Harpenden Colts – Extraordinary General Meeting Wednesday 30th April 7:30 – 9:00pm Those present: Judith Codling (Club Secretary) / Ian Holden (Chair) / Ed Venner (VC) / Andrew Whitehouse (u12) / Ian Mason / Paul Grice (u9) / Martin Leach (u10) / Andy Thomas (u13) / Martin Gittins (u13) / Susan Poole (u12) / Des Tynan (u9) / Wendy Cunningham (u18) / Elaine Norwood (u11 & u16) / Pete Edney (u11) / Tom Totty (u12) / Rob Edwards (u10) / Perete Shamir (u9) / Scott Barber (Treasurer) / Peter Northcott (u12) / Phil Pinkham (u9) / Robert Smalley (u12) / Stephen Fairburn (u9) / Keith Marsden Item No Item Various item 1. Chartered Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Detail Lead by Details of what kit is available for squads to have / borrow Dinner dance Coaches What it is and why we want one Minutes Ed Venner Ian Holden Ian Holden 2. Football Management Committee (FMC) What this is and why we want to introduce it Ian Holden 3. Constitution Discuss and vote on adoption of the new Constitution Committee and members Ed detailed new equipment that is available – large banner and respect lines. Pegs etc for goals and pennants for cup finals. Dinner Dance reminder. Club remembered two coaches who have passed away since the last time we met. Our thoughts are with their families. Details of why we want to become incorporated – so liability is limited to Colts and Chair is no longer liable if anything happens to the Club. Charitable status required to ensure we can take advantage of gift aid on any donations to the Club. This committee is set up to help year groups to run in a consistent way across the club. This group of lead coaches who will make decisions on new policies and procedures within the club. It will give each year group the same representation so that policies etc are determined by all age groups. Ian brought attention to section 2.25 and the establishment of the FMC. The committee will be determined by all the parents at the AGM and the FMC representatives will be determined by the coaches in each year group. Elaine Norwood raised a concern about 2.11 – Powers of Trustees as there is no limit to what the Trustees can commit the club to – this should be discussed at the AGM. Also, concern was raised 4. Year Group Policy Document Discuss and vote on the adoption of the Year Group Policy documentation Committee and members that new Trustees should be appointed by vote of the membership rather than by the existing Trustees. The FMC should be able to appoint an emergency Trustee in the event of a retirement of a Trustee where this causes the number of Trustees to be fewer than 3 (or for the Secretary of Treasurer position). Trustees should not simply appoint new Trustees. 2.10 4) should add that they need to give 7 days notice of their intention to stand for election prior to the meeting to any Trustee. Scott Barber responded to a question about what is the next step, he explained that we have to complete a questionnaire on the Charity Commission (CC) website along with submitting the constitution and this will then be considered by the CC and status would be granted. Charitable status will also allow us to take advantage of charitable giving through corporations. Discussion about the quorum required for voting. Discussed this but felt that proxy voting was simply not tenable given we are volunteers and this would not entitle them to be party to the discussions that colour people’s opinions of the matters under consideration. 2.10 (3) to be changed to say Trustees retire at the end of every AGM but are eligible for re-election. 2.23 i) to ensure that in setting and administering policies and in delegating roles and responsibilities account is taken of the views of the members effected. 2.23 h) Policies and Rules should be published. VOTE: In favour of adoption: unanimous with effect from AGM. Against adoption: no one against Adding structure to the Club in order to be well governed and ensure we have appropriate policies and procedures in place. Parent representative on Year Group committee was also discussed. Question raised about older year groups and how the Year Group Policy document will apply and what sensitivity and transitional arrangement that might be made. Ian Holden responded that we would consider this document to be best practise for the older year groups but mandatory for the younger year groups. FMC should enable a cascade of information from one year group to the next which will help to create more of a one club feel. Year Group will ultimately determine what happens within each year group but the Year Group Policy document is the overriding principles if there is disagreement. Policy about ‘first in’ rather than bringing children in purely based on their ability. FMC appoint the Year Group Lead for u7s and for each subsequent year they are voted for by the year group’s coaches. Need to consider adopting a policy with regard to financial support for those who are unable to pay the subscription monies or fees for additional training. Charitable status should enable the club to keep rises to subscriptions to a minimum. Add a version number to this document. All present agreed that we continue to develop this document as it sets out good guidance and general support for the Philosophy and work will continue on the policies. 5. Other policies and business All new policies and business of the club to be discussed at the AGM rather than at this EGM