MIDLAND REGION

WEDNESFIELD VICTORY IN MIDLAND INDOOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS - posted 22 November 2009

The first semi final was won with some ease by Stoke, second place went down to the last heat with the Kommandos just nudging out the Tornadoes.

Stoke 58
G Pearce 16, L Bates 14, S Munden 14, E Thaw 14
Kemps Kommandos 39
C Jarvis 14, J Kemp 9, P Widdas 8, M Haddock 8
Timms Tornadoes 35
P Timms 15, T Hulton 10, R Johnston 6, J Hill 4
Micks Mauraders 27
M Aris 9, M Turley 7, J Rich 6, L Kemp 5

The secomd semi was more clear cut, Wednesfield easily taking the win and Birmingham pulling away from Sandwell and Stockport who both put in good performances, particularly Dylan Radcliffe and Scott Millward.

Wednesfield 53
L Aris 16, C Jewkes 13, T Norman 12, S Smith 12
Birmingham 42
P Heard 12, C Timms 12, N Groves 11, M Winwood 7
Sandwell 33
S Millward 10, T Haddock 10, L Smith 7, M Smith 7
Stockport 31
D Radcliffe 12, J Lush 7, M Lush 7, B Higham 5

The final again saw Wednesfield in superb form, led by maximum man Lee Aris but well supported throughout. Birmingham slotted into second place with Chris Timms and the very fast starting Paul Heard looking impressive.  Stoke, with a strong quartet on paper, took third place but made too many mistakes whilst in good positions. The Kommandos never recovered from a Jarvis exclusion in heat one and had amassed just four points after four heats. Special mention to Matt Haddock who never gave up against much older opposition and his persistence paid off by picking up the pieces from various “racing incidents!”.

Wednesfield 53
Lee Aris 16, Terry Norman 14, Chris Jewkes 12, Sam Smith 11
Birmingham 43
Chris Timms 15, Paul Heard 13, Mark Winwood 9, Nathan Groves 6
Stoke 33
Simon Munden 10, Lewis Bates 9, Errol Thaw 8, Garry Pearce 6
Kommandos 26
Carl Jarvis 9, Matt Haddock 8, Joe Kemp 5, Phil Widdas 4

Minutes from Midland League AGM at Langley Lodge Community Centre

Sunday 1^st November 2009, 10am – 1pm

Attendees : Mark Winwood, Al Bentley, Roger Ellis, Kev Turley, Paul Bodley, Dave Jewkes, Pete Dalley, Lee Smith, Bernie Kemp, Joy Owen, Martin Gamble, Janet Kirkham, Ralph Doughty, Phil Widdas, Roger Beaman, Bob Prince, John Heard.

Apologies: Brian Buck, Ian Brown.

The meeting was opened by Chairman Bob Prince who commented on a number of improvements made in 2009, specifically the drop in fines and the quality of submissions to the League Recorder, he thanked all of the Clubs involved in the staging of the British Finals weekend (and in particular Dave Jewkes for his efforts in pulling the programme together at short notice) and congratulated East Park on their terrific staging of the inaugural Grand Prix of Great Britain that has set a very high standard for Clubs staging the event in the future.

He also confirmed the desire of the League to support those Clubs perhaps struggling at the moment to ensure that sufficient fixtures are available to keep their members involved.

Minutes of the 2008 meeting were circulated and agreed as accurate – the only point raised that we did agree that to improve the image of the second fixture on matchdays the League should call it Division 2 and not Combination – this didn’t happen in 2009 but all Clubs agreed to follow this in 2010.

Proposer to accept minutes – Pete Dalley, seconder Paul Bodley.

Secretary’s report was circulated, discussed and agreed.

Treasurer’s report was circulated, discussed and agreed – key points were:

-        All debts from 2009 were aid and no debtors outstanding

-        Finances were healthy enough to agree no league entry fees for 2010, but this will be a decision made annually dependant upon finances at that time.

-        Fines relating to late submission of paperwork to League Recorder would remain as per minutes 2007, and fines relating to red and yellow cards would continue to mirror those for Premier league racing. In future the Treasurers report will specify the individuals/Clubs fined to ‘name and shame’.

