Douglas & District Pool League

Annual General Meeting – Minutes

Date: Tuesday 8 September 2026
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: The British

1. Reports

The AGM received the following reports:

• Chairperson’s Report
• Secretary’s Report
• Treasurer’s Report
• Competition Secretary’s Report

The reports were presented to the meeting.

2. Introduction and Adoption of the New League Constitution

The proposed new League Constitution was read through and discussed.

The Constitution was adopted, subject to the amendments agreed at the AGM.

[Details of amendments to be added from the Secretary’s notes]

3. Review of League Rules and Competition Structure

Player Fees

The current player registration fee is £10 per player.

Discussion took place regarding whether the fee should be increased and whether an alternative team registration fee could simplify administration.

The benefits of an increase were discussed, including increased costs for trophies and engravings, food, inflation and the possibility of increasing prize funds. It was also noted that adding players during the season creates additional administration and can result in landlords/ladies and venues being unaware of changes to team registrations, which has resulted in a dispute.

It was also added that £10 for a whole season of the league with free tables, food provided and entry to a number of different comps was extremely good value and no other sports membership really matches this.

An alternative proposal was made for teams to pay a single registration fee, with additional players being able to join during the season without further payment.

The current sponsorship contribution from the breweries was also discussed. It was noted that sponsorship has remained at approximately £3,500 for the last four years, following changes during and after the COVID period. The meeting also discussed the importance of ensuring that the financial burden of running the league is shared fairly across all teams, particularly as not every team benefits from prize money.

It was noted that previous changes to prizes for ranking competitions had not resulted in a reduction in participation.

Concerns were raised that an increase could lead to reduced numbers of players in the league. It was highlighted that many of the players fees are actually paid by venues. Most of which are brewery owned and so the players wouldn’t actually be paying. The none brewery landlords/ladies do not have to pay, but most choose to so that they do not lose teams.

It was raised that smaller teams would be losing out if charged per team and it felt unfair that they should pay the same. 

Vote

Payment by team: No
Payment by player: Yes
£10 per player: Yes
£12 per player: No

Decision

The player registration fee will remain at £10 per player.

Mixed Pairs

A proposal was discussed to introduce a random draw for the Mixed Pairs competition.

Feedback from female players indicated a preference for being able to choose their partners. It was also noted that the number of male and female entrants is not always equal and that the competition has produced different winners over the years.

Decision

The competition will continue to allow players to choose their own partners.

It was also agreed that the Committee will consider, before the next event, whether the competition should remain open to Douglas & District female players only or be opened more widely across the Island.

Any arrangements for women entering on the day, including the entry fee, is something the Committee will consider before the next event.

Online Scoring

The use of live online scoring during the previous season was discussed.

Approximately 75% of teams used live scoring. It was noted that the system provides instant results and allows teams and supporters to follow matches as they progress.

It was confirmed that live scoring does not have to be completed by the Captain or Vice-Captain. Any member of the team can be given access, and teams can provide access to as many members as required.

No significant technical issues were raised last season and any discrepancies were dealt with promptly.

Vote

Mandatory live scoring: Yes

Decision

Live online scoring will be mandatory for all teams.

Action

The Committee will consider and agree how non-compliance will be dealt with and communicate this to teams.

League Match Start Time

A proposal was discussed to introduce an earlier default start time.

The current default start time of 8:30pm was discussed, including previous AGM decisions and the importance of supporting venues by keeping players in the pub.

The meeting also considered the difficulties some players have in arriving for a 7:30pm start, particularly those working or travelling from further away.

Decision

The default start time will remain 8:30pm.

Teams may agree between Captains to start earlier if this is mutually convenient.

If the Captains cannot agree on an earlier start, the match will begin at 8:30pm.

Clear communication between the two teams is expected where an earlier start is being considered.

Standards of Tables

The condition of league tables was discussed.

During the previous season, members of the Committee checked tables across the league before the first games. Three tables were identified as being of particular concern and were subsequently replaced.

The Committee will continue to work with breweries and landlords/ladies regarding table condition and maintenance.

It was recognised that the League does not want to lose venues because of table requirements and cannot require landlords/ladies to re-cloth or replace tables. However, where a table is considered to be in very poor condition, the Committee will discuss the issue with the relevant landlord/lady and encourage improvements where possible.

Teams and Captains are encouraged to report significant table issues to the Committee.

It was also noted that tables should be level, particularly if they have been moved.

Action

The Committee will:

• Continue communication with breweries and landlords/ladies regarding table condition.
• Encourage good maintenance and care of league tables.
• Communicate significant table concerns with Captains and venues.
• Address particularly poor tables with the relevant landlord/ladies where necessary.

Scotch Doubles

The rules surrounding communication between partners during Scotch Doubles were discussed.

Concerns had been raised about players talking during their visits and the difficulty of enforcing the existing rule consistently. It was also felt that excessive communication can contribute to matches taking longer.

