BRIDGE FEDERATION ACT BRIDGE FEDERATION ACT
NEXT MEETING at 4.30pm the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Note: some Minutes are available in PDF
2008- October AGM September August July June May April March February
2007 - December September August July June May April March February January
2006 - December November October
PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO 2007 BFACT AGM
The following are the issues/matters/highlights of this past year that I feel should be brought to the attention of the General Body:
BFACT has a new Public Officer. Eric Glass took over from the long-serving George Stockham who I would like to thank for his many years of good service to BFACT. George also vacated his position as the SCBC representative (he was replaced by Bruce Crossman).
Plans are well-advanced for organising the holding of the ANC in Canberra in 2009. Lyn Turner has kindly agreed to convene the event and Wendy Boxall has agreed to be treasurer of the ANC Coordinating Committee. Valmai Mitchell is the BFACT Council Liaison Officer. The venue will be the Hellenic Club and the dates 3-17 July 2009. My thanks to all those involved for their help so far.
Many of you may not know but we have been working patiently to set up a BFACT Website which is now active at www.bfact.com.au. Rebecca Plush (Vice President) ran the project and Henry Hudson volunteered to assist with the initial setting up of the website. I would like to thank Rebecca, Valmai and her daughter Avril Barrett who have worked hard to design the site and upload the content.
BFACT ran Directors Courses at Club and Intermediate Levels in 2007. I would like to thank Ian Dalziell for his work in promoting these courses, plus for updating the list of BFACT accredited directors which he sent to all the affiliated clubs to assist them in running events in the future. Ian also became our BFACT News editor during the year.
While the Tournament Secretary will report separately on tournament matters, I would like to mention:
Some success on the youth bridge front with Valmai Mitchell running sessions for youth players on Friday afternoon with pleasing participation and progress. BFACT Council also implemented a policy of obtaining prior police checks for all involved in supervising minors in BFACT-run events or activities. This was prompted by BFACT dealings with some of the schools in the ACT.
BFACT-run interclub competitions is worthy of note. We responded to requests by the participating clubs for a more inclusive format for the Inter Clubs Teams. Eight clubs entered the Seniors Event and seven clubs entered the Restricted Event. Congratulations to the Capital Bridge Club who won both events in 2007. Our thanks once again to David Hoffman for finding the time to continue to run this event for us. BFACT is also holding one session of the Simultaneous Pairs in 2007 to be run in the week 21-26 November. Thanks to Tim Bourke who has agreed to provide the bridge hands/commentary and to Jane Rasmussen who will do the scoring.
Far too much time in BFACT Council meetings is taken up discussing the ABF run Grand National events. Many of you will be familiar with the teams format (GNOT). Frankly, ACT player interest in this event has declined substantially in recent years both in the open and restricted categories. Various proposals have been tried with very limited appeal. Participation imposes significant entry costs on BFACT and the burden on the clubs has also increased. Now the ABF are introducing a pairs format Grand National in 2008. The retiring Council has major concerns about the viability of these events in 2008 and one of the first tasks of the new Council will be to review our participation in 2008. It seems inevitable that for 2008 we will need to restrict our GN commitments on financial grounds unless we can come to some compromise with the GN Convenor.
We had a very successful year including wins at the GNOT late last year and of course our Open Team at the ANC in July.
Finally, I would like to mention briefly our engagement with the ABF. I and Earl Dudley are the duly appointed ACT representatives to the ABF Council and served in 2007. Ian Thomson attended the ABF Mid-Year meeting in Perth in July as an alternate for Earl. In addition, from February 2008, I was appointed to fill a casual vacancy on the ABF Management Committee (the executive arm). Issues of note during the year include:
Earl Dudley raised the question of Australia-wide Professional Indemnity Insurance (similar to the club-level public liability cover) at the ABF AGM. The ABF has indicated it is not interested in proceeding with this matter and that it would be up to the states and clubs to discuss this matter themselves. Earl approached Allan Scerri who kindly facilitated an interactive session with members of CBC Committee and BFACT Council to assess the risks re Professional Indemnity. BFACT Council expressed its thanks to Allen Scerri for facilitating the workshop. Earl reported back on the results of the discussion at the workshop which concluded that while it was considered unnecessary at this time for BFACT to take out such cover for professional indemnity (as the perceived risks were too low), a number of risk management actions could be followed up to minimise the risk even further. These are: Developing a Code of Expectations for Players; Developing of a Code of Conduct for Directors; Developing a written protocol for dealing with disputed outcomes in selection events. While not discussed at the time, it was specifically recognised afterwards that BFACT’s policy on supervising minors was an additional risk to be considered.
I reported back on the decision of the ABF Management Committee Meeting in May on the matter of the Summer Festival of Bridge Masterpoints income and compensation for the ACT agreeing not to hold a Gold Point Event in 2008 and 2009. The Management Committee decided that BFACT should receive compensation in the amount of $2,000 in each of 2008 and 2009 with the matter to be reviewed again in 2009 for possible starting date of 2010 for an ACT GP event. This compensation is in addition to the declining amount that BFACT shall still receive from the Summer Festival of Bridge in those 2 years.
Like other members, BFACT was given $3,000 (plus $300 to cover GST) by the ABF to assist states advertise and market bridge in their region. Specifically the ABF was looking for initiatives at club level to attract new players to the game. BFACT received applications for funding under the terms of the ABF Advertising/ Marketing Grant from The Canberra Bridge Club, The Monaro Bridge Club and Capital Bridge Club. All applications were approved. The amount of the grants awarded was proportional to the membership of the three clubs so Canberra Bridge Club received $2200 Monaro Bridge Club $550 and Capital Bridge Club $550.
In closing let me thank all Councillors for their terrific help and support and while I do not like singling individuals out I must thank our incredibly efficient Secretary Sue Scerri and our amazingly prudent Treasurer for their tireless efforts in 2007. Thankfully, they have both agreed to remain on Council in 2008.
Roy Nixon
President
Tournament Secretary’s Report
BFACT AGM, 21st October, 2007
Each year BFACT is responsible for state-level championship and selection events within the ACT. In the past year we have run open teams, pairs, Swiss pairs and individual events, a ‘multi-pairs’ event, a women’s pairs event, the Interclub Teams, and selection events for our ANC Open, Women’s, Senior and Youth Teams, Open and Women’s ANC Butler Stage II qualifiers, as well as various events to select the three BFACT teams that will contest the GNOT finals later this year.
Since the last AGM, BFACT representative teams have had excellent results, with the Canberra 1 Team winning the 2006 GNOT and the ACT Open Team, captained by Ian Thomson, winning the 2007 Open Interstate Championships.
We have also had several members represent Australia internationally in 2007: at the PABF Championships in Bandung, Indonesia, Margaret Bourke was part of the Women’s team and Nye Griffiths and Griff Ware were part of the winning Junior Team. Liz Havas was part of the Women’s team at the Venice cup in Shanghai, China; at the same time David Hoffman was non-playing captain of the Seniors Bowl team. Sebastian Yuen and Laura Ginnan took part in the Junior test matches played against New Zealand youth players at the New Zealand Nationals.
Issues encountered while running BFACT events during the past year and some potential changes for the next year include:
Directors
In 2007 two events were scheduled for dates on which our primary tournament director, Sean Mullamphy, was unavailable. This is not preferable, and as far as possible we normally try to avoid such scheduling conflicts. Fortunately, in both cases more than adequate replacement directors were found, but these events highlighted the current shortage of active high-level directors within the ACT. BFACT has reviewed the director accreditation process and intends to investigate ways to promote a wider base of directing staff within the ACT.
VP-scales
In recent years our most important events have been scored on a scale of capped net IMPs, rather than the common conversion to VPs. Theoretically, capped net IMPs is a more accurate way of scoring, less affected by chance, because the summation of score totals has greater precision. However, the practical advantage, while not being insignificant, is relatively minor. As a result of significant opposition to the more radical net IMP method, during 2007 we reverted to VP-scale scoring for all events except the ANC Open Team qualifying. It is up to the incoming committee to determine the method of scoring events during 2008, but my personal suggestion is for the 2007 situation to continue. That is, standard VP scales be used for all events except the Open Team qualifying. A survey taken of the participants in the Open Team qualifying final suggests that in that event players are accepting of scoring by capped net IMPs.
2008 Calendar
The 2008 CBC calendar, which includes many BFACT events, is currently in its final draft stage. Several of the more minor events categorised as BFACT events during 2007 (such as the multi pairs and Swiss pairs) are likely to revert to being CBC events for 2008 onwards. This is in part due to probable changes in the ANC program for future years, meaning that a BFACT branded event will no longer be nominally required to select pairs for the ANC Interstate Pairs. The more major BFACT events will continue, mostly in the same form as they had in 2007. A recent survey of the participants in the State Open Teams has given support for a proposed minor reorganisation of that event: the event will be extended to 8 weeks in total, however the 3 week consolation President’s Plate, which is contested by all but the top 4 teams, will be effectively split off into a separate event, allowing teams to reform and new teams to enter. The hope is that the flexibility allowed by this new arrangement will encourage greater participation in the event as a whole.
GNOT Selection
Selection of GNOT teams is an ongoing administrative issue. For the past several years, BFACT has selected three teams to go to the GNOT final: Canberra 1, Canberra 2 and an ACT Provincial/Restricted team. Canberra 1 is selected by the CBC Knockout Teams event and this arrangement will continue. The Provincial/Restricted team will next year be selected by a 1-day teams event, similar in style to the CBC Special Sunday Teams events, but with restricted entry. Such a restricted event has not been run in the ACT in recent years, and it is hoped that Canberra-based players with limited masterpoints will support this new event.
The selection of the Canberra 2 team has suffered a lack of player support for several years now. In 2007 a home-based knockout competition was used to select Canberra 2, with the added purpose of creating a novel event, more social in nature than other tournaments. As hoped, most of the matches were relaxed, social affairs, but we received fewer entries than anticipated, and a mixed reaction from participants makes it likely that the event will not continue. At this stage we plan to select only two teams to go to the 2008 GNOT finals: Canberra 1 and ACT Provincial/Restricted.
Broadly, state-level tournament bridge within the ACT is enjoying the ongoing support of players. As always, however, strategies for attracting new players and establishing/adapting new events need consideration.
Griff
Ware
2007 BFACT Tournament Secretary
BRIDGE FEDERATION ACT INC. (BFACT)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
5.00 PM SUNDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2007
MINUTES
1. ATTENDANCE: Andrew Struik, Rebecca Plush, Roy Nixon, Ian Dalziell,
Lynne Moss, Trevor Berenger, Janet Strzelecki, Richard Hills, Hashmat Ali, Denis Grahame, Jeanette Grahame, Tony Hancock, Alison Hancock, Philip Thompson, Molly O’Donohue, Susan Scerri, Allen Scerri, Val Hopwood, Andrew Leslie, Beverley Carmichael, Griff Ware, Margaret Bourke, Valmai Mitchell, Peter Kahler, Janet Kahler, Bruce Crossman, Bev Crossman, George Stockham. (28)
APOLOGIES: Earl Dudley, Peter Andersson
2. PROXY VOTES: Nil received
3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF 2006 AGM AS A TRUE RECORD OF THE MEETING
Moved: A.Struik Seconded: R.Plush Carried
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF AGM 2006: Nil
5. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT ROY NIXON
The President (Roy Nixon) tabled his report and thanked all members of BFACT Council for their help and support throughout the year. He highlighted the following:
Planning for the 2009 ANC to be held in Canberra is well advanced. Lyn Turner has agreed to convene the event and Wendy Boxall has agreed to be Treasurer. Valmai Mitchell is the BFACT Council Liaison Officer. The venue is the Hellenic Club and the dates 3-17 July 2009. The President expressed his thanks to those involved.
BFACT Website has been set up and is now active at www.bfact.com.au. The President thanked Rebecca Plush, Valmai Mitchell and Avril Barrett for their work in designing the site and uploading the content.
BFACT ran Directors Courses at Club and Intermediate levels in 2007. The President thanked Ian Dalziell for his work in promoting the courses and updating the list of ACT accredited directors and for his work as editor of BFACT News. The President thanked Sean Mullamphy for running the courses.
The President thanked Valmai Mitchell and Griff Ware for their efforts in promoting Youth Bridge in the ACT.
The President congratulated the Capital Bridge Club on winning both the Seniors and Restricted Events in the BFACT Interclub Competition and expressed his thanks to David Hoffman for running the event. The President thanked Tim Bourke for providing the bridge hands and commentary for the 2007 Simultaneous Pairs and to Jane Rasmussen who will score the event.
The President expressed BFACT Council’s concerns regarding increasing costs and declining player interest in qualifying events for the ABF run GNOT. The ABF is introducing a pairs format Grand National Restricted Event in 2008.
The President congratulated the Canberra 1 Team, winners of the 2006 GNOT, and the ACT Open Team that won the Open Event at the ANC.
The President reported that he and Earl Dudley are the BFACT representatives to ABF Council. Ian Thomson attended the ABF Mid-Year meeting as an alternate to Earl Dudley. Roy Nixon has been appointed to fill a casual vacancy on the ABF Management Committee.
BFACT, in conjunction with CBC, investigated the need for Professional Indemnity Insurance at an interactive workshop facilitated by Allen Scerri. It was decided not to take out professional indemnity cover (as the perceived risks were too low) but to follow up a number of risk management strategies to minimise the risk even further.
The ABF Management Committee has decided that BFACT should receive compensation for the ACT agreeing not to hold a Gold Point Event in 2008 and 2009 in the amount of $2,000 in each of 2008 and 2009 with the matter to be reviewed again in 2009 for possible starting date of 2010 for an ACT GP event. This compensation is in addition to the declining amount that BFACT will still receive from the Summer Festival of Bridge in those 2 years.
BFACT received $3000 from the ABF to advertise and market bridge in the region. Canberra Bridge Club, Monaro Bridge Club and Capital Bridge Club made successful applications to BFACT for funding under the terms of The ABF/Marketing Grant.
Richard Hills advised the meeting that he had been on the committee revising the Laws of Bridge and that the new Laws of Bridge will take effect in February 2008. He offered to assist in any courses run by BFACT to update directors on the revised laws.
Richard Hills noted that one of the recommendations of the Risk Management Workshop was the development of a code of conduct for Directors. He pointed out that there was a code of conduct for directors on the ABF Website.
Janet Kahler asked the President to comment on the ABF organisation and Office Bearers and referred to the behaviour of ABF Officials at the 2007 ANC. The President commented that the problem was how to effect real change. As a member of the ABF Management Committee, he was in a position to be kept informed as to what was happening. The President informed the meeting that he had passed on informally to the ABF the ACT ANC Open Team’s Captain’s comments regarding the conduct of the ABF Tournament Unit at the ANC.
Margaret Bourke expressed disappointment that neither the report of BFACT President nor that of the Tournament Secretary mentioned the International Representation by ACT bridge players. The president apologised for this oversight and acknowledged the achievements of those ACT players who participated in International Events. Margaret Bourke provided the following list of International Representatives in 2007 for inclusion in the Minutes:
ACT INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE REPRESENTATIVES 2007
World
Championships, Shanghai
David Hoffman: NPC Seniors
Team
David Lilley: Seniors Team
Elizabeth Havas: Women’s
Team
PABF Championships, Bandung, Indonesia
Margaret
Bourke: Women's Team (2nd Place)
Nye Griffiths and
Griff Ware: Youth Team (1st Place)
AustraliaV
New Zealand Youth Challenge
Laura Ginnan
Sebastian
Yuen
TREASURER’S REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS
The Treasurer (Andrew Struik) tabled his report and informed the meeting that in 2006-2007 BFACT had a planned deficit of approximately $5000 owing to the ANC being held in Perth in 2007, which increased the cost of airfares. He pointed out that, since the ANC will be held in Queensland in 2008, there would be a deficit in that year. This should be recovered in 2009 when the ANC is held in Canberra.
Peter Kahler expressed appreciation for the level of subsidy provided to ACT Captains and Team members at the 2007 ANC.
Motion: That the financial statements of BFACT as tabled be adopted.
Motion: That Ian Thomson be appointed Auditor for BFACT for 2007 –2008.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Griff Ware Carried
The Treasurer Andrew Struik expressed thanks to Ian Thomson for his work.
8. AFFILIATION FEES
The Treasurer pointed out that there was no change to the affiliation fee which had remained at $7 for three years although BFACT was receiving less profit from selection events owing to a decline in the number of entrants. Beverley Carmichael expressed the opinion that, since not all players participated in selection events, entry fees should be increased, if necessary, rather than affiliation fees.
Motion: That the annual affiliation fee for 2007-8 be $7.00 (incl GST) for all members.
Moved: Andrew.Struik Seconded: Tony Hancock Carried
9. REPORT OF TOURNAMENT SECRETARY
The Tournament Secretary (Griff Ware) tabled his report and highlighted the following:
Sean Mullamphy is the only active high-level director in the ACT. BFACT has reviewed the Director Accreditation process and intends to investigate ways to promote a wider base of directing staff within the ACT.
Standard VP scales were used for all events except the ACT Open Team Qualifying. It is the Tournament Secretary’s recommendation that this practice continue in 2008.
Following player suggestions and a player survey, it has been decided to extend the State Open Teams Event to eight weeks in total. The three week consolation President’s Plate will effectively be split off into a separate event allowing teams to reform and new teams to enter.
Owing to lack of player support for the event to select Canberra 2 Team for the GNOT, BFACT is planning to send only two teams to the 2008 GNOT Finals: Canberra 1 and ACT Provincial/Restricted.
The question of Eligibility Criteria for State Representation has been raised again this year. BFACT policy is to grant eligibility to players who can be shown to have a historical link to bridge in the ACT but who may not be currently residing in the ACT, provided that they do not participate in selection events for other states or territories. The new BFACT Council will review the policy.
Questions And Comments Arising From The Tournament
Secretary’s Report
Richard Hills suggested that a CBC Event could be assigned as the selection event for the Canberra 2 Team for the GNOT. Andrew Struik pointed out that this had a financial impact on players at CBC since BFACT Events incurred a surcharge. Margaret Bourke asked the Treasurer for details of the cost of running the GNOT Qualifying Events. Andrew Struik replied that in 2007 the event incurred a loss of about $400-$500. Margaret Bourke suggested that the incoming BFACT Council approach CBC to assign an event as the GNOT qualifier for the Canberra 2 Team and offer a BFACT subsidy to reduce the cost to players. It was agreed that the incoming BFACT Council would review the matter.
Margaret Bourke commented that with regard to Residential Eligibility Criteria, each case is individual and that the current BFACT policy on Residential Eligibility Criteria worked well.
Peter Kahler commented that the phrase "moderate success" in the Tournament Secretary’s report did not accurately reflect the ACT’s bridge achievements in 2006-2007.
Motion: That the Tournament Secretary’s Report be accepted with the substitution of the phrase “significant success” for “moderate success” in Paragraph 2.
Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Griff Ware Carried
10 APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICER
Beverley Carmichael was appointed Returning Officer and took charge of the Meeting.
11. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
President – Roy Nixon Nominated Susan Scerri Seconded: Rebecca Plush
Vice President – Rebecca Plush Nominated Roy Nixon Seconded: Ian Dalziell
Secretary – Susan Scerri Nominated Earl Dudley Seconded: Andrew Struik
Treasurer – Andrew Struik Nominated: Susan Scerri Seconded: Allen Scerri
Tournament Secretary –Peter Kahler Nominated Susan Scerri Seconded: Andrew Struik
There being no other nominations all five were elected unopposed
12. OTHER BUSINESS
Richard Hill asked if observers could attend BFACT Council Meetings. He was informed that BFACT Council members and Supplemental Councillors attended the meetings. There was no provision for observers. BFACT members could be invited to attend BFACT Council meetings to discuss particular issues or to assist in areas of expertise.
The Meeting closed at 6.00PM.
Susan
Scerri
Secretary
1. Roy Nixon (President BFACT) opened the meeting at 5.30 pm.
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Rebecca Plush, Peter Kahler, Susan Scerri, Earl Dudley, Valmai Mitchell, Andrew Struik, Ian Dalziell.
APOLOGIES: Dora Theunissen, Bruce Crossman.
2. MINUTES
Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 August 2008, be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Rebecca Plush Carried
Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action point
GNOT
Peter Kahler (Tournament Secretary) tabled a revised proposal for the GNOT Butler Pairs Selection Event to be held on 19 October 2008. Additional costs of $100 for Rent and $150 for Contingency have been added to the proposal. Peter Kahler will notify all BFACT Affiliated Clubs of the event and promote it at the Canberra Bridge Club Spring Congress. Earl Dudley pointed out that BFACT Council might have to subsidise the event if there were insufficient entries to cover the GNOT entry costs. Andrew Struik noted that members of Provincial Clubs do not have to have fewer than 300 masterpoints to qualify for the Restricted/Provincial Team. Peter Kahler will amend the information on the proposal. The issue of eligibility criteria for Grand Slam members to enter the Restricted Event was discussed. It was agreed that the entry requirements for the selection event should align with the entry requirements for the GNOT Finals. Peter Kahler will liaise with John Brockwell (GNOT Organiser) who will make a determination.