-        There are around 60 unsold British Finals weekend programmes still available and it was suggested that a note goes on Spokesman to say that these are available from Bob Prince at a small cost of 50p +P&P.

Proposer to accept reports – Joy Owen, seconder Ralph Doughty.

Election of Officers

The existing committee were all re-elected ‘en bloc’ – proposed by Bernie Kemp, seconded by Al Bentley.

Chairman – Bob Prince

Treasurer- Roger Beaman

Secretary – John Heard

Fixtures – Mark Winwood

Recorder – Brian Buck.

The role of Regional representative, currently covered by Sam Bentley, was discussed and clarification needs to be sought from Sam as to his willingness to continue – Bob prince to take forward.

3 delegates were elected to represent the League at the British Cycling Conference on the 2^nd November in Birmingham – these were Ralph Doughty (or Tim Jarvis), Paul Bodley & Al Bentley.

Any Other Business:

Formation of League – a discussion was held regarding the possibility of an alliance with the North League, primarily to help a number of Clubs in that League who are currently struggling for members and fixtures. The reality was that there were simply not enough dates in the calendar to make this work, and by forcing it through it could have a detrimental effect on the British Youth competition – it was also highlighted that at a time of economic recession too many fixtures and more mileage could lead to less support not more. In the circumstances the following was agreed:

Midland League First Team – 7 teams will run, namely Stoke, Sheffield, Wednesfield, East Park, Sandwell, Leicester and Birmingham.

2nd division will have 8 teams – all of the above plus Leicester Lions who will, as in 2009, race on the same day as both Leicester Monarchs first and second teams. Bretford will not operate a 2^nd division team in 2010 but will become ‘associate members’ of the Midland League – this will enable their riders to sign on secondary licence to other Midland League Clubs to race both first and second division racing, BUT still represent their first licence Club Bretford in the British Youth & Junior competition. This facility will only be available to ‘associate members’ and not full member Clubs.

Finally regarding Leicester Lions, it was agreed that prior to the season starting the Leicester Club should provide the League with a list of which riders will represent the Lions and which will represent the Monarchs to avoid the situation from the end of this season where the same riders rode for both. It was also clarified that for the Midland League bonus point (which goes to the first team), that it is the matches involving both Monarchs teams that different riders need to be used – any rider racing in the Lions matches can ride in first team or 2^nd team in the Monarchs matches without carrying penalty points.

The racing of challenge matches will be encouraged and this can include Clubs from other leagues, and also matches against associate Clubs such as Bretford. It was agreed however that these matches should only be against other British Cycling registered Clubs as there are a number of issues going outside of this- notably insurance for participating riders.

A midweek league for the summer months was suggested – this would involve 4 man teams – and would be at both junior and senior levels. The obvious logistical problems with work etc were discussed and it was agreed that all Clubs interested in participating should notify Mark Winwood by the end of November who would then look at drawing up a fixture list. Clubs should indicate if they wish to participate in junior (under 16) senior or both.

The League are very keen to encourage more racing for the youngsters and a suggestion to hold our own Regional version of the British Youth and Junior meetings (up to age 16) was agreed. The plan is to hold 4 Midland Junior Competition rounds as a stand alone competition during 2010. Regarding venues, 4 Midland Clubs will obviously get regional British Youth rounds anyway and those Clubs not receiving these fixtures should be given the first option to stage on of our own rounds. Mark Winwood will look at  possible staging dates (preference being Saturdays) and these will be circulated with the main fixtures as by this time the British Youth venues should be known.

Midland Riders Championships 2010 –in 2009 this event switched from Bretford to Wednesfield due to difficulties with staging date, so in accordance with our AGM in 2007, it now becomes Bretfords turn to host. Joy Owen/Bernie Kemp will liaise with Mark Winwood re staging dates as these normally tie up with the other three regions due to the knock on into the Grand Prix of Great Britain this date needs to be agreed by 31^st December. If this cannot be done then Bretfords turn to host will go to the 2011 Club, Coventry, and obviously if there situation is not clear the 2012 Club which is Birmingham.

