Minutes of the AGM held on Thursday 21 March 2013 at
The Puma Hotel Daventry
Introduction
John Newsham welcomed everyone to the AGM and Spring Conference; he outlined
the day’s business and asked all present to contribute to the success of the day and
visiting the exhibition. He then informed the meeting that due to a change in personal
circumstances he would not be seeking re-election to the post of National Chairman.
He went on the tell the meeting what the FSOA had achieved since he was elected
Chairman in 2011, progress had been made on a number of issue he had wanted to
address but there was still much to do and the Association should continue to strive to
meet the needs of the membership and move the Association forward. He also stated
that he would also be standing down as the North West Regional Chairman after more
than 12 years.
Financial Report
Peter Houghton outlined the main features of the accounts to end of December 2012;
these had been posted on the website prior to the meeting for the benefit of the
membership
Election of Officers
Jim Chalmers President of the Association conducted this item of business
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer
Sharon Cicco Arsenal
Mark Miles West Bromwich Albion
Peter Houghton Manchester City
Les Blake Crystal Palace
The above were all duly proposed, seconded and elected unopposed.
congratulated those all elected.
Jim
It was agreed that the Treasurer Peter Houghton be awarded an honoraria of £2500 for
his work for the Association, this was agreed by those present.
Chairman’s Address
Sharon Cicco gave a presentation to the meeting as to the way forward of the
organisation with John Newsham being appointed member Services and Business
Manager, together with the relevant administrative assistance, all this would be
managed under the management of the NEC renamed to management board.
Resolution to Amend FSOA Constitution
Jim Chalmers presented this item and thanked John Newsham and Sharon Cicco for
their work over the last two years in taking the FSOA forward.
Jim had reviewed the FSOA Constitution as a whole rather than piecemeal. Full
consultation had taken place with the draft being placed on the website and any points
raised were incorporated into the final document. He outlined the main points of
change. There were no questions from the members present and the revised
constitution was passed without amendment.
Jim was thanked for his work reviewing this important document.
Showsec Presentation
Alan Wallace gave an excellent presentation on social media sites and how they
impact on the match day operations following an incident during a game at
Manchester City FC. This had had a dramatic effect both on the club website and
Showsec website and other areas including national press. Neither party had been
prepared for the amount of information circulated and the speed of its spread.
Lessons were learnt by both parties and were shared with those present.
Q&A Session.
For the first time a panel had been convened consisting of Sue Storey (SGSA), Sharon
Cicco (Chair of FSOA), Peter Houghton (Treasurer FSOA), Alan Wallace (Showsec)
and Professor Steve Fosdick.
Topics included the future direction of the FSOA, how we can boost conference
attendance and representation in lower and non league clubs.
Persistent Standing
Flares and Fireworks
FSOA and the Football Authorities
E cigarettes
Corporate members
This was well received by those present and would be a format for the future, with a
longer time slot
Member Experiences
Alan Roberts Shrewsbury
Alan gave a presentation on an incident that had occurred at a game involving a fire in
an electrical switch room and the subsequent events and how the contingency plans
had been put into operation and points that need a slight tweak.
Sharon Cicco/Mark Pearce Arsenal
Sharon and Mark outlined events outside the ground prior to their game with
Manchester City when indications of an explosive substance were detected on a
vehicle entering the club car park. Both spoke about the sequence of events taken
prior to the eventual declaration of a safe environment.
All presenters were thanked for their contribution, which made for some very
interesting learning for all those present.
Safeguarding and searching of children
Ann Hussey of the Football league gave a brief talk on the above subject following on
from here seminars recently.
Sharon Cicco thanked Ann for the input and declared Conference closed