For Colin and all others who didn't read the GO magazine (or who did and forgot
)
Minutes of ‘Cross Discipline Challenge’ meeting held at Sutton Hall August 15th 2011 8pm
Attendees:
Chris Bentley – Chair
Philip Barnes
Barry Blyth
Anne Farmer
Andrea Frost
Craig Harwood
Steve Lomas
Bob Lynch
Tessa Montague
John Mooney
James Noakes
Rachel Pleeth
Charlie Seldon
The meeting opened with discussions confirming that, in all sections of the club, (Road Running, Fell Running, Cross Country and Track & Field) participation was below desired levels. It was highlighted that, in particular, the Cross Country participations was ‘falling away’ and that Track & Field had ‘almost no senior participation’. Across all disciplines it was also acknowledged that participation from senior women was very low resulting in the women’s awards being withheld.
Against this backdrop then it was proposed that a ‘Cross Discipline Challenge’ be initiated with the following aims:
1. To promote the concept of participation in races throughout the club
2. To give support to newer and younger members to try different events
3. To help provide a platform for progression of athletes through the various existing groups and improve performance.
4. To bring together the disparate sub-sections of the club and help create a more supportive, social and effective club as a whole.
After much lively discussion, the following points were agreed:
1. The club would launch Cross Discipline Challenge commencing in March 2012.
2. The title ‘Challenge’ would be used to highlight the purpose of encouraging participation.
3. The existing Road Champs, Fell Champs, Cross Country Champs and
T & F events would continue independently, but would represent the list of events that would be available to participants.
4. The ‘Challenge’ will consist of 8 events. These being 2 Road Races, 2 Fell Races, 2 Cross Country Races and 2 T&F events. Participants are free to choose from any of the events listed in point 3.
5. Further, to qualify for the Challenge, in addition to completing the 8 events, participants MUST support 1 event in the capacity of marshal or otherwise provide support on the day.
6. There will be technical T-shirts awarded to all completers of the challenge and it was discussed that these could be distributed at a social gathering at time to be confirmed.
7. It was agreed that if the Challenge is to succeed, the club would need to actively encourage participation through the website, GO magazine and flyers. Also to promote the challenge outside the club in a bid to attract new members.
8. Club members will also need to act as ‘buddies’ to encourage people to give it a go and reduce the perception that these events are ‘…not for me…’
The meeting was adjourned at 9pm.