Penalty points – Nothing changed, but to re-iterate, riders who ride in both 1^st and 2^nd team matches will incur penalty points in the 2^nd team match with the points they score (excluding bonus points) being added to their opponents score. Additionally each programmed ride that they are withdrawn from or each ride that they fail to finish or get excluded from will count as one point.

This rule applies to riders aged 16 or over as at 1^st January 2010, under that age  it will not apply UNLESS the riders concerned have finished in the top 8 of the previous years British Under 16’s final – for 2010 this means Sandwells Matt Smith.

Referees – Bob Prince will be holding another referees course on 6^th December for anyone wishing to train to undertake this role – the course is free and we will confirm the date and venue closer to the time – any nominations should go to Bob. It was also agreed that the standard of dress for referees, particularly 2^nd team matches, has left a lot to be desired, and all Clubs agreed that they will improve on this in 2010.

Midland League trophies – will be available from Pete Dalley by next Saturday 7^th November. – 10 each for the 1^st and 2^nd divisions champions.

Womens League – the relatively new initiative being managed by Ian Brown was discussed, and although little information is currently known, it would appear that the plan is to host two age category individual competitions PLUS a 4 team tournament with a representative side from each of the sports 4 Regions on the same weekend as Birmingham stage the Home Internationals – more info to follow.

Another initiative discussed was the forming of a National Youth Academy where British Cycling will provide support to a certain number of invited riders regarding their preparation for racing, diet, training etc – the plan being to move our youngsters forward so that they are competing at the top level with the Poles and Australians. Again more information to follow.

British Cycling Regional AGM – Monday 2^nd November – this meeting is due to take place on 2^nd November and Martin Gamble shared his experiences from the Northern equivalent. It may well be that cycle speedway will be able to select a delegate to sit on this local committee and it was agreed unanimously that Paul Bodley would carry our full support if such a delegate is sought.

A vote of thanks was offered by Pete Dalley on behalf of the Sandwell Club to all those at Sheffield that had helped and supported them in 2009 enabling them to have a very competitive season.

Brian Buck was thanked in his absence for once again doing a sterling job as recorder (and the request was made again for all Clubs to make one final check of what they are sending to Brian before they post it!!), and Roger Beaman was thanked for arranging the venue and date so that it did not coincide again with Remembrance Day.

Meeting concluded at 13.00

 
Minutes compiled by John Heard, League Secretary 1^st November 2009

"With another relatively successful season behind us, it is now the time of year when we need to be looking at next season and how we can make improvements to the racing calendar" explained Prince.  "The league should also be looking at how we can develop the sport and to put in place a structure which makes the sport more accessible to newcomers."

His proposals include incorporating a BYJL type competition (open to everyone who is interested) to run once a month at different tracks; a knock out cup competition incorporating a handicap system whereby race winners start 30 metres back in their next race; organising a Saturday morning league for lower age category riders; setting up a youth academy for the best of the talented riders in the Midlands and reintroducing some form of competition at the Coventry track, possibily midweek racing.




NOVEMBER DATE FOR REGIONAL AGM - posted 14 August 2009

The Midland League will hold its annual general meeting on Sunday 1st November at Langely Lodge Community Centre, Langley High Street, Oldbury B69 4SU (about 10 minutes from M5 junction 2).

The meeting will start at at 10am and be over by 1pm at the latest. As always an agenda containing all of the usual items (Chairmans welcome, secretary's report, treasurer's report,) will be circulated prior to the day, and there will of course be the 'any other business' slot. This invariably is the bit that takes the bulk of
the meeting (apart from making the tea!!!) so to ensure that we do get everything covered in the allocated time, if you have items to go into this slot, or indeed items that you want to feature on the main agenda, can you let secretary John Heard know as quickly as possible so that we can do any preparatory work required.

Once again as in previous years all riders or club members from any of the Midland League clubs are welcome to attend this meeting - it is your League so this is your opportunity to have your say!!

