NSWRL REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION
Annual General Meeting
Meeting Date 11.12.2017
Venue: Riviera Room, St George League Club
Paul Simpkins in the Chair welcomed all present and declared the meeting open at 6.40 p.m.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of those who passed away during the year.
Paul McBlane (811)
Life Member Les Samuelson (490)
Aileen Garwood Sister of Life Member Robert Garwood (645)
Susan Jarick Partner of Life Member Brian Bonnie (757)
Stan Bungate Father of Life Member Peter Bungate (736)
Gail Murray, wife of Peter Murray (803)
Betty Norberry wife of Greg Norbery (604)
Elias Constantine Father of Danny Constantine (992)
Anne Kalina mother of Life Member Paul Kalina (825)
M Kendall wife of Barry Kendall (Deceased) (635)
Marie Kelly wife of William Kelly (Deceased) (497)
Gerry Hinds NCRLRA/N.R.A.S Provider and long serving Member of that Association
Helen Ivy Lee mother of Gary “Bing” Lee (818)
June Clapson mother of Life Member, Steve Clapson (822)
Marion Todd mother of Scott (855) President of Balmain Association and former Graded Touch Judge
Rose Elizabeth Cassidy mother of former Graded Member, Michael Cassidy (737) and Grandmother to Adam Cassidy (943)
Irene McFarlane, mother or Ricky McFarlane (Penrith) 899
John Abbott, former Lower Grade St George referee. Passed away in late September
ATTENDANCE – As per attendance sheets.
Present
16 Life Members
21 Active Members
10 Non Active Members
11 Delegates
1 Honorary Member
1 Junior Member
1 Visitor
G. Jankowski registered as a Life Member and as three Delegates.
S.Watson registered as a Delegate and an Honorary Member.
Doug Keen registered as a Life Member and a Delegate
All three only counted as three in the total attendance.
A total of 57 in attendance.
APOLOGIES
Geoff Whiddon (Secretary CRLRA), Luke Bugden, Noel Bissett, Russell Turner, Ian Parnaby, Andrew Wheeler, Darren Gocher, David Abood, Max Dunn, Michael Stone, Tony Danks, Paul Holland, Steve Betts, Steve Clark, John Connor, Tim Robinson, Todd Smith,Tom Cambourn
Acceptance of Apologies.
Moved Pat Reynolds, Seconded, Brian Barry. Carried
MINUTES 0F THE 2016 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Moved Greg McCallum, Seconded Steve Clapson that the Minutes of the 2016 Annual General Meeting be confirmed and adopted. Carried
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THESE MINUTES:
The Strategic Management Plan remains on track and the new Board will revisit it early in 2018. The NSWRLA’s place in the game was strengthened in 2017 through the decision to employ four Assistant Coaches funded by the NSWRLA to assist the Affiliated Associations. If the NSWRLRA can make a success of this initiative the NRL has indicated more responsibility for the Coaching and Development of referees will come its way. While all Grants to the Affiliated Associations were paid prior to the end of the Financial Year some Associations were very slow in submitting their invoices.
The Professional Rugby League Referees’ Association came into being during the year and is currently assisting Chris James in his bid for reinstatement or compensation following the conveyance of a decision at the NRL level to terminate his refereeing career over a cup of coffee.
There are some issues with the Governance of some of the Affiliated Associations and is a worrying trend if they are to meet the expectations of the members, the NRL, the NSWRL and the NSWRLRA. This especially applies to the filling of key positions on the Association Boards.
An offer of a rise in Match Fees for the Graded Squad has been made by the NSWRL and after consideration and feedback from the Squad, a response from the NSWRL will be published during the week ending 15th December 2017.
Arising from the poor support for the 2016 Members’ Presentation and Ladies Night the Board decided to suspend holding the function for twelve months.
Following the death of Robert Culkin, Brian Barry was made the Ambassador of the Association but he has declined the offer of a new blazer.
Adoption of Business Arising
Moved B.Barry, Seconded D.Wintin. Carried
CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE 2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Correspondence In
17134 17.09.17 Sean Hampstead & Andrew Zapantis. Agreeing to be considered for Life Membership.
17136 25.09.17 Mat Damaso. Advising that he did not want to be considered for Life Membership.
