Minutes of the AGM Held on Thursday 21 March 2013 at the Puma Hotel Daventry

Minutes of the AGM held on Thursday 21 March 2013 at The Puma Hotel Daventry

Introduction

John Newsham welcomed everyone to the AGM and Spring Conference; he outlined the day’s business and asked all present to contribute to the success of the day and visiting the exhibition. He then informed the meeting that due to a change in personal circumstances he would not be seeking re-election to the post of National Chairman. He went on the tell the meeting what the FSOA had achieved since he was elected Chairman in 2011, progress had been made on a number of issue he had wanted to address but there was still much to do and the Association should continue to strive to meet the needs of the membership and move the Association forward. He also stated that he would also be standing down as the North West Regional Chairman after more than 12 years.

Financial Report

Peter Houghton outlined the main features of the accounts to end of December 2012; these had been posted on the website prior to the meeting for the benefit of the membership

Election of Officers

Jim Chalmers President of the Association conducted this item of business

ChairmanSharon Cicco Arsenal

Vice ChairmanMark Miles West Bromwich Albion

TreasurerPeterHoughtonManchesterCity

Assistant TreasurerLesBlakeCrystalPalace

The above were all duly proposed, seconded and elected unopposed. Jim congratulated those all elected.

It was agreed that the Treasurer Peter Houghton be awarded an honoraria of £2500 for his work for the Association, this was agreed by those present.

Chairman’s Address

Sharon Cicco gave a presentation to the meeting as to the way forward of the organisation with John Newsham being appointed member Services and Business Manager, together with the relevant administrative assistance, all this would be managed under the management of the NEC renamed to management board.

Resolution to Amend FSOA Constitution

Jim Chalmers presented this item and thanked John Newsham and Sharon Cicco for their work over the last two years in taking the FSOA forward.

Jim had reviewed the FSOA Constitution as a whole rather than piecemeal. Full consultation had taken place with the draft being placed on the website and any points raised were incorporated into the final document. He outlined the main points of change. There were no questions from the members present and the revised constitution was passed without amendment.

Jim was thanked for his work reviewing this important document.

Showsec Presentation

Alan Wallace gave an excellent presentation on social media sites and how they impact on the match day operations following an incident during a game at Manchester City FC. This had had a dramatic effect both on the club website and Showsec website and other areas including national press. Neither party had been prepared for the amount of information circulated and the speed of its spread. Lessons were learnt by both parties and were shared with those present.

Q&A Session.

For the first time a panel had been convened consisting of Sue Storey (SGSA), Sharon Cicco (Chair of FSOA), Peter Houghton (Treasurer FSOA), Alan Wallace (Showsec) and Professor Steve Fosdick.

Topics included the future direction of the FSOA, how we can boost conference attendance and representation in lower and non league clubs.

Persistent Standing

Flares and Fireworks

FSOA and the Football Authorities

E cigarettes

Corporate members

This was well received by those present and would be a format for the future, with a longer time slot

Member Experiences

Alan Roberts Shrewsbury

Alan gave a presentation on an incident that had occurred at a game involving a fire in an electrical switch room and the subsequent events and how the contingency plans had been put into operation and points that need a slight tweak.

Sharon Cicco/Mark Pearce Arsenal

Sharon and Mark outlined events outside the ground prior to their game with Manchester City when indications of an explosive substance were detected on a vehicle entering the club car park. Both spoke about the sequence of events taken prior to the eventual declaration of a safe environment.

All presenters were thanked for their contribution, which made for some very interesting learning for all those present.

Safeguarding and searching of children

Ann Hussey of the Football league gave a brief talk on the above subject following on from here seminars recently.

Sharon Cicco thanked Ann for the input and declared Conference closed