Northern Squash Committee Meeting Minutes - Monday 18th March 2024 - 7.15 pm - at Northern FC
Present: Allan Curry, Wayne Eastaugh, Dave North, Andy Smith, Roger Tames, Lesley Vitty, Bob Aynsley, Keith Pulford
Apologies/absences: - Karen Heron, Tim Barker, Keith Linsley
Matter arising from previous minutes
All actions attended to or covered in other agenda items.
Adult Coaching
BA reported to the meeting:
Adult coaching is continuing to thrive with participation (58) spread over 5 courses (including small overflow course for 7, ran just by myself for 7 from 4pm to 5pm taking only crts 2 and 3 ).
Men’s Pathway League is now up and running with great enthusiasm shown so far and has 32 players in box leagues and as a result I know many have joined to partake (around 23 new members as a direct result). Ladies league also continuing strongly.
Continue to run successful free taster sessions as a way of encouraging players to join.
Discussing with Tyneside MIND and SAFA about running courses as returning to, or getting into, sport is seen as good way of helping to overcome mental health issues.
Ladies Squash
LV reported that Anna Watling was keen to put forward ideas how to progress the club (including team training over the summer). LV to invite to her to the next meeting.
England Squash Bids (Club/Coach of the Year) RT reported that BA has been shortlisted for Coach of the Year but that our bid for Club of the Year was unsuccessful. The meeting thanked BA and RT for their efforts in achieving this.
Membership/Wazygoose
WE provide an update on membership numbers by category. RT noted that the current total of 446 is a significant increase compared to this time last year.
The recently introduced “Balance Transfer” facility (to allow members to request half of the court fee from their opponent) has proved very popular.
Junior Committee
KP reported that the balcony refurbishment is now complete.
Club hosting ES sanctioned Junior Tournament on Saturday 27th April.
Court Maintenance etc
AS reported that Ashley Leisure Services are booked in for 16th April to inspect and hopefully repair court 4 floor. They will also be asked to look at the door latch.
AS has purchased hairdryer for ladies changing room and will install this shortly.
Teams/Club play /County/ES
DN provided an update on teams positions as we approach the end of the winter county leagues. Several teams are in contention to be division winners, automatically promoted or in promotion play-offs. Play-offs to be held at Northern 16th - 18th April. Cup semi-finals/Finals/Presentation evening at Northumberland Club 6th - 12th May.
Due to increased numbers attending, DN proposed to extend Saturday Club Play by booking courts at 7.00 pm and encouraging attendees to spread their arrival times. There were no objections.
County has confirmed mandation of ES Play membership to participate in County Leagues when ES direct membership comes in (which is expected to be mid-2024)
Health and Safety
Adam Coates has produced posters reflecting Concussion guidelines provided by KL. These have now been approved and will go on display shortly.
Further consideration to be given to a disclaimer when members join/renew about risk of injury when playing squash.
Safeguarding
AC reported no issues.
Club Championships
Dates have been advertised and entries via Wazygoose are open. 19 entries so far (14 for Open event, 1 for Ladies Event, 1 for racketball and 3 pairs for doubles). Further publicity to take place as we approach closing date. AC to liaise with TB re guest presenter for trophies.
AOB
RT reported that several teams from Gosforth Academy/Trust had participated in recent National Schools Finals, with a KS3 Girls team winning their category and others doing well.
Date of next meeting: 15/04/24 - 7.15 pm at Northern