17146 20.10.17 Rachel Szymanski ( Events Coordinator) Advising that Danny Robinson CEO of St George Leagues Club has offered the NSWRLRA the Riviera Room for the AGM
17157 12.11.17 Michael Jones. Nomination for position of Executive Officer, 2018
17159 14.11.17 Paul Simpkins. Nominations for Directorships from Faye Lehane, Steve Clapson, Matt Hewitt and Paul Simpkins for 2018
17162 23.11.17 James Vella. Annual Report Invoice ($1,2,83.70)
Rachel Szymanski (Events Coordinator) Seeking numbers attending the AGM, Run Sheet, Order for Finger food and any other requirements.
17172 01.12.17 EVENTS ST George Leagues Club. Seeking Order for Convivial and Payment.
Various 09.12.17 APOLOGIES; From Noel Bissett, Russell Turner, Andrew Wheeler, Ian Parnaby, Andrew Gilchrist, Geoff Whiddon (CRLRA Secretary)
Correspondence Out
10717 17.09.17 Sean Hampstead, Matt Damaso, Merve Edwards, Gary Cook, Andrew Zapantis Requesting permission to consider their nomination for Life Membership at The September Board Meeting as per Clause 2.2.2 of the Constitution.
11017 29.09.17 Sean Hampstead. Advising that the Board had considered his nomination Life Membership and his name would go forward to the AGM for a decision by the membership.
11117 29.09.17 Andrew Zapantis Advising that the Board had considered his nomination Life Membership but had decided not to put his name forward to the Annual General meeting at this time.
12316 18.10.17 All Members. The Special Resolution to be presented to the Annual General Meeting for discussion and a decision.
12317 20.10.17 Secretaries/Executive Officers/Delegates of Affiliated Associations. Notice of the NSWRLRA Annual General Meeting.
13317 17.11.17 All Members. Notice of Annual General Meeting including Current Meeting procedure as per the Constitution and the proposed Special Resolution for change and a Notice of Motion re Sub-Committees, as Resolution for change and a Notice of Motion re Sub-Committees, as required by the Constitution
13517 19.11,17 All Members with Internet Access. Electronic Copy of the Annual Report
13617 20.11.17 All Members with Internet Access 2nd and Final Draft of the Annual Report arising from two minor errors.
14017 21.11.17 William Drury (President, CRLRA) Invitation to attend Annual General Meeting
14117 28.11.17 Seventy two Hard Copies of the Annual Report posted to those not on the Internet and to those who placed an order for same
14 03.12.17 All Members/ All District Associations. Final reminder of Annual General Meeting to be held on the 11th December at St George Leagues Club Items were tabled resulting in no discussion.
Acceptance of Correspondence
Moved P. Filmer, Seconded B. Gately. Carried
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Paul Simpkins
Thanked the outgoing Board of Directors for their efforts during 2017. Spoke on the changes to Coaching structures and thanked the Assistant Coaches appointed for their input. He stated it was vital for the leaders of the Referees’ Association to work with the various Leagues. He said he believed the NSWRLRA had an excellent relationship with these Leagues at this time. To maintain and build on this the Association needs to stick to its objectives.
The Association had demonstrated that it could cut costs of its operation.
The NSWRL had encouraged the Association to conduct Camps for the Junior Representative Squad and the Graded Squad. The former had been conducted and judged a great success. It was the first step for the Squad to become acquainted with the NSWRLRA
Funding for Affiliated Associations was increased by $30,000. The Bowls, Golf and Touch Football Days had been supported financially and through member presence. 2018 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the NRL. Since our members progress into the NRL it is expected that the NSWRLRA will have some involvement in the celebrations.
The Life Members Luncheon held at the SCG for the past two years will be held there in 2018 . The venue has already been booked. If a Life member is elected at this meeting he will be consulted on the kind of function he would like to have for his Life Membership Presentation.
The NSWRL’s Centre of Excellence is under construction and will be the new home of the NSWRLRA when completed.
The 2018 Board has its first Female Director in Faye Lehane and demonstrates the growing involvement of women in our game. It will be the first time for nine years that the Board will operate without the presence of the Executive Officer, Frank Leonard who has promised to be a sounding board for his replacement, Michael Jones.
In order to tap into their wisdom and experience the Chairman proposes to meet with the Life Members, mid-year.
Adoption of the Report
Moved I. McCall, Seconded P.Kalina. Carried
ANNUAL REPORT
Adoption of the Annual Report
Moved M.Cecchin, Seconded B.Gilchrist. Carried.
