Minutes of the Council Meeting of the WCF held at National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, 12th May 2009
Present
David Openshaw, President WCF
Charles Jones, WCF Management Committee
Carole Jackson, WCF Management Committee
Rhys Thomas, WCF Management Committee
Keith Aiton, WCF Management Committee
Brian Storey, WCF Secretary-General
Tony Hall – Australia
Paul Emmett- Canada
Jonathan Kirby – England
Colin Irwin - England
Stephen Mulliner – England
Evan Newell – Ireland
Anthony Ritchie – New Zealand
James Hopgood – Scotland
Kevin Wells – Isle of Man
Anton Varnas – Sweden
Jim Bast - USA
Chris Williams – Wales
Alan Morris - Belgium
Damon Bidencope - Observer
1. Minutes of previous Meeting
It was proposed by Stephen Mulliner and seconded by Jonathan Kirby that the minutes were to be accepted with the change that Samir Patel (Eng), was added to the list of those present.
2. Report of the WCF Management Committee
David Openshaw opened the report by advising that there was possibly to be a 2010 GC Championship, but it was yet to be confirmed.
A review will take place of the European Team Championship after the 2009 event.
It remains the wish of WCF to develop as an International Sports Body inclusive of the Laws of AC and International play including the 2010 MacRobertson Shield.
Succession planning for the 2009 election of a new President was that it was that the WCFMC unanimously supported Charles Jones as the next President.
There will also be elections to WCFMC with three current members retiring by rota: Carole Jackson, Amir Ramsis and Max Murray. It was not known if they would seek election at this point.
The Treasurer Andrew Hope is happy to continue during 2010, The Secretary-General, Brian Storey, is waiting to see how the WCF Council wants WCF to develop as an International Sports Federation.
With the question of the World Anti-Doping Agency matter, there is no consensus of a way forward.
In relation to development, Amir Ramsis and he, as President, had travelled to China with Khalid Younis to demonstrate and promote Croquet. Clearly these a tough economic times and it is likely that the pace of development will be impacted by that. Any venture would be based around hotels. He advised that earlier this week he had received an email from his China contact asking about the possibility of holding a World Championship in China at some time in the future.
There was also the outside possibility of demonstrating the game at the Shanghai Expo in 2010.
As for membership, Denmark with over 5,000 members is still a possible future member.
There is no conclusion on whether we should establish any form of official contact with Gateball.
The President again re-iterated that Development Grants were available upon application and scrutiny in order to spend money wisely.
The current WCF Regulations, which in essence were the policies of the WCF, require closer scrutiny and this will take place over the next few months.
He asked for comments from the floor.
Tony Hall commented that the Australian Croquet Association was also the governing body of Gateball in Australia and as it was a popular game, needed some form of control.
Jonathan Kirby commented that it was important that WCF should be a World Governing Body and that financial planning was an essential part of that.
3. Statements of Accounts
The audited 2007 accounts were presented for approval approved
It was Proposed by Tony Hall and Seconded by Jonathan Kirby that the 2007 accounts be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
The Secretary-General asked that the Council also consider approving the 2008 accounts that had now been audited but were too late for inclusion within the original circulation of the agenda as per the Statutes. To do so would require a two thirds majority to consider them.
This was unanimously agreed.
The current surplus of funds had been built up largely by members of the Management Committee, over the last ten years, taking no honoraria and significant subsidy of expenses.
The basis of having a significant positive balance was to ensure the strength of the WCF and that was supported by Friends money which was used to build up that balance at inception.
In response to a question the President went thorough the projected income and expenditure including sponsorship opportunities. Prior to 1997 the WCF retained some of the sponsorship money. Since then all sponsorship income is retained by the host association and the WCF retains entry and licence fees. This reflects that World Championships have a financial value for a host.
All Championships since 2001 have achieved a financial surplus.
The President added he wants to see any surpluses to go to development and would expect £10k to cover any perceived charging of expenditure.
It was Proposed by Tony Hall and Seconded by Jonathan Kirby that the 2008 Accounts be approved. This was unanimously agreed.
The President presented the Financial Results and Budget for 2009/10. It was confirmed that there is no current policy relating to overall expenditure and that there currently no projects being undertaken.
It was noted that it was projected that £8-12k would be devoted to development funding.
Jonathan Kirby questioned the item of Championship expenses but with no income. It was explained that it was for the possible holding of a World Team Championship in 2010.
The President expressed his personal opinion that those members would all want any surplus to be used, over time, for world-wide development.
The budget for 2009 and 2010 were unanimously agreed, nem con.
4. Applications for Membership
There were no applications for membership.