ANC 2009
Roy Nixon advised BFACT Council that the ABF Tournament Unit was not in favour of the running the Restricted Butler Pairs at the same time as Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Open Butler Pairs. Roy Nixon has been informed by the Tournament Unit that every effort will be made to avoid a bye in the 2009 ANC Teams Event.
Simultaneous Pairs 2008
Susan Scerri has sent information and invitations to BFACT Affiliated and ACT Region Clubs. South Canberra Bridge Club is the only club to have responded at this stage. A reminder notice will be sent out by 19 September.
BFACT Website
Rebecca Plush has been liaising with Avril Barrett re content and format of the BFACT Website and will present suggestions for improvement at the next BFACT Council Meeting.
By Laws relating to the Conduct of Members of BFACT Affiliated Clubs
Susan Scerri has forwarded these to Rebecca Plush to be sent to Avril Barrett for inclusion on the BFACT Website.
Stop Cards
BFACT will adopt the ABF regulations for the use of Stop Cards.
BFACT AGM
Susan Scerri to send notice of meeting, nomination forms, agendas and proxies to BFACT Affiliated Clubs by 21 September 2008. Reports to be prepared by President, Tournament Secretary and Treasurer.
ANC Uniforms
Discussion deferred.
Women’s Training Squad
Peter Kahler has sent a letter of thanks to the leaders of the Women’s Training Squad.
3. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
3.1 Report from Tournament Secretary
Peter Kahler (Tournament Secretary) advised BFACT that he had been informed that two members of a four person team likely to qualify for the Open Teams Semi Final would be absent overseas at the time of the Semi Final. Earl Dudley left the room while BFACT Council discussed and decided on the issue. BFACT Tournament Regulations do not permit augmentation of a team after 50% of an event has been held. BFACT Council agreed that the rules must be applied and that an exception could not be made in this case.
Peter Kahler also advised BFACT Council that two members of a six person team likely to qualify for the Open Teams Semi Final would be representing Australia overseas at that time. BFACT Council asked him to confirm with the team that they would be able to field four players for the Semi Finals
Earl Dudley pointed out there was no requirement that a team member has to play a certain number of matches in the qualifying event leading up to the Open Teams Selection Final.
Peter Kahler mentioned that numbers were down for the Open ANC Stage 2 Butler Pairs Selection Event and suggested varying the format in 2009.
Planning by CBC for their 2009 calendar of events will commence shortly and Earl Dudley asked for BFACT input at an early stage in the process. Roy Nixon stated that the Calendar was primarily a CBC process. BFACT’s input extends to ensuring that BFACT’s events are adequately timetabled and scheduled. Peter Kahler has already begun developing a draft timetable of BFACT events for 2009. He will table it at the next BFACT Council Meeting. The Secretary to place the BFACT Calendar as an item on the Agenda for the next BFACT Council Meeting.
3.2 Inter Club Teams
Valmai Mitchell reported that David Hoffman will not be coordinating this event in 2009. She had thanked him on behalf of BFACT Council at the last session of the 2008 event. BFACT Council expressed its appreciation for David Hoffman’s contribution to this event. A new organiser will need to be found in 2009.
3.3 2008 ANC
Captains’ Reports for the Open and Senior Teams were tabled.
4. TREASURER’S REPORT
Andrew Struik tabled the following list of payments made since the last BFACT Council Meeting:
Sean Mullamphy Interclub Teams Boards $105.60
7 various ANC assistance supplements from GST claims
BFACT Council supported the inclusion of the Ron Klinger Tour (March 13-15 2009) in the BFACT Teaching Programme.
Motion: BFACT Council approves funding of approximately $1500 from the ABF Bridge Promotion Grant to support the Ron Klinger Teaching Tour to be offered in 2009 (March 13-15).
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Rebecca Plush Carried
5. ABF
A report from the ABF Masterpoint Unit on allocation of Match Masterpoints to Teams of more than four eligible players was tabled for discussion so that BFACT delegates could present BFACT Council’s views at the ABF Meeting to be held on 13 September 2008.
The central issue in the report is the inequity of awarding all members in a team the same number of masterpoints irrespective of the number of matches each played in an event. BFACT Council supports the principle of equity but acknowledges the added difficulty for Directors in determining how many sessions each player has played in an event that continues over a number of sessions. BFACT’s position is that until scoring software is developed to indicate which members of a 4, 5 or 6 person team play in a match, the current system should not be changed.
6. YOUTH REPORT
Valmai Mitchell reported that the Friday session is going well.
OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 Correspondence
Incoming
QBA report on 2008 ANC
Masterpoint Unit Report
Outgoing
Invitation to BFACT Affiliated and Regional Clubs to participate in 2008 BFACT Simultaneous Pairs.
7.2 ABF Bridge Promotion Grants 2008/2009
Applications for funding from the 2008 ABF Bridge Promotion Grants 2008/2009 have been received from Capital Bridge Club requesting $500 to expand its library and from Monaro Bridge Club requesting assistance to run beginners and refresher courses.
Discussion of the Grant followed. Earl Dudley advised BFACT Council that Canberra Bridge Club is developing an application for funding from the Grant. Peter Kahler advocated the use of some of the funds from the Grant to run training sessions for developing players along similar lines to the Women’s Training Squad.
Motion: That BFACT Council approves the applications for funding under the terms of the ABF Bridge Promotion Grant from Monaro Bridge Club and Capital Bridge Club and authorises the following amounts to be paid to those clubs:
The Monaro Bridge Club $ 550
Capital Bridge Club $ 550
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Valmai Mitchell Carried
BFACT Secretary will need to advise these Clubs of the monitoring/reporting requirements to comply with ABF Guidelines when the cheques from the Grant are sent.
7.4 Directors Course
Ian Dalziell reported that low numbers might prevent the running of the next course. BFACT Council recommended that the flyer be reworded to emphasise the benefits of attending for those players who do not wish to become Directors. It was suggested flyers be sent to the next session of the Women’s Training Squad on 24 September.
NEXT MEETING
Friday 24 October at 5.30pm at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin.
Meeting closed at 7.30 pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
Minutes
of BFACT Council Meeting 1. Rebecca Plush (Vice President BFACT) opened the meeting at 5.30 pm.
PRESENT: Rebecca Plush, Peter Kahler, Susan Scerri, Earl Dudley, Valmai Mitchell, Andrew Struik.
APOLOGIES: Roy Nixon, Ian Dalziell, Bruce Crossman.
2. MINUTES
Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 July 2008, be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Peter Kahler Carried
Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
PABF
Andrew Struik has sent cheques to ACT Youth and Delegate Teams to the PABF.
Tournament Regulations
Peter Kahler has sent copies of the revised BFACT Tournament Regulations to all BFACT Affiliated Clubs.
ANC 2009
Rebecca Plush organised the printing of flyers for the 2009 ANC, which Lyn Turner distributed at the 2008 ANC.
Simultaneous Pairs
Jane Rasmussen to check the booklet prior to publication to ensure symbols are embedded in the software. Letter to clubs inviting entries to be sent out by Susan Scerri for Valmai Mitchell before the end of August. Clubs will be asked in the invitation to nominate the person to whom the booklets and hand records will be sent.
BFACT Website
Susan Scerri to forward a copy of BFACT By Laws relating to the Conduct of Members of BFACT Affiliated Clubs to Rebecca Plush who will forward them to Avril Barrett for inclusion on the BFACT Website.
Stop Cards
Stop Cards were not used at the ANC. Peter Kahler and Earl Dudley will wait for ABF guidelines on the use of Stop Cards before developing BFACT guidelines.
ABFBridge Promotion Grant
Susan Scerri has written to all BFACT Affiliated Clubs inviting expressions of interest for funding from the ABF Bridge Promotion Grant. Expressions of interest have been received from Monaro, Capital and Canberra Bridge Clubs. They will be discussed at the next meeting of BFACT Council.
BFACT ABF Delegate
The ABF has been advised that Peter Kahler has been ratified by BFACT as Councillor to the ABF.
3. ANC 2008 and 2009
Lyn Turner (2009 ANC Convenor) reported her observations on the 2008 ANC and outlined planning for the 2009 ANC.
She reported that the Walk In Events had been unsuccessful at the Gold Coast. The WA ANC Congress Events in 2007 had been very successful as a result of the high level of support from local clubs. Queensland had based the ANC at the Gold Coast for cost reasons but it had not attracted local support. In the discussion that followed, BFACT Council strongly endorsed the position that the 2009 ANC Congress must be promoted and supported by local clubs if it is to be successful. It was suggested sponsors could be approached to donate prizes for Congress Events.
Peter Kahler emphasised the need for events to attract Restricted Players. He suggested that the Restricted Butler Pairs Event be held at the same time as Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Open Butler Pairs. Lyn Turner advised BFACT that this could not be done under existing guidelines. Peter Kahler will ask Roy Nixon to approach the ABF Tournament Unit to see if it is possible to make this change to the format.
Lyn Turner and BFACT Council Members who had attended the 2008 ANC commented unfavourably on the setting out and format of the printed programme which was difficult to follow. This will need to be addressed for the 2009 ANC.
Lyn reported that it had not been possible to organise accommodation packages for the 2009 ANC in Canberra since hotels approached had required a block booking of at least 30 rooms.
The ANC Pairs was seen as an event which could attract local players since it is now an Open Entry event.
Peter Kahler pointed out the disruption to the ANC Teams programme caused by the bye and suggested the ABF Tournament Unit be approached to allow the inclusion of a second team by the host state to eliminate a bye in the ANC Teams.
Lyn Turner informed BFACT Council that the ANC Committee will not know until the end of August whether or not its application for funding from the ACT Government has been successful. Further ANC planning will be determined by the decision.
4. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
4.1 Report from Tournament Secretary
Peter Kahler (Tournament Secretary) reported the ACT 2008 ANC Teams results (Open and Senior Teams second place, Youth and Women’s Teams third place.)
Motion: BFACT Council congratulates ACT Teams and their Captains on their commendable performance at the 2008 ANC.
Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Susan Scerri Carried
Peter Kahler noted the improved performance of the ACT Women’s Team and commented on the success of the Women’s Training Squad in developing Women’s Bridge in the ACT. He will write to the leaders of the Women’s Training Squad on behalf of BFACT thanking them for their efforts. Earl Dudley endorsed his remarks and provided statistics from the ACT Women’s ANC matches.
Peter Kahler proposed BFACT Council investigate options for ACT Team Uniforms. One option he suggested investigating is the purchase of jackets for team members on the first occasion that they are selected for an ACT Team. If players were selected on subsequent occasions, they would have a new logo embroidered on the jackets they had previously been given. Andrew Struik pointed out that BFACT had a stated position that it would pay for the embroidery of the logo on team uniforms. Peter Kahler will investigate options and report back to BFACT Council.
The use of Yellow Systems at the State Open Teams Selection Event was discussed. The Tournament Secretary is developing the Tournament Regulations for the event.
Peter Kahler tabled a proposal for a Butler Pairs Event to select the Canberra 2 Team and the Restricted/Provincial Team for the GNOT. He will review the cost and organisation of the event and report back to BFACT Council.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
Andrew Struik tabled the following list of payments made since the last BFACT Council Meeting:
ABF masterpoint centre Jun qtr a/c $31.72
Applegraphics ANC flyers $50.00
G.Ware PABF Youth team $1050.00
QBA ANC dinner tickets $1615.00
P Kahler embroidery ANC shirts $317.50
R Hills PABF team assistance $250.00
The Treasurer proposed that BFACT affiliation fees remain unchanged in 2009.
Motion: That the annual BFACT affiliation fee for 2009 be $7.00 (including GST) for all members of affiliated bridge clubs”.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Susan Scerri Carried
6. BFACT AGM
It was decided that the BFACT AGM would be held at 4.30pm on Sunday 19 October 2008.
Susan Scerri to send notice of the meeting to all BFACT Affiliated Clubs by 21 September 2008.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 Correspondence
Incoming
Monaro and Capital Bridge Clubs – requests for funding from ABF Bridge Promotion Grants
Richard Grenside: Report from Tournament Unit on 2008 ANC
David Hoffman – Round 3 Inter Club Teams
Directory of Australian Associations
Ian Dalziell – Flyer for Directors’ Course on 26 October.
Outgoing
Invitation to BFACT Affiliated Clubs for expressions of interest for funding from ABF Bridge Promotion Grant
ABF – notification of Peter Kahler as BFACT Councillor to ABF.
7.2 BFACT Website
Discussion deferred until the next meeting of BFACT Council.
NEXT MEETING
Friday12 September at 5.30pm at the CanberraBridge Club Deakin.
Meeting closed at 7.05pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting 1. In the absence of the President, Rebecca Plush (Vice President BFACT) opened the meeting at10.20am.
Rebecca Plush chaired the Meeting for items 1 and 2.1 until the arrival of the President, Roy Nixon, at 10.25 a.m.
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Peter Kahler, Susan Scerri, Earl Dudley, Ian Dalziell, Rebecca Plush, Griff Ware, Bruce Crossman.
APOLOGIES: Valmai Mitchell, Andrew Struik
2. MINUTES
Acceptance
Ian Dalziell pointed out that the date for the Directors Course should be corrected to Sunday 26 October.
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 June 2008, with the date for the Directors Course amended to Sunday 26 October, be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Bruce Crossman Carried
Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
PABF
Peter Kahler informed BFACT Council of a change to the ACT Open (Delegate) Team entered in the PABF owing to the withdrawal of John Brockwell. The ACT Open Team members are: R. Hills, H. Ali, N. Van Vucht, M. Bookallil, S. Fischer and S. Mendick. The Youth Team members are: G. Ware, R. Thornberry, S. Williams and L. Ginnan.
Discussion followed of BFACT financial support to be granted to the Open and Youth Team (in addition to the $1000 entry fee granted to the Open Team by the QBA).
Griff Ware informed BFACT Council that he had discussed with Andrew Struik (BFACT Treasurer) funds raised by Youth Players in previous years and deposited with BFACT. The Treasurer (not at this meeting) advised Griff that there were sufficient funds remaining from these fundraising efforts to provide $200 per Youth Player to assist with costs associated with attending the PABF.
Motion: That BFACT Council approves the payment of $250 per team to the ACT Open Delegate Team and the ACT Youth Team to assist with costs associated with representing the ACT at the PABF.
Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Bruce Crossman Carried
Motion: Subject to confirmation from BFACT Treasurer that money is available from BFACT Youth dedicated funds, BFACT Council authorises a payment of $200 per player to the Youth Team representing the ACT at the PABF.
Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Ian Dalziell Carried
Griff Ware advised BFACT Council that Youth Players intended holding a fundraising activity at the end of 2008.
ANC 2008
Rebecca Plush reported that the submission of system cards by ACT Team members had proceeded more smoothly this year. Griff Ware will discuss with 2008 ANC organisers the rule allowing only 4 systems per team. This had created a problem for R. Thornberry and J. Higgins who play different systems according to seating position. Susan Scerri reported that she had received a number of comments from ANC Team Members expressing a preference to submit system cards electronically to BFACT. BFACT Council thanked Rebecca Plush for her efforts in submitting the ACT entries.
Tournament Regulations
Peter Kahler tabled the revised Tournament Regulations for discussion.
There was general agreement on the approach and content of the Tournament Regulations as revised.
Discussion of Yellow Systems and Substitution Rules in Selection Events followed.
It was agreed to amend Paragraph g in Attachment 1 as follows:
Allowed systems (see Section 4 of BFACT Regulations). BFACT Council may determine that Yellow systems will be permitted in some events. The State Open Teams is one such event
It was agreed that the following changes should be made to the Substitutions Section:
The heading for Section 4 be changed to Substitution and Augmentation Rules and the following paragraph added: Augmentation of teams shall be permitted unless otherwise prescribed in Supplementary Regulations.
Substitution and team augmentation regulations (calculate based on ABF Regulations).
BFACT Council has agreed that special arrangements are needed for particular events.
Substitution in ACT Open, Seniors, Women and Youth Selection Trials will be permitted for a maximum of 25 percent of sessions rounded down.
Substitution in ACT Open Qualifying Events be permitted for a maximum of 40 percent of sessions rounded down.
Augmentation of teams will be allowed up to 50 percent of sessions rounded down.
Motion: That subject to the agreed amendments, BFACT Council ratifies the revised Tournament Regulations to take effect from 1 August 2008.
Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
Peter Kahler will forward the Tournament Regulations to BFACT Affiliated Clubs. It was agreed to review the Tournament Regulations in June 2009.
BFACT Council thanked Peter Kahler for his efforts in revising the Tournament Regulations.
ANC 2009
Rebecca Plush reported that Eric Ramshaw has approved the flier for the 2009 ANC, which has been forwarded to Howard Carew who will print 600 copies for distribution. Lyn Turner (ANC 2009 Convenor) will take copies of the flyer to the 2008 ANC.
Peter Kahler pointed out that player numbers are down for the 2008 ANC. He emphasised the need to promote the 2009 ANC and to provide an attractive programme. The need to encourage local players to participate was endorsed.
BFACT Council will invite Lyn Turner to the next meeting after the 2008 ANC and review planning for 2009.
Earl Dudley will revise the Captains’ Guidelines to incorporate points raised by Roy Nixon in the Player questionnaire he developed for ANC Captains.
Simultaneous Pairs
The information flyer for participating clubs will be developed and sent out after the next BFACT Council Meeting. Susan Scerri to liaise with Valmai Mitchell.
BFACT ABF Delegate
Motion: That BFACT Council ratifies the appointment of Peter Kahler as BFACT Delegate to the ABF for the term ending in March 2010.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Rebecca Plush Carried
Masterpointing
Griff Ware reported that he had difficulty in obtaining Masterpoint details from Sean Mullamphy for BFACT Selection Events held over weekends. He has made a number of requests but did not receive the information by the submission date.
Griff outlined the complexity of obtaining accurate masterpoints for events run over a number of sessions with several finals run concurrently within the total field.
Peter Kahler suggested that a BFACT Folder be set up within the CBC system so that the person submitting BFACT Masterpoints to the Masterpoint Centre could readily obtain them.
Griff Ware will develop a statement outlining procedures for forwarding Masterpoints to BFACT. Roy Nixon will forward the procedures to Sean Mullamphy. Once Masterpointing procedures are established, the forwarding of Masterpoint details for an event which BFACT has contracted Sean Mullamphy to direct will need to be undertaken before payment is made.
BFACT Website
Rebecca Plush will forward BFACT Results and a copy of the By Laws relating to the conduct of Members of BFACT Affiliated Clubs to Avril Barrett for placement on the BFACT Website.
3. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
3.1 ANC Pairs
Peter Kahler reported that as Tournament Secretary he had experienced difficulty in finding players to represent the ACT in the ANC Pairs Events. Roy Nixon advised that the ABF is reviewing the ANC Pairs Events.
3.2 Inter Club Teams
The next session of the Inter Club Teams will be held on 30 August 2008.
4. TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer (Andrew Struik) was absent. He provided a written report as follows:
I can report that Treasurer’s matters are essentially to date, but that I cannot do a draft for the end of financial year as I need figures for some items which are still outstanding. In particular, under accrual accounting I need to include estimates of costs which accrued in that year and for this I need masterpoint costs for BFACT events held in that year.
I can say though that the year has not had any major unexpected variations from our budget apart from the payment of $1900 made in April for the ANC 2009 coordinator to attend the 2008 ANC. Our financial position is thus sound as we move towards the 2009 ANC.
Payments made since last meeting are:
3 ANC Captains assistance @ $400
ANC 2008 entry fee $4950
R Plush for preparing ANC entry and system cards $200
CBC room hire for BFACT weekend selections $643.50
Andrew Struik
5. YOUTH BRIDGE
Griff Ware announced that he would be shortly handing over to Rebecca Thornberry the role of ACT Youth Coordinator. Rebecca will attend the next BFACT Council Meeting.
6. ABF
6.1 Law 80
BFACT Council discussed a reminder from the ABF that each state has a requirement to advise their affiliated clubs re the ‘Assignment’ provisions under Law 80.
Motion: That BFACT assign its powers as granted by the ABF under Law 80 to BFACT Affiliated Clubs in respect to non-BFACT events until 1 June 2011.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
6.2 Stop Cards
The use of Stop Cards is now an ABF Regulation. This has implications for BFACT since the revised BFACT Tournament Regulations state that BFACT Tournaments will be conducted under Tournament regulations promulgated by the ABF.
Peter Kahler suggested Stop Cards be introduced to CBC Tuesday and Thursday night events. Peter Kahler and Earl Dudley will develop a set of guidelines for the use of Stop Cards to be displayed at CBC. Griff Ware suggested that a brief talk explaining the use of Stop Cards be given prior to the start of the Tuesday and Thursday night sessions at which the use of Stop Cards is introduced.
