52 for 31 against 2 abstentions 1 absentee~

These figures will go down in Bridge history, for better or for worse!

By now you will all know that the resolution of the EBU Board to replace Annual subscription and Master Points income by a Pay to Play fee, with effect from April 2010, was carried.

I know that many of you will be disappointed at this outcome, given the strength of feeling expressed throughout our County, during months of consultation.  I can only assure you that all 3 Warwickshire shareholders voted against.

A full breakdown of how each County voted can be found on the EBU website. Of our immediate neighbours, Gloucester, Hereford, Northants, Leics. Oxfordshire and Worcestershire all voted in favour.  Only Staffs/Shrops and Derbyshire voted with us. 

During the discussion which took place prior to the vote on 4 June, I can tell you that even those Counties which voted in favour,expressed serious reservations. Costs, budgeting, overheads, cash flow, IT and disaffiliations were concerns repeatedly mentioned.

Following the vote, the EBU Chairman assured shareholders that account would be taken of the above.  A Project Board would be set up in overall charge of implementation, and with appropriate IT and business skills. 

I am sure that there will be close scrutiny of its work, especially having regard to assurances previously given by Peter Stocken that “we will conscientiously review the EBU operations, systems, processes and structures.”

In about 1 year from now, the EBU will distribute a ‘package’ to all Clubs inviting them to sign up to the new regime.  I am sure that many Clubs will wish to use this period to review the position, now that the decision nationally has been taken.  There is certainly no need to rush into any urgent action.

It is most unfortunate that the burden of this vote falls primarily on our Clubs, but I must suggest that non - affiliation would be a drastic step.  In particular, the County will be hard pressed to offer the same level of activity as at present, without your continued support.   

It cannot be denied that the result of the vote (at 62%) was a surprisingly convincing win for those in favour of P2P.  Despite the many reservations and risks involved, it is clear that many Counties and their Clubs, took a different view from ourselves.  

Regards to all, 

Colin Lang

Chairman’s Corner                                                                           February 2009

Who Selects the Selectors ?

Selection problems have come to the fore this season, and need to be addressed.  My own experience as a Selector, especially in regard to our ( successful ! ) Tollemache team, has been quite unsatisfactory.

I have therefore prepared a paper containing various proposals for discussion at the next Council meeting on 25 February.  I am happy to supply copies on request.  Selection is a sensitive issue to those concerned, and it is necessary for the process to be as transparent as possible, with clear guidelines decided by the Council.  

Warwickshire is blessed with many strong and above average players, who feel they should have the opportunity of playing for the County.  Some will inevitably be disappointed.  Because of this, it is essential that the process of selection is perceived to be as fair as possible, with selection from the widest pool of candidates. 

However, selection is not a democratic process, and must be delegated to those who are willing to give their time and, as in any other sport, to face often shrill criticism of their choices. 

The Selectors need to be wholly objective, and exercise their judgment without fear or favour. They must take soundings from others, but not be unduly influenced by any particular individual or group. They need to be diplomatic, often in receipt of opinions which are expressed in confidence. They need to look at a consistent pattern of results over a period, rather than a one-off success.  Where are these perfect individuals ? !

I am often asked who the Selectors are, and I suspect that some questioners are not simply asking for information, but for the purpose of criticising them - whoever they may be. So for the record, they are currently :  John Pyner, John Downing,  Pip Whitehouse, Adrian Knight and myself.  

Who selected us ? We are elected as members of the Selection Committee, by the Council from those willing to serve, at the first Council meeting after the AGM.  Given the importance of this issue, perhaps the Selectors should in future be elected at the AGM  by the whole membership.

If you have any views on this or any aspect of this subject, whether related to Tollemache, or to Inter-County matches, please make them known.  It is hoped some conclusions may be reached at the subsequent Council meeting on 29 April.  You are all welcome.

Colin Lang