The last National Council meeting was held in Milton Keynes on 17th January 2009
and it was as usual a very full and varied agenda.
Affiliations
Of particular concern was the fact that neither Wealden and Eastbourne Leagues had
affiliated to the ETTA or Sussex County (although Eastbourne have now made a late
payment to the ETTA). As there is a Premier Club in Wealden, and Premier Clubs
must be affiliated to a league, this raises several issues. At Sussex Chair's request I
am addressing this with the ETTA and it is due for discussion at our meeting on 1st
March. It should be noted that it is not a requirement for a league to be affiliated to
the ETTA but if it then that league must also be affiliated to their county. It is not
optional. If a league chooses not to affiliate in any way that is their prerogative.
However, the impact of this has to be considered not only for players in those leagues
eg non participation in county events or county representation - and also for affiliated
players who can be sanctioned for playing against non affiliated players. The ETTA
agreed to support us in our efforts to try and get these leagues affiliated.
Public Relations
Despite reassurances there has still been no apology by the Editor of TTN for his
disparaging article about officials back in June 2008. We were assured this would be
remedied in the next issue. However, after such a long period of time the impact of
any retraction or apology seems rather minimised.
Competition Review
Outline details have been circulated I believe to all league secretaries for comment by
28th February. The main aim is to have a more structured approach with a logical
progression for all forms of competition from schools to leagues to counties to
national, international and other events.
If anyone would like a pdf copy of the review document then please let me know and
I will obtain one and forward it.
Individual Affiliation
An update on the process was presented and all agreed in principal. It was a little
disappointing that so few responses had been made by leagues and counties on the
circulated papers. I sincerely hope Sussex will support all recommendations at the
AGM this year. I would be happy to discuss any issues or concerns that anyone may
have about the proposals, either at our meeting or on an individual basis. Alternatively
if you would like me to attend a league committee meeting to discuss Individual
Affiliation, or indeed any other issues, I would be pleased to do so.
Racket Testing Procedure
These were agreed with amendments re sanctions and is on the ETTA website.
Tournament Regulations
These have been amended and updated, the most significant change being the addition
of a Development Tournament category.
Competitions
County Championships and the various British League competitions are all running
smoothly despite Les Smith's illness. We wish him a speedy recovery. Grand Prixes
continue to be well supported and benefit by on-line entry and payment.
England Junior Selection
A paper was presented giving guidance and criteria for selection. It was very pleasing
to see commitment, behaviour and attitude being taken into account as well as ability
and performance.
Major Events
- The Joola European Nations League matches between Belarus (Women) and
Turkey (Men) are due to take place on 24th February at the Sheffield Institute
of Sport. Live coverage on the ETTA website. The Women field a very young
team of Jo Parker, Karina Lefevre and Hannah Hicks. The Men, Paul Drinkall,
Andrew Rushton, Darius Knight and Danny Reed.
- National Championships to be held at Ponds Forge, also in Sheffield, on 6th -
8th March.
- England v India Tour at three venues, London, Stoke and Preston in May.
- Junior and Cadet National Championships at Loughborough University over
Easter weekend 10th - 12th April.
- Under 11s - Under 14s at Norwich University again 30th - 31st May. Note has
been taken of comments made concerning last year's championships and the
playing schedule will ensure more games for all players this year.
- English Open plans are well underway, to be held in Sheffield 28th October -
1st November 2009.
Development
I raised a query as to why Club Development Workshops were only free to Premier
Clubs and not League Clubs. The Chair sympathised with this viewpoint and it is to
be reconsidered by the Management Team.
Please contact me if you have any queries or comments and could I ask you to pass
this report on to your committee and league membership.
Diane Kirkwood
National Councillor - Sussex County TTA