Earl Dudley pointed out that penalties regarding the failure to use Stop Cards will usually only be taken into consideration at an Appeal. Roy Nixon noted that failure to use the Stop Card would also be taken into account in a ruling made by the Tournament Director.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 Correspondence
Incoming
Di Marler re State Events Costings
Richard Grenside: Law 80
Richard Grenside: ANC Teams Draw
Outgoing
Cheques to ACT 2008 ANC Team Representatives
7.2 BFACT Website
Rebecca Plush to check that information on the website is current and notify Avril Barrett of any changes that need to be made.
ABF Bridge Promotion Grants 2008
Earl Dudley advised BFACT Council that CBC intended to apply for funding from the Grant to improve its website.
Ian Dalziell informed BFACT Council that Capital Bridge Club intended applying for funding to expand its library.
Peter Kahler suggested that some of the funds from the Grant be used to develop bridge players through assistance to:
The continuation of the Women’s Training Squad
Training sessions to support players moving into the CBC Tuesday and Thursday night events
A programme to prepare people entering Selection Trials
Susan Scerri will write to all BFACT Affiliated Clubs inviting expressions of interest for funding from the Grant.
BFACT AGM will be held on 19 October. The Secretary (Susan Scerri) will send a notice to Affiliated Clubs by 21 September 2008. The AGM Agenda will be discussed at the next BFACT Council Meeting.
NEXT MEETING
Friday 15 August 2008 at 5.30 pm at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
The following meeting will be held on Friday12 September at 5.30pm at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin.
Meeting closed at 12.30 pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting - Friday 13 June 2008 at the Canberra Bridge Club
1. In the absence of the President, Rebecca Plush (Vice President BFACT) opened the meeting at 5.15pm.
Rebecca Plush chaired the Meeting for items 1 and 2 until the arrival of the President, Roy Nixon, at 5.30pm
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Peter Kahler, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Earl Dudley, Ian Dalziell, Rebecca Plush, Griff Ware, Bruce Crossman.
APOLOGIES: Dora Theunissen.
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 May 2008 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Ian Dalziell Carried
Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points
Peter Kahler advertised the PABF Selection Event, which concluded on Thursday 12 June.
Susan Scerri has written to Members and Captains of 2008 ANC Teams.
Lyn Turner emailed BFACT Council a report from the 2009 ANC Committee. Lyn Turner and Jeanette Graham have met with a representative of the Events Assistance Program and, with Wendy Boxall, are developing a submission for Core Event Assistance. The outcome of the application will not be known until August. Lyn Turner has approached Peter Busch who has agreed to establish the 2009 ANC Website. He will meet Lyn at the 2008 ANC to discuss the website. There should not be any sizable expenses for the ANC before the end of August.
Earl Dudley has incorporated team uniform information and dress code into ANC Captains’ Guidelines. Copies have been forwarded to 2008 ANC Captains.
Ian Dalziell informed BFACT Council that the next Directors Courses would be held at the Southern Cross Club on Sunday 26 October. Earl Dudley asked for feedback on the two information sessions on the New Laws of Bridge held at Canberra Bridge Club on Saturday 10 May. The feedback on the morning session, which provided general information on the New Laws, was very positive. Comments have been received indicating that the afternoon session, which was intended to be more detailed, would have been improved with a more tightly structured approach.
Roy Nixon is continuing discussions with possible BFACT Delegates to the ABF.
Andrew Struik (Treasurer) has advised Susan Scerri that he will send invoices for BFACT Affiliation fees on his return in July.
3. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
3.1 Entries for the 2008 ANC
Roy Nixon informed BFACT Council that NSWBA has written to the ABF putting forward the view that the entry fees to the ANC that are levied on States are too high. Each State is charged for three Pairs in each category of the ANC Pairs whether or not they send three entries in each section. Roy Nixon pointed out that, whatever the outcome, it will impact on the ACT in 2009 since it is the host state in that year. Peter Kahler advised BFACT Council that he is experiencing difficulty in getting one pair to represent the ACT in each of the categories. Roy Nixon noted that the entry fee for the ANC Teams has not changed for several years. Discussion followed and BFACT Council agreed on the following position.
BFACT Council in principle supports moves to rationalise the arrangements relating to State sponsored pairs in the ANC Pairs Events but strongly recommends that changes be phased in over a transition period so that States hosting the ANC are not financially disadvantaged.
Rebecca Plush who is submitting ACT entries to the ANC advised that entries have to be submitted by 27 June 2008. Peter Kahler has not yet finalised the Stage II Open Butler Pair and the ANC Pairs entrants. He has approached people from the qualifying events but has not received acceptances. He will send a letter to Affiliated Clubs asking for expressions of interest and provide Rebecca with a list of ACT ANC Pairs entrants and ACT ANC Butler Pairs Stage II entrants by Friday 20 June.
3.2 PABF
The PABF has advised BFACT that the ACT will receive the $1000 grant regardless of how many teams they send to the PABF. The Hills Team, which won the ACT Qualifying Event, will be entering the Open Event. A Senior and a Youth Team from the ACT will also enter. Griff Ware will advise BFACT Council of the members of the Youth Team.
Peter Kahler informed BFACT Council that the Hills Team wished to enter the PABF as a Non Delegate Team (cost $500 as opposed to $1000 for a Delegate Team.) Roy Nixon expressed the view that the team should enter as a Delegate Team so that it would be listed as the ACT Team rather than the Hills Team. Discussion followed.
Motion: That BFACT Council decide that the winning team from the PABF Qualifying Event should enter the PABF as a Delegate Team if they wish to receive the $1000 subsidy.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Rebecca Plush Motion defeated
(Since the BFACT Council meeting, we have since been advised by the QBA that a condition of the $1,000 subsidy is that the team enters as an official delegate team. The previous discussion and motion was made without this knowledge. )
3.3 Tournament Objectives
Peter Kahler tabled a third draft of revised BFACT Tournament Regulations.
He informed BFACT Council that he had received comments and suggested modifications of the Tournament regulations from David Hoffman and John Brockwell and incorporated them in the revision. Griff Ware questioned the Yellow Sticker Regulations as outlined in the document. He was informed that the position taken was the same as that of the ABF. Earl Dudley indicated that he thought there was need for further revision of some areas. He will provide Peter Kahler and BFACT Council with his comments on aspects of the Tournament regulations. Peter Kahler will table the Tournament Regulations at the next BFACT Council Meeting and the Secretary will list it for discussion on the Agenda.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer (Andrew Struik) was absent and no report was presented.
Valmai Mitchell (Acting Treasurer) reported that cheques have been written ($400 per Team Member) for ACT ANC 2008 Team Members. Members have received their cheques when their system cards have been submitted. Only four team members have not as yet submitted system cards.
6. YOUTH BRIDGE
The Friday afternoon sessions are going well.
Griff Ware announced that he would be shortly handing over to Rebecca Thornberry the role of ACT Youth Coordinator.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 Correspondence
Incoming
Kim Ellaway: Information on ACT Teams for PABF Cup
CBC : Acquittal of 2007 ABF Advertising/marketing Grant
Outgoing
Letters to ACT 2008 ANC Team Representatives
7.2 BFACT Website
Rebecca Plush will update results of BFACT Events on the website.
7.3 ABF Bridge Promotion Grants 2008
Roy Nixon reminded Affiliated Clubs Representatives on Council of the opportunities for funding from the Grants.
7.4 Masterpointing
Griff Ware undertook to have the masterpointing of BFACT Events up to date by 30 June 2008.
7.5 Grand National Pairs
Earl Dudley mentioned that there was a need to set a Grand Slam Rating to qualify entrants from Grand Slam to enter the GNP qualifying events. Canberra Bridge Club, South Canberra Bridge Club, Monaro Bridge Club and Capital Bridge Club are running qualifying events. The Regional Final will be held on 22 November.
NEXT MEETING
Saturday 19 July 2008 at 10am at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 7.00 pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting - Friday 9 May 2008 at the Canberra Bridge Club
1. Roy Nixon (President BFACT) opened the meeting at 5pm.
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Peter Kahler, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Earl Dudley, Ian Dalziell, Rebecca Plush, Lyn Turner.
APOLOGIES: Griff Ware, Andrew Struik.
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 April 2008 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Peter Kahler Carried
2.2 Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
· Motion: >That BFACT Council ratifies the appointment of Valmai Mitchell as Acting Treasurer for the duration of Andrew Struik’s absence overseas.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Susan Scerri Carried
· Earl Dudley advised BFACT Council that on Saturday 10 May 2008 two sessions will be run by Sean Mullamphy at CBC on the New Laws of Bridge. The first session, to be held at 10am, will be general information on the new laws. A more detailed workshop session will be held at 1.30 pm. CBC has donated the venue. The revenue from the second session will be used to cover Sean Mullamphy’s fee. South Canberra, Canberra and Capital Bridge Clubs have agreed to pay for participants from their clubs who attend the second session. Sean Mullamphy will invoice BFACT and BFACT will invoice the participating clubs.
Motion: That BFACT Council endorses two information sessions on the New Laws of Bridge be held at Canberra Bridge Club on Saturday 10 May. The first session to be held at 10am will be a general seminar for which there will be no charge. A workshop will be held at 1.30pm for which there will be a charge of $15 per person.
3. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
3.1 Entries for the 2008 ANC
ANC Teams
>· >The Secretary of the Canberra Bridge Club has advised BFACT that the Committee of the Canberra Bridge Club has approved >that the 2008 travel subsidy paid to our ACT Team representatives from the Barry Turner Fund be $220 per person (including GST).
· The Selection Events for the 200 ANC Teams have been completed.
Motion: BFACT Council ratifies the following ACT Teams and Non-Playing Captains for the 2008 ANC.
Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Earl Dudley Carried
David Hoffman David Wawn
Ian Robinson Arjuna De Livira
Andrew Creet Kim Magann
Non-Playing Captain: Roy Nixon
Anne Powell Margaret Bourke
Rhyll Scales Jill Tonkin
Ann Pettigrew Adrienne Stephens
Non-Playing Captain: Earl Dudley
Peter Kahler Stephen Mendick
Andrew Struik Brian Thorp
Ross Crichton Pam Crichton
>Captain: To Be Advised
Robin Stevenson Sebastian Yuen
Rebecca Thornberry James Higgins
Stephen Williams Laura Ginnan
Captain: To Be Advised
· Susan Scerri will write to Team Members and Captains congratulating them and asking them to submit system cards. Travel subsidies will be paid on receipt of system cards. Rebecca Plush to submit ANC entries.
· Earl Dudley to forward revised Guidelines for Team Captains to Susan Scerri.
>· Peter Kahler advised that the ANC Pairs Representatives will be selected as follows:
Open Pairs will be selected from an Open Pairs Selection Event at CBC.
The Ted Crichton Mixed Pairs will be the basis of selection for the Mixed Pairs.
The Women’s Youth and Senior Trials will be used to select the pairs for those events.
· It was noted that BFACT Affiliated Clubs had been invited to run qualifying events for the ANC Pairs. Several clubs had expressed interest in holding events. Peter Kahler will liaise with these clubs in the selection process for the ANC Pairs.
· The ACT is entitled to three pairs in each category.
Butler Pairs Stage II
The Women’s and Open entries to Stage II of the Butler Pairs have not yet been finalised. Sheila Bird and Karen Creet have declined their place in the Women’s Event. Peter Kahler (Tournament Secretary) will approach members of the 2008 ANC Teams to fill the places.
Open Team Selection Final
Peter Kahler advised that owing to withdrawals, only ten pairs contested the Open Team Selection Final. In 2009 two pairs will be selected to the final via a weekend event. If difficulty is experienced with withdrawals from qualifiers via the main event, consideration could be given to having four pairs qualify via the weekend events from 2010 on.
3.3 Tournament Objectives
Peter Kahler tabled a first draft of revised BFACT Tournament Regulations.
The General Approach was discussed and BFACT Council Members were asked to forward to Peter Kahler comments on the details so that the document can be revised before being tabled for ratification at the next BFACT Council Meeting. Peter Kahler mentioned amendments to Substitution Rules and Guidelines for Score Adjustments and simplification of the Appeals Process.
BFACT Council thanked Peter Kahler for his efforts and endorsed the General Approach. It was felt that the advantage of this approach is that BFACT Tournament Regulations will remain current following any changes made by the ABF and WBF.
Roy Nixon advised BFACT Council that the ABF is considering the use of Stop Cards and that if this occurs they will become part of BFACT Tournament Regulations unless BFACT Council decides against their use.
Earl Dudley suggested the document be circulated for comment among senior players with detailed knowledge of Tournament Regulations. Peter Kahler will provide copies of the Draft Regulations to John Brockwell, David Hoffman and Ian Thomson for comment.
3.4 PABF
Peter Kahler will prepare a flyer for the PABF Selection Event. Roy Nixon stressed the need to promote the event. Peter Kahler mentioned that there might be a problem with selecting the ACT team since several Canberra players have already qualified for the PABF through national selection events and there is a possibility that the Australian Beijing Teams which include Canberra players may be encouraged to enter the PABF.
4. ANC 2009
Lyn Turner (ANC 2009 Convenor) had been invited to the meeting and raised the following issues:
4.1 ANC Bank Accounts
Andrew Struik (BFACT Treasurer), who is currently overseas, expressed his preference for the opening of an ANC Account be deferred until his return when he can consult with the ANC 2009 Treasurer (Wendy Boxall). He advocated opening a second CPS account for the 2009 ANC. (BFACT already has a CPS Account.)
Lyn Turner agreed to this arrangement. In the interim BFACT will pay any sums required from its Ord Minnett Account.
4.2 ANC Website
Lyn Turner has approached Peter Busch who was responsible for the Summer Festival of Bridge web site to do the ANC web site. That website would be similar to the ANC 2009 Website. Peter Busch also had input into the Queensland website. Lyn has spoken to him and he is available to do the work. The cost would be about $1000. BFACT Council endorsed the decision to employ Peter Busch to be responsible for the website. Roy Nixon asked Lyn Turner to check that Peter Busch has an ABN Number and is registered for GST. Roy pointed out that all suppliers to the ANC 2009 must have an ABN and provide Tax Invoices. If people are employed who do not have an ABN, they must complete the ATO Statement by a Supplier indicating that the work done is of a hobby nature.
Lyn advised that a condition of the Grant from the ACT Government, for which the ANC 2009 Committee has applied, is that the ANC promotes tourism in the ACT. Lyn Turner is proposing a link from the ANC 2009 website to visitcanberra.com. Roy Nixon commented that the requirement of the Grant to promote tourism was a strong reason to have a separate website.
Roy Nixon raised the matter of online entries via the website. BFACT will only be responsible for entries to the Butler Pairs and the Congress Events. Lyn Turner informed BFACT Council that it was intended to have an online entry facility via electronic transmission of the entry form but not direct debit from credit cards. Rebecca Plush mentioned the need for a disclaimer that it was not a secure site. BFACT Council agreed that it was critical to have a link to the ANC 2009 website on the ABF website.
>4.3 ANC Flyer
Rebecca Plush is preparing a flyer for the 2009 ANC. BFACT Council authorised the ANC 2009 Committee to decide on the format and content of the flyer.
4.4 Funding for Lyn Turner to attend 2008 ANC
Lyn Turner requested funding of $1907.75 from BFACT to cover the cost of her accommodation when she attends the 2008 ANC to prepare for her role as Convenor in 2009.
Motion: That BFACT Council ratifies a payment of $1907.75 to Lyn Turner to cover the cost of her accommodation when she attends the 2008 ANC to prepare for her role as Convenor in 2009.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Rebecca Plush Carried
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
· The Treasurer (Andrew Struik) was absent and no report was presented.
· Valmai Mitchell (Acting Treasurer) reported the following payments:
CBC Honour Boards $ 208.00
Sean Mullamphy Women’s Team Selection Trials $1881.49
Lyn Turner Accommodation Expenses 2008 ANC $1907.85
Susan Scerri Stationery $ 13.69
· Monies received: ABF Promotions Grant $6600.00
6. ABF
Roy Nixon reported that a new process for the selection of Australian Teams would be trialled in the selection event for the 2009 Australian Open Team.
7. YOUTH BRIDGE
Valmai Mitchell reported that numbers have been down in the Friday sessions, chiefly due to school holidays and illness.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
8.1 Correspondence
Incoming
Sheila Bird and Karen Creet declining place in Women’s Stage II ButlerPairs
Lyn Turner request for list of BFACT Council members
Richard Grenside New Laws
Dora Theunisson Monaro Contact Details
CBC Travel Subsidies from Barry Turner Fund
ABF Promotions Grant
Outgoing
>Lyn Turner BFACT Council list
· Wendy Boxall Letter of thanks to CBC
8.2 Director’s Courses
Ian Dalziell will liaise with Sean Mullamphy re a course in September.
8.3 BFACT Affiliation Fees
Roy Nixon asked Susan Scerri (Secretary) to contact the Treasurer (Andrew Struik) regarding the need to send out notices to BFACT Affiliated Clubs regarding affiliation fees, which will be due shortly, and the form notices should follow.
8.4 Inter Club Teams
BFACT recorded its appreciation for the work David Hoffman undertakes for this event.
Motion: That BFACT Council authorises Valmai Mitchell to purchase a gift for David Hoffman in appreciation for his contribution to the Inter Club Teams Event. Moved: Valmai Mitchell Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
>It was noted by BFACT Council that there has been a delay in forwarding Masterpoints from BFACT to the Masterpoint Centre.
>NEXT MEETING
>Friday 13 June 2008 at 5pm at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
>Meeting closed at 6.30pm
>Susan Scerri
>BFACT Secretary
>1. >Roy Nixon (President BFACT) opened the meeting at10.00am.
>PRESENT: >Roy Nixon>, >Peter Kahler, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Earl Dudley, Griff Ware, Lynne Moss.
>APOLOGIES: >Michael Rabey, Ian Dalziell, Andrew Struik, Rebecca Plush
>2. MINUTES
>2.1 >Acceptance
>Motion: >That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 February 2008 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
>Moved: Roy Nixon> >Seconded:Valmai Mitchell> >Carried
>2.2 Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
>Earl Dudley pointed out that the lists of BFACT Council Members and Affiliated Clubs on the BFACT website need updating. Earl Dudley asked that BFACT Tournament Regulations be put on the BFACT Website. Peter Kahler will follow this up. Roy Nixon will approach Bruce Crossman to take responsibility for material placed on the BFACT website.
>Peter Kahler advised that $1000 grant to BFACT to send a team to the Asian Cup has been confirmed.
>3. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
>3.1 Entries for the 2008 ANC
>Earl Dudley advised that the Canberra Bridge Club Committee has not met since the BFACT Meeting of 14 March and that it will consider the travel subsidy for Teams and Captains to be awarded from the Barry Turner Fund at its next meeting.
>The Selection Event for the 2008 ANC> Women’s Team> was held on 4,5and 6 April.
>1. Margaret Bourke Anne Powell
>2. Rhyll Scales Jill Tonkin
>3. Adrienne Stephens Anne Pettigrew
>4. Barbara Toohey Liz Van Der Hor
>The Tournament Secretary (Peter Kahler) reported that 18 pairs had entered the event which was a significant increase on the previous year and reflected the increased interest in Women’s Bridge following the training sessions organised by Canberra Bridge Club. Peter Kahler recommended that the Friday night, Saturday, Sunday format be retained since the inclusion of a Wednesday night session could preclude pairs from regional affiliated clubs from entering. Peter Kahler reported that there had been some contention over the allocation of adjustments to scores and pointed out the need for guidelines. Peter Kahler and Griff Ware will liaise to bring the Tournament Regulations up to date.
>The 2008 ANC Teams cannot be finalised until after the finals of the Open Teams Selection Event on 27 April since several players may qualify for more than one team. The Open Pair for Stage II of the Butler Pairs has not yet been finalised owing to the unavailability of one member of the winning pair. Letters have been sent to Sheila Bird and Karen Creet inviting them to take up their place in Stage II of the Women’s Butler Pairs.
>It was noted that the ABF Tournament Unit requires ANC Teams Systems to be disclosed in full using the Edwards ABF system card. Blank cards will be enclosed with letters to team members and information provided re downloading a copy of the card from the ABF Website.
>Motion: >That an honorarium of $200 be paid to Rebecca Plush to submit the ACT 2008 entries to the ANC, including the lodging of system cards. This arrangement will be reviewed for the 2009 ANC.
>Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
>BFACT is entitled to submit three pairs in each category (Open, Seniors, Women, Mixed and Youth) in the 2008 ANC Pairs. BFACT Council noted that Monaro had undertaken to run a qualifying event. It was agreed that the BFACT Tournament Secretary has a high degree of discretion in nominating pairs to the ANC Pairs Events. Priority should be given to entrants who have qualified via a selection event.
>Peter Kahler informed BFACT Council that he still does not know which of the successful pairs from the Open Teams qualifying event will be entering the Open Team Selection Final. He proposed that for 2009 selection events, pairs must indicate at session one of the event whether they are prepared to play in the next stage of the event. This is particularly important for seeding in the Open Team Selection Event since results can be skewed if one side of the field has significantly more players who are not intending to compete in the next stage.