It was highlighted that communication can also benefit less experienced and younger players by helping them develop their game. It was noted that where players communicate when they should not, referees should enforce the rules consistently rather than allowing the issue to continue.

The meeting agreed that the change would apply to all Scotch Doubles matches in the league. It was also agreed Scotch Doubles should remain part of league games.

Vote

The following options were considered:

1. Keep the existing rule.
2. Allow players to talk at any point during the game.
3. Players cannot communicate during their visit.

Decision

Option 3 was approved.

Players may communicate when they are away from the table, but there will be no communication between partners during their visit.

A player's visit begins as soon as the opponent's balls have stopped moving.

The rule will apply to all relevant Scotch Doubles matches.

Opposition Practice Time

A proposal was made to allow visiting teams 30 minutes of practice on the opponents' table before a match.

The proposal received no support from the meeting and was therefore not taken to a vote.

No change was made to the current arrangements.

Home Advantage and Player Selection

The current player selection system was discussed, including the tactical element of being able to select players for home matches.

The benefits of retaining the current system were discussed, including allowing players who may be delayed to arrive later without automatically disadvantaging their team.

Vote

The current format was supported.

Decision

The existing player selection arrangements will remain in place.

Cup matches will continue to be played as drawn.

4. Election and Re-election of Committee Members

Committee roles were considered individually, with nominations put forward and voted upon.

Chairperson

Greg Cowell stepped down as Chairperson following his period of service.

Dollin Mercer and George Taylor were nominated.

An anonymous vote was held:

• Dollin Mercer – 11 votes
• George Taylor – 10 votes

Decision

Dollin Mercer was elected Chairperson.

Vice-Chairperson

Following the close result for Chairperson, the meeting discussed the introduction of a new Vice-Chairperson role.

The proposal was put to the meeting and approved.

Decision

George Taylor was appointed Vice-Chairperson.

Secretary

Helen Sanderson was nominated and elected as Secretary.

Treasurer

Jenny Kelly was nominated and elected as Treasurer.

Competition Secretary

Sarah Broadway was nominated and elected as Competition Secretary.

Complaints Mediator

It was agreed that complaints responsibilities will be managed jointly by the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.

Sponsorship

It was agreed that Danny Russett will support the Committee with sponsorship responsibilities.

This is not a separate lead officer role, with sponsorship activity to remain a shared Committee responsibility.

Social Media

The Social Media Officer position will not be allocated to an individual at this stage.

Decision

Social media responsibilities will be managed collectively by the Committee.

Additional Committee Members

The AGM confirmed:

• Dave Pickersgill
• Danny Russett

as additional Committee Members without specific officer roles.

Danny will also support the Committee with sponsorship activity.

5. AOB

Captains Pick

The number of players required for teams to fulfil Captains Pick fixtures was discussed.

It was clarified that teams can fulfil the competition with four players. 5 singles (with Captains pick) and 2 doubles means there are 7 frames to be played and a win is possible.

The current Captains Pick format was discussed, including the selection of players for the doubles.

No changes were proposed or agreed.

It was also clarified that players selected for Captains Pick are drawn from the full eligible player group and not only from players who have lost previous matches.

Decision

No changes will be made to the current Captains Pick format.

Team Registration Numbers

The meeting discussed whether a maximum number of registered players should be introduced for each team, with the aim of encouraging the creation of additional teams and ensuring players have sufficient opportunities to play.

It was recognised that many teams start the season with relatively small squads and add players during the season as player availability becomes less consistent.

It was also noted that larger squads do not necessarily create a problem, as some players may only be available occasionally or act as reserves. Players who want to play regularly are unlikely to choose a team where they would have little opportunity to play.

The possibility of introducing a cap of 14 players was discussed, alongside the potential impact on players who work shifts and may have limited availability.

The meeting agreed that the issue did not require an immediate change to the rules.

Decision

No maximum team registration number was introduced.

The Committee will monitor teams with particularly large numbers of registered players and encourage teams to consider creating additional teams where appropriate.

The current mid-season transfer arrangements remain in place:

• Both Captains must agree to a transfer.
• Transfers must take place before Christmas.

Action

The Committee will review and communicate the current sign-on and transfer arrangements to teams.

6. Actions Arising from the AGM

The following actions were identified:

Action	Responsibility
Add agreed Constitution amendments to the final Constitution	Secretary
Consider whether Mixed Pairs should be opened beyond Douglas & District female players	Committee
Determine how mandatory online scoring will be enforced	Committee
Continue working with breweries and landlords/ladies regarding table standards	Committee
Communicate significant table issues to Captains and venues	Committee
Monitor and encourage good table maintenance	Committee
Review large team registration numbers and encourage splitting where appropriate	Committee
Communicate the current player transfer rules	Committee
Manage Social Media responsibilities collectively	Committee
Support sponsorship activity	Danny Russett / Committee

7. Close

The meeting was brought to a close following completion of the business above.