5. Revisions of Association Status
The Council were asked to consider the ratification of a change of status of membership for the Sweden Croquet Association from Observer member to Associate member. Anton Varnas gave a history of the Swedish Croquet Association and it development to the current date. It was Proposed by Stuart Lawrence and Seconded by Tony Hall that this ratification be approved. It was unanimously agreed.
6. Applications for Championships to be recognised
None
7. To consider resolutions for which due notice has been received
7.1 To consider the qualification position of players in parts of countries that become independent or, where two or more countries unite.
Proposed by the WCF Management Committee:
Insert as a new paragraph in Statute 303.9:
- “If, as a result of a country or part of it becoming independent, or a country or part of it becoming incorporated into another country, or if two or more countries are united into a new country, or if a country is divided into more countries, a player of a member association who has already represented a country and whose citizenship was thus changed by decision of the state authorities, may apply to the World Croquet Federation to play for any one of the partitioned or united countries without a waiting period subject to his providing proof of his new citizenship. This particular choice may only be made once.”
It was proposed by Brian Storey on behalf of the WCF Management Committee
It was seconded by Tony Hall.
For: Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, Italy (postal vote), New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland, and USA. (17 votes)
Against: None
It was unanimously agreed to adopt this proposal.
7.2 Anti-doping policy should be left to the WCF Member Associations. The anti-doping policy in force at a WCF event should be the policy of the host association. Consequently, the WCF should not join WADA.
Proposed by the Croquet Association (of England)
WCF General Policy:
It was proposed by Jonathan Kirby on behalf of the Croquet Association (of England)
The proposal was seconded by Paul Emmett
A discussion took place regarding the benefits or otherwise of joining WADA anti-doping protocols. It was clear there were differing views concerning this.
Tony Hall spoke against the proposal citing that the Australian Croquet Association had joined WADA and thinks the WCF should do so too.
For: Canada, England, Ireland, Italy (postal vote), Scotland and USA. (10 votes)
Against: Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. (7 votes)
The motion was passed by simple majority.
7.3 World Team Championship
Proposed by The Croquet Association (of England) (CA).
Adopt the following changes to WCF Statutes in order to achieve the following aims:
- Establish the WCF World Team Championship Committee.
- Establish the principle that matters relating to the part of the WTC in which Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the USA participate are effectively controlled by those four countries.
- Ensure that the Statutes relating to the above matters cannot be changed without the approval of The (English) Croquet Association, Croquet Australia, New Zealand Croquet Council and the United States Croquet Association.
Insert as a new paragraph in Statute 106:
“The WCF Association Croquet World Team Championship Committee shall comprise five members who will elect their own chairman. The (English) Croquet Association, Croquet Australia, the New Zealand Croquet Council and the United States Croquet Association will each appoint one member. The remaining Full Member Associations will elect the fifth member. Procedures for the election will be determined by the Management Committee. This Committee is responsible for making arrangements, including drawing up Regulations, for the holding of the MacRobertson Shield and other team events for countries not eligible to play in the MacRobertson Shield, all such events (including the MacRobertson Shield) being collectively called The WCF Association Croquet World Team Championship. Decisions of the committee will be made by simple majority, subject to the operation of Rule 302 in the circumstances specified therein.”
Insert as a new paragraph in Statute 302:
“The WCF Association Croquet World Team Championship Committee and the Management Committee shall be responsible for amending existing Regulations to apply to the operation of The WCF Association Croquet World Team Championship. In respect of any matters that relate to the participation of Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and the United States of America in the MacRobertson Shield, including, but not limited to, the format of the event, the size and composition of teams, the format and length of matches, and the equipment to be used, changes to the Regulations can only take effect if proposed by the WCF Association Croquet World Team Championship Committee or the Management Committee and if ratified by each of The (English) Croquet Association, Croquet Australia, the New Zealand Croquet Council and the United States Croquet Association.”
Insert as a new paragraph in Statute 210:
“In respect of Rules [insert No’s of new paragraphs in 106 and 302] and this paragraph of this Rule alterations will only take effect if ratified by The (English) Croquet Association, Croquet Australia, the New Zealand Croquet Council and the United States Croquet Association.”
Consequential amendment:
In Statute 105.13 insert the words:
“subject to Rules [insert No’s of new paragraphs in 210 and 302] (see below)” after “or” and before “amend”
WCF General Policy:
(B) That the WCF formally accepts the responsibility for organising the MacRobertson Shield and places that responsibility in the hands of the WCF Association Croquet World Team Championship Committee.