Both spoke of the quality of the Report, the great work done by James Vella in its assembly and of the Executive Officer in collecting and editing material for the Report and his liaison with James to ensure the Report was printed by the due date.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Adoption of the Report
Moved P.Filmer, Seconded B.Gately. Carried
Peter said the position had not changed greatly and whilst the report is in Summary Form the Association is in a strong financial position. He congratulated Darren Gocher on his work as the Director of Finance.
SPECIAL RESOLUTION – The following Special Resolution was moved by Paul Simpkins, seconded by Matthew Hewitt.
“The Board proposes that 3 General meetings and an AGM be held each year. Additional meetings can be held as per the Constitution if required.
General Meetings will be held in March, June, September with the AGM held in December
Each General meeting will be held immediately after a NSWRL coaching session.
All information will be disseminated by email prior to the meeting.
Questions only will form Correspondence and Board reports.
General Business will then be open to the floor.
Urgent matters or items of interest concerning the membership will be communicated by email and social media as they come to hand.
Members not on email / social media may elect to have all meeting information forwarded to them by general mail.
Through the above process the Board believes that the meetings will be conducted in a timely manner. The meetings will be held following League Business (generally a Video session) to eliminate additional time away from family and other commitments. On invitation, Non active members will have the opportunity to sit in and see the Graded Squad’s activities and education sessions. Greater interaction between the total membership.
CHANGES TO THE FORMAT OF GENERAL MEETINGS NSWRLRA
All correspondence and Board members reports to be circulated electronically by the Executive Officer no later than 7 days before the General Meeting.
Any member wishing to read any correspondence or report should seek to have that item emailed to them or may read the item before the commencement of the General meeting.
1. The meeting will commence at the advertised time.
2. Apologies will be encouraged to be sent by email prior to the meeting.
Further apologies will be called for and noted.
3. Motions of condolence
A minute silence will be observed for the passing of members only.
The passing of a spouse, parent or child of a member will be read and sympathy of the NSWRLRA acknowledged (no minute silence).
4. Correspondence
Questions only from emailed documents
Move / Seconder / Carried
5. Board Reports
Questions only from emailed documents
Move / Seconder / Carried
6. Any other Reports?
7. General Business – Open to the Floor
8. Close
Doug Wintin was then asked to act as Chairman as Paul Simpkins was the mover of the Resolution and Matthew Hewitt seconded it. Paul spoke to the Resolution. Matthew Hewitt seconded stating that technology allows for dissemination of information that used to be the reason for meetings.
Dennis Spagarino asked if any member could ask for a piece of correspondence to be read and was assured in the affirmative. Doug Wintin suggested that voting on the Resolution be in total and the meeting supported this approach. The Resolution was put to the vote and carried unanimously.
ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
All positions declared vacant. D.Wintin nominated by I.McCall, seconded B.Gilchrist as Returning Officer, with the permission of the meeting Bryan Gilchrist and Greg McCallum were appointed scrutineers. Carried.
PATRONS – Not elected. To be elected at March, 2018 Meeting.
1. Chairman Paul Simpkins Elected unopposed.
2. Executive Officer Michael Jones Elected unopposed.
3. Director of Finance Matthew Hewitt Elected unopposed.
4. Director of Referee Development and Affiliate Liaison Steve Clapson Elected unopposed.
5. Director of Member Services and Marketing and Communication Faye Lehane Elected unopposed.
BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2017
1.That members subscriptions be $50 for Five Years or $150 for Life.
2. That Affiliate Associations shall pay an Affiliated Subscription of twenty dollars ($20.) This sum to be deducted from their Administration Grant so that all delegates are financial for the 2018 Annual General meeting.
3. That three (3) General Meetings and an AGM be held each year. Additional Meetings can be held as per the Constitution as required.
General Meetings will be held in March, June and September with the AGM held in December. Each General meeting will be held immediately after a NSWRL Coaching Session.
All information will be disseminated by e-mail prior to the meeting. Questions only will be accepted from Correspondence and Board Reports.
General Business will then be open to the floor. Urgent matters or items of interest concerning the membership will be communicated By e-mail and Social media as they come to hand.
Members not on e-mail/Social Media may elect to have all meeting information forwarded to them by general mail.
