
7.3 Updated 2012/13 budget - the Director distributed copies of a proposed Budget for 2012/13 and
Cash-Flow documents to be used as part of the reporting procedure. The 2012/13 budget was
approved.
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Dates of future meetings – The next Board Meeting will be held on February 7th at a venue to be
confirmed. The AGM was previously arranged for March 3rd 2013 but at the request of the CEO was
moved to either Saturday 23rd March (as part of a wider Cricket Wales/ Glamorgan Cricket event) or
alternatively Sunday 24th March (as a stand-alone AGM/Board meeting). The final date and venue will be
confirmed in the near future.
9
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
9.1. The Chairman has relinquished his post as Company Secretary and this role will be undertaken by Kerry
Lloyd
9.2. Clive Franklin attended the launch of the ECB Club Strategy on the 25th October on behalf of Cricket Wales
with Gavin Hawkey.