The latest meeting of the county executive heard that Tanners Shropshire League chairman Andy Jones is the new vice-chairman of the SCGBA, succeeding our own League chairman Sean Round, who resigned earlier this year.
There is about £28,000 in the bank over the 2 county accounts. Honoraria to rise by 6.7 per cent next year and, with such a healthy balance, grants to clubs look set to re-start in 2024 to give something back.
DBS checks will be going back to face to face next year, in February / March – so MSBL clubs are urged to check on the expiry dates of the 3 year certificates of their safeguarding officers and coaches etc.
County Registrar had dealt with 278 new registrations so far this year – 265 in total in 2022.
Dennis UK is sponsoring the best kept green competition again next season and will increase their sponsorship again. They are also looking to promote pre season and post season greens seminar in the county.
Sadly, Pauline Wilson is standing down as County Development Officer (but is to carry on coaching!). Her brainchild, Roll Up Shropshire, saw 27 affiliated clubs hold 44 sessions. There were 314 people that attended and 65 of these have signed up as club members. This recruitment drive will be done every one or two years.
There are 2 newly qualified referees and nominations are sought for County Deputy President in 2024 . . .
The 2024 SCGBA Competition dates are to be finalised at the January Executive Meeting, but the Dave Card Memorial Rosebowl and Centenary Mixed Pairs competitions will be run together again next season.
There will be changes to all three inter league competitions, whether it be in the format or the number of players in each team.
Besides that, there are several rule changes for the 2024 AGM, but mostly tidying up.
Greens outside the clubs who entered will be used for the County & Shropshire Cups.
With regards to the sport’s governing body, the BCGBA is down to just 3 officers as others have resigned, there’s only 1 sponsor left and the county chairman said the situation was an “absolute mess”.
There are still issues with the BCGBA open certificates an d there have been discussions about respect from players towards officials at county matches.
The 2024 BCGBA Competition dates are to be finalised at the November Meeting this coming weekend.
Staffordshire are withdrawing from the Junior County Championship, meaning just 3 counties are left. These will arrange to play amongst themselves . . . all being well!
Ironically, given that news, Reclaim Tax are to sponsor the Shropshire Junior team as well as the Seniors in 2024.