First Executive Committee meeting

                                      (February 5, 2004)

 

 

Meeting started at 6.45 p.m. on Thursday 5^th Feb at Comfort Inn and Suites

Yogesh sent his regrets that he was unable to attend this meeting. Osama and Andy arrived late.

All other EC members were present on time.

 

The following matters were discussed:

1.  Constitution Changes

Phil agreed to revise the constitution to increase Ex-officio positions from 3 to 5.

 

2.      30 yard circle

To be implemented in the 2004 SL- No change in constitution required.

 

3.      Roles of EC members

No change in constitution required.

The EC requested the Secretary to email all the clubs if they need a specific change to the constitution.

 

4.      Transfer Rule

A cut Off date will be announced for players to transfer to other teams instead of 50% of the games previously used

No change in constitution required. New Players joining before playoffs. Not an issue.

           

5.      AGM Minutes passed

Approved by voice vote

 

6.      Bhakta Situation

Was discussed. Channi had a meeting with both the factions and both have agreed to share the ground at Tom Bass

and the following Compromise Plan was approved by the EC. BICC I will play in the 2004 season as BCC and will

play in Div II, BICC II will play in the 2004 season as BICC I and will play in Div III based on the assumption that 4

Division Format continues in 2004. Both teams will be considered as existing teams and will be treated as 2 different

and independent clubs.

 

7.      New Clubs

Only 1 new club ESCP has paid their dues and has confirmed their ground arrangements with Port Arthur Cricket Club (PACC)

 

The following clubs have not confirmed their participation for the summer season, inspite of numerous emails and phone calls and may be eliminated - SCC, HJCC, HBCC

 

 

8.      Grounds Committee

Established. Channi Bains to chair this Committee. Omeir, Andy, Rafey, Danish to be part of this committee. The Grounds Committee will work towards getting new grounds for HCL.

 

Tony suggested that school grounds could be an option that needs to be explored. Omeir (EECC) gave an overview of the City of Houston Parks situation. Andy said the Grounds Committee should approve the quality of new grounds.

 

Channi discussed the Tom Bass Park Concessionaire Agreement and was circulated to all the members for their review and comments. Sanjit suggested that two separate agreements be drafted one each between HCL and the 5 clubs and one between clubs sharing Tom Bass Park grounds.

 

Channi and Phil agreed to prepare this draft. Sanjit also said the role of HCL in maintaining and monitoring the Tom Bass Park must be clearly defined so that there are no future problems between HCL and the teams. Andy suggested that if both the teams share the ground then both should be party to the HCL Agreement. Cameron objected that only the primary team should be allowed to sign the agreement.

 

9. USACA Committee Nominations

Shabbir (SCC), Yogesh, and Tony have volunteered for USACA nominations. EC members agreed that nominations to USACA must be approved by the HCL EC and only existing or past EC members with good experience must be nominated to USACA. Osama said that there should be criteria for such nominations.

           

Tony listed the USACA committees. Phil suggested that we should get volunteers outside of the EC for such positions and that the EC must work on HCL affairs only.

Tony nominated himself for the USACA Selection Committee so that more players from Central West can be selected. Cameron suggested that Yogesh could also be nominated for this committee. Omeir also volunteered. Yogesh interested in JYDP Committee.

           

10. Junior Youth Development Program

Ifthikar Rizvi interested in promoting cricket in schools. U-15, U-17 tournaments must be organized. Get school counselors involved.

 

11. Umpiring

John Boaden from Dallas available to help and train umpires. Phil said that the umpiring sessions were a huge success thanks to Sanjit’s efforts. Phil suggested that at least 3 players from each club must attend the umpiring sessions and get certified. It was decided to continue this effort

 

 

It was agreed that for the 2004 season, umpiring fees would be paid as follows:

$60 for certified umpires

$50 for non-certified umpires

Each team will pay additional $10 fees to umpires going to or coming from Port Arthur.

 

12. Public Relations & Sponsors

Tony and Andy volunteered for improving Public Relations. Sanjit suggested an HCL Tournament for fund raising and to attract sponsorships. This will help improve HCL financial reserves. Andy said by hosting these tournaments HCL should make money and he would arrange sponsors. Andy suggested that the Royal Cup be made an HCL tournament so that there is a fair selection of players.

 

13. 2004 Budget

Kurtis presented the preliminary budget estimates for 2004. New estimates indicate a comfortable fiscal status for HCL provided            the sponsorship level remain the same or better than the last             year. Kurtis will make changes to the budget to reflect Texas Cup estimates for Houston.

 

14. Kick off games

 

Weather permitting the SL Kick off games will start on March 14 with four divisional games:

 

DIV I Division Champions to play a team comprising of remaining Div I teams

(2 players to be nominated by each team)

DIV II Division Champions to play a team comprising of remaining Div II teams

(2 players to be nominated by each team)

DIV III Division Champions to play a team comprising of remaining Div III teams

(3 players to be nominated by each team)

DIV IV Division Champions to play a team comprising of remaining Div IV teams

(3 players to be nominated by each team)

 

Secretary to send out email to all clubs for nominations.

                       

14. Division Formats

The EC will consider in depth the three options to draw up the SL schedule at its next meeting. The three options are:

 

            AA. Three Division Format by Tony

            BB.  Two Division Format by Osama

            CC.  Four Division Format in its current format

 

As time was short Tony and Osama were requested to present detailed proposals for consideration at the next EC meeting. It was agreed to have another meeting before 22^nd Feb (possibly Feb 19 or before). The  main focus of this meeting will be to discuss the format issues and move forward.

 

Channi offered a vote of thanks to all members and to Mike Bhakta for use of the meeting hall at Comfort Inn.

 

Channi Bains

HCL Secretary