WCF General Policy:
(C) That the WCF Association Croquet World Team Championship Committee and the WCF Management Committee be mandated to make every effort to enable the first Association Croquet World Team Championship to take place in England in 2010 with countries not taking part in the MacRobertson Shield being able to take part in an event for teams of four players (the second tier) or in an event for teams of two players (the third tier).
It was proposed by Jonathan Kirby on behalf of the Croquet Association (of England)
This was seconded by James Hopgood
Jonathan Kirby in proposing the motion considered that it was now time to bring the organisation of such an event into the WCF and fully integrated with the MacRobertson Shield.
Amendment proposed by Australian Croquet Association
a. Proposed new paragraph in Statute 302: delete the second sentence.
b. Delete the proposed new paragraph in Statute 210.
c. Consequential amendment of Statute 105.13: amend “ No’s of new paragraphs in 210 and…” to read “…number of new paragraph in…”
It was proposed by Tony Hall on behalf of the Australian Croquet Association (ACA).
This was seconded by Paul Emmett
Tony Hall spoke about the voting system proposed and against the idea of any veto by any member association. The ACA felt that once it was entrenched within WCF Statutes it would become permanent. He added that in the event the amendment is defeated and the original proposal is passed, the ACA would use its veto to stop this change to demonstrate how bad it can be.
Stephen Mulliner spoke against the amendment citing the case that the proposal reflects current policy and position of the MacRobertson Shield Committee and the voting arrangements within it.
For the amendment: Australia, Canada, Ireland and South Africa (6 votes)
Against: England, Italy (postal vote) New Zealand, Scotland, and USA. (11 votes)
The amendment was defeated.
The original proposal was now voted upon.
For: England, Italy (postal vote) New Zealand, Scotland, and USA. (11 votes)
Against: Australia, Canada, Ireland and South Africa (6 votes)
The proposal required a two third majority of the votes cast to take effect.
Total votes cast 17; two thirds required is 12 votes.
Therefore the original proposal failed to achieve the required majority.
In view of this vote the proposals 3e and 3f were withdrawn as they would have no effect.
7.4 WCF Association Croquet Laws Committee
Proposed by The Croquet Association (of England) (CA).
Adopt the following changes to WCF Statutes in order to achieve the following aims:
- Establish a WCF Association Croquet Laws Committee along similar lines to the WCF GC Rules Committee and that both committees shall be required to consult widely and control the relevant refereeing regulations for WCF events (which could be adopted by national associations for domestic use).
- Establish the principle that changes proposed by either of those two committees need to be ratified by the CA, ACA, NZCC and USCA (and for GC the ECF).
- Establish the principle that the WCF controls the laws of AC and the rules of GC – by deleting the final sentence of Statute 301.2.
- Ensure that the Statutes relating to the above matters cannot be changed without the approval of The (English) Croquet Association, Croquet Australia, New Zealand Croquet Council and the United States Croquet Association, and, where relevant, the Egyptian Croquet Federation.
The proposed changes are shown in italics. They are to take effect as soon as any necessary resolutions are passed by the national associations represented on the International Laws Committee to transfer authority from that to the WCF.
Insert as a new paragraph in Statute 106:
“The WCF Association Croquet Laws Committee shall comprise five members who will elect their own chairman. The (English) Croquet Association, Croquet Australia, the New Zealand Croquet Council and the United States Croquet Association will each appoint one member. The remaining Full Member Associations will elect the fifth member. Procedures for the election will be determined by the Management Committee.”
Insert as new paragraphs in Statute 210:
“In respect of Rules [insert No. of new paragraph in 106], 301.2.1 and [insert No. of this paragraph], alterations will only take effect if ratified by The (English) Croquet Association, Croquet Australia, the New Zealand Croquet Council and the United States Croquet Association.”
“In respect of Rule [insert No. of paragraph in 106 relating to the GC Rules Committee], 301.2.2 and [insert No. of this paragraph] alterations will only take effect if ratified by The (English) Croquet Association, Croquet Australia, the Egyptian Croquet Federation, the New Zealand Croquet Council and the United States Croquet Association.”
Delete Statute 301 and substitute:
“301 THE GAMES
(301.1) The Federation recognises all forms of croquet
(301.2) The Federation recognises that all relevant nations, other committees specified in this Rule and the playing community should be consulted on both the principles and drafting of any proposed changes to the Laws of Association Croquet, Short Croquet, Two-ball Croquet, the Rules of Golf Croquet and Refereeing Regulations for WCF events and that the following bodies should be responsible for proposing amendments to, or new editions of Laws and Rules and for issuing rulings in relation to them.
