SO2 CIT3
RAF Continuous Improvement Team
HQ Air Command
RAF High Wycombe
Bucks
HP14 4UE
Civ Tel: 01494 495071
Mil Tel: 95221 Ext 5071
Email: [email protected]
Reference:
RAFGA/ECM_ROAD/Apr15
See Distribution
Dated: 22 Apr 15
RECORD OF ACTIONS AND DECISIONS (ROAD) OF THE RAF GOLF
ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (RAFGA EC) MEETING HELD
ON 15 APR 15 AT RAF WITTERING
Present:
Apologies:
Gp Capt Q Dixon
Wg Cdr R McAlpine
Sqn Ldr J Parr
Sqn Ldr P Mardon
Sqn Ldr A Wilson
Flt Lt T Stone
WO A Mournian
WO M Dove
Chf Tech L Lawrence
Sgt A Moss
Sqn Ldr N Flather
Gp Capt F McLean
Wg Cdr A Garbutt
WO S Beveridge
Chairman
Director of Ladies’ Golf (DoLG)
Director of Golf (DoG)
Director of Development (DoD)
Director of Membership Scheme (DoMS)
Director of Finance (DoF)
Ladies’ Captain (LC)
Director of Comms (DoC) (desig)
Director of Team Support (DoTS)
Men’s Captain (MC)
Director of Comms (DoC) & ECM Sec
Dep Chairman
Director of Sponsorship (DoS)
Director of Fixtures & Competitions (DoFC)
Record of Actions & Decisions
CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION:
1. The Chairman thanked the Executive Committee (EC) members for
all their continuing hard work through the close-season since the last
ECM in Dec and welcomed new EC members Sqn Ldr Andy Wilson
(DoMS) and WO Martyn ‘Budgie’ Dove (DoC desig) to their first
committee meetings.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING:
All previous actions have been satisfactorily closed unless
specifically referred to below.
2. Sponsors’ Golf Day. The task on the DoG and DoS to investigate
what might be undertaken regarding the potential introduction of a
RAFGA-initiated reciprocal golf day for sponsors and golf clubs remains
on-going. It was thought that financial constraints would probably
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Action
Record of Actions & Decisions
mean either only the Sponsors’ Dinner or a Golf Day would be possible
and, given the importance of the Sponsors’ Dinner, the feasibility of a
golf day was questioned. However, the DoG and DoS were tasked to
investigate options which might also include a players’ awards
ceremony/dinner, possibly as part of the Sponsors’ Dinner or at the
AGM.
3. Ladies’ Training Camps. As tasked, the LC submitted a proposal
that a number of ladies, including the Ladies’ Coach, join the Men’s
Overseas Training Camp (OTC) on an annual basis. Exact numbers (up
to a likely max of 6 + pro) would be dependant on both availability and
merit of individuals, as places would been seen as a reward not a right.
The proposal was approved and is to be taken forward for 2016 by the
LC.
4. Allocation of Sponsors to Events. The task for the DoS to
allocate specific sponsors to events and to arrange for RAFGA EC hosts
for sponsors at 2015 events remains on-going. Target: 8 May 15.
5. Twitter. The DoF reported the results of his Twitter investigation
and it was agreed that this should be taken forward, subject to Defence
Media Direction and Guidance, by the DoC.
Action
DoG/DoS
LC
DoS
DoC
6. Etiquette. Whilst Calling Notices refer to the importance that the
EC attaches to etiquette, poor etiquette is seen as an increasing
problem and the RAFGA needs to be more pro-active to kerb this trend.
As well as behavioural issues it is thought that dress standards are also
slipping.



The DoFC was tasked to ensure that a poster is produced for
each event which states the importance of good etiquette, the
fact that disqualification is a possibility because of poor
behaviour and that etiquette requirements are verbally briefed.
The DoFC was tasked, if possible, to produce pictorial posters
(Men and Ladies) of acceptable/unacceptable dress standards.
The DoFC was tasked, if possible, to establish a Competition
Committee of non-players ideally who could act as Referees.
The RAFGA EC is supportive in principle of disqualifying players
in cases of unambiguous bad etiquette/behaviour.
DoFC
DoFC
DoFC
7. CSGA Fixtures. The DoG reported that the Combined Service Golf
Association (CSGA) could not provide definitive assurance that there
would be de-confliction between our Match-Play event and the CSGA’s
fixture, both in early June.
SAFETY UPDATE REPORT:
8. The RAFGA’s Safety Management Plan (SMP) continues to be highly
rated by the RAF Sports Board (RAFSB). The pace of development
within the safety environment remains demanding however and the
RAFGA (thro the DoG) is required to undertake a self-assessment/First
Party Audit before the end of June.