>Motion: >At the beginning of the Qualifying and Final Events for the Open Teams Selection, players must indicate whether they are intending to proceed to the next stage of the event.
>Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Griff Ware Carried
>3.2 Canberra 2 GNOT Team and GNOT Restricted/Provincial Team
>An event to select the Canberra 2 GNOT Team and GNOT Restricted/Provincial Team will be held on 19 October at CBC. Peter Kahler proposed a Butler Pairs Event with different categories. The top three placegetters in the Open Section will form the Canberra 2 Team and the top two placegetters in the Restricted Section will form the Restricted/Provincial Team. Griff Ware argued in favour of a teams event but BFACT Council agreed with the Butler Pairs proposal. Peter Kahler and Earl Dudley will liaise on the arrangements for the event. It was agreed that the event needs to be promoted widely.
>3.3 Tournament Objectives
>Peter Kahler pointed out the need for these to be agreed on by midyear before he begins discussion with CBC regarding the 2009 BFACT Calendar. They will be decided on at the next BFACT Council Meeting.
>3.4 BFACT Inter Club Teams 2008
>The first round will take place at CBC on April 19. Valmai Mitchell pointed out that in the new format, no teams will be knocked out until the end of the second round.
>4. ANC 2009
>Lyn Turner (ANC 2009 Convenor) had asked Susan Scerri (Secretary) to raise a number of issues regarding the 2009 ANC at the BFACT Council Meeting.
>4.1 Timetable
>Eric Ramshaw (ABF Tournament Unit) does not want to approve the proposed timetable until after the 2008 ANC. He is waiting to see how 20 board matches go in the Teams. If this is changed in 2009 it will affect the proposed timetable
>4.2 ANC Website
>Lyn Turner wanted to know what was happening with the website and how it was to be funded. Valmai Mitchell will liaise with Avril Barrett to explore options for setting up the 2009 ANC Website. It was emphasised in the discussion that the ANC 2009 Website must be referenced via one click from the ABF Website.
>4.3 Bank Account
>Lyn Turner and Wendy Boxall (ANC 2009 Treasurer) need to set up an ANC Account.
>Motion: >That BFACT Council approves funding the 2009 ANC Committee the sum of $1000 to set up an ANC Account.
>Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
>BFACT Council to invite Lyn Turner to the next BFACT Council Meeting to present to Council a cash flow forecast so that BFACT Council can anticipate the assistance it needs to provide to the 2009 ANC Committee.
>4.4 Funding for Lyn Turner to attend 2008 ANC
>Lyn Turner requested funding from BFACT to attend the 2008 ANC to prepare for her role as Convenor in 2009. BFACT Council agreed in principle to providing financial assistance and asked BFACT Secretary (Susan Scerri) to invite Lyn Turner to provide more details of the assistance requested.
>5. TREASURER’S REPORT
>The Treasurer (Andrew Struik) was absent and no report was presented.
>Valmai Mitchell (Acting Treasurer) reported that an account for BFACT Honour Boards at CBC had been paid. Griff Ware reported that Andrew Struik had paid the latest Masterpoint Account. The details to forwarded to the Secretary for inclusion in the minutes.
>6. ABF
>Roy Nixon (President) will be unable to attend the ABF Presidents Meeting on 24 May. No alternative delegate is permitted.
>Roy Nixon is continuing discussions to find a second BFACT Councillor to the ABF.
>Roy Nixon advised that the cheque from the ABF for the 2008 Advertising/Marketing Grant would be sent out shortly.
>7. YOUTH BRIDGE
>Valmai Mitchell reported that the Friday sessions are progressing well. Rebecca Thornberry sat in on the last session. Valmai will liaise with Griff Ware re having some lessons included in the Friday sessions.
>Griff Ware reported that the ANU Bridge Club is going well with a regular two to three tables.
>Lynne Moss reported that some of the youth players from the ANU Club had played at Capital Bridge Club.
>8. OTHER BUSINESS
>8.1 Correspondence
>Incoming
>Kim Kellaway re Blue Card
>Request for BFACT Financial Statement from Lyn Turner
>Eric Ramshaw: 2008 ANC Entry Form
>Directory of Australian Associations
>Outgoing
>Kim Kellaway re Blue Card
>Sheila Bird and Karen Creet: Stage II Women’s Butler Pairs
>Directory of Australian Associations
>8.2 Director’s Course
>Ian Dalziell had asked Lynne Moss to raise the need for refresher courses on the new laws. It as decided that a half-day session in May would be appropriate. Earl Dudley will liaise with Sean Mullamphy.
>NEWS FROM THE CLUBS
>Earl Dudley (Canberra Bridge Club) reported that Canberra Bridge Club was coordinating the GNP and has emailed all affiliated clubs. Since Cooma and Cootamundra can qualify through other events, CBC has the option of running the Regional Final on consecutive Saturdays. Canberra Bridge Club, Capital Bridge Club and South Canberra Bridge Club are running qualifying events.
>NEXT MEETING
>Saturday 10 May 2008 at 10 am at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
>Meeting closed at 10am
>Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
1. Roy Nixon (President BFACT) opened the meeting at 5.10pm.
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Peter Kahler, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Earl Dudley, Griff Ware, Lyn Turner.
APOLOGIES: Michael Rabey, Ian Dalziell, Andrew Struik, Bruce Crossman
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 February 2008 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Peter Kahler Carried
2.2 Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
Rebecca Plush has been liaising with Avril Barrett re BFACT Website. She will liaise with the manager of CBC re linking BFACT Website to CBC Website.
Valmai Mitchell has approached Tim Bourke re providing hands and commentary for the Simultaneous Pairs. He expressed disappointment with the 2007 booklet. In particular, the symbols need to be embedded in the software before printing. Valmai Mitchell has liaised with Jane Rasmussen. BFACT Council agreed that the booklets must be checked for quality before they are sent to the printer.
Roy Nixon has raised the question of fines for late and changed entries to the ANC with the ABF. Basically the ABF acknowledges that as such imposing fines on states is not “kosher”. Instead, the entry requirements will stipulate that an entry submitted by the due date will cost “x” while an incomplete entry or late entry will cost “y” or some variant of “y”.
Peter Kahler is expecting to hear from the organisers of the Asian Cup in the next week or so, confirming the $1000 grant to BFACT to send a team to the Asian Cup. (The President subsequently advised that the QBA has advised the grants will definitely be paid.)
Earl Dudley has revised ANC Captains’ Guidelines to incorporate the need for parental consent and appointment of a responsible adult if players are under the age of eighteen. He noted that it is a requirement in Queensland for adults supervising children to hold a blue card. Susan Scerri has written to the Convenor of the 2008 ANC requesting further information on the need for a blue card. Peter Kahler requested that information regarding team uniforms be incorporated in the guidelines. Roy Nixon suggested that mention should be made of the need for players and captains to conform to the dress code of the venue where the ANC is to be held.
3. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
3.1 Open Teams Selection 2009
Peter Kahler (Tournament Secretary) suggested that there were two main issues concerning this event:
The need to open up the event to promote bridge in the region.
The timing of the event.
He suggested that in 2009, on the Saturday of the weekend in which the Southern Tableland Teams was held, that a Butler Pairs event be run which would qualify two pairs to the final of the Open Teams Selection Event. The number of pairs to qualify from the five week Tuesday night event held at CBC would be reduced from twelve pairs to ten.
Peter Kahler recommended that the Saturday Butler Pairs event be open to all players from clubs in the region. In the discussion that followed, concerns were raised about qualifying NSW players to represent the ACT. Roy Nixon undertook to raise the matter informally with the President of NSWBA and report back to the next BFACT Council Meeting.
Canberra 2 GNOT Team and GNOT Restricted/Provincial Team
The event to select the Canberra 2 GNOT Team and GNOT Restricted/Provincial Team will be discussed further at the next BFACT Council Meeting.
3.3 ANC Selection Events
The 2008 ANC Senior and Youth Teams Selection Events have been held. Final team membership will not be known until after the Open Team Selection Final.
Youth Team
Stephen Williams Laura Ginnan
Rebecca Thornberry James Higgins
Sebastien Yuen Robin Stevenson
Senior Team
Peter Kahler Stephen Mendick
Margaret Bourke David Hoffman
Andrew Struik Brian Thorpe
The Tournament Secretary reported that he has asked players entering ANC Selection Events to indicate whether they are contending or non-contending pairs at the first session of the event.
The Tournament Secretary has received several requests that in future selection events not be held on weekends with a public holiday. BFACT Council agreed that this should be the case wherever practicable.
Peter Kahler will liaise with the CBC Committee regarding the timetabling of BFACT events in 2009. BFACT Council needs to provide input into the CBC planning process earlier, especially if we are planning changes to the scheduling of selection events next year.
3.4 PABF
The qualifying event to select the team to receive the grant to attend the Asian Cup is on the CBC Calendar. (22,29 May 5, 12 June.)
3.5 ACT Swiss Pairs
The Tournament Secretary received a letter of complaint from a player regarding the incorrect announcement of progress scores prior to the final round of the ACT Swiss Butler Pairs which affected their actions and cost them first place. The Council agreed that this mistake by the Director was unfortunate and the Director has been counselled. The Tournament Secretary will reply to the letter.
3.6 GNRP
As instructed by Council, Roy Nixon (President BFACT) informed John Brockwell that BFACT would not be coordinating the Regional Final of the GNRP in 2008. John Brockwell subsequently approached CBC to coordinate the Regional Final. Earl Dudley (President of CBC) prepared a proposal and obtained the support of the CBC Committee to coordinate the RF for 2008. Earl Dudley expressed concern that CBC could incur a financial loss if insufficient pairs were nominated to the Regional Final. To alleviate some of this risk, the CBC asked that BFACT underwrite the cost of up to four pairs from the affiliated clubs other than the CBC. Of course, if one or more pairs eventuate from these clubs the cost to BFACT will be scaled down accordingly.
Motion: That BFACT Council agrees to underwrite the cost of up to four pairs from clubs other than CBC (expected cost $360) for the GNRP Regional Final.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Rebecca Plush Carried
Earl Dudley (President of CBC) abstained from this motion.
Earl Dudley advised that CBC has not agreed to act as Regional Coordinator for this event beyond 2008.
3.7 BFACT Inter Club Teams 2008
Valmai Mitchell and David Hoffman are coordinating this event.
Nine entries have been received for the Restricted Teams and seven entries have been received for the Senior Teams.
4. ANC 2009
Lyn Turner (ANC 2009 Convenor) tabled a proposed timetable for the 2009 ANC.
BFACT Council congratulated Lyn on the timetable and thanked her for her work on the ANC.
The timetable was discussed and it was decided, that since the ANC Pairs is now an open entry event in all the variants (ie Open, Women and Seniors etc), that the sessions should be afternoon and evening to give visiting players the opportunity to travel to Canberra on the Saturday morning.
Roy Nixon reported that Bruce Neill raised for consideration with the ABF whether the block state/territory entry fee to the ANC would be reduced because the ANC pairs events had been made "open entry" as opposed to state based nomination only. The matter has been taken on board by the ABF Management Committee but indications are that the entry fee for states will not be reduced.
Lyn Turner wants to set up the 2009 ANC Website and is establishing contacts to assist with the task.
Roy Nixon pointed out the contribution made by sponsors to the 2007 ANC held in Fremantle was equal to the amount of profit made by BAWA. Jeanette Graham has approached the ACT Government for sponsorship. Lyn Turner informed BFACT Council that the ACT venue cost is approximately half that of the Fremantle ANC so we were already ahead of BAWA on that score.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer (Andrew Struik) was absent and no report was presented.
BFACT Council discussed the proposed ANC travel subsidies which the Treasurer had forwarded to the meeting. The amount of the subsidy per player/captain is based on the cost of a standard return economy airfare to the Gold Coast.
ANC Travel Subsidies
Motion: That
1. A subsidy of $440 will be paid to ANC team representatives (including team captains) to meet travel and accommodation costs of participating in the Gold Coast ANC, of which $400 will be advanced and the remaining $40 payable on production of receipts (for which a GST rebate can be claimed by BFACT).
2. ANC team representatives (including team captains) will be reimbursed for half of the cost of attending the Victory Dinner, payable on production of the receipt for the purchase of a Victory Dinner Ticket. Non-playing ANC team captains will be reimbursed 100% of the cost of the welcome drinks.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
Earl Dudley to ask the CBC Committee to consider making an allocation of $6160 from the Barry Turner Fund to meet half of the cost of ANC Travel Subsidies.
BFACT Council will decide on the appointment of a Systems Cards coordinator for the ANC at the next BFACT Council Meeting. It was decided at the BFACT Council meeting of June 15, 2007 to pay a fee to the Systems Cards coordinator.
Andrew Struik will be overseas for several months. Valmai Mitchell will be acting Treasurer in his absence.
6. YOUTH BRIDGE
Griff Ware reported that the ANU Bridge Club started two weeks ago.
He will announce the 2008 ANC Youth Captain at the next BFACT Council Meeting.
7. ABF
Earl Dudley’s term as BFACT Delegate to ABF Council has concluded. BFACT Council is experiencing difficulty in finding a replacement. Roy Nixon will continue to endeavour to find a replacement as soon as possible. The President mentioned that he had received a written representation from Margaret Bourke expressing her disappointment that the ACT had not been able to find a second delegate to attend the ABF AGM.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
8.1 Correspondence
Incoming
Final Reports on ABF Marketing/Advertising Grants from Monaro Bridge Club.
Travis Cook – Ron Klinger Advertising
Carmel Herald – Michael Rabey Cootamundra representative on BFACT Council
ABF – Delegates to AGM
Outgoing
Letter of thanks to Monaro Bridge Club
Travis Cook re Ron Klinger Advertising
Inter Club Teams Reminder
ABF re delegates to AGM
Thanks to Carmel Herald
Kim Kellaway re Blue Card
8.2 BFACT Calendar
Griff Ware had undertaken to look at possible future BFACT Events to cater for Restricted players. He presented a list of possible BFACT events (attached). The Master Pairs and Master Teams were the two that were most suitable.
NEXT MEETING
Saturday 12 April 2008 at 10 am at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 7.15 pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
LIST OF POSSIBLE BFACT EVENTS
Under the masterpoint regulations list
we are allowed to run one of
each of the following each year
at 'State' level:
Board-A-Match
Butler Pairs Trials
GNOT
events
Individual
Master Pairs
Master Teams
Open
Pairs
Open Teams
Pairs Selection (Open)
Pairs Selection
(Senior)
Pairs Selection (Men/Women)
Pairs Selection
(Women)
Pairs Selection (Youth)
Senior Teams
Singles
Senior
Pairs
Senior Team Trials
Open Teams Selection Trials
Swiss
Pairs
Men & Women Pairs
Men & Women Teams
Womens
Team Trials
Mixed Pairs
Mixed Teams
Youth Pairs
Youth
Team Trials
Griff Ware
PDF
Februay 2008
1. Roy
Nixon (President BFACT) opened the meeting at 10.00am.
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Peter Kahler, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Earl Dudley, Griff Ware, Andrew Struik.
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Ian Dalziell, Rebecca Plush, Bruce Crossman
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 December 2007 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Andrew Struik Carried
2.2 Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
Roy Nixon reported that State entry fees to the 2008 ANC will not be reduced if States don’t nominate entries to the ANC Pairs.
BFACT Calendar for 2008 has been emailed to all clubs in the region.
Susan Scerri emailed the convenor of the PABF on 10 December 2008 enquiring as to the number of teams the ACT is permitted to enter in each category. No reply has been received. Roy Nixon advised that there was a possibility that the $1000 funding offered to the ACT for sending one or more teams may no longer be available. Peter Kahler will raise the matter with the convenor.
3. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
3.1 Tournament Secretary’s Report
Peter Kahler, Tournament Secretary presented his report. (His report and related documents are attached.)
Eligibility for State Selection
Peter Kahler tabled: BFACT State Teams Qualification Criteria for discussion.
Discussion of the proposed eligibility criteria and travel subsidies statement followed. Discussion centred on whether players who participated in ACT Selection Events should be members of a BFACT affiliated club and whether players who were not members of a BFACT affiliated club should be entitled to a travel subsidy if selected for an ACT ANC Team.
Peter Kahler will revise the guidelines for further discussion at the next BFACT Council meeting.
Motion: The existing exemptions to residential eligibility requirements granted to Ann Pettigrew and Ruth Thompson will continue unless their circumstances change.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
Regulations for 2008 Open, Women’s, Senior and Youth Teams Selection Qualifying Events
Peter Kahler tabled the regulations for the above events. He proposed that from 2009 on, clubs in the region roughly bordered by Mollymook, Goulburn, Young, Cootamundra and Wagga, be invited to run a selection event to qualify two pairs to the Selection Final for the ACT ANC Open Team. The Selection Final would be expanded to fourteen pairs.
Discussion followed. Peter Kahler advocated the proposal as a means of promoting bridge and the role of BFACT in the region and pointed out that it was not practical for outlying clubs in the region to participate in NSW or ACT Selection events that were run over a number of weeks.
BFACT Council was in agreement with the philosophy behind the proposed changes but expressed some concerns over eligibility to participate in the event and possible conflict with the NSWBA. Peter Kahler agreed to revise the proposal for discussion at a future BFACT Council meeting.
BFACT Council thanked the Tournament Secretary for his excellent work on developing these proposals.
Motion: That BFACT Council invite members of ABF affiliated clubs within the region to participate in selection events for the ACT 2008 ANC Open, Women’s, Senior and Youth Teams.
Moved Peter Kahler
Amendment to the Motion: to add at the end of the existing motion: “provided that entrants are members of a BFACT affiliated club at the time of the event.”
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded Andrew Struik Carried
Amended Motion: That BFACT Council invite members of ABF affiliated clubs within the region to participate in selection events for the ACT 2008 ANC Open, Women’s, Senior and Youth Teams provided that entrants are members of a BFACT affiliated club at the time of the event.
Moved: Peter Kahler Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
Peter Kahler will liaise with Griff Ware regarding the Youth Team regulations.
GNOT Self funded Canberra 2 Team
Peter Kahler proposed a Butler Pairs event to be held on a Sunday to select the Canberra 2 Team for the GNOT. He will develop a proposal for the next meeting of BFACT Council.
GNRP
BFACT has received correspondence from the organisers outlining MP costs and indicating that BFACT was coordinating the regional final. Roy Nixon will inform John Brockwell that BFACT does not wish to coordinate the regional final.
State Swiss Butler Pairs
Peter Kahler tabled the Tournament Regulations for this event. Griff Ware commented that the provision of a section for players with less than 1000 MPs was a welcome innovation.
3.2 BFACT Simultaneous Pairs 2008
Valmai Mitchell agreed to coordinate the event in 2008 and will approach Tim Bourke to see if he is willing to assist with the hands and commentary. BFACT Council thanked Valmai for her work on the 2007 Simultaneous Pairs.
3.3 Responsible Adult Requirement for Youth Players under the age of 18.
Earl Dudley pointed out the need for the ACT ANC Captains’ Guidelines to include the requirement of the appointment of a responsible adult for players under the age of 18 and the need for a signed parental release form. Earl will revise the guidelines. Susan Scerri to forward to Earl the information received from the ABF.
4. YOUTH BRIDGE
4.1 Youth Bridge Report
Griff Ware reported that he would be stepping down as Youth Bridge Coordinator in the near future and that Rebecca Thornberry would be taking on the role. Earl Dudley suggested that Rebecca be invited to BFACT Council meetings to familiarise her with proceedings before she took on the role.
Griff will meet with Rebecca to discuss the future of the ANU Bridge Club.
Griff will be contacting youth players re the Youth Team Selection Event.
Youth Week was a success. Numbers were slightly down owing to the absence of the New Zealand group. CBC proved a suitable venue but is unlikely to be required in 2009. No ACT subsidies were requested for participation in Youth Week.
The Friday afternoon sessions will begin in March.
Griff Ware will ask Jenny Mendick if she would like boards or other equipment for the sessions she is running at her school.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion: BFACT Council ratifies the following payments made since the last BFACT Council Meeting:
V Mitchell postage Sim Pairs $18.40
Summer Festival youth players entry subsidy $95.00
ABF Masterpoint Cntr Dec qtr a/c $999.34
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
Motion: That the fee to participate in each session of the Ron Klinger Tour will be $15 per person and BFACT will recover $10 per person per session from clubs running the events.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
BFACT Council agreed in principle that Youth Players should be assisted to attend the Ron Klinger sessions. Griff Ware to liaise with Valmai Mitchell and Andrew Struik.
