MINUTES

Apologies from :- Tim Brighton (FRR) Doug Alsop (FRR) Steve Chapple (HRR) Sylvia Muller (ECH) Tony Lett (CAC) Rod Porter (HRR) Dave Stevens (TT) Julie McGurgan (TT) Note:- Every club was represented with the exception of Falmouth Road Runners.
Race Review :- A general discussion regarding races from the Treetops through to the Withiel Half. Areas of praise and criticism were aired and resolved among the clubs with the exception of the Wadebridge Seven i.e. Mile markers must be accurate. The finish and finish areas need to be better organised. The correct GP race awards should be in place for 2002. Falmouth 10k also to have the correct awards in place.
The Grand Prix Series 2002 After reviewing the 2001 GP events the meeting decided that all 14 events should be retained with no proposals to add or reduce. The qualifying basis for next year will be 8 to count including a minimum of two 10 milers or over. Due to the success of the GP series the work to produce the results on a regular basis has been formidable (NT read out some figures submitted by Rod Porter). It was agreed starting in 2002 that only runners belonging to Cornish running clubs would be included in the GP. A lot of the situation would be largely resolved when the Agenda item Computerised results Pros and Cons is discussed.
Permitted race dates 2002 :- A list of Cornwalls 2002 races was distributed.
Upgrading our GP events :- A discussion on the merits or otherwise of BARR and how it would affect race organisation took place. Presently The Magnificent Seven and The Launceston Half have BARR membership. As an experiment Truro’s race organiser KH was asked to answer the BARR Questionaire. The results were- of the 5 sections in the document Truro only passed on one. NT had also completed the form using the Truro Half as a basis with a full pass mark. The conclusion appears to be that the questionnaire, which it was agreed had some dubious questions and an even more dubious scoring system left grey areas. The perception of the respondent and whether he was keen to join or otherwise would probably decide the outcome. The Magnificent Seven and the Launceston Half had no difficulty in reaching the required standard.

With the new national grading system for races apparently starting on January 1^stand, later in the year, grading for medical cover (It is presently on a voluntary basis) the meeting discussed the effects. The minimum requirement for permitted races next year is as laid out in the permit application form. (which was handed out and discussed at the last meeting on the 4^th June. How many read it ??) If the conditions are accepted it is signed on behalf of the races’ promoting body. The application is then approved before progressing further by the County Permit Secretary. Using the new scrutineer’s check list (Which is basically a copy of the permit application form) the meeting discussed the requirements yet again, amid cries of bureaucracy and threats to cancel races. The reality is that there is very little that is new, and is being applied in most cases automatically.

There are areas of concern which our regulating body UK Athletics appear incapable of answering e.g. The situation with Fun Runs, insurance etc., NT to action yet again. It is expected that a lot of our concerns may be answered by John Joyner, Secretary and founder member of BARR. John has offered to come and talk to us on the 3^rd December at Roche, Everyone promised that at least one representative from each club would be present.

The Sweatshop/UKA GP Pilot:- The general background and copies of correspondence relating to the above was presented to the meeting. Everyone agreed it was an excellent idea, however the one stumbling block was the sponsors and UKA desire to have it club team based. In Cornwall without the depth of club membership enjoyed by many other clubs, it was thought we would have difficulty in putting together competitive teams as outlined in the communications. The meeting agreed with the exception of Mike Erith (ECH), who said his lady members were excited at the prospect of a team competition, and had four ladies capable of a sub 2 hour half marathon. After the subject was well and truly discussed it was agreed to stay in the scheme and see how it develops. NT to still lobby for change to a county based system.
Computerised results:- This item was introduced by thanking Jan Sargent for all her efforts in producing the counties race results over many years. Jan is now willing to try computer produced results. Colin Bunting (TT) will help Jan to use his computer at The Blaythorne 10. Colin can be available to help for future races, but only on his terms. The meeting agreed that computer produced results would speed up the entire process of producing race results. It would appear money for software has to be found. £120 for the Race Master software. NT to talk to County Association.
With the Sweatshop/UKA requiring monthly GP results for inclusion in various running mags it is imperative that we automatically produce GP results at all our races. NT said that Alan Sreeter from Sussex (another of the 10 in the pilot scheme) would be supplying a CD/template which would allow this to happen.
Items for information :- (1) Cornish Marathon to be in the same calendar year. (2) Tony Lett is the new Regional Coaching Coordinator (3) Cliff Temple Trophy. Please supply names of you clubs most improved runners a.s.a.p. to NT. (4) Level 2 coaching course at Millfield school 20^th January contact Bill Whistlecroft 01935 422646 (5) Possible distance running clinics in the new year by Dave Buzza. (6) Child Protection course at St Austell on the 20^th November 2002 TEL 0865 6013054. (7) Kevin Burnett (Indian Queens) - possible change of race date. (8) Level 1 coaching course at Carn Brea now full (9) Paul Bullock will purchase the GP trophies/medals for 2001. Pete Foxwell to have the honours in 2002. NT to get cheque £500 from Duchy Hospital and arrange deposit in NRR account.
Important subjects not discussed :- Due to lack of time – Dave Gordon and Bob Wicks to start a new affiliated club in the Launceston area. Having discussed the ins and outs with Dave and there reasons for this course of action , NT feels the move to be justified and understandable. It is certainly not anticipated there will be many members, and perhaps the main reason is a sound vehicle for the Launceston Half Marathon. The club name is “Kernow Runners”. NT to talk to Kernou A.C. The club colours Black and Gold vest, Black shorts NT to talk East Cornwall Harriers. Anyone with any objections should talk to NT by the end of October.
Could you all read the document given to you at the meeting entitled:- GUIDE TO GRADING OF ROAD RACE OFFICIALS. We have no graded officials in the county attached specifically to Road Racing. NT can, via the county get as many people as possible registered as Grade C – Officials with a minimum of fuss. It will then allow those who wish, to progress to higher graded levels. This is an ideal opportunity for many to put something back into our sport in Cornwall. Please give it via your clubs 100% effort.

NEXT MEETING 3^RD DECEMBER 2001 AT ROCHE

GUEST SPEAKER JOHN JOYNER ( BARR )