9. The DoG briefed on the safety ‘duty holder’ responsibilities the EC
holds for its own events and emphasised that the Stns/Units/trades
held safety responsibilities for their own events. OICs/PEd Flts have
been provided with advice and guidance and the RAFGA SMP is readily
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DoG
Record of Actions & Decisions
Action
available on the RAFGA website.
10. The DoG was tasked to reflect the applicability of individuals’
‘fitness’ to participate in golf in the RAFGA SMP.
DoG
FINANCIAL UPDATE REPORT:
11. The DoF provided an update of the state of RAFGA finances. The
2013/14 accounts were finalised in Feb 15, with a healthy closing
balance of £21.7k. With Income of £110k and Expenditure of £112k
the deficit of £2k was deemed acceptable.
12. The DoF gave a short summary for each income/expenditure line
for the 2014/15 budget which shows a projected surplus of £5159. The
5 Year Plan continues to be updated and the full financial report is on
the website.
13. The DoF reported his intention to implement electronic bank
transfer with effect from 2016 and the DoF was tasked to consider the
value of a Bank Transfer SOP for the RAFGA Handbook.
DoF
14. The DoF proposed a vote of thanks to the shortly departing Cath
Kelly of the RAFSB who has provided many years’ excellent support to
many RAFGA Treasurers/DoFs. A token of appreciation has been
bought and will be presented to Cath.
SPONSORSHIP UPDATE REPORT:
15. In the absence of the DoS, the Sponsorship report prepared for
the AGM was tabled. Sponsorship remains in a steady position for the
2015 season with similar sponsorship revenue compared with the
previous 3 years. Currently the committed sponsorship base for 2015
stands at £22.7k with one of last year’s sponsors still to confirm the
agreed £3.75k for the year.
16. The continuing sponsorship strategy is to maintain a broad base of
sponsors at low-medium funding amounts but with expected
commitment over a number of years whilst the pursuit of new
sponsorship opportunities continues to be a high priority. The MC was
tasked to speak with the DoS regarding re-engaging with the RAFBF ref
hosting opportunities.
DEVELOPMENT & COACHING UPDATE REPORT:
17. The DoD briefed that general direction and guidance has been
provided to OICs in the RAFGA Handbook and supplemented by 2 x
emails. Regional representatives have been appointed and plans for
2015 coaching are now in place.
18. The previous coaching at Woodhall Spa has been withdrawn to be
replaced with a replacement ‘B’ North v ‘B’ South coaching/match. A
comprehensive Development Report is available on the website.
19. It was decided that University Air Sqn students could play in
RAF/station golf (but not Inter Service) events on a fill-up basis.
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MC/DoS
Record of Actions & Decisions
Action
FIXTURES AND COMPETITIONS’ UPDATE REPORT:
20. In the absence of the DoFC, the MC provided a summary of
activities which resulted in the following actions/decisions:
 The organiser of a fixture or coaching event is to apply to the DoG
on a case-by-case basis ref Match Fees to be charged.
 On-Duty EC officials are not subject to a Match Fee.
 The DoG/MC/LC are tasked to investigate (NLT end May 15) the
venue for the 2016 Match-Play Champs, with S Staffs,
Luffenham Heath and Thetford being the prime candidates.
 The RAF has been offered a place in the prestigious Eastern
Counties Foursomes in May 2016. It was decided that the offer
is to be accepted and £400 was granted towards the total cost
(of £700 for a team of 10); accordingly, personal contributions
would be £30 per player.
MC/LC
DoG/MC/LC
21. The Chairman took the opportunity to update the EC on the output
from the previous day’s CSGA committee meeting, covering the InterService Champs and the trial IS 36-hole Individual Champs.
22. Inter-Service Champs. Highlights included:
 A re-draft of the rule relating to withdrawal of players will be redistributed for single Service approval.
 The rules regarding caddies remain extant.
 The CSGA, fully supported by the RAFGA, wishes to see the
highest standards of sportsmanship and etiquette at the IS and,
whenever/wherever appropriate, opponents (and caddies)
should act sociably.
 The proposed 2017 IS venue of Carden Park was not ruled out but
looks unlikely if Saunton Sands can be secured as the venue.
Related actions were:
 The DoD is to order 1st, 2nd 3rd place individual (Men and Ladies)
IS trophies, with wording provided by the DoG, prior to the end
of May 15.
 The DoC is to investigate whether the RAFGA has a spare trophy
which might replace the existing Ladies’ Individual Trophy (Post
meeting note: no such trophy is available).
DoD/DoG
DoC
23. Trial IS Individual Champs. Highlights included:
 36-hole scratch (both Men and Ladies) stroke-play on the Friday of
IS week; Monday registration; max entry 10 Men and 8 Ladies;
don’t have to fill all available places.
LADIES’ GOLF/LADIES’ CAPTAIN’S UPDATE REPORT:
24. The DoLG briefed that the Ladies have a core squad of 15 players
but have identified 14 new golfers many of whom will be participating
in the inaugural Novice Coaching session at Witney Lakes in April.
