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Minutes of Committee Meeting 11 February 2026


Impact Rugby North West Leagues – Committee Meeting Minutes

Date: Tuesday 10 February 2026Time: 7:00pm

Duration: 1 hr 31 mins

Chair: FS

Attendees: Paul Riordan, John Powell, Greg King, Andrew Thompson, Ian Cosens, Peter Rhodes, Tommy Hughes, Mark & Sara Ashley, Craig Hine, Chris Farmiloe________________________________________

  1. Opening & Initial Items• Technical issues resolved while waiting for full attendance.• Group exchanged New Year greetings.• Two urgent items added to the agenda: 1. Fleetwood 2nds vs Aspull 3rds dispute2. Merseyside Police serious injury case________________________________________
  2. Fleetwood 2nds vs Aspull 3rds – Alleged “Loading” IssueSummary:• Fleetwood (top of table) lost heavily to Aspull 3rds (bottom), prompting concerns of loading with higher team players.• Match card from Aspull had missing player names, raising compliance concerns.Discussion Points:• No current formal rule preventing “loading.”• RFU’s response likely to be: “Use match cards properly.”• Previous cases cited where match card misuse occurred (three blanks on a card, etc.).Outcome / Actions:• Committee agrees no rule breach can be enforced at this time.• Concern logged formally.• Matter closed unless further evidence or RFU direction emerges.________________________________________
  3. East Manchester – Alleged Use of Banned PlayerSummary:• A club has anonymously reported East Manchester fielded banned player; is there photographic evidence available.Agreed Actions:• Report to RFU Discipline immediately (committee will not investigate internally).• Peter Rhodes to support submission once JP sends details.• Note: East Manchester already under scrutiny for previous compliance issues.________________________________________
  4.  Serious Injury – Merseyside Police PlayerIncident:• Player suffered broken neck; not a police officer but catering staff.• Minimal income (£1,600/mo), receiving £110/week SSP, £375 raised by club.Committee Decision:• £500 benevolent fund payment approved.• Craig to liaise with club chair (Josh) to verify bank details and arrange payment.• Ensure all cases go through a single coordinator.________________________________________
  5.  Benevolent Fund – Process & ProtocolGroup agreed on the need for structured handling:Key Decisions• Create a single point of contact (initially Craig) for all injury requests.• A small sub committee (Craig, Greg, JP, Sara) to assess cases.• All requests must come via an official club representative, not individuals.• Review point at 4–8 weeks for severe injuries.• Financial support always “at the discretion of the committee” to avoid precedent.• Link with Injured Players Foundation for long term cases.Current Fund Status• Balance: £7,857.59• Approx. £2,000 spent this season – highest ever.________________________________________
  6.  Additional Serious Injury – Kirby Lonsdale Player• Player sustained three ankle fractures, in hospital awaiting surgery.• Significant impact on work (farmer/agricultural contractor).Action:• Craig Hine knows the person affected and will liaise with him to obtain details.• Case will then be referred to the new injury protocol subgroup (Craig, Greg, Fred)• Likely initial benevolent fund support required.________________________________________
  7.  Financial Report (Greg)• Main account balance looking healthy• Proposal agreed: o Move £30,000 into a 3.75% Virgin Money business savings account → approx. £1,000/year interest.o Interest to be directed into benevolent fund.• Recent sponsorship income: £200.________________________________________
  8.  League Performance Report (John)Overall Completion Rate: 87%(Up from 83% at same time last year)Notes:• Premier League affected by one team withdrawal (scores expunged).• Only two postponed games remain unresolved; Easter Saturday may be used.• Team retention remains vital—clubs making strong efforts to fulfil fixtures.________________________________________
  9.  Team Withdrawals & League Integrity• Expunging fixtures causes major table impact.• RFU system currently cannot keep partial results.• John continues to log played fixtures as friendlies to preserve ticket credit for clubs.• No current viable alternative.________________________________________
  10.  Second Teams in RFU Leagues• No progress; Lancashire and Cheshire remain opposed.• RFU rules indicate late applicants must start at lowest level.• Issue likely to reappear in future seasons.________________________________________
  11.  Sponsorship Update (Craig)Cup Sponsorship:• Advanced discussions with Howden (Lions & RFU partner).• Proposed 3 year deal, reduced year 1 cost.• Includes joint promotion of player welfare products (e.g., income protection).• Awaiting final confirmation.League Sponsors:• Wine company: still chasing payment.• County Courier: likely to pay by cheque; Ian to assist.• Dan Baines expected to take another league next season.________________________________________
  12.  Premier League Structure Discussion• Previous conference formats caused repetitive fixtures (3–4 times vs same opponents).• Consensus: no changes for now—current format working better.________________________________________
  13.  Electronic Match Cards (EMCs)Current Status:• Trial in Premier & Division 1 only.• Compliance problems at some clubs (e.g., Fylde leaving blanks).• Registration issues risk invalidating RFU insurance.Future:• RFU monitoring ends after this season.• System needs improvements for loaned players and flexibility.________________________________________
  14.  Cup Competitions – Semi Finals & Finals• Six competitions; semi finals on 7 March (Premier/Jug) and 14 March (others).• Finals proposed to be split between Aldwinians and Ormskirk (to be confirmed after semis).• Visit to host clubs scheduled for Monday 16 March._______________________________________
  15.  Referee Appointment Issue (Staffordshire)• A Level 5 East match used an inexperienced referee on debut, unassessed.• Game reportedly “shambolic.”Action:• Home club (Leek) advised to file formal complaint with Staffordshire Referee Society.________________________________________
  16.  Media & Communications• Mark Ashley to prepare: o Semi final preview coverageo Final coverage for teams & venues• Venue uncertainty acknowledged but manageable.________________________________________
  17.  Trophy Presentation Evening• Venue: Bowdon Rugby Club• Date: 8 May• Meeting with Rachel to confirm catering and costs.________________________________________
  18.  AOB• Updated list of past Presidents required (Ian Cosens to provide).• Next meeting scheduling to be finalised after finals.________________________________________
  19.  Meeting Close• FS thanked all attendees.