NOTICE OF MOTION
D.Wintin remained in the Chair and called on F.Leonard to move the Notice of Motion
Moved F.Leonard, seconded Greg McCallum that consideration be given to altering Section 3.12 of the Constitution such that “ Sub-committees no longer be established for a full year but formed as described in Section 3.12.2 only when a need arises, that it be chaired by the relevant Director and its life be terminated when that need is fulfilled.”
“3.12 Sub-Committees”
3.12 Sub-Committees
3.12.1 Each Director (other than Chairman and Executive Officer) shall be responsible for overseeing sub-committees for their Directorships. Descriptions of sub-committee roles can be found in ‘DESCRIPTION OF DIRECTORS ROLES DOCUMENT ‘
3.12.2 The Executive Officer shall forward expressions of interest to all eligible members to apply for a position on a sub-committee as soon as practicable after the Annual General Meeting. The Board shall determine all applications and decide on sub-committee positions. If insufficient applications are received, any vacant positions remaining on Sub Committees are taken to be casual vacancies and The Board may appoint a member of The Association to fill the vacancy.
3.12.3 Each member of a sub-committee is, subject to these rules, to hold the position until the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting following the date of the member’s appointment, but is eligible to reapply each year.”
There were two interpretations on this motion. D.Wintin expressed the view that he could find nothing in the Constitution that refereed to a Notice Of Motion but was prepared to have it debated and the voting to be 75% for it if it was to be passed.
F.Leonard stated that Part 5.1 to 5.6 of Standing Orders dealt with a Notice of Motion. He spoke to the Motion giving reasons for moving it and G.McCallum seconded it. The reasons for moving for change was given as the failure of Directors to lead the Sub-Committees and some members being listed on sub-committees for several years, being inactive within the committee, but then using the years spent as being listed on the sub committee as a criterion for Life Membership
He stated that the Motion should have been a second Special Resolution but he failed to consider it outside the 21 days required for submission to the meeting. He suggested it be the put to the March 2018, General Meeting as a Special Resolution. Moved Paul Kalina, seconded Brien Gately. Carried.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
The Chairman stated that five nominations were received for Life Membership at the General Meeting held in September, 2017. The following members were nominated.Sean Hampstead, Matt Damaso, Andrew Zapantis. Gary Cook and Merve Edwards. Sean Hampstead and Andrew Zapantis responded to the e-mail asking if they were prepared to be considered by the Board to have their name go forward to the AGM for consideration by the members present.
Matt Damaso declined the invitation and there were no responses from Gary Cook and Merve Edwards. The Board decided to send only one name forward to the Annual General Meeting being that of Sean Hampstead at its October Meeting for consideration by the members present.
A secret Ballot was conducted where Sean Hampstead received the required 75% of the “YES” vote. The Chairman declared Sean elected a Life Member. Sean’s response was to say thanks to those who supported him. The Chairman indicated that Sean would be consulted as to the kind of Presentation Ceremony he would like to have his Life Membership bestowed upon him.
B.Barry moved that Ballot Papers be destroyed. Seconded P.Filmer. Carried.
NOMINATION OF INTERNAL AUDITORS
Not Completed. To be on the Agenda of the March General meeting.
REPORTS
Doug Keen reported on the condition of John McKeown of the Auckland Referees’ Association, a great friend of many in the NSWRLRA, who had suffered a stroke recently.
PRESENTATIONS
Chairman Paul Simpkins presented Frank Leonard with a gift to thank him for his years of service as Executive Officer. Michael Jones displayed a large Farewell slide on the big screen.
Frank responded briefly thanking the Association for the privilege to serve the members and stating that the major reason he put so much time into the position was that he was nominated by Les Matthews a month prior to his death in 2009 and seconded by Dennis Spagarino, the Chairman at the time for whom he had much respect. He reflected on the friendships he had made over the nine years, the experiences he had been afforded through invitations from the ARLRA and the NSWRL and especially in his role as a Match Day Assessor that covered sixteen years and he was pleased to see so many of those he had assessed promoted to higher grades.
He said his retirement ended 47 years involved in refereeing in all of its facets but that he would always be available to provide assistance when invited especially where it involved interpretation and changes to the Constitution.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Life Members seeking the new Lapel Badge, members wanting an Association tie or a Hard Copy of the Annual Report were invited by F.Leonard to see him following the meeting.
GENERAL BUSINESS – Nil. Meeting closed at 7.50pm by Chairman Paul Simpkins.