(301.2.1) For alterations to the Laws of Association Croquet, Short Croquet and Two-ball Croquet and associated Refereeing Regulations for WCF events: The WCF Association Croquet Laws Committee. Any proposed amendment or new edition can only take effect if ratified by each of The (English) Croquet Association, Croquet Australia, the New Zealand Croquet Council and the United States Croquet Association.
(301.2.2) For alterations to the Rules of Golf Croquet and associated Refereeing Regulations for WCF events: The WCF Golf Croquet Rules Committee. Any proposed amendment or new edition can only take effect if ratified by each of The (English) Croquet Association, Croquet Australia, the Egyptian Croquet Federation, the New Zealand Croquet Council and the United States Croquet Association.
(301.2.3) For alterations to the Rules of American Six Wicket and Nine Wicket Croquet: The United States Croquet Association
(301.2.4) Amendments to and new editions of the Laws and Rules, once ratified by the Full members set out in Rules 301.2.1 or 301.2.2 (if required and as appropriate), will be binding upon all member associations from a date within 12 months to be determined by them, unless and until they are subsequently altered.”
It was proposed by Jonathan Kirby on behalf of the Croquet Association (of England)
This was Seconded by Rhys Thomas
Jonathan Kirby spoke for the proposal stating that it was a desire of the CA that the proper place for the Laws governance was within the WCF framework.
Amendment proposed by Australian Croquet Association (to be considered first)
a. Delete the proposed new paragraph in Statute 210.
b. Proposed new Statute 301: delete the second sentences in 301.2.1 and 301.2.2.
c. Also in proposed new Statute 301, in 301.2.4 delete the words “once ratified by the Full members set out in Rules 301.2.1 or 301.2.2 (if required and as appropriate)”.
It was proposed by Tony Hall on behalf of the Australian Croquet Association (ACA)
Seconded by Paul Emmett
Tony Hall stated that the objections to the voting system proposed, was the same as the previous motion.
Stephen Mulliner spoke against the amendment citing the case that the proposal reflects current policy and position of the International Laws Committee and the voting arrangements within it.
For the amendment: Australia, Canada, Ireland and South Africa (6 votes)
Against: England, Italy (postal vote) New Zealand, Scotland, and USA. (11 votes)
The amendment was defeated.
The original proposal was now voted upon.
For: England, Italy (postal vote) New Zealand, Scotland, and USA. (11 votes)
Against: Australia, Canada, Ireland and South Africa (6 votes)
The proposal required a two third majority of the votes cast to take effect.
Total votes cast 17; two thirds required is 12 votes.
Therefore the original proposal failed to achieve the required majority.
8. Confirm, Revise or Remove penalties imposed under Rule 31 or 32.
None
9. To elect auditors as appropriate
The current auditors, David Tomlin were reappointed.
10. Transact any other business of the Federation
10.1 The Effectiveness of the WCF Council
Jonathan Kirby stated that current WCF practice does not appear to reflect what is written in WCF Statutes concerning decision making by the Management Committee or the WCF Council and ratification matters. Either the practice should change to reflect the Statutes or the Statutes should be changed to reflect current practice.
Damon Bidencope asked if the WCF actually had the capacity to cope with the different matters.
There was also the difficulty of coordinating meetings for the Management Committee
James Hopgood said that despite circulations made by WCF he had no feeling for what is happening now. A Newsletter would be a good thing to circulate.
It was agreed that the WCFMC would put together a briefing paper on the issues raised.
10.2 The Effectiveness of the WCF Management Committee (WCFMC)
The President raised the issue of expenses. Tony Hall said Australia supported the idea of the payment of 75% or travel expenses for those attending meetings but not playing up to once a year. No conclusion was made on the payments of expense or honoraria to Management Committee members.
It was suggested that teleconferencing could be considered as an alternative to a full face-to-face meeting.
It was agreed that future WCF Council Meetings be held at the relevant WCF World Association Croquet Championship, two days before the event commences at 10.00am. This would allow a full day to discuss matters of importance.
10.3 Integrating the work of the International Laws Committee (ILC) for Association Croquet into the WCF organisation.
Due to the outcome of the main proposal for this topic, no further discussion took place
10.4 Creation of a new WCF World AC Team Championship and integration of the existing arrangements for the MacRobertson Shield series into it and the WCF organisation.
Due to the outcome of the main proposal for this topic, no further discussion took place
10.5 The allocation of places for WCF Championships
The President said that a briefing paper would be prepared with an outline of a proposed way forward to ensure that top strength players and all member associations were included in future events.
Kevin Wells asked that the position of British citizenship be considered in the light of the outcome of the recent appeal by Kevin Garrad. This is where all citizens of Britain, entitled to a passport had only to live in a constituent member association country to be qualified for it.
The meeting was declared closed at 11.20pm