Team Chasing - M.F.H.A. 2008 AGM Meeting Minutes

REPORT FROM STANDING COMMITTEE
The Chairman reported that the committee had two meetings during the past year and the following had been decided/discussed:

Course Building – A course building seminar had been held at the Taunton Vale course in the spring. Although the attendance had been disappointing those who did attend were very positive and there were a number of potential new hunts hoping to hold events in the west country.

Sponsorship – Humberts have been very supportive in the past year and have sponsored every Open Qualifier. The season went well and the reception from events has been marvellous providing good publicity for Humberts. It is however public knowledge that Humberts are in some financial difficulty. The sponsorship deal is for 3 years and it is hoped that they will continue for that period.

Web Site –Mick Hawkins has produced a number of ideas for the committee to try to develop the web site and everyone is keen to proceed with these as the site is a key element in the future of the sport. Mick needs articles and information. Event organisers were encouraged to provide details of their events and links to sponsors, in particular descriptions of courses with photos and an idea to competitors of what to expect in terms of terrain, type and difficulty of jumps. Articles and ideas of things to be included are very welcome. The message board has proved to be a useful tool and event organisers have found comments helpful. Mick is looking into internet entries although this is for the future and it will be necessary for a pilot scheme to be run.

Stewards – Events had been advised that they should appoint 2-3 experienced people who would have a similar role to stewards at point to points to take charge of the meeting and make decisions with the organisers and act on advice given.

Team Chase League Accumulator – This has got off to a reasonable start. It starts in November at the Essex and Suffolk and finishes the following October at the Cotswold. The principles for the creation of the league are that teams should be encouraged to take part more often at different events and to encourage intermediate teams to progress to open classes. We want to encourage debate on how this can be improved. The committee would be very pleased to hear views on this and ideas on how the league can be changed to achieve these aims. The web site will be used to gather opinions and comments from the grass roots with a view to reviewing the rules and emphasis of the accumulator in the autumn.

Horse Falls – The new rule has been implemented but has not been easy to enforce. It was noted that at least one commentator had been heard encouraging a rider to remount! Commentators must be advised of the rule, although ultimately it is the responsibility of the riders to be aware of it and adhere to it.

The Archers - BBC radio 4 are running a storyline in the Archers about Teamchasing. This is excellent publicity and is being actively encouraged

The Accounts and Sponsorship Levy – the accounts for the last season had been distributed to those attending the conference. These show a deficit on current account with the capital introduced as a result of the previous levy being used to supplement the Humberts sponsorship. As a result and in the light of the concerns over renewal of the current sponsorship it has been decided to re- introduce a sponsorship levy of £5 per team in all classes payable with the entry fee.

SPONSORSHIP OF THE SPORT
The Chairman thanked Humberts for their support this season and will write formally to them expressing this. There have also been a number of local sponsors and we need to continue to encourage these.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND OPEN CLASSES
The turn out of Open teams at the championships had been disappointing although the class itself was very competitive with the top 6 teams coming in within 12 seconds of each other. The inter hunt competition had been well supported and should be encouraged.

MFHA RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR THE SPORT
There are to be no alterations to the Rules.

COURSE BUILDING AND INSPECTION
The course inspection fee is now £60 and £40 for re inspection. Course inspectors will be requesting copies of the risk assessments and looking at position of loudspeakers and prize giving. Events were encouraged to incorporate longer options in open courses for new teams and announce split times and provisional placings

SAFETY AND MEDICAL
It is becoming increasingly difficult to get doctors, especially trauma trained ones but it is felt that the current rules are appropriate and should not be amended as a result.

MFHA RECOGNITION FEE 2008/2009
This was increased from Sept 2008 to £100 for qualifying events and £50 for non qualifiers

DATES FOR 2008/2009
A list of the dates for Autumn 2008 and spring 2009 was produced and is attached.

REPORT ON APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE AND OF HONORARY SECRETARY
Belinda Walkinshaw has been appointed as Honorary Secretary to the Committee taking on part of the role previously carried out by Dilys Duplock. Howard Pauling, James Buckle, Philip Cowen and Mike Felton retire by rotation. HP, JB and PC were all willing to continue and were re- elected. MF had indicated that due to other commitments he did not wish to be re elected. Will Grant had been invited to join the Committee and had accepted.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There were no items brought up under Any Other Business

DATE OF NEXT ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2009
This will be held at Cheltenham again next year with the same format and the date will be notified when the Cheltenham Fixture List, including the Hunter Chase Evening Meeting, has been finalised