Stoolball Convention on Sunday 9 March 2008

Developing stoolball

For stoolball to continue to progress in clubs, league and county organisations, we need more young players to step up and start to inherit the reins of responsibility. The National Stoolball Association (NSA) has made considerable progress in promoting stoolball in many parts of the country (and overseas) and, whilst some clubs have struggled, it has been most positive and encouraging to see new clubs and schools starting to play the game.

Now that stoolball is officially on the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 from 2008-2011, we would like everyone to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. We need all clubs to establish active links with primary, secondary and private schools in their area, so that the NSA can get a better picture of those schools where the game is currently being played and where it is not.

Developing your club

The NSA offers help to all communities by providing promotional leaflets, posters, car stickers and introductory and coaching DVDs. We need you to provide your enthusiasm and commitment whenever possible. Remember there is only one thing more infectious than enthusiasm and that is lack of it.

The recruitment of one or two new members to each club would make a very positive contribution to the game’s future success as well as helping your club. This, of course, will not happen without careful planning and thought as to where you might find potential stoolball players.

PE teachers in your local schools are a good place to start. Some learned about stoolball at teacher training college. Focus on clubs who play their sport mainly in the winter: rugby, hockey and football clubs are good places to find new players. Then there are badminton, squash and tennis clubs, all sports where hand/eye co-ordination are key to success, just as in stoolball. Make contact with these clubs in your area and let them know what stoolball has to offer.

The Stoolball Convention

The National Stoolball Association is holding its 3rd Stoolball Convention at Wivelsfield Village Hall (just south of Haywards Heath) on Sunday 9 March 2008. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided throughout the day at a small cost.

It would be most helpful if, prior to coming to the Convention, you could talk to your members to obtain feedback as to how we can all help each other to promote, develop and expand our game. This is important for our continuing success and your thoughts and your presence will be much appreciated.

Stoolball in schools, Club Accreditation, BingoLotto, better use of our website, full details on all clubs, better publicity for stoolball in all sections of the media: all these areas will have our full attention in the coming months and will be on the agenda at the Convention.

The rules of stoolball are also due for revision at the end of this season and again we would appreciate the constructive views of your club concerning any aspects of the rules which you feel could need amendment. If at all possible, please put your thoughts in writing and send them to Michael Ledwich over the next 3-4 weeks at [email address available when you sign in] or on 01293 772469.

These early months in 2008 are a golden opportunity for you to start taking steps to ensure that your club is fit and ready to meet the challenges ahead. To succeed needs more than just a nodding agreement. It needs your positive action now. Are you ready for it?

The NSA sends their very best wishes to all clubs and their members for health, happiness and success in 2008.

Agenda for stoolball Convention

• 10.30am – Welcome to everyone with tea, coffee and biscuits
• 11am – Welcome and introduction to newly elected President, Shirley Reed
• 11.05am – Extraordinary General Meeting – to approve updated Constitution particularly in relation to BingoLotto
• 11.30am – Introduction of Club Accreditation Scheme – Kevin Hilliard
• 12.15pm – BingoLotto – John Price and Kevin Hilliard
• 12.45pm – Lunch break – finger buffet
• 1.30pm – Open discussion in readiness for the next rules revision – Michael Ledwich and John Fitzpatrick
• 2pm – Stoolball on the National Curriculum – Melissa Mantle
• 2.20pm – NSA annual registration – Kay Price
• 2.30pm – Website – fixtures, results, club page details – Rick Mason, Barbara Fitzpatrick and Pauline Hurley
• 3pm – Overseas Developments – John Price
• 3.10pm – Insurance – Michael Ledwich and Peter Cheesman
• 3.20pm – Question time
• 3.30pm – Close and evaluation forms

Equipment:Â Stoolball equipment (bats, balls, flags, scorebooks etc) will be on display during the day. Do not miss this opportunity to obtain all your stoolball supplies for the new season.

There will be no charge to attend this Convention. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided throughout the day at a small cost. We look forward to seeing everyone there but, to get some idea of our catering needs, it would be appreciated if you could notify Kay Price on 01403 252419 or email her at [email address available when you sign in] as soon as possible.

This is a golden opportunity for members of all clubs, leagues and associations to get right up-to-date with all that is going on in the stoolball world. We want to hear from ladies and mixed clubs, so please make every effort to be there. Thank you.

Kay Price
National Stoolball Association

Tags: convention, equipment