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.