15/10/23 -North Berwick and District Coastal Darts league

Minutes of the 41st Annual General Meeting held within the Auldhoose on Sunday 15th October 2023

  1. PRESENT: There were 10 members present, 7 of whom were committee members.
  2. APOLOGIES: There were apologies from the Chairperson Craig Edwards.
  3. MINUTES: The minutes of the previous meeting having been circulated were proposed by Malky Mitchell and seconded by David Montgomery.
  4. FINACIAL REPORT: The treasurer, David Montgomery, presented the financial report. The bank balance remains healthy despite falling membership.
  5. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT: Last year’s transition from a team to a singles league allowed us to survive. The singles league format had been successful, but some issues had been raised. Some amendments to the rules were being considered and singles leagues with more competitions is the vision for the future.   League membership was still falling so a lot of work is needed to ensure the league continues.
  6. LEAGUE CONSTRUCTION: The first proposal put forward by Malky Mitchell and seconded by David Montgomery was regarding league reconstruction. Only 16 players had registered for the forthcoming season. With only 16 players the current 3 league system was impractical. At least 24 players were required to run three leagues. It was decided to add a week’s grace to the registration period to allow more players to register. If the number of registered players reached 24, the three-league system would continue. If not, a new two-league format would be adapted. Players will be allocated to leagues based on last year’s finishing positions taking note of the 2 up, 2 down promotion and relegation rules or on qualification scores if new members. Whilst the leagues would be formed on the basis of the registration data after the week’s period of grace, new players could still be welcomed to the league after that provided there was a realistic chance they could complete the schedule. Mid November was considered a realistic deadline. The proposal was passed unanimously.
  7. NON-ATTENDANCE RULES: The next proposal related to a clarification of league rules, it was proposed by Malky Mitchell and seconded by Corey Duncan. This rule would apply to all Leagues. Like last season, Matches can be played on any Monday night and not only on scheduled dates. If any player does not complete all their games by the end of the season, every match they took part in will be classed as null and void and all points scored against them will be removed. This is deemed a fairer system than awarding 3 points to players who don’t play games. It was also deemed there was no limit to the number of matches a player could play in one night if it was necessary to complete the schedule. This was passed by a majority.
  8. SCORING: The same scoring system as last season will remain for the lower leagues. It was proposed by Daniel Lamb and Seconded by Allan Lamb that in the top league a 3-0 is awarded by winning all three legs, meaning all legs must be played in each match and points are awarded by legs won. In the top league this should not cause any logistical problems or time constraints. The other leagues will continue to play only two legs in the event of a 2-0 win and 3 pts will be awarded. This was passed unanimously.
  9. CALENDAR: It was proposed that the league should run from 30 October 2023 until 25th March 2024 with a break between the 18 December 23 and 8 January 24. As many competitions as the schedule allows should be included.
  10. VENUES: Allan Lamb Proposed that with only 16 registered players, almost all from North Berwick, all matches should be played in the Auldhoose. This was seconded by Ben Hogg. This motion was passed by a majority.
  11. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Malky Mitchell proposed that subscriptions for the league be levied at £15 per season. The tote would be suspended, and football cards would no longer be sold. This was amended by Ben Hogg and seconded by Alan Lamb. They proposed the Subs should be levied at £1 per league night, if all games were being played in the Auldhoose. This would reduce the subs to £12 and the sale of football cards should continue. It was agreed the tote should be suspended and competition fees would remain at £2.50. The amended proposal was passed unanimously.
  12. TROPHIES. Malky Mitchell proposed new trophies will be purchased at the start of the season. One for the winner of each league. These trophies will remain the property of the league but will be looked after by the trophy winner and returned for the following prize giving. The current singles trophy which is engraved with all the winners since the league began will be restored or upgraded to make it fit for the future whilst continuing to display the full league history of the trophy. All other historic trophies will be removed from competition and kept on display in their respective pubs. In all new competitions the winners will be presented with trophies or medals which they will keep after winning. This was seconded by David Montgomery and passed unanimously.
  13. FUNDS: The league is in a healthy financial position but is struggling to survive. David Montgomery proposed that In the event that it folds. The cash should be retained in the bank for two years. If during these two years, the league is not resurrected the funds should be donated to a registered charity. This was seconded by Sheila Purves and passed unanimously.
  14. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS. All Office Bearers present were happy to stand for re-election. The following were elected: Vice chairperson Allan Lamb, Treasurer David Montgomery, Secretary Malky Mitchell, General Committee: Daniel Lamb, Morgan Lamb, Corey Duncanand Brad Chisholm agreed to serve on the committee for the coming year and all were unanimously accepted. David Kerr and Craig Edwards were absent. It was unanimous, they will be welcomed back if they consent. If Craig is unable to Continue in the chair Alan Lamb will take his place and Morgan Lamb will be the new vice chair.
  15. ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS: Nothing else was raised.
  16. CLOSE OF MEETEING: There being no further business Alan Lamb thanked everyone for attending and declared the meeting closed at 9.35 pm.
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