Minutes for 15th Board Meeting
Date: 18 February 2007, 7.30pm
Venue: Ground Floor Meeting Room, Falsgrave Community Centre
1. Present:
Board
Richard Adamson (RA)
Anthony Brown (AB)
John Clarke (JC)
Simon Cope (SC)
Ben Courtney (BC)
James Hunter (JH)
Chris Rooke (CR)
Sandra Troughton (ST)
President John Fawcett (JF)
Apologies:
Wendy Danby (WD)
Andy Troughton (AT)
2. Welcome to Mick Rooker, SUFC. Discussion.
Mick Rooker unable to attend due to rearranged date. AT to contact Mick for discussion.
3. Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a true and accurate record of proceedings.
Matters Arising:
3.1 Code of Conduct
SC is continuing work on the Code of Conduct for Directors.
3.2 Sportsman’s Dinner
AB proposed that a Saturday night in October may be better for the event. This will be easier for players and those working in sport to attend the event. A date is to be fixed asap. Once fixed, JC will request a home match for the date from the League, or a free Saturday if possible.
AB has been in touch and has costs from a variety of speakers and this is ongoing.
3.3 Co-option to the Board
ST and BC to contact local solicitors regarding co-option for legal advice.
CR proposed co-opting a member of the Supporters Club committee in the absence of other candidates. However, as previously agreed the Board will consider the Supporters Club co-option once it is democratically elected. In the meantime, the Board will await the Supporters Club’s decision on the proposal of attending Board meetings for a set period (see December 2007 Board meeting minutes).
3.4 Business Plan
SC proposed that the Business Plan should be for 5 years with mini targets to reach where the Club wants to be.
Directors with specific roles to submit goals and strategies to BC within 2 weeks.
3.5 Fundraising
JH – end of season booklet work progressing with sponsorship likely.
JH – Supporters game to take place 26 April after final game of the season with a proposal to have a “Bernard Newby man of the match shield”. JH/WD to contact the family.
4. Regular items
4.1 Manager and team issues
AB reported that Jamie Waltham is suspended for 4 games and the team formation may have to be switched around as a result of this. Gary Hepples has returned to training.
Brian France contract: SC to submit a proposed contract to the Board for approval prior to the next meeting.
The Club has been charged with misconduct (under Rule E20 of the FA Rules) following the AFC Emley game. Letters are to be submitted to both AFC Emley and Dinnington detailing how we have dealt with the recent incidents.
JC asked if the Board should put any players on contracts. AB suggested that at this stage that was unnecessary.
The Club has been handed small fines for approaches to Jamie Waltham and Graham Botham.
4.2 Finances
ST presented profit and loss information. Many thanks to ST.
4.3 Supporters Club queries
None.
SC to speak to Craig Patton and Shaun Burke regarding whether they wish to take up the option to attend Club Board meetings for a set period.
5. 1st team, Reserve team and Academy plans
AB – the club needs a reserve team for several reasons. This is to continually see fringe players in matches and to help returning players regain fitness after injury. AB has considered entry of a team in both the Teesside League and the Humber League. As many players in the squad are from Hull it makes much more sense for the reserve team to be entered into the Humber League as some Teesside League teams are near Newcastle. Proposal for Humber League entry unanimously agreed. AB is looking at grounds around the Driffield area and also looking for sponsorship.
AB - for the long-term future of Scarborough Athletic FC, the Club needs an Academy set up for young players. AB proposed that plans should be started. The town already has an Academy through Pindar School. Before any plans are made independently, the Club must verify how the current Academy could benefit Scarborough Athletic. BC to contact Hugh Bellamy for meeting.
Note: meeting with Hugh Bellamy arranged on 19/2/08 for 21/2/08. SC, AB and BC to attend.
6. Latest on McCain Stadium/Athletic Ground and sub-committee proposal
Petition objecting to the removal of covenants on the stadium to be submitted to Ian Anderson at Council by JH on 19/2/08.
SC proposed sub-committee to deal with ground situation. The committee needs to look at all options available to the Club and provide recommendations to Board. Proposed that committee consist of SC, BC, RA and Dave Holland. The aim is that by this sub-committee the Club can be more proactive and help develop proceedings.
7. Other plans for 2008-9 season
AT had previously stated he wished to look at sponsorship plans for next season. SC to contact AT. AT will be given contact details for current sponsors and will look at contacting sponsors for next season.
8. Marketing
No match on Saturday of Easter weekend. JH to book stall in Brunswick Centre (22/3/08) with the aim of raising awareness.
JH to look at new strap line to replace the current Seadog Trust “Boro’s Future is Ours”.
9. York match sponsorship planning
JF had previously been concerned over the arrangement of dealing with match sponsors at the York game. This has since been resolved after discussion between JF, ST and AT.
Confirmed that the sponsors will be selecting the man of the match and that they should be mentioned over the PA at least 3 times.
10. Directors’ responsibilities at matches
JF wished to remind all Directors that although they are all football supporters they also have the added responsibility of being a Director. They must all act as such at matches.
ST suggested that all Directors should go to the Directors’ Box 5 minutes before the end for the benefit of visiting officials and fans. This will also help to promote a professional image for the Club.
11. Date of next meeting
Falsgrave Community Centre, Wednesday 19 March 2008, 7.30pm.
12. Any Other Business
AB – proposed an all red home kit and all white away kit for next season. Agreed.
CR stated that he was concerned that the disciplinary committee would find it difficult to contact people that they don't know, and that potentially this could lead to inequity in the process. For instance, there was another individual who entered the field of play at the AFC Emley match, but since he was not recognised, he has gone unpunished. The Board agreed to try and identify individuals at the point of incident.