Andrew Struik (Treasurer) tabled information on BFACT budget for the last financial year. Income from selection events was approximately $3000. ANC Entry fees were approximately $4000. Earl Dudley had passed on concerns expressed at CBC Committee meetings re the cost of running BFACT events. He pointed out that players at CBC don’t readily appreciate the difference between CBC and BFACT events except for the additional cost. Griff Ware pointed out the need for BFACT events to be seen as special events in their own right. Earl Dudley raised the possibility of raising the BFACT levy. Roy Nixon suggested that BFACT Council should prepare the BFACT Calendar of events each year before CBC developed its calendar for the following year. The possibility of other BFACT affiliated clubs running some of the BFACT events was raised. Griff Ware will develop a list of possible BFACT events for discussion.
6. ABF
Earl Dudley has resigned as BFACT Delegate to the ABF. Roy will ask Ian Thomson if he is willing to take on the position. No replacement delegate will be sent to the March meeting if Ian Thomson is not available since Roy Nixon will be in attendance.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 Correspondence
Incoming
Progress Reports on ABF Marketing/Advertising Grants from Capital, Monaro and Canberra Bridge Clubs.
ABF Masterpoint Centre: Advice of Change of contact details.
Ecats Bridge Charity Pairs
QBA re guidelines for bridge tour operators.
Bridge Museum: Copies of new Laws of Bridge for Sale
John Brockwell: GNP
Shalom Paul: Conventions at the Gold Coast
ABF: Correction to cost of MPs for GNP.
Travis Cook: Ron Klinger Advertising on BFACT flyers
Outgoing
Jane Rasmussen: Thanks for scoring Simultaneous Pairs
ABF: Report on ABF Advertising/Marketing Grant
John Brockwell: Correction to list of BFACT Clubs on GNP information
QBA: Responses to their letter re guidelines for bridge tour operator
Regional Clubs: BFACT Calendar and invitation to Interclub Teams 2008
BFACT Website
Avril Barrett has modified the web page. Material has been sent to Rebecca Plush for forwarding to Avril.
Ron Klinger Advertising
BFACT Council asked the Secretary to inform Travis Cook that BFACT Council at this stage is not interested in including advertisements in material it distributed.
NEXT MEETING
Friday 14 March 2008 at 5 pm at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 12.30 pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting
Roy Nixon (President BFACT) opened the meeting at 9.30am.
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Peter Kahler, Susan Scerri, Rebecca Plush, Valmai Mitchell, Earl Dudley, Bruce Crossman, Andrew Struik.
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Ian Dalziell, Griff Ware.
2.MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 September 2007 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Val Mitchell Carried
Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
Earl Dudley raised the need for a process to confirm the definitive list of BFACT Accredited Directors.
Motion: That BFACT Council authorises Ian Dalziell to maintain the approved list of BFACT Accredited Directors. No Directors can be added to the list without the approval of BFACT Council.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
Susan Scerri to advise the Website Manager that only Ian Dalziell can make alterations to the list of Directors on BFACT Website.
The Youth Bridge Teams of Three Event will not take place this year.
Roy Nixon will raise the fines for late and changed entries at the ABF Presidents Meeting.
Griff Ware surveyed players re the format of the State Opens Teams Event and announced changes at BFACT AGM.
Eligibility Criteria for State Selection were discussed at BFACT AGM. Peter Kahler (Tournament Secretary) will develop a policy statement reflecting previous BFACT discussion and the statement made at the AGM.
Roy Nixon advised BFACT Council that the format of the ANC Pairs would change in 2008 to permit all comers to enter and to allow pairs to be made up of players from different states. Monaro Bridge Club has advised that it wishes to hold a Qualifying Event for the 2008 ANC Pairs. Roy Nixon will raise at the ABF Management Committee, whether there is a need to run Qualifying Events for the various categories of the 2008 ANC Pairs.
BFACT SUPPLEMENTAL COUNCILLORS
Motion: That BFACT Council appoints Griff Ware and Valmai Mitchell as Supplemental Councillors.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Bruce Crossman Carried
MATTERS ARISING FROM BFACT AGM
The names of ACT Players who represented at International Level have been included in the Minutes of the AGM. The President will write letters of congratulation to International Representatives who are selected in 2008.
YOUTH BRIDGE
Valmai Mitchell reported that the Friday afternoon sessions have finished for the year. Clem Davis has been assisting with some of the more experienced Youth Players.
BFACT has received no information regarding Youth Week. Earl Dudley reported that he has heard informally that CBC may be required as a venue. Roy Nixon will raise the matter at the ABF Management Committee Meeting and request the organisers of Youth Week contact the Manager at CBC.
Motion: That BFACT Council continues with the practice of assistance to Youth Players on the recommendation of the Youth Bridge Coordinator, for Youth Week and The Summer Festival of Bridge.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Valmai Mitchell Carried
6. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
6.1 Tournament Secretary’s Report
Roy Nixon welcomed the new Tournament Secretary, Peter Kahler, to BFACT Council.
Peter Kahler tabled for discussion a set of BFACT Tournament Objectives. (Attached.)
In the preliminary discussion of the Objectives that followed, Peter Kahler highlighted the need for BFACT to provide events to cater for Intermediate Level Players by providing stratified events. Revenue raising by BFACT was discussed and it was agreed that BFACT Council needs to ensure that the mechanism used by BFACT to raise revenue reflects in an appropriate way the benefits provided.
6.2 BFACT Simultaneous Pairs 2007
Roy Nixon thanked Valmai Mitchell on behalf of BFACT Council for her efforts in coordinating the Simultaneous Pairs. Susan Scerri will write to Jane Rasmussen expressing BFACT’s appreciation for her efficient scoring of the event.
Overall participation was good (93 pairs) but Rebecca Plush noted that it was disappointing only 5 tables entered at CBC.
Several Pairs entered the event at more than one venue. BFACT Council agreed that in such instances only the first score counts.
Motion: That BFACT Council sets the BFACT levy for the 2008 Simultaneous Pairs at $2.50
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
6.3 Invitation to Affiliated Clubs to run State Selection Events
Discussed under Matters arising from previous meeting.
6.4 Calendar
Earl Dudley advised BFACT Council that the BFACT Calendar for 2008 will be incorporated in the CBC Calendar for 2008. Rebecca Plush will list the BFACT Calendar on the BFACT Website and Susan Scerri will inform Regional Clubs of the site address.
6.5 PABF
The Queensland Bridge Association has invited the ACT to send at least one team to the Asian Cup to be run in conjunction with the 2008 PABF Congress. QBA will provide a $1000 grant to each state for sending teams to the event.
Roy Nixon noted that there were two issues for BFACT to consider if it sends teams: the method of selection of teams in each category (Open, Women’s Senior, Youth)
the way in which the grant is to be allocated.
Susan Scerri was asked to contact the Convenor to ascertain the number of teams that the ACT could send in each category.
Earl Dudley informed the meeting that CBC had included a selection event for the Asian Cup on its calendar for 2008. Discussion of the issues followed.
Motion: That the $1000 grant offered by Queensland Bridge Association to States that enter at least one team in the 2008 Asian Cup be awarded to the team that wins the Qualifying Event run by CBC. The winning team may select the category in which they wish to and are qualified to enter (Open, Women’s, Senior, Youth). That the amount of the BFACT levy imposed on players in the event be shared among the nominated BFACT teams in the remaining categories. BFACT will invite nominations from ACT teams in the remaining categories and run play offs to select teams if more than one team is nominated in each of the remaining categories.
Moved: Rebecca Plush Seconded: Valmai Mitchell Carried
Peter Kahler will advertise the event.
6.6 GNOT
The difficulty in raising sufficient revenue from Qualifying Events for the Canberra 2 Team and the Restricted/Provincial Team was raised at BFACT AGM and referred to the incoming BFACT Council for discussion. BFACT Council suggested that it would only be viable to send a Canberra 2 Team if it was self- funded. Peter Kahler was asked to liaise with John Brockwell on the matter. The Canberra 2 Team would be the team that came second in the Canberra 1 Team Qualifying Event.
The Restricted/Provincial Team will be selected by a one day Swiss Pairs Event.
6.7 GNRP
Peter Kahler agreed to discuss with John Brockwell the costs to participating clubs and BFACT of the GNRP.
CBC and South Canberra have a disposition to participate. Monaro have discussed the event but were not attracted to running a qualifying event owing to the cost.
7. TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion: BFACT Council ratifies the following payments made since the last BFACT Council Meeting:
P Kahler Team shirts embroidery $123.00
S Mullamphy GNOT directing and boards $409.54
SFOB Interclub Restricted Prize $440.00
SFOB Interclub Seniors Prize $500.00
ABF GNOT entry $2360.00
Applegraphics Sim Prs booklets $164.00
Applegraphics Sim Prs booklets $16.50
ACT Registrar Annual return fee $31.00
ABF MPC Masterpoint invoices $528.61
Various 6 ANC/Victory dinner refunds
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
Sean Mullamphy’s contract with BFACT for the next three years has been negotiated.
Griff Ware wishes continue to be responsible for the BFACT Masterpointing but on a voluntary basis.
Motion: BFACT Council moves that there is no requirement by Griff Ware to refund any of his gratuity as a result of late Masterpoint Fees being incurred.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Andrew Struik Carried
The Treasurer tabled the budget for 2007-2008. Earl Dudley asked for a breakdown of revenue figures, in particular the revenue from BFACT levies on selection events. Roy Nixon suggested further discussion on the matter be deferred until the next BFACT Council Meeting.
8. ABF
Earl Dudley advised BFACT Council that he is resigning as BFACT Delegate to the ABF. Earl will ask Ian Thomson if he is willing to take on the position.
Reports on their ABF Advertising/Marketing Grant projects have been received from Capital and Monaro Bridge Clubs. Earl Dudley will forward CBC report to Susan Scerri. Earl Dudley had previously advised Roy Nixon that the CBC project had changed to incorporate enhancements to the CBC Calendar.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
Correspondence
Incoming
Monaro Bridge Club: Acceptance of invitation to run a selection event for 2008 ANC Pairs
Invitation to send teams to the 2008 Asian Cup Outgoing
Avril Mitchell: thanks for work on BFACT Website
BFACT Affiliated Clubs: invitation to run selection events for 2008 ANC Pairs
Len Dixon: Canberra Games Festival
CBC, Monaro Bridge Club, Capital Bridge Club: Reminder reports due ABF Advertising/Marketing Grant
BFACT Website
Rebecca Plush will act as BFACT Website coordinator. BFACT Councillors should send any material for the website to Rebecca Plush who will forward it to Avril Mitchell for inclusion on the website.
ANC 2009
Roy Nixon welcomed Lyn Turner (2009 ANC Convenor) and invited her to report to BFACT Council.
Lyn Turner presented a paper outlining a potential timetable for the 2009 ANC Congress and suggestions for ANC Congress events. (Attached.) Lyn Turner and Wendy Boxall (2009 ANC Committee) developed the proposed timetable following consultation with Sean Mullamphy.
BFACT Council discussed the points raised in the paper.
Roy Nixon and Andrew Struik were of the opinion that although the ABF has taken over scoring of the Swiss Pairs and the Restricted Butler, BFACT will still get revenue from the event. They asked Lyn Turner to check this.
Have the starting times of Congress events the same as the ANC events and the same time each day. Agreed by BFACT Council
Have no single session events. This was agreed to on the understanding that walk in pairs would be accepted.
No single warm up session. Agreed by BFACT Council. The usual Friday afternoon session at CBC was suggested as a possible alternative.
Have only two sessions per day for Congress Events.
In the discussion of this point, it was agreed that evening sessions were popular and should be held both weeks. Peter Kahler commented that at the Perth ANC local clubs had successfully run the evening sessions and suggested that the ACT clubs be invited to do the same. Lyn Turner noted that there was an overlap of club membership in the ACT and that this might have an effect on evening numbers if clubs ran the evening sessions. Andrew Struik raised the question of cost of venue and the fees clubs would charge for Congress Events compared to their usual session fees. BFACT Council members felt that this would not be a problem. The suggestion was made that the Congress should comprise afternoon and evening sessions. It was suggested that morning walk in sessions with volunteer directors could be an option.
Follow the Perth example of having a day off between the Butler Pairs and the ANC Teams. BFACT Council supported this suggestion.
Raising Revenue It was noted that the walk in pairs would be much better attended in Week 1. Stratifying results in the Swiss pairs was suggested as a means of encouraging local entries. Roy Nixon suggested that Lyn Turner approach ACT clubs to run a two or three session event in the second week. It was suggested that a flier advertising the 2009 ANC be prepared for distribution at the 2008 ANC and a more detailed flier be distributed at the 2009 Summer Festival.
Restricted Players BFACT Council supported Lyn’s suggestion to award restricted prizes in Week 2.
Proposed Congress Timetable BFACT Council supported the first of the two proposed Congress Timetables Lyn presented.
NEXT MEETING
Saturday 9 February 2007 at 10am at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 1.05pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting - Saturday
15 September 2007 at the Canberra Bridge Club
Roy Nixon (President BFACT) opened the meeting at 9.30am.
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Ian Dalziell, Susan Scerri, Rebecca Plush, Valmai Mitchell, Earl Dudley, Griff Ware, Andrew Struik.
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Bruce Crossman.
2.MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 August 2007 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
Ian Dalziell is checking details on the list of Club, Congress and State Level Directors in the ACT to add to the list of National Level Directors already available from the ABF. He will then send a copy of the corrected list to each BFACT Affiliated Club. A list of BFACT accredited directors, with their accreditation levels but no personal contact details for privacy reasons, will be posted on the BFACT Website.
Griff Ware (Tournament Secretary) raised the issue of the difficulty in getting Directors accredited to State Level by BFACT. Roy Nixon (President) pointed out that BFACT Council has the discretionary power to appoint suitably experienced persons to act as State Level Director for BFACT events. BFACT Council discussed options to make it easier for Directors to attain accreditation at State Level.
Sean Mullamphy’s contract with CBC and his arrangements with BFACT are to be renegotiated at the end of 2007.
Motion: BFACT Council agrees that payments to Sean Mullamphy to direct weekend selection events for BFACT continue to be adjusted by CPI as per the present agreement pending the review of arrangements between Sean Mullamphy and CBC and Sean Mullamphy and BFACT Council in the near future.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Griff Ware Carried
Simultaneous Pairs 2007
Valmai Mitchell is BFACT Project Officer for this event. BFACT Council asked Valmai to send a letter to clubs reminding them of the dates of the competition and inviting them to participate. Roy Nixon asked Valmai to contact Tim Bourke to check whether the hands have been put through the Deep Finesse Analyser.
A copy of the ANC Handbook has been emailed to all BFACT Council Members.
Youth Bridge and Teams of Three Events
Valmai Mitchell and Griff Ware will liaise to organise an event before the end of 2007.
Roy Nixon will follow up BFACT Council’s questions re the issuing of fines for late and amended ANC entries at the ABF Presidents Meeting.
YOUTH BRIDGE REPORT
Griff Ware reported a decline in numbers at the ANU Bridge Club. The core players at the ANU Bridge Club now play regularly at CBC. Griff Ware may need to restart the ANU Bridge Club in 2008 if numbers do not improve over the next few months.
The fact that there were three tables at the ANC Youth Selection Trials is a positive sign.
Valmai Mitchell reported that the Friday afternoon sessions are popular. Ten youth players attended the most recent session.
Val Hopwood is assisting with sessions at Marist Brothers College.
4. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
4.1 Tournament Secretary’s Report
The Canberra 2 Team to represent BFACT at the GNOT was decided by the Home Knockout Final on Sunday 2nd September.
Team Members: G.Ware, M.Abraham, N.Griffith and D. Geromboux.
The Selection Final held on Sunday 2 September decided the ACT Restricted/Provincial Team.
Team Members: J.Wilkinson, S.Yuen, Beverly and Bruce Crossman.
Griff Ware (Tournament Secretary) noted that the process to select the Canberra 2 Team and the Restricted/Provincial Team to represent BFACT at the GNOT is not attracting sufficient entries. The money to fund GNOT participation should be raised from the fees paid by participants in Qualifying Events. Twelve teams were needed to break even in the Home Knock Out Teams Event. Eight teams entered and one of those teams has reported that it will not be entering in 2008. BFACT Council discussed the issue. It was decided to review the possibility of sending only one Open Team to the GNOT in 2008. Griff Ware suggested that BFACT Council investigate the possibility of holding a one day Teams Congress to select the Restricted/Provincial Team. BFACT Council endorsed this approach. The new BFACT Council will review the GNOT selection process after the BFACT AGM on 21 October.
Griff Ware (Tournament Secretary) is to liaise with a group of CBC members in the third week in September to discuss the 2008 Calendar of Events. Some players have suggested to Griff that, in 2008, the State Open Teams Event be extended to eight weeks in length. Griff suggested changing the structure of the event so that after the qualifying rounds a separate new Teams Event is run in parallel with the finals sessions. Griff will survey the players entered in the current State Open Teams to assess their reactions to this proposed change.
4.2 ANC Captains’ Reports
The report from the Captain of the Youth Team was tabled for discussion. BFACT Council noted the request from the Youth Captain for full reimbursement for the Victory Dinner for Youth Players. Griff Ware will liaise with the Youth Team players to see if any were out of pocket for expenses at the ANC after receiving the BFACT contribution towards expenses. BFACT Council noted that BFACT sets a budget each year to support Youth Bridge in the region. BFACT Council felt that the reimbursement of the extra 50% of the cost of the Victory Dinner was not the most appropriate form of assistance to Youth Bridge.
BFACT Council noted the concerns raised by Ian Thomson (NPC) in his report on the Open Team. Roy Nixon undertook to pass them on informally to the ABF.
Peter Kahler (NPC of the Women’s Team) provided in his report a detailed proposal with costing for the development of an information kit for ANC Captains regarding the purchase of team uniforms. BFACT Council Policy, decided on 7 February 2004, is that BFACT would be prepared to pay for the cost of the Team Logo on shirts paid for by ANC Team Members. Andrew Struik liased with Paddywack Promotional Products who supplied the Women's team vests organised by Peter Kahler for the 2007 ANC. Paddywack Promotional Products has details of the BFACT logo for team uniforms. The artwork will be retained for 3 years and the embroidery indefinitely under the name of Bridge Federation ACT. If BFACT teams bring their own garments to Paddywack, the fee is currently around $15 per embroidery for <20 items. Paddywack believes they can provide a better overall deal if they are also selected to provide the garments.
Motion: BFACT Council endorses the ACT Team logo developed by Paddywack Promotional Products in consultation with Peter Kahler and agrees to pay Peter Kahler reimbursement of the set up costs of $123.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
4.3 Eligibility for State Selection
BFACT Council discussed residential eligibility criteria for State Selection Events. Griff Ware (Tournament Secretary) will develop a set of guidelines for residential eligibility criteria to apply from 2008. It was noted that the Women’s Butler Selection Event for the 2008 ANC is to be held in November 2007. Griff Ware reported that he had received a request to consider changing the date to Monday nights later in the BFACT Calendar. BFACT Council decided not to change the advertised date and decided to review the timing of the Women’s Butler Pairs Selection Event after the completion of the event to be held in November 2007.
4.4 State Selection Events
Roy Nixon (BFACT President) to contact the ABF to check whether the ANC Pairs will be an Open Entry Event in 2008. This would have implications for BFACT Calendar in 2008 and for the organization of the 2009 ANC.
Susan Scerri to write to BFACT affiliated Clubs to invite them to run State Selection Events. Andrew Struik and Valmai Mitchell to assist with content of letter.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion: BFACT Council ratified the following payments made since the last BFACT Council Meeting:
G. Ware: Masterpointing October 2006 to June 2007 $375.00
I. Robinson ANC Butler Stage III Entry $ 90.00
D.Hoffman Engraving Inter Club Teams Trophies $ 24.20
5 ANC/Victory Dinner refunds
Moved: Valmai Mitchell Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
6. BFACT AGM
6.1 BFACT AGM Agenda
BFACT Council agreed that the Agenda for the 2007 AGM on October 21 2007 be the same as that for 2006 with the necessary changes made to dates and names of Office Bearers and with the omission of the Amendment to the Constitution item that was passed in 2006. (Copy of 2007 Agenda attached to Minutes.) Susan Scerri to send a copy of the Agenda to all BFACT Affiliated Clubs.
6.2 BFACT Supplemental Councillors 2007-2008
BFACT Council recommended the appointment of Griff Ware and Valmai Mitchell as Supplemental Councillors to the new BFACT Council, which will be elected at the AGM.
6.3 Attendance at AGM
Earl Dudley expressed concern that the 2006 AGM had started earlier than the scheduled time. The difficulty in ensuring a quorum at the AGM was discussed. It was decided to approach the Director of the Special Sunday Teams Event which is to be held prior to the AGM to request him to time the event so that it concludes close to 5pm (the scheduled time of the AGM.)
