Present: Tim Tennent, (Epsom Vagabonds), Paul Bloomfield, (Woking Pitts Elders and Youngers), Peter Colwill, (Amersham & Chalfont) and Ed Shepherd (Poly)

Apologies: Guildford Gondoliers, Oxford Hawks Falcons, Winchester Wanderers, Woking Youngers.

Results up to the 18 March were circulated.

It was noted that there had been 13 cancellations during the year of which 5 had involved one club. Tim was asked to discuss this with the club. It was said that some team had travelled without full numbers and the oppositions had lent players to ensure a fixture could be fulfilled.

A problem seems to arise every year during the half term season in February. We have had to cancel fixtures on or about this time for several years and this is something I have raised several times for discussion at the "AGM". As we appear to be the only team that suffers from this problem, could we not be allotted the spare date over half term to avoid this happening in the future?

Another issue that I have raised before is the better allocation of away and home fixtures. We, I think, have the greatest distances to travel and it is impossible to generate enough enthusiasm for away fixtures on successive weekends to Oxford and Amersham for example. I know it is not easy to please everyone but it would help us if that situation could be avoided next season. We don't mind traveling but if home and away fixtures could be more evenly spread that would help.

Enough of the moaning. Regrettably we won't be represented at the Bagshot meeting (more travel!) but I would be grateful if our concerns could be raised then.

Finally, we do enjoy playing most teams in the WSFA and the warm hospitality that is offered by all, although it is galling sometimes to get thrashed regularly by younger opposition. We now have to field on most occasions a squad with 7 (9 next season) players aged over 60. It is difficult to compete effectively against teams that have runners with young over 50s. We give as good as we get with our limited resources and are happy to continue in the league provided others are not getting fed up with us old farts!

Hope you have a good meeting and thanks from all of us at Oxted for organising the WSFA.

A draw was denied Woking Pitts Elders because of a lack of knowledge of a Hockey Rule change. This was particularly galling after 70 minutes of hard endeavour.

Just as a reminder, I know that Howard spoke with you about the start of next season when most of the Cavaliers will be in Argentina.  This means that the first game we will be able to play is on 13 October 2007.

Thanks for your efforts this season and will see you next season.

Poly are having difficulty with their pitch and are assessing where to play in the coming season.

Those members of the Alliance who were present took note of all the comments and agreed that:

There should be no Rule Changes for the forthcoming season. It remains the rule that cancelled games do not create points for the disappointed side as we continue to award points only for games played.

Format for next season – the format would be based on the top half / bottom half playing each other twice and the other half once only. The fixtures are to be redrawn (in the past we have just rearranged the previous season) and we will try to be sympathetic to specific requests (Oxted to have any spare date around the Spring half term).

However, in general, it is recommended that if clubs know in advance that they will not be able to raise a team for a particular date, they should go to the opposition postponing the game to a mutually acceptable date, earlier, or later in the season.

Web site – Firstly our great thanks to George Oliver for organizing this. He has set up www.WSFA.co.uk which has operated all season. This has cost £32.87 for two years and the WSFA have collected £5.00 from each club to cover this cost. This leaves a surplus for the future. Three clubs have not paid (due to my not asking) Poly, Wokingham and Henley and I will catch them next season.

It appears the Web site is not being well used by some WSFA members. There were several requests for contact details during the season but these are loaded on the Web site and can be easily found. Team organisers please spend a few minutes looking at the Members section where you will see contacts. Update me of any changes please and these will be passed on.

In the couple of weeks before the meeting the results had been slow going to the web site. In part this was delays in notification of result but also a slowness in passing to the web organizer. This was noted.

We discussed putting times of games and pitches onto the web site but decided this was beyond the scope and time of these organizing the web site.

Underage players – please remember the rule regarding age. If below 50 they must play to the league standard not the standard of the best player in you side!!

Rules of Hockey – There were some rule changes on 1^st January 2007 which are to last 2 years. Within this was a change to the penalty flick rule where more than one step may now be taken.

It was agreed that, where Hockey Rules changed, these would be circulated to clubs so that no disagreements affect results.

Other Clubs Discussions are taking place with Southampton and Salisbury. However it is not expected that either will decide to join.

Tim Tennent agreed to continue in his role as Assistant Organiser and Peter Colwill agreed to continue as Chairman.

The meeting ended at 2000 hrs. Tim and Paul will meet to arrange the fixtures during April/May.

Tim Tennent

31^st March 2007