25. It was reported that the DoLG, the LC and FS Kev Redstone
(Ladies’ Manager) would be meeting shortly to discuss the Manager’s
role and determine requirements for 2015.
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DoLG/LC
Record of Actions & Decisions
Action
26. The DoLG asked for publicly recorded thanks to Sqn Ldr Karen
Swanson for deputising, so excellently, as DoLG during her own
Falkland Islands sojourn.
27. The LC thanked the DoD for considerable advice and guidance
since she took over captaincy last September.
MEMBERSHIP SCHEME UPDATE REPORT:
28. Terminology. It was agreed that the RAFGA Membership
Scheme (RAFGAMS or GAMS) would no longer be referred to as such
and is henceforth named the Membership Scheme. The former EC post
of Chairman of the RAFGAMS is henceforth named the Director of the
Membership Scheme (DoMS).
29. The newly appointed DoMS, Sqn Ldr Andy Wilson, reported a MS
balance of £28.5k at the end of Oct 14. It was confirmed that
previously MS-held responsibilities for funding coaching have
transferred to the DoD and also that the annual insurance policy has
been renewed. The DoMS took a task upon himself to further
understand the exact content of the policy in particular regard to junior
and more senior golfers.
30. The DoMS confirmed that WO Joe Bains and himself will organise
this year’s Pairs Competition (to be held at Mentmore GC on 6 Aug).
31. The DoG tabled a document ‘MS conclusions/recommendations’
generated from a meeting in Feb 15 to thoroughly review the old
RAFGAMS operation. The recommendations were approved and are to
be taken forward by the DoMS and DoG. The recommendations
involved a restructuring of the former sub-committee and reallocation
of responsibilities to further integrate the former sub-committee into
the EC. The magazine will continue but in future there will be one issue
per year in Jan/Feb, comprising a more comprehensive retrospect of
the previous season and a look forward to the new season.
MEN’S CAPTAIN’S UPDATE REPORT:
32. The MC reported on the recent OTC and described a very
successful week in which the new RAF Men’s Coach, former European
Tour pro and Ryder Cup player, Peter Baker, was highly influential.
Peter’s style of delivery, credibility and ability to advise on both
physical execution of golf shots and the mental approach to the game
were seen as invaluable. A number of Lessons Identified have been
recorded for use in next year’s OTC planning process.
33. The MC reported that the only fixture so far this season, against
Lincs County, disappointingly had to be abandoned, whilst the RAF
were leading, due to very strong winds.
34. The MC stated that the RAF Men’s squad impressively includes 9
players off scratch or better.
35. The MC proposed that the current 10 x Men and 8 x Ladies Inter
Service players should be entitled to use their RAF kit (bag and full IS
clothing) for Station matches, Regional Champs, Stroke-Play and
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DoMS
DoMS
DoMS/DoG
Record of Actions & Decisions
Match-Play Champs, as recognition of their achievement and
encouragement for other golfers. There were concerns about wear and
tear on kit but the proposal was approved on a trial basis for review at
the Nov ECM (following the IS Champs). It was recognised that OICs
retain the right for IS players to wear team shirts in station matches.
The MC was tasked to draft a message to OICs/IS players regarding
this development and liaise with the DoC for promulgation.
Action
DoC
MC/DoC
COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE REPORT:
36. The DoC reported ‘business as usual’ regarding the website, which
continues to provide a good service for golfing information throughout
the season, having had 188,000 ‘hits’ during 2014, second only to RAF
rugby union on the sports association front, a number which is also
very comparable with many station websites.
37. The DoC also reported an increased success rate in getting articles
published in the RAF News last season.
38. The DoC announced that he would hand-over to WO Dove
following the promulgation of both the ROADs from this ECM and AGM.
DoC/DDoC
39. DDoC briefed the committee on his thoughts for the way forward
to improve RAFGA comms and, in particular, better exploit social media
and MOSS.
AOB:
40. The DoTS is to submit a proposal to the DoG regarding purchase
of wind-proof tops (and other kit) NLT 8 May 15.
41. The DoF was tasked to reply to the invitation to the RAFSB
Conference (13/14 May) with attendees being the Chairman, DoLG and
DoF, with the DoD as reserve.
DoTS
DoF
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
42. The next ECM would normally take place in Nov; however, it may
be necessary to hold more frequent meetings (either ECMs and/or subcommittees) and the DoG will advise the DoC of the date of the next
meeting.
[Electronically Signed]
N FLATHER
Sqn Ldr
RAFGA DoC, Golfing Magician & ECM Sec
95221-5071
Distribution:
Action:
Information:
RAFGA EC members
DSB(RAF)
OICs Golf (via website)
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DoG