7. Canberra Games Festival
BFACT Council considered a suggestion by Len Dixon that BFACT participate in the 2008 Canberra Games Festival. BFACT Council decided not to participate in the festival on the basis that the potential benefit did not justify the amount of effort required in making a contribution to the festival. BFACT Council noted that it was exploring other ways of promoting bridge in the ACT, notably through the ABF Advertising/Marketing Grant. BFACT Council asked Susan Scerri (Secretary) to write to Len Dixon outlining BFACT’s position.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
Correspondence
Incoming
BAWA congratulating ACT Open Team
ABF Secretariat: The Grand National Pairs (Susan Scerri to request an electronic copy so that it can be forwarded to BFACT Councillors.)
Outgoing
BAWA congratulating BAWA on the organization of the ANC
John McIlrath advising that Bruce Crossman would attend the ABTA and ABDA Workshop/Seminar.
BFACT Website
BFACT Councillors to send material to Avril Mitchell who is setting up the website. Susan Scerri (on behalf of BFACT Council) to send a letter of thanks to Avril for her efforts
ANC 2009
Val Mitchell (BFACT liaison with 2009 ANC Committee) to advise Lyn Turner (2009 Convenor) that if the ANC Pairs Event, currently under review by the ABF, is restructured, there may be a conflict with the timing of the Welcome Teams Event that the ANC Committee is planning.
4. NEWS FROM THE CLUBS
The Canberra Bridge Club will be holding its AGM on Sunday 23 September 2007 at 4pm.
NEXT MEETING
Friday 2 November at 5pm at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 12.30pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting -
Friday 24 August 2007 at the Canberra Bridge Club
1. OPENING
Roy Nixon (President BFACT) opened the meeting at 5.30pm and welcomed Lyn Turner (ANC 2009 Convenor).
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Ian Dalziell, Susan Scerri, Rebecca Plush, Lyn Turner, Earl Dudley, Bruce Crossman, Andrew Struik.
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Griff Ware, Valmai Mitchell.
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 28 July 2007 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Susan Scerri Carried
2.2 Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
The BFACT Website is now active at wwwbfact.com.au. Rebecca Plush is liaising with Avril Mitchell regarding the content. BFACT Council now needs to help them both with content and feedback.
Ian Dalziell tabled a list of Club, Congress and State level Directors in the ACT to add to the list of national level Directors already available from the ABF. Earl Dudley pointed out several corrections that needed to be made. BFACT Council thanked Ian for his efforts in compiling the list and endorsed the list. (Attached to these Minutes.) BFACT Council asked Ian to send a copy of the list to each BFACT Affiliated Club. A list of BFACT accredited directors, with their accreditation levels but no personal contact details for privacy reasons, will be posted on the BFACT Website.
Ian Dalziell tabled a copy of the Accreditation of Bridge Directors in the ACT Region BFACT Guidelines endorsed at the July 28 BFACT Council Meeting. (Attached to these Minutes.)
Roy Nixon advised the ABF of BFACT Council’s support for the return to full system cards at the 2008 ANC. The ABF has decided that full system cards will be required at the ANC in 2008. BFACT Council will defer further discussion of whether to pay someone to coordinate the lodging of ANC system cards till the BFACT Council Meeting of February 2008. Earl Dudley asked BFACT Council to investigate the ABF’s ability to impose a financial penalty for late entries and changed entries to the ANC. (All fines were waived in 2007.) Roy Nixon will follow this up with the ABF.
3. ANC 2009
Roy Nixon invited Lyn Turner (Convenor of the 2009 ANC) to address BFACT Council regarding the planning for the 2009 ANC to be held in Canberra.
Lyn has emailed a copy of the ANC Handbook to Susan Scerri (BFACT Secretary) for distribution to BFACT Council.
Lyn has been liaising with Sean Mullamphy with regards to the venue, accommodation and the Congress Events.
Venue
The ANC booking at the Hellenic Club has been extended by one day to allow for a free day in the middle of the ANC. This arrangement proved very successful in Fremantle. The Teams will now end on Friday. The Vugraph will be on Saturday and the Victory Dinner will be on Saturday night. Roy Nixon pointed out that this arrangement might have to be altered if the ABF decided to change the structure of the State Pairs Events.
Events
The Welcome Teams Event was very successful at Fremantle.
In Fremantle, the Seniors Butler was run concurrently with the Open and Women’s Butler Events. In the past, the Seniors Butler has commenced at Stage 2 of the Open and Women’s Butler. BFACT Council recommended that this be the case in 2009 as we need to maximise the possibility of Sydney and Melbourne players staying on and not returning home after Stage 1 of the Open Butler.
The ABF will organise the ANC Butler Pairs and Teams Events. The Canberra ANC Committee needs to focus on ensuring the success of the Congress Events.
Accommodation
Lyn Turner raised the possibility of making a block booking at The Quality Inn (nearest accommodation to the venue) for the ANC. This would require a deposit. BFACT Council agreed in principle to the suggestion and asked the ANC Committee to investigate the cost of accommodation, the number of rooms required and the amount of the deposit.
Lyn Turner informed BFACT that the YHA offered dormitory style accommodation at $25 per night, which would be an option for Youth Players.
Parking
Free parking will be available at the nearby Canberra College.
Earl Dudley suggested the ANC Committee approach the ACT Government regarding the possibility of providing a number of free passes to the Park and Ride parking lot close to the Hellenic Club to ANC Players for the duration of the ANC.
Sponsorship
Roy Nixon suggested the ANC Committee approach the ACT Government Events Corporation re the possibility of financial assistance.
It was noted that local wineries held promotions and provided prizes at Congress Events in Fremantle. Roy Nixon suggested the ANC Committee approach local wineries for sponsorship.
Congress Events
The ABF has not yet notified the ANC Committee of the fee structure for the 2009 ANC.
In Fremantle books of session tickets were sold prior to the Congress at a discount to the set entry fee for events. This proved popular and Roy Nixon suggested the ANC Committee consider a similar scheme for 2009.
Planning
Andrew Struik asked Lyn Turner to investigate whether BFACT would receive any money from the ANC Butler Events.
Bruce Crossman suggested that the ANC Committee develop a draft program and a timetable of actions to be taken prior to the ANC and report back to BFACT.
Andrew Struik suggested that the ANC Committee report to BFACT Council on a regular basis, outlining developments in the planning process.
BFACT Council invited Lyn Turner to the first BFACT Council Meeting after the BFACT AGM to meet the new Council and to discuss developments.
4. YOUTH BRIDGE REPORT
Valmai Mitchell and Griff Ware were absent so there was no Youth Bridge Report.
5. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
5.1 Tournament Secretary’s Report
Griff Ware (Tournament Secretary) sent his apologies to the meeting and emailed a Tournament Secretary’s Report that was read to the meeting by Roy Nixon.
GNOT
Canberra 1 Team to represent the ACT at the GNOT (A. DeLivera, I. Robinson, P. Reynolds, D. Lilley, R. Brightling and I. Thomson) has been selected through the CBC Knockout Teams.
Canberra 2 will be decided by the Home Knockout final, which will take place on Sunday 2nd September, concurrently with the ACT Restricted/Provincial final.
The ACT Restricted/Provincial Final will be held on Sunday 2 September. Entries are down since a number of players who qualified through Selection Events are unable to attend and not all Affiliated Clubs that did not run a Qualifying Event have taken up BFACT’s offer to nominate up to three pairs to the Final. Griff Ware is inviting Restricted Pairs that participated in the Home Knockout Qualifier or who did not complete all sessions of a Qualifying Event to take part in the Final which will select two pairs to represent the ACT as the Restricted/Provincial Team.
Griff Ware advised BFACT that he does not intend to be Tournament Secretary for BFACT Council in 2008 but is willing to be elected as a Supplemental Councillor to continue work he has begun on Tournament Policy updates. He is also happy to continue as Masterpoint Secretary.
The State Open Teams Event will be Victory Pointed with a completely independent (i.e. no carry forward) Consolation.
5.2 ANC Captains’ Reports
Reports from the Captains of the Open, Women’s and Senior Team were tabled for discussion.
It was noted that all of the Team Captains praised the organization of the event by WABA.
Motion: That the Secretary of BFACT write to WABA congratulating them on the organization and running of the 2007 ANC.
Moved: Bruce Crossman Seconded: Ian Dalziell Carried
Peter Kahler (NPC of the Women’s Team) recommended that BFACT develop a package to help Captains to prepare ANC Teams for the event. Earl Dudley undertook to speak to Peter about the possibility of linking this idea with the CBC initiative to prepare Women Players to represent the ACT.
Peter Kahler also gave a detailed proposal with costing for the development of an information kit for ANC Captains regarding the purchase of team uniforms. BFACT Council deferred discussion of team uniforms until the next Council Meeting to give Council members time to review previous policy on uniforms.
6. TREASURER’S REPORT
BFACT Council ratified the following payments made since the last BFACT Council Meeting:
CBC Marketing Grant: $2200.00
Monaro BC Marketing Grant: $ 550.00
Capital BC Marketing Grant: $ 550.00
CBC July-December Administration Fee: $ 247.50
S. Mullamphy Interclub Boards: $ 99.00
A. De Livera Stage 3 Butler Entry: $ 90.00
7 ANC and Victory Dinner refunds.
BFACT provided a subsidy of $900 for ANC costs to each Player and Team Captain with a further $100 to be paid on production of receipts allowing BFACT to claim GST reimbursement. Andrew Struik (Treasurer) advised BFACT Council that a number of the requests for the remaining $100 of funding per Player or Captain for ANC expenses had not provided GST receipts to the amount requested.
Motion: If players and captains who represented BFACT at the 2007 ANC provided receipts for items including GST that were significantly less than $1000, then the further payment of $100 should be reduced proportionally.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Susan Scerri Carried
The Treasurer presented a preliminary statement of financial outcomes for the year. The expected deficit of $5190 reflected the increased cost of travel to the ANC, which was held in Western Australia and was within budget.
The Treasurer proposed that BFACT affiliation fees remain unchanged in 2008.
Motion: That the annual BFACT affiliation fee for 2008 be $7.00 (including GST) for all members of affiliated bridge clubs”.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
The Treasurer proposed that BFACT fees for BFACT events other than the GNOT, Interclub Teams and Simultaneous Pairs remain unchanged in 2008.
Motion: That BFACT entry fees for BFACT Events held in 2008 other than the GNOT, Interclub Teams and Simultaneous Pairs be set as follows:
Regular Events: $3 per person per session
Weekend Events: $75 per person other than Youth Players who will pay a fee of $20.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
7. OTHER BUSINESS
The Agenda for BFACT AGM will be discussed at the next BFACT Council Meeting.
Roy Nixon (President) asked Susan Scerri (Secretary) to send a notice to all Affiliated Clubs advising them of the BFACT AGM to be held on Sunday 21 October at 5pm.
NEXT MEETING
Saturday 15 September at 9.30am at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 7.30pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting ->Saturday
28 July 2007 at the Canberra Bridge Club
1. Roy Nixon opened the meeting at 10.30am
PRESENT: Ian Dalziell, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Griff Ware, Roy Nixon.
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Earl Dudley, Bruce Hovey, Valmai Mitchell.
MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 June 2007 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Ian Dalziell Carried
2.2
Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
Henry Hudson is unable to continue with the development of the BFACT Website. Avril Mitchell is now designing the front of the Website. Rebecca Plush is liaising with Avril re the content of the Website. Rebecca will report on progress to BFACT Council at the next meeting
Ian Dalziell has compiled a list of Club, Congress and State level Directors in the ACT to add to the list of national level Directors already available from the ABF. He is continuing to work on the list and is checking the information on it with members of BFACT Council.
Griff Ware is continuing to look at BFACT policy for ratifying Directors for State Selection Events set out in the paper prepared for BFACT Council in 2006 by George Stockham. He said he may make a few minor modifications to the paper and will bring this back to Council.
Rebecca Plush has provided Ian Dalziell with an article on Director Accreditation for BFACT News.
Susan Scerri has written to the successful applicants for funding from the ABF Advertising/Marketing Grant and advised them of their obligations re receipts and reporting progress to BFACT. Roy Nixon advised that the ABF may consider making similar promotional grants in 2008 where States comply with reporting requirements and those reports demonstrate the initiative has achieved its objectives.
3. YOUTH BRIDGE REPORT
Griff Ware reported that the Youth Team that represented the ACT at the 2007 ANC in Fremantle enjoyed the experience and came fourth. Lucy Stevenson leaving before the final session created no problems. As a general principle, BFACT Council expects team members to stay for the entire ANC. The members of the team are continuing to show enthusiasm for bridge and are currently entered in events at CBC.
ANU Bridge sessions are continuing.
There is a reasonable number of Youth Players available for the Youth Bridge in January 2008.
Roy Nixon reported back from the ABF Mid Year Meeting that the ABF had discussed its policy regarding their responsibilities when minors enter ABF events. The basic advice from Legal Counsel was that where a minor entered an “open” entry ABF event, then the parent retains responsibility for the child when attending the event. However, if the event was specifically restricted to ”youth” players (eg Youth Teams at ANC, SFOB Youth Championships) then the ABF is responsible and not the parents for chaperoning the under 18 players and ensuring all state/territory requirements are met. The ABF is further investigating this matter. Council had a further discussion on this matter and concluded that for any events that BFACT runs specifically for Youth Players (eg Friday afternoons, Youth Team Selection trials) must comply with ACT legal requirements for activities involving youth under the age of eighteen. It is BFACT’s responsibility to ensure that this happens. (It was also agreed that this issue was overlooked when BFACT (and the CBC) did its risk assessment recently.)
4. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
4.1 Tournament Secretary’s Report
The First Team to represent the ACT at the GNOT (A. DeLivera, I. Robinson, P. Reynolds, D. Lilley, R. Brightling and I. Thomson) has been selected through the CBC Knockout Teams. The Knockout Teams Competition to select the Second Team is underway.
4.2 ANC Report
Roy Nixon reported that the ANC at Fremantle ran smoothly. BFACT Council congratulated the ACT Open Team, which came first. We will need to ask Captains for reports to be presented in due course plus receipts to be given to the Treasurer as set out in the advice letter giving players the subsidy. (Anecdotal evidence from players from other states in Perth was that the ACT subsidy was very much in the higher bracket of those states on the east coast.)
4.3 ANC Pairs Events
Rebecca Plush reported on the difficulties she experienced in getting eligible Pairs to commit to participating in Stage II of the Women’s Butler Pairs and in the Pairs Events at the ANC. Roy Nixon reported that the ABF had received a great deal of criticism over the running of the ANC Pairs Events (article by Ron Klinger in the SMH), particularly the decision to merge the different categories into one field. The ABF is currently reviewing the event for 2008. If the event is retained in its current state entry graded format, BFACT noted that it will have to improve its present procedures for nominating Pairs to the ANC. BFACT Council proposed setting a deadline of May 1 for acceptance of places in the Butler and Pairs Events and advising players that in the event of the Stage 2 pair withdrawing and incurring a fine, BFACT retains the discretion to recoup the money from the players concerned if it considers withdrawal was not justified by circumstances.
4.4 2008 ANC Selection Events
BFACT 2008 ANC Selection Events will need to be held earlier in the year since the dates for the Australian Women’s, Senior and Open Play Offs have been moved forward in 2008 (and many ACT players are likely to be involved.). Easter is also early next year (21-23 March). The Open and Women’s Play Off Events will be held in Canberra from 26 to 30 March 2008 and the Senior Play Off Event will be held in Sydney from 9-13 April 2008. BFACT Council discussed dates in March and April for ACT ANC Selection Finals. The dates, when finalised, will be advertised in BFACT News before the end of 2007. Council asked Griff Ware to discuss these dates as soon as possible with the CBC Calendar Committee to ensure they are aware of when BFACT needs to schedule these various selection trials.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
Andrew Struik was absent. No Treasurer’s Report.
6. ABF
6.1 ABF Mid Year Meeting
Roy Nixon reported back to BFACT Council. The main issues that were relevant to BFACT related to Youth Bridge and the ANC and were discussed under those topics on the agenda.
6.2 ANC System Disclosures
BFACT Council discussed an email from Keith McDonald advising that the ABF has received a request for all future ANCs " that a complete ABF systems card be provided on the ABF website (or ANC website) for each pair intending to play in the Interstate Teams". This would need to be sent by a stated date. Failure to lodge on time would incur a penalty, payable by the State responsible for the pair/ team. If the State wished to recover the charge from the players that is for each State to regulate.
BFACT Council felt that complete ABF systems cards were preferable and that if the ABF decided to request them, that BFACT should pay someone to coordinate the collection and submission of systems cards for the ACT ANC Teams. This task would include the provision of four laminated hard copies of each card (one for each Pair Member and two for the Team Captain) in addition to a soft copy.
7. ANC 2009
BFACT Council decided to invite Lyn Turner (ANC 2009 Convenor) to the next BFACT Council Meeting. Roy Nixon would like to pass on some of the changes made to the ANC format at Fremantle.
BFACT would like to liaise with Lyn on the following:
Accommodation
Transport
Parking
Sponsorship
Assistance from BFACT
8. OTHER BUSINESS
Incoming
ABF: Permission Form for Colts Team
Request from Leone Moffat re ANC Selection Finals
Letters to Monaro, Capital and Canberra Bridge Clubs re ABF Advertising/Marketing Grant
ABF: Permission Form for Colts Team
Mr Emlyn Williams: Permission Form for Colts Team
Agenda for the AGM to be developed at the next BFACT Council Meeting.
South Canberra’s Annual Congress will be a Swiss Pairs Event to be held on Sunday 26 August 2007.
Capital Bridge Club has a new Website: www.capital.bridge-club.org/
NEXT MEETING
Friday 24 August at 5.30pm at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 12.20 pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting
1. Valmai Mitchell opened the meeting at 5.15pm.
Valmai Mitchell chaired the Meeting until the arrival of Roy Nixon at 5.30pm.
PRESENT: Earl Dudley, Ian Dalziell, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Andrew Struik, Bruce Crossman, Roy Nixon.
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Griff Ware, Bruce Hovey, Rebecca Plush.
MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 May 2007 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Ian Dalziell Carried
2.2 Matters arising from the
previous meeting minutes and action points.
Henry Hudson has been ill and the BFACT Website is not set up. Valmai to continue liaising with Henry.
Results of the Home Knockout Teams are being entered on the CBC Website.
Ian Dalziell has been in contact with Mark Abraham re updating the list of Club Directors
Distribution arrangements are in place for the next issue of BFACT News.
The Final session of the Inter Club Teams to be held on August 25 2007 at the Southern Cross Club.
Roy Nixon reported back on the decision of the ABF Management Committee Meeting in May on the matter of the Summer Festival of Bridge Masterpoints income and compensation for the ACT agreeing not to hold a Gold Point Event in 2008 and 2009. The Management Committee decided that BFACT should receive compensation in the amount of $2,000 in each of 2008 and 2009 with the matter to be reviewed again in 2009 for possible starting date of 2010 for an ACT GP event. This compensation is in addition to the declining amount that BFACT shall still receive from the Summer Festival of Bridge in those 2 years.
3. YOUTH BRIDGE REPORT
Griff Ware was absent. No Youth Report presented.
Valmai Mitchell gave positive feedback on the Friday afternoon Youth sessions.
4. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
4.1 Tournament Secretary’s Report
Griff Ware was absent. No report from the Tournament Secretary presented.
2007 ANC Rebecca Plush, who is submitting the ACT 2007 ANC entries, notified BFACT Council that she had not yet received Systems Summaries from five pairs representing the ACT in the 2007 ANC Teams. She indicated that it was likely BFACT would be fined if the System Summaries were not submitted by the deadline. The Council believed this requirement not to be an onerous one and expressed considerable dissatisfaction with this situation which seems to be a perennial problem – it is clear players/NPCs are not taking these requests seriously. Thus BFACT Council decided that in future, beginning in 2008, payment of the travel subsidy to ACT ANC Team Members would be conditional on completion of a Systems Summary template which would be included in the letter notifying Team Members that BFACT Council had ratified their places.
There has been very positive feedback on the new format under which two rounds are played before the knockout stage.
4.3 GNOT Teams Selection Events
The Knockout Teams Event to select the Number 1 Team to represent the ACT at the GNOT has begun at CBC.
The Home Knockout Competition to select the Number 2 Team has also commenced.
If the same team wins both the Knockout Teams held at CBC and the Home Knockout Teams Competition, then the team that came second in the Home Knockout Competition will be selected to form the Number 2 Team for the GNOT.
BFACT Council had a lengthy discussion of the process for selecting the ACT Restricted/Provincial Team for the GNOT. With the declining number of entries and the fact that fewer clubs are holding qualifying events, concerns were raised regarding the quality of the Selection Final for the ACT Restricted/Provincial GNOT Team in 2007 and cost recovery.
BFACT supports in principle the sending of an ACT Restricted/Provincial Team to the GNOT. Declining participation at the qualifying stages means that BFACT is incurring significant costs in sending a Restricted/Provincial Team. It was decided that BFACT Council should explore with John Brockwell the concept of reducing the entry fee to the GNOT for the ACT Restricted/Provincial Team by 50% in future years with the amount of that deduction to be taken from the travel subsidy for the Restricted/Provincial Team.
