Northern Squash Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday 15th November 2021 7pm
This meeting was conducted remotely via Zoom.
Present: Allan Curry, Keith Linsley, Roger Tames, Wayne Eastaugh, Andy Smith, Dave North, Julie Cornell, Sharon Naisbitt,
Apologies: Tim Barker.
Matters arising: All matters arising were covered as main agenda items.
England Squash update
The committee discussed the obligations of the club with regard to 1st Aid.
SN reported that guidance on the ES website only mentioned the use of goggles.
All ES registered coaches have up to date 1st aid certificates, insurance and have been DBS cleared. However, it was recognised that DBS clearances may need to be renewed.
For discussion at Junior Committee.
Wazygoose Ltd SLA
• WE to check the draft SLA produced by AC and advise on amendments before AC takes it before the Finance Committee Meeting.
Court maintenance
Cleaning of the court walls and sanding of the floor on Court 2 has been completed.
Concerns were raised about the slippery condition of Court 2.
AS reported that a number of lamps were out on Court 1.
• AS to check and vacuum Court 2.
• AS to identify dead spots on courts to advise AC.
• AS to relocate signage for the directions to the defibrillator from beside Court 1 to the 1st Aid box.
AC reported that he had asked Michael Giles to purchase and fit a 1st Aid box outside Court 4.
Junior Committee
Ahead of the meeting TB sent the following observations: -
The club currently has 2 panel coaches; Richard Vitty and Tom Cornell.
3 Juniors and Karen Heron are keen to do their level 2s so are looking for courses.
RV is suggesting that parents to try Milan and Kieran but on a private basis and telling them it is not a recommendation as such.
• TB to contact Mike Paul to see if he wants to join the club as a coach travelling distance may be an issue.
RVs midweek pairs coaching seems to be going well, likewise the Saturday and Sunday sessions Richard and Tom run.
Following this information, it was suggested that a fund of £500 be used to make a contribution of £100 towards coaching award fees, subject to further discussion at junior committee level.
Membership 2021/22
Currently 329 members.
It was anticipated that the number of juniors would increase throughout the season as new juniors join courses.
Teams/Kit Update
Immediately after the meeting DN sent an update on team standings.
DN reported that Cai Younger had organised ordering of the team shirts, sponsored by Lawson and Thompson. Team Captains were distributing shirts and collecting player payments.
Lesley Vitty is organising ladies’ team shirts.
RT observed that he hoped that the branding of future squash team kit could be more in line with the NFC branding.
Female Squash Initiative
RT reported that Sam Ward received a grant of £250 from Sport Newcastle which will be matched by the County and used to fund Sunday sessions.
The committee approved provision of courts at half price.
Gosforth Classic update
AC reported that he had received an update from Cai on entries.
Banners have been purchased by the club and are now on display.
AC reported that he had agreed that the club pay for trophies.
• RT to discuss with Cai/Michael their requirements for the Presentations.
NFC Communication/Squash Meetings
• RT to circulate Volleys when ready.
Safeguarding
No reported issues.
Any Other Business
Concerns were raised that players were wiping their hands on the walls/glass back contrary to anti Covid guidance.
The committee recorded its sadness at the death of Chris Matthews, AC having attended his funeral.
Date of next meeting – 7.00pm 20/12/21 by Zoom.
