WCF Management Committee Meeting 11th May 2009, National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
Present:
David Openshaw – WCF President
Charles Jones
Carole Jackson
Rhys Thomas
Keith Aiton
Consulted by email:
Amir Ramsis
Andrew Hope - Treasurer
Max Murray
The meeting considered the forthcoming agenda of the WCF Council Meeting
6.40pm Brian Storey joined the meeting
Management Committee Expenses and Honoraria
The vexed question of travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses to attend meetings was discussed. It was agreed that such expenses should not be paid if a member was also playing in the event. The percentage of such expenses was undecided but may be up to 75% of expenditure. Andrew Hope subsequently stated he was not in favour of 75% of expenses being paid; maybe 50%.
It will be put to members via a consultation paper.
As for Honoraria, it was agreed this was a matter for the full members to decide.
Championship Financial Arrangements
Discussion took place regarding the financing of WCF Championships v Host Expenses. The current system of a £1k licence fee for the singles AC and GC events remained with a lower £500 fee for a Women’s GC Championship.
The WCF also retained entry fees for the event.
The Management Committee strongly support the current way of financing World Championships. It reflects the value of a World Championship. All Championships since 2001 have made a surplus for the hosts.
If potential hosts wish to vary from the current arrangements they are free to propose changes but these should still reflect the value of holding a championship.
A full budget would be presented to the WCF Council Meeting on the 12th May 2009.
Succession Planning
Charles Jones is willing to stand as the next prospective President. It was unanimously agreed to recommend his election to members.
Andrew Hope, the Treasurer, had indicated he would be willing to stay until 2010.
Brian Storey stated that he would consider his position after the WCF Council Meeting. He wanted to see WCF become an International Sports Federation with direct responsibilities for Laws, International Events and Anti- Doping policies. He fully expected the latter to be placed into limbo by a proposed WCF Council proposal. He has no real wish to remain in place purely as a facilitator for the distribution of wealth within the Development programme, important though that is, and the coordination of WCF Championships.
Regulations
It was agreed that all WCF Regulations require periodic scrutiny. In particular the Event Regulations, which deal with host requirements for bidding and hosting a WCF Event have not been scrutinised since their inception in 1994.
Keith Aiton stated he would produce a first draft of changes of the Event Regulations by 31st December 2009, with a view to improvement.
Cabinet Responsibility v Individual Responsibility
A discussion took place on how WCFMC members view their own voting processes within the committee structure. No conclusion was reached.
Next Meeting 5.00pm Tuesday 12th May 2009.