Following a discussion with a number of players and the Faber Shield representatives of each club, it is proposed to amend the current rule for arranging matches. The current rule states:-

Whether Team or Individual matches, the HOME drawn player MUST contact the opponent within SEVEN days of the draw being posted on the club notice board and offer THREE dates, excluding Sundays.

In case of the home player experiencing difficulty in receiving a reply from his opponent he must contact the Honorary Secretary and submit a claim for the game on the final night. Failing this the HOME drawn player/team will be scratched.

NOTE:- Both opponents/team captains should endeavour to ensure that the matches are played as scheduled as extensions will not normally be granted.

Proposal

It is sad to say that at present some players seek to gain advantage from the current rule. After discussion by the Committee, it is proposed that we amend the rule above to make both players jointly responsible for arranging the match. Should there be a dispute the Faber Shield would consider any application made to claim the match in writing to the Honorary Secretary prior to the final date. Failing any claim, both players would be scratched if no result was received.

This change is to be implemented, if agreed, for the season 2009-10.

Richard Stroughair (Faber Shield Secretary)

When Acomb was chosen as the venue for the 2009 final between Fulford B and Bootham A the selection was based on three main points:

1. Neutral Club
2. Parking Facilities
3. Viewing Facilities

Following representations by Mr. Roy Walker, President of Heworth Conservative Club and sponsor of the competition, the final was moved to Heworth. The reasoning was that no consideration had been given by the Committee to the financial benefits to the respective club from hosting the final which are of special importance at this time.

Proposal

It is proposed that in future the final venue is selected on a strict rota of the York clubs even if a home team is involved. This will ensure that the financial benefits are shared on an equitable basis.

This change is to be implemented, if agreed, for the season 2009-10.

Colin Robinson (Faber Shield Chairman)

Each season, the Faber Shield holds their Presentation night in early April. The awards for the individual and pairs competitions are presently made on the night of their respective final by the competitions’ sponsors. However these are often poorly attended and so it is felt that the players do not get the recognition they deserve.

Proposal

I propose from next season that, in addition to the Sponsors presentations made on the competition Finals night, the winners of the Individuals and Pairs competitions will be presented with the engraved perpetual trophy on the Main Faber Shield Presentation night.

This will apply to the Scruton Cup, Fosters Cup, Brian Jeffrey Over 50s Memorial, DRS Pairs and Hylton Foster Billiards competitions.

This change is to be implemented, if agreed, for the season 2009-10.

Richard Stroughair (Faber Shield Secretary)

At the last AGM the DRS Pairs competition format was changed to that of an “open draw” for the 2008-09 season. However, the feedback received during the competition was that the players should like to revert to the previous format.

Proposal

I propose from next season that the DRS Pairs reverts to its’ previous format where the winners of each clubs’ internal Snooker Pairs competition play-off for the title. Each club must nominate their pair for the February Faber Shield Meeting and the semi-finals will then be drawn with the final held in March.

This change is to be implemented, if agreed, for the season 2009-10.

Richard Stroughair (Faber Shield Secretary)

Over the past two seasons it is becoming increasingly rare that league matches are starting at the designated time of 7:30pm, despite players being available to play. The most common excuse used not to start is that teams are “waiting for xxxxxx to arrive as he is on first”. Now that the rules allow captains to choose their team order there is no valid reason for matches not to start on time.

Proposal

I propose from next season that it will be the responsibility of both captains to ensure that the match is ready to begin at 7:30pm. If full teams are not present at 7:30pm then the match will begin with the captains (or representative) selecting players that are available at the time. Delaying a match start time in order to wait for particular players to arrive at a venue will not be permitted. If any captain has not completed his team sheet and the first two players are not ready to commence play by 7:35 pm then the opposing captain will have the right to claim any frame where the opposing team is not ready to commence play.

This rule to be waived, using common sense, if an away team notifies a home team of any unavoidable delay in arrival (traffic problems etc).

This change is to be implemented, if agreed, for the season 2009-10.

Steve Bradley (Fulford A Captain)

Currently there is no penalty towards the aggregate point to any team that fails to field a full side in the Faber Shield Billiards League. This means a side can potentially gain an advantage and compete for the aggregate point despite not having a full team. This is not consistent to the approach taken in our other competitions such as the Slater Cup Pairs Snooker League where a side loses 21 points for each game not contested.

Proposal

I propose from next season that should a team fail to field a full side that they lose 21 points towards the aggregate point for each game not played. As a comparison, the average winning margin in each game during the 2008-09 season was 14 points.

This change is to be implemented, if agreed, for the season 2009-10.

Richard Stroughair (Faber Shield Secretary)

In addition to any proposals received by the Secretary, the AGM must vote on whether to ratify the one year trial entry of Malton Conservative Club into the Carlsberg-UK Snooker League and Kutters & Shannon Team Knockout competitions.