That the ACT GNOT Restricted/Provincial Team Selection Final in 2007 include pairs nominated by Regional Clubs which did not run qualifying events.
Players who participate in the ACT GNOT Restricted/Provincial Team Selection Final who did not participate in a qualifying event will be required to pay an entry fee of $10 per player in addition to table money.
Moved: Valmai Mitchell Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
The President instructed Councillors (for the Secretary to note) that the next Council meeting in July be declared a “GNOT/GNRP discussion free zone”.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
BFACT Council ratified the following payments made since the last BFACT Council Meeting:
Canberra Bridge Club for Honour Board updating $ 360
Susan Scerri for secretarial expenses $ 15
Perth ANC Entry $4950
S. Mullamphy for Director Training $ 180
6. ABF
6.1 ABF Mid Year Meeting
Earl Dudley advised BFACT Council that he is unable to attend the ABF Mid Year Meeting as Councillor for the ACT. Ian Thomson has indicated that he is available to attend as a Deputy Councillor.
That BFACT Council appoints Ian Thomson as Deputy Councillor to attend the ABF Mid Year Meeting on 21 July 2007 in Perth as deputy for Earl Dudley.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
Susan Scerri to inform the ABF Secretariat and to write to Ian Thomson.
6.2 Definitions of Restricted and Novice
Players
BFACT Council discussed an email from the ABF asking State Bodies to consider the number of Masterpoints used in the definition of Restricted and Novice Players and the possibility of varying the number of points used in the definition according to the size of the club.
BFACT Council believes the upper limit on the number of Master points required to qualify as a Restricted Player should remain at 300 and the upper limit on the number required to participate in a Novice Congress should remain at 100.
President to inform Richard Grenside of BFACT Council’s views.
6.3 ABF Advertising/ Marketing Grant
BFACT Council received applications for funding under the terms of the ABF Advertising/ Marketing Grant from The Canberra Bridge Club, The Monaro Bridge Club and Capital Bridge Club.
All applications were approved.
That BFACT Council approves the applications for funding under the terms of the ABF Advertising/ Marketing Grant from The Canberra Bridge Club, The Monaro Bridge Club and Capital Bridge Club and authorises the following amounts to be paid to those clubs:
The Canberra Bridge Club $2200
The Monaro Bridge Club $ 550
Capital Bridge Club $ 550
Moved: Bruce Crossman Seconded: Ian Dalziell Carried
Secretary will need to confirm monitoring/reporting requirements with these Clubs when the cheques are sent out to comply with ABF’s requirements.
7.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
Letters to ACT ANC Team Members and Captains
BFACT Council expressed its thanks to Allen Scerri for facilitating the workshop.
Earl Dudley reported back on the results of the discussion at the workshop regarding Professional Indemnity.
Risk management actions to be followed up include:
Developing a Code of Expectations for Players
Developing of a Code of Conduct for Directors
Developing a written protocol for dealing with disputed outcomes in selection events.
Canberra Bridge Club is reviewing its By-Laws and will examine these issues in the process. Earl Dudley will keep BFACT Council informed and will investigate what is happening in other clubs.
Ian Dalziell will approach Sean Mullamphy with regard to incorporating the Code of Conduct issues in future Directors Courses.
NEXT MEETING
Saturday 28 July at 10am at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 6.55pm
Susan Scerri
BFACT Secretary
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting
1. Roy Nixon opened the meeting at 10.05am.
PRESENT: Earl Dudley, Ian Dalziell, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Andrew Struik, Roy Nixon, Rebecca Plush.
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Griff Ware, Bruce Crossman.
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 31 March 2007 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Valmai Mitchell Carried
2.2 Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
Henry Hudson has informed Valmai Mitchell that the BFACT Website should be set up within the next two to three weeks. Valmai to continue liaising with Henry.
Griff Ware has sent a copy of the Tournament Regulations to all participants in the GNOT Qualifying Home Knockout Competition.
BFACT Council expressed concern that the list of Club Directors has still not been updated following the 2005/2006 courses. Ian Dalziell will undertake the task as an urgent priority. Valmai Mitchell and Andrew Struik to assist by forwarding existing lists to Ian.
Ian Dalziell will be publishing an edition of BFACT News before the next BFACT Council Meeting. Earl Dudley to contact CBC Club Manager re distribution of the News to CBC members. Ian to organise the printing and postage of 10 copies each of the BFACT News to Cootamundra and Monaro Bridge Clubs. The remaining Affiliated Clubs will organise their own hard copy distribution. Ian to email the BFACT News to the BFACT Councillors.
Valmai Mitchell reported that the first session of the Inter Clubs Teams Championship went well and expressed thanks to David Hoffman. The next session to be held on June 21 2007. South Canberra Bridge Club has been asked to host the event.
Rebecca Plush agreed to provide an article for the next issue of BFACT News on Director Accreditation.
The proposed ACT Gold Point Event is to be discussed at the ABF Management Committee Meeting to be held in Canberra at the end of May. Roy Nixon will report back to BFACT Council. This relates to the issue of the % of masterpoint income from SFOB being returned to the ACT.
Valmai Mitchell reported that the venue and dates for the 2009 ANC have been confirmed. (The Hellenic Club – 3 to 17 July 2009).
Susan Scerri has provided the ABF Webmaster with updated details for Affiliated Clubs listed under the BFACT heading on the ABF Website.
3. YOUTH BRIDGE REPORT
Griff Ware was absent. No Youth Report presented.
Valmai Mitchell gave positive feedback on the Friday afternoon Youth sessions.
· BFACT Council discussed ways to encourage and develop Youth Bridge in the ACT. Valmai Mitchell suggested a “Teams of Three” half-day competition with experienced players as captains of youth teams. The competition could be preceded by a short lesson. Council endorsed this suggestion. Valmai will liaise with Griff Ware on the development of the proposal. South Canberra offered a financial contribution to assist with the costs of the day.
4. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
· Griff Ware was absent. No report from the Tournament Secretary presented.
· 2007 ANC
The Selection Events for the 2007 ANC Teams have been completed.
BFACT Council ratified the following Teams and Non-Playing Captains.
Mark Abraham Daniel Geromboux
Michael Smart David Vaughan
Griff Ware Nye Griffiths
Non-Playing Captain: Ian Thomson
Barbara Toohey Liz Van Der Hor
Sue Wilkinson Christy Geromboux
Janet Kahler Alison Farthing
Non-Playing Captain Peter Kahler
David Hoffman Margaret Bourke
Hashmat Ali John Brockwell
Denis Grahame Jeanette Grahame
Captain: To Be Advised
Alexandra Morris* Sebastian Yuen
Rebecca Thornberry* James Higgins*
Lucy Stevenson Robin Stevenson
Captain: To Be Advised
$ Council understood that the Seniors Team may submit for endorsement David Hoffman as the playing captain of the team. Council noted their preference for Non-Playing Captains wherever possible/practicable.
* These players will need to be registered with the ABF. Rebecca Plush to liaise with Griff Ware.
Rebecca Plush to liaise with Griff Ware to obtain a list of the players who will be representing the ACT in the ANC Pairs Events.
Rebecca Plush to submit ACT ANC entries by 8 June 2007.
Susan Scerri to write to ratified Team Members and Non-Playing Captains.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
BFACT Council ratified the following payments made since the last BFACT Council Meeting:
Modern Bridge ($3300 Klinger lessons)
Hellenic Club ($400 ANC 2009 booking deposit)
ABF ($280 youth week entry subsidies)
L Stevenson ($32 SF youth subsidy)
J Bloomfield ($32 SF youth subsidy)
Motion: That
1. A subsidy of $1000 will be paid to ANC team representatives (including team captains) to meet travel and accommodation costs of participating in the Fremantle ANC, of which $900 will be advanced and the remaining $100 payable on production of receipts (for which a GST rebate can be claimed by BFACT).
2. ANC
team representatives (including team captains) will be reimbursed for
half of the cost of attending the Victory Dinner, payable on
production of the receipt for the purchase of a Victory Dinner
Ticket.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Roy Nixon Carried
It was noted that, as a result of an inadvertent error, the BFACT fee for the Canberra Bridge Club 2007 Daytime GNOT Selection Event was set at $1 per player per session. Council has decided to ratify this.
Motion: That the BFACT fee for the 2007 Daytime GNOT Selection Event held at CBC will be $1 per person per session.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Rebecca Plush Carried
The net cost to BFACT of the Klinger Tour was $900. This was higher than in previous years due to the new ABF subsidy policy of 50-50 on net costs rather than gross costs. Despite this growing subsidy, the Council expressed support for the Tour to continue in its current format. An overview is attached.
Jane Rasmussen directed the Seniors and Youth Selection Events for the ANC. Andrew Struik (Treasurer) negotiated a payment fee of $130 per session.
Motion: That BFACT Council ratifies the payment of $130 per session to Jane Rasmussen for directing the 2007 Seniors and Youth Selection Events.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Valmai Mitchell Carried
6. ABF
The ABF advised BFACT of the World Wide Bridge Contest to be held on 1st and 2nd June. Susan Scerri forwarded the information to all BFACT Affiliated Clubs.
7. ANC
Valmai Mitchell advised BFACT Council that the Hellenic Club booking (venue for the 2009 ANC) has been confirmed.
ANC organisers to be advised that it could be advantageous to approach the ACT Government with a view to exploring the possibility of obtaining temporary Parking Permits in the Park and Ride Section of the car park near the Hellenic Club for participants in the 2009 ANC.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
Incoming
ABF: World Wide Bridge Contest
ABF: ANC Entry Form
Sapphire Coast Bridge Club
CBC: Travel Subsidy for 2007 ANC
Sapphire Coast Bridge Club
CBC: Travel Subsidy for 2007 ANC
Numbers are down for the course to be held on 19 May. Ian Dalziell asked Council Members to promote the course in their clubs.
Monaro, SCBC, Capital and Canberra Bridge Clubs have advised BFACT Council that they intend applying for funds under the grant and will be submitting detailed applications shortly.
Valmai Mitchell has agreed to act as BFACT Treasurer from mid June to August 2007 in Andrew Struik’s absence.
NEWS FROM THE CLUBS
Cootamundra Congress will be held on 23 and 24 June 2007.
Capital Bridge Club has increased its membership.
SCBC is running a qualifying event over 4 weeks in May for ANC pairs events – details will follow.
NEXT MEETING
Saturday 16 June at 10am at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 12.20pm
Susan Scerri (BFACT Secretary)
|
KLINGER TOUR OVERVIEW |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clubs charge per head |
12 |
12 |
12 |
14 |
14 |
15 |
|
|
Our charge per head |
6 |
6 |
6 |
8 |
8 |
10 |
|
|
Canberra numbers (2sess) |
115 |
87 |
86 |
67 |
95 |
86 |
|
|
Monaro numbers (1sess) |
24 |
30 |
22 |
23 |
33 |
22 |
|
|
Cootamundra numbers (2sess) |
59 |
38 |
50 |
48 |
51 |
47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ABF subsidy |
1375 |
1375 |
1375 |
1500 |
1500 |
850 |
|
|
Canberra |
690 |
522 |
516 |
536 |
760 |
860 |
|
|
Monaro |
144 |
180 |
132 |
184 |
264 |
220 |
|
|
Cootamundra |
354 |
228 |
300 |
384 |
408 |
470 |
|
|
TOTAL |
2563 |
2305 |
2323 |
2604 |
2932 |
2400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ron's lecture fee per person |
11 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
12 |
15 |
|
|
Minimum fee per (50 person) session |
550 |
550 |
550 |
600 |
600 |
660 |
|
|
Expenses for Ron |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Room hire and advertising |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
2750 |
2750 |
2750 |
3000 |
3000 |
3300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cost to BFACT (incl GST) |
187 |
445 |
427 |
396 |
68 |
900 |
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting
Saturday 31 March 2007 at the Canberra Bridge Club
1. Roy Nixon opened the meeting at 10.07am.
PRESENT: Earl Dudley, Ian Dalziell, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Griff Ware, Roy Nixon, Bruce Crossman.
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Rebecca Plush, Bruce Hovey, Andrew Struik.
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 3 March 2007 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Valmai Mitchell Seconded: Ian Dalziell
Carried
2.2 Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
Griff Ware is updating the list of Club Directors following 2005 and 2006 courses and has contacted Mark Abraham. BFACT Council was recently informed that two of its previously Nationally Accredited Directors have been moved from the Active to the Inactive list of Nationally Accredited Directors (David Hoffman and John Brockwell).
Griff Ware provided details of the amounts owing for some of the extra subsidies for Youth players who played in the Summer Festival to the Acting Treasurer (Valmai Mitchell).
Griff Ware is still in the process of organising a list of winners of BFACT events to be forwarded to the Manager of the Canberra Bridge Club for inclusion on Honour Boards.
3. YOUTH BRIDGE REPORT
Griff Ware has been promoting the Youth Team Selection Event and will be emailing the details to youth players to encourage entries. Valmai Mitchell has been assisting youth players from the Friday afternoon sessions to develop system cards for the event
Griff Ware and Valmai Mitchell will send items on Youth Bridge to Ian Dalziell (Acting Editor) for inclusion in the BFACT Newsletter.
It was noted that 2-3 youth players took advantage of BFACT’s offer to subsidise their attendance at the recent Klinger lectures with very positive feedback by those concerned.
4. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
· Following BFACT Council discussion of the 2007 Canberra Open Teams Selection Final, there was considerable confusion about who had or had not accepted a place in the Final. This is an unacceptable situation. Council therefore instructed Griff Ware (Tournament Secretary) to contact those pairs in doubt and tell them that the deadline for acceptance to participate in the Final is 5pm on Wednesday 4 April. There was considerable discussion about some deterioration in the quality of the Open Selection Final field so BFACT will review the possibility of a five table Final in future years. BFACT Council also discussed the possibility of modifying regulations for the selection process in 2008 to include a penalty for players who withdraw from the Open Final, having previously indicated that they will be participating in it. .
· The use of a Fractional VP Scale is being trialled in the first two sessions of the Open Butler Pairs Selection for the 2007 ANC. Griff Ware will survey players at the end of the trial period and report back to BFACT Council. BFACT Council discussed the advantages and disadvantages of various scoring systems and will review the scoring methods used in future BFACT Selection Events following feedback on the use of the Fractional VP Scale during 2007. For the 3 ANC Teams Selections Finals in 2007, Council asked the Tournament secretary to poll several of the leading contenders next week to get their input on whether to use either a normal VP scale, Fractional VP scale or capped net imps and to discuss this intersessionally with Council before next weekend.
· Griff Ware reported that eight teams have entered the Knockout Selection Event for the Canberra 2 Team for the GNOT. Sean Mullamphy (Director) has completed the seeding for the event and the competition will commence in April.
· Jane Rasmussen will be Director for the Seniors and Youth Selection Events for the 2007 ANC.
· Valmai Mitchell reported that preparations for the Simultaneous Pairs are proceeding smoothly.
· Valmai Mitchell advised that eight clubs have entered the Seniors Event and seven clubs have entered the Restricted Event in the Interclub Teams Championship that commences on 21 April. We welcome teams from Bungendore for the first time into the event. Valmai Mitchell will contact David Hoffman to confirm his availability on that date.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
Valmai Mitchell is acting Treasurer of BFACT for February and March.
The following payment was made:
$65: Deakin Post Office
A cheque for $30 was sent to Eric Glass (Public Officer) as reimbursement for registering the change to the BFACT constitution. Eric has advised BFACT Council that Andrew Struik had already reimbursed him in November. Valmai Mitchell will confirm this with Andrew Struik (Treasurer) on his return.
6. ABF
Roy Nixon (BFACT President) and Earl Dudley (BFACT Councillor to the ABF) reported back to BFACT Council on the ABF AGM and President’s Meetings held on March 17 and 18 2007.
Issues arising from ABF AGM and President’s Meeting
Earl Dudley raised the question of Professional Indemnity Insurance at the ABF AGM. The ABF is not interested in proceeding with it. Earl Dudley has approached Allan Scerri who is willing to facilitate an interactive session with members of CBC Committee and BFACT Council to assess the risks re Professional Indemnity. BFACT and CBC can then discuss how to proceed on the issue.
Roy Nixon (President) raised the proposed BFACT Gold Point Event with the ABF. No reply has been received to Roy’s previous suggestion that BFACT hold a Gold Point Event in April 2008 and it appears that there is now insufficient time to organise and publicise such an event. With BFACT hosting the ANC in 2009, it would prefer not to run a Gold Point Event in that year. There is also concern at the ABF level (expressed by NSWBA President in particular) about the overcrowded calendar of events. In the BFACT Council discussion that followed his report, Roy Nixon suggested that BFACT Council put the following proposal to the ABF: BFACT is willing to defer the Gold Point Event for two years if it receives some recompense from the ABF, since the event was offered to BFACT as compensation for the loss of masterpointing revenue from the Summer Festival of Bridge. BFACT Council supported this approach. Roy will follow it through. Valmai Mitchell (Acting Treasurer) reported that the ABF commission from the 2007 Summer Festival of Bridge has not yet been received. Andrew Struik (Treasurer) to write to the ABF re the missing payment.
Roy Nixon reported that the proposal for Grand National Restricted Pairs was discussed at the ABF AGM. Concerns were again expressed re the overcrowded calendar. A suggestion was made to alternate the GNOT with the proposed GNRP with the Final remaining in its current November timeslot and Banora Point venue. Many felt that a Pairs format may be more attractive to Clubs. The CBC representative said that the CBC reserved its position on this proposal until more details are known – in any event, the CBC would be against any further explicit subsidising of the event by the Clubs or BFACT. While a decision has not been reached it was decided to examine the possibility of BFACT reducing the number of teams sent to the GNOT in 2008 from three to two (one Open Team and one Restricted Team).
The ABF has purchased the Grand Slam Cards Rating System. In future Affiliated Clubs may have the option of choosing Masterpoints or the Cards (Grand Slam) system. This will continued to be developed during 2007 alongside the Willcox project to produce a club-based scoring/masterpointing system which is currently being trialled in Victorian Regional Clubs.
7. ANC
Valmai Mitchell (BFACT liaison contact with the 2009 ANC Committee) met with Lyn Turner (ANC 2009 Convenor) and Wendy Boxall (ANC 2009 Treasurer). The Hellenic Club has offered favourable venue rates for the period 3-15 July 2009 for the ANC. Since this is in the school holidays, the 2009 ANC Committee will approach Canberra College for use of its parking area. A deposit of $400 is required to secure the booking of the Hellenic Club.
Motion: That BFACT Council authorises Valmai Mitchell to pay a deposit of $400 for the use of the Hellenic Club as the venue for the ANC for the period from 3 to 15 July 2009
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Bruce Crossman
Valmai will notify the ABF of the proposed venue and dates for the 2009 ANC.
The 2009 ANC Committee will liaise with Eric Ramshaw re entry fees for the ANC
8. OTHER BUSINESS
Incoming
ABF: Alcohol Policy
ABF: GRNP
Directory of Australian Associations
Invitation to BFACT affiliated clubs for applications for the ABF Advertising/Marketing Grant
BFACT Calendar of Events sent to Regional Clubs
Directory of Australian Associations
Henry Hudson has registered the BFACT Website at www.bfact.com.au. Valmai Mitchell will continue liaising with Henry on the development of the BFACT Website.
Ian Dalziell has contacted Sean Mullamphy (instructor for the courses). The Club Level Course will be held on Saturday 19 May 2007. The Congress Level Course will be held on Sunday 7 October 2007. Ian Dalziell to advertise the courses in BFACT News.
Invitations for applications have been sent to affiliated clubs. Canberra Bridge Club has discussed the grant and is considering applying for funding to produce a CBC handbook and promotional material. Discussion of possible uses for the funding by smaller clubs followed.
Feedback from participants has been good and numbers were consistent with previous years.
NEWS FROM THE CLUBS
Cootamundra reported that 24 participants ranging from beginners to intermediate players attended the Klinger Tour. Feedback was very positive. Cootamundra Congress will be held on 23 and 24 June 2007.
Bruce Hovey (Monaro Bridge Club) requested an annual publication of Club's addresses, preferably with the name of the current secretary.
Susan Scerri (Secretary) will contact all Affiliated Clubs to update their details for inclusion on the ABF Website under the BFACT entry and will forward a copy of the updated list to all BFACT Council members.
NEXT MEETING
Saturday 12 May at 10am at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 12.24pm
Susan Scerri (Secretary)
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting ->Saturday 3 March 2007 at the Canberra Bridge Club
1. Roy Nixon opened the meeting at 10.10am.
PRESENT: Earl Dudley, Ian Dalziell, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Griff Ware, Roy Nixon.
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Rebecca Plush, Bruce Crossman, Andrew Struik.
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on10 February be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Valmai Mitchell Seconded: Griff Ware
Carried
2.2 Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
Henry Hudson has sent BFACT a timeline for the setting up of the BFACT Website. Valmai Mitchell will contact Henry to check on progress.
