EAST CORNWALL AND WEST DEVON ATHLETICS FORUM

Apologies: S Rose; D Dane; B Phillips; C Bunting; C & J McGhee; S Payne; B Aloof; P Taberner

NR welcomed James Coulton and Louise Oates to the meeting.

JC had two issues to discuss at the meeting – (1) the request from Plymouth Albion to build a stand opposite the one on the athletics track and (2) improvements to track.

Plymouth Albion has applied for planning permission subject to the landlord’s permission (PCC). PCC wants to make sure all users of the site are not adversely affected. Bob Ivory has looked at the area and advised that the stand could go there but some work would have to be done, including moving the long jump facility as it is not 1m from the track. PCC has come up with proposals for moving some of the facilities which will enable the stand to go ahead; copies of drawings were distributed.

The existing pole vault facility will have to be moved slightly inwards by approx 1.2m. Two single ended pits to serve the long jump and triple jump will be provided.

SE considers everything is being squeezed in to accommodate Albion’s needs and is concerned at the loss of spectator vantage points and no wheelchair access.

JC has to take the view of all users, not just athletics. In the longer term we may be looking at another 8 lane track. The football pitch has been reduced.

LO addressed the issues of the throwing areas and is looking at an additional javelin facility.

JC confirmed that PCC has not yet spoken to Albion about what compromises they will need to make; nothing is set in stone. PCC is now seeking feedback from users of the facilities.

SE suggested an alternative location for the jumps. LO is happy to look at this and confirmed that any health and safety issues will be sorted.

CC advised that as of 7.10 pm tonight the hammer cage had still not been repaired.

JC confirmed that he is happy to take suggestions on board and is happy to meet PAC representatives on site.

CC asked that if the stand building goes ahead what is the timescale as this would have an impact on the athletics programme. LO advised that it is possible the long jump pit may be out of use.

PR felt it would be beneficial if Bob Ivory were involved again.

CC said the Planning Department had contacted PAC about planning permission they had previously submitted. JC advised that the Devonport Regeneration Company is looking at the whole site and around it. The 8 lane track has been put in as an aspiration and it is likely this is what the Planning Department are referring to.

LO will contact GS to arrange a meeting. NR will also attend.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as being a true record.

MATTERS ARISING

Plymouth Half Marathon: Over 1000 places have gone.

Composite Team: JC and M Erith queried whether we should get in other composite teams? PR confirmed it is not possible at the moment. PAC teams look as though they are going to be accepted. GS asked if there was “somewhere higher up” we could push composite teams. NR recommended we need look at regional forum up to national events. Meeting in Glasgow on Saturday. No mention made of composite clubs in road running. From January an appointed manager will take up some topics and feedback and it would be useful if composite teams could be looked at. Athletics is on a downward spiral in many countries and we need to turn this around.

First Aid Course – 1.10.06: CC said that PAC weren’t just putting this course on for themselves. It was raised in September but not minuted. NR said it was discussed at the last meeting and no-one present was aware of this.

Hoe 10: 18.2.07. 40+ entries so far. Thanks to Tavistock who allowed us to put entry forms in their goodie bags. It would be nice to have a representative from each club on the race committee. Amanda Erith is organising marshals. We have sponsorship from Brooks; thus the race will now be called Brooks Plymouth Hoe 10.

DML supplied t shirts for Lance and the sports hall team. LC advised the team did very well, finished about 100+ points ahead in the 1^st event, 2^nd in the 2^nd event. LC has received letters from parents; there seemed to be a lot of animosity towards our team including accusations of using elite athletes. The whole idea is to get children interested in athletics. Allegations were also made of children misbehaving but these weren’t necessarily children from schools. The next event is on Sunday. KR thinks it would be good to have these sports hall events moved to Plymouth.

Santa Run – entries closed.

AH confirmed it should be 1000 to run with £100 sponsorship (not 100!).

It was disappointing that the race directors meeting was poorly attended.

Review on funding of coaches is not yet agreed.

Promotional material for the Forum; PR will circulate a list for checking.

CC: Sports hall equipment – PAC have received £1,000 loan from the Forum to purchase equipment. However, PAC would still like to use equipment on Monday nights. If possible LC will get equipment down to them.

JC – Outgoings - £480 track fees, £1,000 loan to PAC, £500 to LC for sports hall. £7,009.85 in bank and £101.69 cash.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

JC: We should all be aware that CRB checks do not cross over (ie a teacher’s CRB is not applicable for an athletics coach).

Frank Elford thanked everyone for the Autumn Trail. £1,500 has gone to St Lukes. Next year’s race will be on 30.9.07.

KR – went on officials course in Gloucester where 48 people attended with an average age of 30. KR happy to do something here. From 2008 we will need a recognised official present at a road race.

Provisional dates for SW League – 2.4.07, 27.5.07, 1.7.07, 7.9.07; venues to be decided. Entry fees - £200 for league and £50 for cup.

CC – Correspondence of 20.10.06 from England Athletics has caused concern and confusion. EA charging £50/club and £5/competing athlete (£3 for 2007). At the SEAA extraordinary meeting said clubs are to pay 25% of costs to be able to continue to compete. NR advised that SEAA is nothing to do with EA; only pay if you want to compete in their championships. This could preclude athletes competing in regional competitions if you do not pay SEAA. EA decided to make club affiliation standard rate across the board. There are three separate schemes across England. All administration will be done by individual clubs. Clubs will be sent an electronic template to complete. Runners will be issued with a card. CC considers that PAC could potentially not be able to run as a club. PR feels we all need to realise that athletics are behind the times compared to other sports such as swimming. KR said in the future we hope to develop the South West as a competition provider. CC reiterated that clarification is still needed.

CC – spring warm up 1.4.07, young athletes 8.7.07.

PAC have been awarded Clubmark.

PCC is now charging VAT for track hire.

PAC may have to re-think how much they use the track as they are now paying in the region of £1,000/month for training.

Next open night tomorrow, first of the Frank Elford 3k Series. Help needed.

JE queried the venue for next year’s meetings. NR will speak to JC and LO.

PR – Burrator Run will take place on Boxing Day as usual.

The clock needs maintenance after the Cornish Marathon.

New Devon website currently being populated – www.devoncountyaa.co.uk

Road running meeting this week.

KR – PR has been short listed for the UKA awards.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

11 December 2006 at Windsor House.