Paul spoke to a written report which forms an Appendix. Rob Reynolds asked about coaching and refereeing especially with the increased interest around the Olympics. Brendan responded that refereeing had been the subject of much debate at county and regional level. It was agreed that the new Executive be asked to run a Referees course and find ways to support those attending moving on to referee and not just gain the certificate. Action new Exec. We were better placed on coaching with a number of L1 courses this year plus many Essex Coaches had attended the Coaching Conference and L2 /L3 courses.

Chairman – Brendan Osborne

Brendan spoke to a report which forms an Appendix.

In discussion it was agreed that there was appetite for say two half days of women’s competition possibly allowing players to mix teams. Early decisions on dates avoiding NVL women would be required but during the main season or very close to it. There was also discussion around a beginner’s league which the new Exec was asked to explore. Action new Exec.

Brendan invited the floor to mention any additional successes that should be acknowledged
- Boswells School – national finalists
- Tendring School – national finalist and international representation
- Hayley Bland (Romford and Brentwood VC’s) selected for the GB junior women
- Havering College women 5^th in College Championships
- SEEC men 7^th in College Championships
- Essex Police were Police Federation Plate winners with two men selected for the national team.
- Amanda Pollard was selected for the GB Police team which won the Inter-services championships.
- Paul Bohannan chosen as first East Volleyball Federation Volunteer of the year.

All were congratulated.

Treasurer – Steve Rosser

Steve Rosser was absent for family reasons but tabled a written report which forms an Appendix. The proposal that league entries identify the person responsible for fees was agreed. SR to note. Following discussion it was agreed not to implement the proposal regarding player registrations for the coming season when it was hoped to improve speed of registrations.

It was agreed that confirmation that the 2006-7 and 2007-8 accounts had been independently checked be sought at an early date. Steve R to note.

Ken spoke to a written report which forms an Appendix also covering Web Site Manager.

In the absence of Andre Kaprol (Competitions Officer) Brendan commented as Competitions Commissioner. There are c 10 results not yet recorded on the website these will be chased up. Action BrendanO. Next season Brendan offered to combine the roles which were agreed with. Kath was asked to take back our thanks to Tending for providing the support of their Community Sports Coach in the officer role in recent seasons.

Responding to questions Brendan confirmed that he had not sought to fine teams last season but did look for them to respect the spirit of rearranging matches, commending the approach Exiles had adopted where they could be unable to field a team due to variations in work commitments.

It was agreed to continue with the split season. Brentwood and Chelmsford had indicated a wish to continue in the Essex-Suffolk competition and would discuss with that county how this would function. It was understood that only Stowmarket might be interested form their side. Action Brendan O.

Competition Rules

The proposed changes to bring in a second half fixtures meeting had been circulated. Ken also noted there had been some minor points of tidying up. There was discussion around the need for a cut off date for player registrations. Agreed that the existing rule stand but that guidance be published on the circumstances when this might be approved or declined. . Action Brendan O. The revised rules were approved.

The following was elected for 2 years

Chairman – Brendan Osborne (proposed Ken E, seconded Rob R)

i) Rob Reynolds asked that an Essex Colleges league be considered to be run under the Essex VA umbrella. The best contact was said to be Barny Bury. Potential teams included Havering, Writtle, SEEC, SEEVIC and Chelmsford. Action new Exec.