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The Minutes of the first Annual General Meeting of the

Devon Association of Cricket Officials

held at the Devon Hotel, Matford, Exeter

on Friday 28th November 2008

The meeting opened at 7.35pm

 1, Present There were fifty-six members present (the complete list is attached to the original minutes). Mr Moseby advised the meeting that Mr Nick Cousins was unable to attend.

2. Apologies were received from eighteen members (the complete list is attached to the original minutes).

 3. In Memoriam The meeting stood in silence in memory of all DCUS members who had passed away during the last twelve months these included Peter Cox, Len Horton and Monty Thorns.

 4. Address from the DCBACO Board Representative – David Moseby

Mr Moseby welcomed members old and new and was pleased at the excellent attendance. He thanked the East for making all of tonight’s arrangements and he expressed his appreciation to the North for organising last year’s successful annual meeting. He considered that this meeting was an historic event, the first DACO annual general meeting. He initially looked back at all that had been achieved by the DCUS since its conception in 1962. For forty-six years the county of Devon had been well served. He expressed his appreciation to all the volunteers who had served the Society so well. He referred too and paid tribute to Brian Pearce’s marvellous history of the DCUS that had been published in 2002. Mr Moseby, mentioned with great fondness and respect, some of the leading officials over the years. The DCUS should be proud of all their achievements, earning a seat on the Devon Cricket Board and the respect of Devon cricket. In 2008 over 2000 appointments had been made and the organisation was playing a most important part in recreational cricket. The formal end of the DCUS on the 31st December will be a sad occasion for so many who have contributed so much. However he considered that it was generally agreed that it was now time for change and with the full support of the England and Wales Cricket Board it was hoped that the new DACO would build on the traditions and standards already present in Devon. Under the new guise there will be permanent finance, the DACO will be an integral part of the national governing body, he felt it had to be the way forward for umpires and scorers in Devon  – with a real pathway for officials. He considered it essential that our traditions were maintained and with that in mind Mr Moseby reported that Brian Pearce had agreed that the DCUS gavel should transfer to the DACO, likewise John Fry had agreed the Chairman’s insignia should move to the DACO. David Moseby will recommend that the new organisation will retain its current tie and that the ten DCUS existing life / honorary members move over to the Officials Association. He anticipated that the DCUS badges would still be worn on the field.

Mr Moseby then turned the attention of the meeting to the DACO, he reported that Devon now had 163 members, more were currently joining and a large proportion of the DCUS were now members. Equally encouraging was the fact that there were also many new members, a number of whom were scorers. The actual changeover, which had received the full backing of the DCB, had not been rushed and had gone smoothly. The steering committee had looked at many options, they had made recommendations resulting in a Special General Meeting being held in September when forty-three members had attended and all had voted in favour of the proposals. Deliberately there had been little change in the constitution, agreed at the meeting.  David Moseby repeated that this meeting was a most significant event when a new management committee would be elected when for the first time a scorer’s representative would be appointed. It was most encouraging that there had been three nominations for this important new role. He indicated that the role of scorer would have a high priority in the new organisation. He reported on his term on the ECBACO Interim Board and the progress that had been made by the national organisation. They had listened too and learnt much from the membership representatives, particularly on membership matters and training. Much good progress had been made and he now considered the training proposals were exciting with both he and Gavin Lane being involved in the ground work. The drafts had now been approved and they would be shortly available. The proposed Level 1 umpires course had improved and was now relevant for a one day match, the Level 1 scorer’s correspondence course was also ready . Equally there was real anticipation with regard the Level 2. The expertise of  both Gavin Lave (umpires) and Matt Collins (scorers) had been utilised in the preparation of these courses.

Mr Moseby concluded his address with real optimism, he expected there will, in time, be clear pathways, the future looked good with our membership growing, there is now new training available and all our contacts will continue to provide an excellent service in Devon. He thanked everyone for what they had already achieved, expressing his appreciation to the Devon Cricket Board for their help and support. He considered that without an official’s organisation Devon Cricket would not be as successful. 

5) Election of Officers

The following officers were elected unopposed

6. Appointment of Auditor Mr Jeffery proposed, seconded by Mr Gribble that Robert Loxton & Co be appointed auditor of the Association. This was approved unanimously.

7.The Tony Miller Award The chairman presented the salver to Martin Webb for his contribution to youth cricket in the county. Martin Webb expressed his genuine surprise and real thanks.

8. Date of next meeting AGM – November 2009; Management - Monday 5th January 2009. 

Meeting closed at 8.25pm