CORNWALL ROAD RUNNING & RACING GROUP.

 Minutes of the meeting held on Monday March 12th 2007.

 THOSE PRESENT. Doug Alsop (Chairman & F.R.R.), Pete Sargent (Minutes Secretary & N.R.R.), Barrie Cardew (Carn ), Alan Rowling, Angela Burrows & Dave Buzza (C.A.C.), Mike Hanson (Chairman C.C.A.A. & C.A.C.), Hilary Clatworthy (E.C.H.), Craig Tonkin (H.R.),  Mark Heard  (L.R.R.), Yvonne Turner ( M.B.H.), Grahame & Lesley Dobson (N.R.R.), Kevin Burnett (I.Q.Half & N.R.R.), Paul Bullock (Sticker 5 & N.R.R.),  Bill Phillips (T.T.), Sue & Steve Taylor (Tri-Logic ), Sylvia Muller (W.R.N. Bodmin branch ). Guest : Nigel Rowe (England Athletics- Road Running Leadership Group ).

 APOLOGIES. Jan Sargent (Treasurer & N.R.R. ), Amanda Erith ( E.C.H. ),  Caroline Hemsworth (An Resek Hellys & F.R.R.), Ruth & David Hatch ( Moorhaven R.C. ), Dave Gordon (Kernow R. ), Rob Cockings (Truro R.C. ), and Colin Bunting (T.T.),

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING 11-12-06. Agreed. Proposed by H.C. Seconded by KB.

MATTERS ARISING. D.A. to order 6 "Advance Warning" and 10 "Caution Runner " signs.

AFFILIATION TO ENGLAND ATHLETICS OR A.R.C. DA welcomed and introduced our guest Nigel Rowe to the meeting.There then followed a lengthy discussion on the pro,s and cons of clubs continuing to affiliate with E.A., OR, (because of the combination of increased fees, bureauracy, and rules and regulations to be imposed on Race Organisers) - a recently formed alternative organisation, namely the Association of Roadrunning Clubs- ARC

Nigel Rowe,one of the 6 man Road Running Leadership Group set up to investigate all areas of road running explained the background to the new affiliation scheme. Following the Foster Report, all sports are required to have an exact data base of all those taking part in that sport. Only then will that sport receive government funding. The R.R.L.G. had only been in operation a couple of months, and he asked that everyone gives them  time to sort out the existing problems which they realise there are in the sport. The numbers now taking part are at an all time high, but the quality at the top end has declined in recent years. This needs addressing. There was also a distinct lack of communication between the administative levels and the clubs and individuals. Whilst agreeing that the new scheme would result in an increased financial burden on clubs, he assured everyone that all fees generated from running clubs, would be returned to the area hub from where they originated and then used for the benefit of running in that area. Any club would then be able to apply for funds where appropriate. Regarding graded officials required for permit purposes, for the time being, only one Grade 2 official would be required. (At present there is a huge back log of applications for grading certification. ) 

At 9pm NR left the meeting, and the subject was further discussed. DA (wearing his FRR hat ), explained the position at his club, relating to the number of competing runners - less than a dozen, with around 90 who are just social runners, and the related increase in fees to his club. After much further debate, it was agreed that each club would take whichever route they preferred, and the constitution of the C.R.R.& R.G. could be ammended to enable all clubs and their members to still be included in the G.P. It was proposed by CT, seconded by H.C. that everyone discusses the issues with their own clubs members, the outcome of which then be discussed at an EGM which would be arranged for Monday April 16th.

REVIEW OF EVENTS.

Blaythorne 10. ( 394 entries 2007, 277 - 2006) BC reported the race was great. Using the main club room as HQ was a big improvement all round. Only problem was the double-parking of cars near to the club house-police turned a blind eye this year- but warned parking tickets would be issued if the same happened next year. DA suggested all clubs should consider more "car-sharing".

Mounts Bay 10k. (397 entries 2007, 350 - 2006) CT reported everything went very well. Overflow car parking arrangements, with the use of a "mini-bus shuttle service" went very well, helped by the good weather. No problems with "number-swapping" where necessary. Will be accepting 400 runners again next year. System of handing out "race position discs" at the finish will be scrapped next year. (cheers all round ) !! 

Duchy Marathon & 20 mile run. Marathon (216 entries 2007, 177 - 2006).  20 mile. (263 entries 2007, 208 - 2006 )  AR acknowledged and apologised over the problems with shortage of water at drinks stations, and promised to re-address it for next year. Using bottles instead of paper cups on the exposed, wind-swept drinks stations was a big help, but questions asked whether smaller bottles would have been far less wasteful. Air Training Cadets did an excellent job. Reports of marshals receiving abuse from irate motorists. Query raised as to whether or not runners should be allowed to carry/listen to MP3 players.  Query re cut off time: all finishers received official time and awards despite finishing well outside advertised cut-off time. Query also as to which facilities at Penventon ie hot tub, were available for runners to use after the race.

FINANCIAL REPORT. In the absence of JAS, this was given by PS. The Year ending Dec 2006 showed a balance in hand of £2409-51 ( Dec 2005 -£1852-62.) Acceptance of the figures was proposed by DB, seconded by BC. The current balance was £2441-66, (which did not include the GP levies due from MB10K and the Duchy Marathon and 20)

GP MATTERS.

An Resek Hellys. CH via DA advised that this years event will be based at the Rugby Club and not the Cricket Club as in previous years. There would be a slight amendment to the start and finish areas. DB again queried the exact/best guestimate distance. PB suggested that any runners using the latest GPS,s could be approached before the race and asked to record their findings for the distance run on the day. Their average figure would then produce a very close approximation of the race distance. PS to liaise with CH.  AR pointed out that the entry forms referred to the now defunct BAF, instead of UKA.

Devon v Cornwall Challenge (Hoe 10 ). PS thanked AR for his help on the day. AR reported that both the men's and ladies teams were missing several of the Counties best runners, but nevertheless, despite being well beaten, put on a good display. Cornwall Ladies faced a  Devon ladies team that was exceptionally strong throughout. Several, who under different circumstances would not have been selected, felt they were honoured to have represented the County.

County Matters.

MH reminded all clubs that the County Affiliation fees (£25) were due on Jan 1st. BC believed his clubs fees were paid on time, but the cheque had still not been cleared. PS, referring to earlier discussions as to how much money generated by road running is returned to the County, asked MH how much he had received from the unattached levy fee in 2006. MH reported just £177. Quick calculations by CT suggested the figure should have been in excess of £1000 at least. PS  then asked if all Race Organisers had completed the SEAA Race Report forms which were circulated to all present at the July 2006 meeting. This has to be done to ensure a percentage of the U/A levy is returned to the County. The majority present were not aware of this procedure.

AOB. None discussed.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING :- MONDAY APRIL 16TH.

 AN EGM TO CONSIDER THE KNOCK ON EFFECTS OF AFFILIATING WITH EITHER ARC or EA, and ANY ACTION REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN AND CONTINUE THE CORNISH GRAND PRIX SERIES TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL CLUBS AND THEIR MEMBERS.