2004 Minutes - Teachers Meeting
Public Schools Fencing Championships
Teachers’ meeting 25.ii.04, starting at 4.15pm
Minutes
Present: Chris Barnett (Hampton), Peter Barrett (Alleyn’s/KGS/Whitgift/KCS),
Anthony Cadle (Hymers College), Sarah Cash (Elizabeth College), Nick Chapman
(Bromsgrove), Russell Dudley-Smith (Westminster), Norman Golding (Millfield),
David Goodhew (Bristol Grammar School), Clare Halsted (UCS), Mark Harrison
(Bradfield), Jon Milner (Wimbledon High), Mark Nelson-Griffiths (Emanuel,
John Lyon), Peter Northam (King Edward’s, B’ham), Helen Packham
(Alice Ottley), Richard Pratt (Eton), Caroline Ralph (Bromsgrove), John
Roebuck (RGSHW), James Ross (KCS Wimbledon), David Sach (Brentwood), Stuart
Scorgie (Clifton), Jonathan Seath (RBAI), Peter Shilston (Wellington),
Kate Smith (Kingston Grammar), Phil Smith (Bedford Modern), Marek Stepien
(CLS Boys), Mavis Thornton (Arnold), Dennis Ward (Espada, Bournemouth),
Andrew Whiffin (Bloxham), Eliot Williams (Millfield), Ian Williams (St.
Paul’s), Trevor Woolliams (RGSHW), Brian Howes (Chair).
1. The minutes of the meeting of 26th March 2003
were approved.
2. Arising on the minutes of the previous meeting,
On item 4 (The competition):
- numbers had grown again this year (by 50), but this had not called for
special measures to limit entries as the growth was predominantly in the
smaller events.
- The Committee had reviewed the points system to give all events equal
treatment by eliminating 10% after the first round, 20% of the remainder
after the second, followed by DE whatever the shape of the tableau. The
Group noted this evening-up with thanks and suggested that the organisers
might now consider eliminating 20% after the first round and 20% or 30%
after the second. The Group also raised the possibility of extending the
PSFC to four days.
- Members of the Group had been happy to receive the mailings to schools
electronically and had added their email address to the list of those
present at this meeting where Rodney might not have it.
On Item 5 (Hostel Accommodation):
- the Group appreciated the later dinner-time in the hostel
- the Committee had operated the booking system for the hostel accommodation
as agreed (first opened, first served, and no recommendations for those
who could not be fitted in at the CPNSC). Generally this had worked acceptably,
but at the expense of the person dealing with the allocations. It was
agreed that this was unreasonable: in future the entries from the committee
member doing the work should be accommodated in the hostel provided only
that the details were received by the closing date for entries.
On Item 7 (Dates for 2004): BH explained the background to this year’s
change of dates at short notice and the probable availability of the CPNSC
for at least two years longer: the announcement of the ‘reprieve’
had been made only the previous afternoon and the details were still far
from clear.
3. The 2004 Competition
i) Russell Dudley-Smith pointed out that a number of entries had been
accepted which had not been submitted through the school. He and others
sought confirmation that the rule was still in force (confirmed) and asked
the committee to be rigorous in applying it.
ii) The Group expressed its great appreciation of the splendid work of
Rodney Francis, Keith Smith, Kate Smith and Mike Thornton and was pleased
to note the involvement of increasing numbers of former participants in
refereeing the event along with many other volunteers.
iii) The Group noted a shortage of referees, particularly on the first
day; and drew attention to the poor quality of some refereeing. They suggested
a number of points: the senior fencers in the competition were probably
better referees than most of the teachers and some re-ordering of events
could free them to referee the junior and 12-14 events (and even the early
stages of their own events); nominate a major-domo for referees to check
quality and assign responsibilities, thus avoiding any possible charges
of bias; and now insist on fencing schools bringing a quota of referees.
iv) BH reported that the value of prizes donated by Leon Paul this year
(in addition to sponsorship in the form of electrical registering equipment
and the provision of two pistes) amounted to over £1350; the firm
said they were happy to share with the fencers the fact that they were
having a good year, though there was no guarantee that they could do the
same every year. The Group was very grateful for the firm’s especially
generous, one-off support of the PSFC and suggested that the Committee
ask the firm’s permission to include ‘SPONSORED BY LEON PAUL’
in the heading of the competition’s communications. This would be
in recognition of the Group’s great appreciation of the firm’s
continuing generosity to and long association with the PSFC.
v) BH reminded the Group that petty theft remains a problem, that everyone
should take good care of their valuables (including equipment), that unclaimed
items of lost property would be given to ‘needy’ fencing clubs
or charity, and that referees should receive the full support of teachers,
parents and fencers: abusive behaviour towards referees would not be tolerated,
including criticism by coaches of fencer referees The Group noted all
points and strongly endorsed those on the subject of referees.
vi) The Group was pleased that there was now a full list of trophies for
the 12-14 competitions and noted the need to return all trophies promptly
and suitably engraved each year. The Group suggested setting a standard
financial penalty for those who failed to do so.
vii) The Christie Trophy needed replacement or refurbishment.
4. Dates and Arrangements for 2005
i) The Group said that it would prefer to return to the usual dates next
year (third or fourth week in March, depending on the date of Easter).
ii) The Group strongly urged the Committee to consider alternative venues
for 2005: they judged CPNSC inappropriate because of the poor quality
of the fencing surface. They also mentioned the excessive heat and the
high level of humidity in the fencing area. Bolton, Donnington Park, Stoke
and Stoke Manderville were suggested for the committee’s consideration,
though it was acknowledged that cost would be a factor in any move.
iii) They also remarked that there was no lack of willingness to help
run the event and asked that more colleagues with suitable experience
be involved next year in the day-to-day running of the event.
The meeting closed at 5.30pm.
See attachment with these Minutes to ALL
TEACHERS IN CHARGE OF FENCING
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