Griff Ware (Tournament Secretary) reported that ten teams have entered the Knockout Teams competition to select the second Canberra Team for the GNOT. Griff will contact the CBC Manager to get the results of the matches put on the Canberra Bridge Club Website.
Griff Ware is following up the updating of the list of Club Directors following 2005 and 2006 courses and has contacted Mark Abraham.
Earl Dudley will provide a copy of the BFACT Calendar for 2007 to all Affiliated Clubs.
The accounts for Youth Week have not been finalised. Griff will send the accounts to the BFACT Treasurer when he has all the details.
Griff Ware (Tournament Secretary) informed BFACT Council that David Hoffman and Sheila Bird have agreed to sit on the Tournament Regulations Sub Committee.
Motion: That BFACT Council ratifies the following members of the Tournament Regulations Sub Committee: Griff Ware, Sheila Bird and David Hoffman.
Moved: Griff Ware Seconded: Susan Scerri Carried
Invitations have been sent for the Inter Clubs Teams Events and several replies have been received.
Tim Bourke has prepared hand records for the Simultaneous Pairs in 2007. Valmai Mitchell will coordinate the event and Jane Rasmussen will score the event across the field.
Griff Ware is in the process of organising a list of winners of BFACT events and will forward them to Valmai Mitchell who will forward them to the Manager of the Canberra Bridge Club for inclusion on Honour Boards.
3. YOUTH BRIDGE REPORT
· Griff Ware reported that he had organised a stand for the ANU Bridge Club at Orientation Week and had received a number of expressions of interest.
· Valmai Mitchell reported that the Friday afternoon Youth Bridge Sessions are proceeding well. Valmai will be sending a letter to schools close to the CBC asking them to advertise the sessions and informing them that police checks have been completed for the session supervisors.
· Griff Ware informed BFACT Council that the Youth Team Selection Trials will be held on the same weekend as the Senior Team Trials but will probably be completed in one day. Griff will advertise the event among Youth Players.
· Motion: That BFACT subsidise up to ten Youth players to the Ron Klinger Tour.
Moved: Valmai Mitchell Seconded: Griff Ware Carried
4. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
· Griff Ware (Tournament Secretary) reported that ten pairs have entered the ANC Women’s Butler Pairs Selection Event that commences on Monday 5 March. Richard Hills will be directing the event.
· Griff Ware will look at the policy and process for ratifying directors for State Selection Events and report back to BFACT Council.
· The ANC Open Team Selection Qualifying Competition commenced on Tuesday 27 February with eighteen tables.
· BFACT Council discussed residential requirements for eligibility to represent the ACT in National Events (specifically, the ANC) and decided that any participants with historic links with BFACT Clubs, who are not currently residents of the ACT, will not be excluded for 2007 on the basis of residency. The position will be reviewed for 2008.
· The Tournament Regulations Committee is to investigate the possibility of introducing a fractional VP scale to replace Net IMP scoring in BFACT Events. Griff Ware will report back to BFACT Council.
· Roy Nixon (President) will raise the proposed BFACT Gold Point Event at the ABF AGM on 17 March 2007. The President had not received a response to his earlier email to the ABF President suggesting the event be run in late April 2008 on a trial basis with support from the ABF similar to that given to the NT Teams.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
Valmai Mitchell is acting Treasurer of BFACT for February and March.
The following payments were made:
$247.50: Management Fees to the Canberra Bridge Club
$30: Reimbursement to Eric Glass for lodging the change to BFACT Constitution with The Registrar General.
6. ABF
BFACT Council congratulated Roy Nixon (President) on his appointment to the ABF Management Committee until March 2008.
BFACT Council discussed the following issues to be raised by Roy Nixon and Earl Dudley at the ABF AGM on March 17 2007:
Subscriptions to Australian Bridge Magazine paid for by the ABF
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Reduction of Capitation Fees
The ABF Advertising /Marketing Grant was discussed. Applications for funding to be received from Affiliated Clubs by 30 April 2007. BFACT Council to decide on applications by 30 June 2007. Susan Scerri (Secretary) to contact Affiliated Clubs inviting them to make applications for funding projects and to advise them that BFACT Council had decided to distribute the Grant broadly on a proportional basis determined by club membership. This would work out at approximately $4 per club member. Clubs would also be invited to suggest regional applications for the use of the Grant.
ANC
Valmai Mitchell (BFACT liaison contact with the 2009 ANC Committee) is meeting with Lyn Turner (ANC 2009 Convenor) and Wendy Boxall (ANC 2009 Treasurer) to discuss proposed venues, timing and organisational details and will report back to BFACT Council.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
Incoming
Henry Hudson: Website Implementation Schedule
Letter of thanks to Tim Bourke
Invitation to regional clubs to participate in the 2007 Interclub Restricted and Seniors Team Championships
ABF Secretariat: Notification that Roy Nixon has been ratified as BFACT Councillor to the ABF.
ABF Secretariat: Letter of thanks for Advertising/ Marketing Grant. Tax Invoice to be sent on return of Treasurer in late March 2007.
BFACT Council noted the timeframe provided by Henry Hudson and will check progress at the next Council Meeting.
Ian Dalziell has agreed to assist with the production of the next two issues of BFACT News. Roy Nixon (President) to discuss the position of Vice President with Rebecca Plush (Vice President).
BFACT Council plans to run Directors Courses at Club and Intermediate Levels in 2007. Ian Dalziell will contact Sean Mullamphy with regard to possible dates.
9. NEXT MEETING
Saturday 31 March at 10am at the Canberra Bridge Club Deakin
Meeting closed at 12.40pm
Susan Scerri (Secretary)
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting ->Saturday 10 February 2007 at the Canberra Bridge Club
Earl Dudley chaired the meeting in the absence of Roy Nixon and Rebecca Plush.
1. Earl Dudley opened the meeting at 10am.
PRESENT: Earl Dudley, Bruce Crossman, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell, Griff Ware
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Rebecca Plush, Ian Dalziell, Andrew Struik, Roy Nixon
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 2 December be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Valmai Mitchell Seconded: Bruce Crossman Carried
2.2 Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points.
Valmai Mitchell has been in contact with Henry Hudson who has indicated he is now in a position to proceed with setting up the Website. BFACT agreed to proceed with the development of the Website utilising Henry’s services.
Susan Scerri has written to clubs advising them of ‘Home Knockout” Selection for Canberra 2 Team. Griff Ware has publicised it at the Canberra Bridge Club and in the Summer Festival Bulletin.
Griff Ware is following up the updating of the list of Club Directors following 2005 and 2006 courses.
Rebecca Plush’s intention to withdraw from the position of BFACT Newsletter Editor was noted. (See correspondence.) The appointment of a new BFACT Editor is a matter for Council to decide. It was decided to review the future of the BFACT Newsletter when the BFACT Website is set up.
Earl Dudley will provide a copy of the BFACT Calendar for 2007 to all Affiliated Clubs. The Seniors Trials will take place on the dates published in the Calendar.
Griff Ware confirmed that the payment had been made to the Youth Team subsidised by BFACT at the Summer Festival of Bridge. The accounts for Youth Week have not been finalised. Griff will send the accounts to the BFACT Treasurer when he has all the details.
The eligibility of players who are not resident in the ACT to represent the ACT was discussed. Bruce Crossman will draft and circulate proposed eligibility criteria for comment.
Valmai Mitchell has discussed the format of the Inter Clubs Teams Event with David Hoffman who has agreed to run the event. The format has been revised based on feedback from last year’s participants. Valmai has written a letter to the clubs inviting their participation. Susan Scerri will send the letter.
Valmai Mitchell has agreed to be the BFACT liaison contact with the 2009 ANC Committee and will report to BFACT Council on a regular basis.
Tim Bourke has agreed to provide bridge hands for the Simultaneous Pairs in 2007. Susan Scerri will write to him expressing the Council’s appreciation.
Griff Ware will compile a list of winners of BFACT events and forward them to Valmai Mitchell who will forward them to the Manager of the Canberra Bridge Club for inclusion on Honour Boards.
3. CORRESPONDENCE
Incoming
ABF re Advertising Marketing Grant
ABF re Subscription to Australian Bridge Magazine
ABF re WBF Capitation Fee
ABF re AGM and President’s Meeting
Rebecca Plush re Intention to withdraw from BFACT Council
Directory of Australian Associations re BFACT Entry
Registrar General’s Office re annual Return
Letter of thanks to C. Fearon (Auditor)
Directory of Australian Associations re BFACT entry
ABF Masterpoints Centre re BFACT Council Details
ABF Website re BFACT Council Details
Regional Clubs re Selection of Canberra 2 Team for 2007 GNOT
BFACT affiliated clubs re ABF sponsored subscription to Australian Bridge Magazine.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
Valmai Mitchell will be acting Treasurer of BFACT for February and March.
The following monies have been received:
$850 from the ABF for the Klinger Tour
$3,300 from the ABF Advertising Marketing Grant
The following payments were made:
$17.25 (receipts provided) to Susan Scerri for secretarial expenses.
A replacement cheque was sent to Bernie Waters for his participation in the ANC.
6. ABF
The ABF Advertising Marketing Grant was discussed. Procedures for administering the Grant to be discussed at the next BFACT Council Meeting.
Motion
That Roy Nixon be reappointed as BFACT Council Delegate to the ABF for the period March 2007 to March 2009.
Moved: Earl Dudley Seconded: Bruce Crossman Carried
7. YOUTH BRIDGE REPORT
· Valmai Mitchell will be recommencing the Friday afternoon bridge sessions shortly.
· The Police Checks have been received for leaders of the Youth Bridge in Schools Program.
· Griff Ware advised that a Youth Bridge Class will be commencing at Jerrabombera Primary School.
Motion
That BFACT approve expenditure of up to $50 to cover stationery/equipment costs for setting up the Bridge Class at Jerrabombera Primary School.
Moved: Susan Scerri
Seconded: Griff Ware
Carried
· Griff Ware is continuing with the Youth Bridge sessions at the ANU.
8. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
· Griff Ware reported that a minimum of eight teams would be required to stage the ‘Home Knockout” Selection for the Canberra 2 GNOT Team. He has sufficient teams to run the competition and is hoping to increase the number of entries.
· Griff Ware will email affiliated clubs re the running of qualifying events to select teams for the Restricted/Provincial GNOT Selection Final.
9. NEXT MEETING
Saturday 3 March at 10am.
Meeting Closed at 11.45am
Susan Scerri
Secretary
Minutes of BFACT Council Meeting - Saturday 2 December 2006 at the Canberra Bridge Club
1. The President opened the meeting at 10 am.
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Earl Dudley, Andrew Struik, Bruce Crossman, Ian Dalziell, Susan Scerri, Valmai Mitchell
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Rebecca Plush, Griff Ware
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 28 October 2006 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Roy Nixon Seconded: Andrew Struik Carried
Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points:
Susan Scerri has notified ABF of BFACT Delegates to the ABF Council for 2007 (Roy Nixon and Earl Dudley).
Earl Dudley has emailed Roy Nixon and Rebecca Plush (BFACT newsletter editor) a report on the ABF survey re alcohol ban at ABF events.
Griff Ware has posted the proposed format for the Canberra 2 GNOT Team “Home Knockout” Selection on the noticeboard at CBC. Susan Scerri to contact Griff and then send a copy of the format to all Bridge Clubs in the ACT region with an invitation to participate.
Roy Nixon to contact Mark Abraham to obtain an up to date list of Club Directors following recent training courses.
Roy Nixon to contact Griff Ware to check progress on the formation of the Tournament Regulations Sub Committee.
Valmai Mitchell has spoken to David Hoffman who has agreed to run the Inter Club Teams event in 2007. Valmai has agreed to be the BFACT contact for the Inter Club Teams in 2007. There will be three sessions in 2007: on 21 April, 16 June and 25 August. Valmai will discuss changes to the format of the event with David Hoffman and write to the clubs inviting them to participate and stating the changes to the format.
Eric Glass is the new Public Officer. He has registered the change to the constitution passed at the AGM on October 22. He has finalised details for the Annual Return that has to be submitted by 31 December.
The suitability of the Hellenic Club as a venue for the 2009 ANC will be assessed following the Summer Festival of Bridge.
YOUTH BRIDGE REPORT
Valmai Mitchell has eight youth players on Friday afternoon and is pleased with their enthusiasm and progress.
4. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
BFACT/CBC Calendar for 2007
Earl Dudley (CBC Representative to BFACT) reported on the CBC Calendar for 2007. Following several detailed proposals from members regarding the format of Tuesday and Thursday night events and much discussion, the CBC Calendar for 2007 has been arranged so that there are more pairs events on Thursday nights. A number of teams events have been transferred from Thursday to Tuesday nights. The calendar for 2007 will have two teams events on Thursday nights.
In future, ANC Butler Pairs Selection events will be held late in the year preceding the ANC. This will commence with the Butler Selection Events for the 2008 ANC. Andrew Struik asked whether these changes would affect table numbers and questioned whether there was too great a time between the selection events and the ANC. Earl Dudley replied that it should not affect table numbers and Valmai Mitchell pointed out that other States had similar timing for selection events.
Proposed Gold Point Event – report from President
Roy Nixon (BFACT President) reported on his meeting with the ABF Management Committee. The ABF Management Committee felt that if BFACT held an event in September, this would impact on the Northern Territory and Tasmanian events held in the same period. The ABF Management Committee suggested BFACT look again at holding a Gold Point Event in March/April and offered to sponsor ten pairs to the proposed event.
Following discussion, the BFACT Council agreed to trial a three-day event in 2008 and 2009, to be held on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday closest to Anzac Day and to reassess the situation after the event held in 2009.
Simultaneous Pairs in 2007
It was agreed to hold one session of the Simultaneous Pairs in 2007 to be run in the week 21-26 November. Valmai Mitchell will approach Peter Kahler to run and/or score the event.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
The following accounts have been paid since the last meeting:
8.11.2006 Cootamundra Bridge Club $21.93 Late Penalty refund for Cong. MPs
13.11.2006 ACT Registrar General $30.00 Constitutional Amendment
24.11.2006 Summer Festival of Bridge $420.00 Interclub Seniors Prize
24.11.2006 G. Stockham $280.17 May Simultaneous Pairs
26.11.2006 E. Glass $30.00 Refund Cost of Annual Return
1.12.2006 G. Stockham $225.77 Nov Simultaneous Pairs
1.12.2006 Summer Festival of Bridge $420.00 Interclub Restricted Prize
2.12.2006 V. Mitchell $53.92 Paper and printer costs
Andrew Struik (Treasurer) presented an overview and projected costs of Ron Klinger’s Tour. (See attachment.) The ABF has changed its subsidy arrangements. From 2007 the ABF subsidy will be on a dollar for dollar basis. (i.e. 50% of the cost to BFACT.)
The BFACT Council agreed to the proposed costing arrangement as listed under 2007 (second column) on the overview.
The Canberra sessions will be held at the Canberra Bridge Club.
6. ABF MATTERS
Earl Dudley has responded to the ABF survey on banning alcohol at ABF events, indicating a range of views.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
ABF Website
Valmai Mitchell will contact Henry Hudson to check progress of the website development and, depending on the results of that conversation, may explore other options for setting up a website.
8. NEWS FROM THE CLUBS
Canberra Bridge Club will be increasing table money in 2007.
The Monaro Bridge Club does not wish to run selection events in 2007.
8. NEXT MEETING
Saturday 10 February at 10am.
Meeting Closed at 12.25pm
Susan Scerri
Secretary
November 2006 - no meeting
Minutes
of BFACT Council Meeting
Saturday 28 October 2006 at the Canberra
Bridge Club
PRESENT: Roy Nixon, Earl Dudley, Andrew Struik, Bruce Crossman, Griff Ware, Ian Dalziell, Susan Scerri, Rebecca Plush
APOLOGIES: Carmel Herald, Valmai Mitchell
1. WELCOME TO NEW COUNCIL
The President (Roy Nixon) opened the meeting at 10 am and extended a welcome to the new council elected at the Annual General Meeting on Sunday 22 October 2006. Roy welcomed Bruce Crossman as councillor representing the South Canberra Bridge Club, replacing George Stockham.
2. MINUTES
2.1 Acceptance
Motion: That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on Saturday 30 September 2006 be accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Andrew Struik Seconded: Griff Ware Carried
2.2 Matters arising from the previous meeting minutes and action points
Griff Ware (Tournament Secretary) to contact Mark Abraham to get the updated list of Club Directors following 2005 courses.
Masterpointing issues have been resolved. Griff to confirm details with Mark Abraham and Griff or Andrew to undertake responsibility for masterpoints.
Susan Scerri (Secretary) to contact George Stockham to ensure procedures are in place for the notification that Eric Glass is now the Public Officer for BFACT.
3. YOUTH BRIDGE REPORT
Griff Ware reported that he had given an introductory lesson to two new players at ANU. Ideas for next year are in the planning stage. He will be contacting Valmai Mitchell to advertise Under Sixteen bridge events. Griff will provide Andrew Struik (Treasurer) with details of Youth Teams and players to be subsidised for the Summer Festival of Bridge and Youth Week.
4. BFACT TOURNAMENT ISSUES
4.1 Report from Tournament Secretary:
Griff is the new Tournament Secretary and is developing some ideas for tournament organization for 2007. The draft review of tournament regulations, begun by Mark Abraham and Earl Dudley, is to be forwarded to Griff for further development. Roy Nixon raised the need for a Tournament Sub-Committee which could advise on tournament matters generally and in the event that Griff was unavailable at BFACT events. Griff is to approach suitably experienced players to form the sub committee.
4.2 BFACT/CBC Calendar for 2007
· Discussion of conflict caused by the running of the ANC Women’s and Open Butler Pairs (ANC Stage II) selection events as separate fields in April. Griff suggested that perhaps we could utilise the current Women’s (and Men’s) Pairs event in November to select the Women’s Butler ANC Stage II qualifier thereby leaving the April event as a single-field separate Open Pairs selection event. He is to float the idea with club members as soon as possible.
· Point A Board Teams to be reduced from five to three weeks and to become a BFACT event rather than a CBC event.
· Weekend dates for BFACT events to be decided when Klinger Tour and local congress dates are known.
4.3 GNOT 2007
Discussion over number of teams to be sent. It was decided to continue with two open teams and a provincial team. There has been a problem attracting sufficient entries to the Regional Open Final to select the second Open Team. Griff proposed a Home Knockout Event in which teams nominate and play a knockout competition. Teams to play one match each month, starting in February, in the homes of the entrants (or at CBC on a fixed date for an extra fee). This idea is based on a model devised by John Brockwell for the country-based regions. Griff is to contact John Brockwell to ensure he would be happy with the ACT adopting this model.
4.4 Proposed ACT Gold Point Event
Roy has advised the ABF that March and April are unsuitable dates for this event. BFACT’s preference is September. Roy will discuss the matter at the ABF Management Committee meeting on 4-5 November and report back.
4.5 Interclub Teams for 2007
There was discussion of the current format of the competition. It was agreed that the intent of the event is to provide players, who would not otherwise have had the opportunity, with team competition outside their own clubs. It was decided to continue with the current format, three one-day weekend events held at different venues except that there will be no knockout.
It was confirmed that the prize is awarded to the winning club (s) to pay for entry to an event at the Summer Festival on the condition that the players nominated were ABF members, members of a BFACT affiliated club and had played in at least one of the three Interclub Teams competition days. Non-affiliated clubs were welcome to field teams, would be eligible to win the event but they or the team members were ineligible to receive the prize.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
· Three accounts have been paid since the last meeting.
ABF ($2685.00, GNOT Entry)
ABFMPC ($924.11, Sept Quarter a/c)
CBC ($99.00, GNOT Room Hire)
· Andrew tabled the proposed budget for 2006/2007, noting the increase in travel subsidies because the ANC will be in Perth in 2007and changes to the ABF subsidising arrangements for Ron Klinger’s Tour.
6. ABF MATTERS
Motion: That Roy Nixon and Earl Dudley are nominated as BFACT representatives to the ABF.
Moved: Bruce Crossman Seconded: Griff Ware Carried
Susan will notify the ABF.
Earl Dudley (CBC President and BFACT councillor) will write an article for BFACT News on the survey by the ABF re the possibility of banning alcohol at ABF events.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 BFACT Website.
Rebecca Plush (Vice President) has been liaising with Henry Hudson who has volunteered to assist with the setting up of the website. Rebecca outlined details of the proposed content of the site. She will be contacting all BFACT committee members to provide her with their contact details and information for the website.
7.2 2009 ANC
Wendy Boxall has agreed to be treasurer of the ANC Coordinating Committee. It was decided that LynTurner (convenor) need not be made a Supplemental Councillor at present but the need would be kept under review.
8. NEWS FROM THE CLUBS
Capital Bridge Club Thursday session is moving from Belconnen Soccer Club to Belconnen Community Centre.
9. NEXT MEETING
Saturday 2 December at CBC at 10am.
Meeting Closed at 12.30pm
Susan ScerriSecretary
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