Statement from the Acting Chairman
Seasonal Greetings
I felt it would be useful to circulate an update on several topics that have been discussed at two recent League Committee meetings to squash any rumours before they start.
Committee
I have been informed by the Chairman that he has decided to step down at Christmas and I, on behalf of the Committee and the League, would like to thank John for all the work he has done over the years during his time as both Vice Chairman and Chairman and wish him all the best in his retirement.
The remaining Committee members will continue in their respective roles, although, to avoid having to send match results to both the Secretary and the Fixture Secretary, we have revised the responsibilities of the Secretary to solely concentrate on making sure that the League operates in an efficient and effective manner and have assigned all darting matters to the Fixture Secretary (David Tabbener). Consequently, with immediate effect, Team Captains will only need to inform David of the match results in the normal way.
Finance
As I am sure you are all aware, the Henley and District Darts League is a non-profit making organisation meeting our costs by means of subscriptions and individual entrance fees for our singles and doubles knock out competitions. The subscription and entrance fees were increased at the last AGM to meet additional expenditure with the introduction, for example of the 180 League Cup.
Vision
The website has increased the League’s profile and our hope is that this will draw in new players and teams and I would like to thank David for his work in this area. However, the Committee feels that we need to supplement this work by having a clear vision statement for the League. At present, this is in draft and reads “To be the provider of a competitive environment that is enjoyed by dart players of all calibres”. I am sure that this statement will be tweaked before being ratified by the League’s Team Representatives and any suggestions should be written on the back of a £20 note and addressed to me.
The Committee would like to increase the teams to sixteen (two divisions of eight) and we are having initial discussions with a previous member of the League to head this project.
League Rules
The issue of whether Knock out Cup scores in excess of 100, especially 180’s, should be counted as part of recently introduced the 180 League Cup has raised possible ambiguity within the rules and the Secretary is undertaking a full rule review, the outcome of which will be presented to a meeting of the League’s Team Representatives in due course.
The Committee has decided that 180’s scored within Cup and / or knock out competitions will not be counted, during the current season, within the total of 180’s scored within the league matches, as it is felt that there would be an imbalance in the number of matches an individual may play. The 100+ scores and any 180’s scored during the knock-out cup competitions will be included on the website separately. Consideration is being given, dependent on the number of teams, of having a “round robin” rather than a straight knock-out in the main and consolation cups in which case the 180’s etc. will count. It should be noted that the “round robin” approach will extend the season by one week and once again, your thoughts on the back of a £20 note addressed to me, would be much appreciated.
The Committee has also decided that if there is no outright winner of the league statistics, a one of competition will be held to decide a winner. Dependent on the numbers involved, this could be either a straight knock-out or a “round robin” event. Furthermore, if there is more than one player on the same number of league 180’s, the 180 Cup will be shared.
Additional Competition
Our Treasurer (Robin) has kindly offered to donate a cup for the Seniors (over 65) Competition that will be held prior to the commencement of each new season which I hope will be attended by all teams. A double’s knock-out (with a twist) competition is also being considered, and this will be run on the same night. A warm up for the start of the new season.
Sports Argos
The League are playing the Sports Argos on the 12 January 2018 at Wootton and the Committee are in discussions with an existing Team Captain to take on the role of a Non-Playing League Captain to manage our team on the night. Please support this event as these matches raises the Leagues profile and is an excellent night of darts.
I believe that is all I have to say except to wish you all A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Keith Wing
Acting Chairman