Finally big thanks to Roger Beaman for sorting out the date and venue (please note Roger has moved the day forward as requested last year to avoid Rememberance Day),  If this date does cause major problems for your club (we need to accept that not everyone will be able to make the date) can you please let John Heard know ASAP.

COMPLEXITIES EXPLAINED - 24 July 2009

The complexities of league racing were spelled out by Midland League recorder Brian Buck who told Spokesman -

"There still appears to be widespread confusion regarding the penalty points system for Combination matches" said Buck "so the rules are repeated below."

All riders who take part in Midland League and Midland Combination matches on the same day will incur penalty points unless they are under the age of 16 and this fact is shown on the scorechart.  The exception to this rule is that any Under 16 who finished in the top eight of the 2008 British Under 16's Individual Championship Final will concede penalty points. (This applies only to Matthew Smith of Sandwell this season).

These penalty points are incurred using the following method of calculation:

One point for each point scored in the Midland League fixture, plus a further point for each bonus point or for each race which the rider concerned either failed to finish or was replaced by a reserve.  These penalty points are then deducted from his team's final score in the Combination match (not added to the score of the opposing team.)

MIDLANDS REFLECT ON AN EXCELLENT YEAR - posted 30 December 2008

The Midland regional AGM proved an excellent meeting held in good spirit, with the over-riding aim being to help clubs and get as many riders as possible on bikes. 

Held at Tividale Community Centre, home of Sandwell CSC, the meeting was well supported by clubs through their respective representatives Bob Prince, Roger Beaman, John Heard, Mark Winwood, Phil Widdas, Joy Owen, Bernie Kemp, Paul Heard, Lee Smith, Pete Dalley, Tim Jarvis, Martin Gamble, Sam Bentley, Roger Ellis, Paul Bodley, Mick Aris, Al Bentley.  Formal apologies were received from Brian Buck and Ian Brown.

In his opening address, Chairman Bob Prince Congratulated all present on a very well run season.  He said that the Midlands League is much admired by the other regions and urged representatives to continue to maintain and improve on the league's growing reputation.

After last year's minutes and secretary's report were quickly despatched, business moved swiftly on to the treasurer's report.  Acknowledging the financial contribution of league sponsor R M Gardening, clubs were cheered to hear that due to the healthy state of its finances, there will be no league entry fee this year.  That proved popular but clubs were even more ecstatic to hear that they would each receive a £20 refund on their 2008 entry fees.

Bretford thanked the league for the grant of £200 that they had been given to get them started.  Officials confirmed that a similar amount would be granted to East Park as they enter the league in 2009.

Not surprisingly, following a most successful year, the regional committee was re-elected ‘en bloc’, Chairman – Bob Prince, Treasurer – Roger Beaman, Secretary – John Heard, Fixtures – Mark Winwood, Recorder – Brian Buck.  Each club will also have a representative on the committee - Bretford – Bernie Kemp, Wednesfield – Dave Jewkes, Sheffield – Martin Gamble, Leicester – Tim Jarvis, Coventry – Dave Foster.

Although Coventry will not stage official matches in 2009, it was felt appropriate to include them in communications ready for when they are able to re-join. They do however need to be made aware of the need to register as a club with British Cycling prior to racing challenge matches.

Relative newcomer Sam Bentley volunteered to be Midland regional representative on the Cycle Speedway Commission and was promised full support from the more experienced individuals in the room.

The 2009 league composition was discussed and agreed.  Five clubs will race in the first division – Sandwell, Birmingham, Leicester (just one team), East Park and Wednesfield while seven clubs will be entering teams in the Second Division (the old Combination) – Bretford, Leicester (x2), Wednesfield, Birmingham, Sandwell and East Park.

A third division based on ability will be run but more on an ad hoc basis when fixtures allow - the emphasis in this division being to allow riders who would not otherwise get racing to compete against riders of similar ability. These matches will be arranged by those clubs wishing to take part and not by the League Fixtures secretary. It is also hoped that this division will allow sides like Swindon to have racing if they so desire.  Sheffield are uncertain as to their involvement in 2009 and need to clarify which, if any, divisions they will be participating in.

