League Fixture Format

As you may be aware from the recent Poll that was placed here on the website, I am proposing that we have another look at the format of the league match fixtures.

As the new incoming Chairman of the league I feel that we need to have a proper review of the format change... there are plenty of options to be discussed and we need to select one that encourages participation at all levels. I will be aggressively seeking sponsorship for the league in the coming year which I am hoping will result in Prize money for Divisional Champions and bring further interest and publicity to our sport.

In line with the above and ambitions for growth in our membership we need to provide a structure which will deliver on many levels and this may require some 'out of the box' thinking.

As was highlighted at the AGM, the time to discuss this is not 1 month before the AGM nor at the AGM itself which is too late for anything to be put forward or agreed. It was suggested at the AGM that we need to have a forum where proper debate can be engaged in, and where suggestions and ideas can be discussed and then recorded on the website for others to read and perhaps comment.

In line with this I am proposing to chair a select committee which in itself will have no power to approve any rule amendments or changes but will be a forum for pooling ideas and coming up with some recommendations and proposals which can then be approved at the AGM.

I am proposing to chair these meetings 3 times... once at the beginning of the season, once before Xmas in December and then a final one in March in time for drafting proposals and amendments. I am looking for a mixture of participants from all the divisions to provide us with a good representation from the league members. The evenings will most likely be held at Queens school (I will check with Stuart on availablity) and will last no longer than 3 hours. There will be no limit to the numbers who can attend everyone is welcome. All you need to do is email me at chris.ogle@ips.co.uk that you would like to 'join in' and then I will maintain the circulation list, although all the points discussed will be recorded onto the Website.

Although the primary purpose of this Select Committee has a bias towards the league format, it may well find itself discussing other issues relating to the league as well.

I will announce the dates and place them on the Blogsite once they have been decided.

Chris Ogle
Chairman - Watford & District Table Tennis League

Comments

[ian]

Is this a disgrace? Have we been badly let down? Has the office of new Chairman Ogle already damaged its own credibility?
We were advised of an EGM to discuss the League fixture format due to the fact that it was only the point per game attachment that prevented 9 singles being voted through in a tied vote. The feeling being that a change would be welcomed?
If this EGM cannot be organised then allow last seasons team captains should be asked to put forward their teams preference in a referendum which this fundemantal and important question deserves.
If a change was voted for and its impact was felt by some to be negative then they could attend the selct committee meetings and make their feelings known. Maybe more players would offer their views at a meeting? Several players have congratulated me on 'calling a spade a spade' but dont feel able to comment here!

[kevin williams]

Hi Chris. Maybe I've had too much sun over the weekend but I'm now a tad confused. Are you implying that a select committee will now decide on whether to change the league format instead of an EGM? Presumably, if so with the meeting dates you have suggested, any changes wouldn't now take effect until 2011/12? I have to ask why when pretty much anyone has the opportunity to stand for election to the "ordinary" committee that a "select" committee needs to be formed to discuss what the "ordinary" one should be discussing anyway. Could you please clarify?

[ian]

Hi Kev, I think the idea is to try and get more people to 'join in' and voice their opinion.

Why is this select committee needed to discuss the notion of a match format change?
The EGM wasnt meant to discuss different possibilities but only to have a re vote on the nine single format but with a different match points system from a point per game.
If a select committee meeting can be arranged then surely the EGM could have been arranged?

[Chris Ogle]

Hi Kevin,

Ok... let me try an explain. What normally happens is that there is a frantic rush to suggest amendments to the rules towards the end of the season. This normally results in a series of suggestions, hurriedly put together, and not completely thought through. These are then systematically rejected resulting in no changes.

There are amendments that the league needs and which members would prefer, however a suggestion was voiced at the AGM why not have a series of debating evenings where players could attend and discuss in an 'out of the box' forum various ideas for the league. That could then be put forward at the AGM and would stand much more chance of success.

I do not believe personally that the committee is the best forum to discuss these items. These evenings are an attempt to refine ideas from a good mix of representatives from the different division, and be much more inclusive.

Of course we don't have to do anything... but I for one would much rather put proposals forward having thrashed out all the options and at least gained a consensus of agreement with a larger group... then there is always the possibility that people would attend the AGM in larger numbers to ensure that the proposals are accepted.

I am not frightened of change. I do not think change for changes sake is a good idea either, but with the ambition to build a stronger league and to build on the momentum of growth that Stuart has started we should try and inject some new ideas... and of course not everyone likes change.

[Martin Johnson]

In terms of the queries about any potential change of format for the *2010/11* season (given the tied vote on the Rule Amendment which combined this with the points system and an "EGM", or rather, a Special General Meeting, as that's what the League Rules specify) then the relevant extract from the Rules is as below. Given the 42-day timescales involved, it would have to be requested very soon, or it could not happen in time for the coming season. However, it appears that it can be called by EITHER the Committee, OR by at least one third of affiliated Clubs. As the League has eight Clubs, then that means just three (or more) Clubs. Quite what qualifies as a wish from a Club, is not precisely defined, but I guess if three Club Secretaries called for a Special Meeting, then that would surely count?

From Rules ..
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