The penalty points for riders racing both first and second division matches adopted in 2008 will continue, so any rider under the age of 16 can race in the first team match and second team without having to carry penalty points.  The only rider unable to do this is Sandwell’s Matthew Smith due to finishing eighth in the British Under-16 final last year.

With Coventry not staging racing in 2009, the Women’s British Final previously allocated to them, will switch to Bretford who are also hosting the Under-10’s on the same day.

A separate committee will oversee the staging of the prestigious British Finals weekend, managing such things as central programme, accommodation (Bretford mentioned the availability of land for caravans and camping next to their track), the Sunday night disco, costs etc. The committee will be headed by Mark Winwood and include Joy Owen, Roger Ellis, Dave Jewkes, Tim Jarvis (or Ralph Doughty).  Sandwell may include a representative but Pete Dalley felt unable to confirm this at this time.

A suggestion was put forward regarding putting a questionnaire out via spokesman-online and more traditional ways (programmes) seeking input as to the sort of numbers of people likely to attend the Finals weekend, what sort of accommodation they will be looking for, what budget they will be working to and so on.

Representatives were reminded that the 2009 Midland Riders Championship at Bretford, will take place earlier than usual with the top eight riders automatically qualifying for the first Grand Prix of Britain event due to take place at East Park on 19 September.  Riders from ‘associate’ clubs such as Sheffield and Stoke could enter the Midlands Riders Championship, but would not be able to use the event to qualify for the Grand Prix but would have to qualify from their own region event.

Concern was raised at some of the comments that appeared on spokesman-online's Viewpoint page criticising referees.  It was acknowledged that the referee’s job was a thankless task and personal attacks on a website did nothing to encourage new referees in to the sport or experienced ones to want to continue. Whilst not wishing to stifle ‘free speech’, clubs were warned that such articles could be deemed as 'bringing the sport into disrepute’ which could lead to a fine. Clubs were also reminded that the referees report form is there to be used and if a referee’s performance warrants criticism then this is the method that should be used.  A referees training course wil be held in the region early in the New Year.

Pete Dalley asked a question about riders being able to represent one Midland club in the Premier League but available to another Midland club on a secondary licence for the Midland League. It was clarified that providing a rider only represents one club in any one competition then this is acceptable.  Pete Dalley also expressed concerns at his ability to keep Sandwell going as a club without getting help and support from other members of that club. The volunteer recruitment programme adopted at a number of other Midland League clubs was discussed with Pete and help in implementing was offered.

Finally it was agreed that the date for next year's meeting would be changed to avoid a clash with Remembrance Day.

MIDLAND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - "OPEN TO ALL" - posted 10 October 2008

The Midland League will hold its AGM on Sunday 9 November commencing at 10am. The venue is Tividale Community Centre (postcode B69 2HA) which is the building at the start of the drive up to the Sandwell track.

Unlike some other AGM's - all are welcome to attend, although we would appreciate you letting us know beforehand - you can mail John Heard League Secretary at . In addition if you are attending and have items to go on the agenda then please let us know - there will as always be the 'any other business' slot but with a time limit of three hours we would prefer to plan for things that need discussing beforehand.

LEICESTER TO HOST 2009 NATIONALS - posted 16 September 2008

The Midland Regional Committee have unveiled their plans for the 2009 British Finals Weekend to take place in the region over the Late Summer Bank Holiday weekend.

Leicester will host the blue riband senior and under-16s championships at Glover Park on Monday 31 August.  The senior qualifying round will be held at Birmingham and Wednesfield while the under-16 qualifiers go ahead at Coventry and East Park, Wolverhampton.  The women's final will be staged at Coventry and Bretford will host the under-10s.

The venues are expected to be formally confirmed at the September meeting of the Cycle Speedway Commission. 

GROWING SPONSORSHIP - posted 20 March 2008

The Midland Cycle Speedway League is pleased to announce that for the second season running that the league sponsors will be R M Gardening Services.  This sponsorship worked well for both sides last year, and Ron Minchin is glad to continue his backing of his favourite sport.