The main issues decided were:
1. In Good Standing. For decades, the VETTS Constitution has determined that our Society should be both independent and 'in good standing...' with the National Governing Body, initially ETTA, now TTE. However, TTE recently changed its definition of 'in good standing....' so that organisations have to affiliate and therefore lose their independence - so the two criteria 'in good standing' and 'independent' are mutually exclusive. At the agm, the VETTS voted unanimously to remove 'in good standing' from their Constitution in favour of retaining their independence. Action: Remove 'In Good Standing with TTE' from the VETTS Constitution.
2. Memorandum of Understanding: The meeting unanimously delegated powers to a sub-group, including Jan Johns and Susie Venner, to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with TTE, if possible. It was stressed that this should not compromise any aspect of the VETTS' independence nor hand over any regulatory powers nor control to TTE, but should be based on collaboration and co-operation. It was noted that this may include having to compile our own O/40s ranking list based on Masters events rather than submit results to TTE, particularly as TTE is looking to introduce a significant financial cost for the VETTS if we wish to continue providing our results to populate their ranking list. ACTION: MoU discussion with TTE.
3. Ranking: Phil Snelson has done a considerable amount of work on the VETTS ranking list which has now given us greater control and flexibility over it. It was agreed that people should disappear and 'sleep' from the list after an absence of four events. Going forward, we will be operating on a single list from which the age groups will be extracted.
4. Business Model: The new operating model of the VETTS based around 'teams and team leaders' rather than individual functions was agreed unanimously. This will allow the VETTS to grow and develop and ensure less pressure is put on individuals. ACTION: More details to follow.
5. Committee: Jan Johns stepped down as Chairman after a period of more than eight years. She was widely thanked for her significant contribution to the VETTS over that period. Susie Venner was unanimously elected as Chair and Jan has agreed to be co-opted as Deputy Chair for a period of 12 months to facilitate a smooth transition. Tony Worthington was re-elected as Treasurer. The post of 200 Club Secretary was removed from the elected Executive in line with the approval of the Business Model.
6. Tournaments: A decision was taken last year not to increase the entry fees for VETTS events even though we knew this would result in a loss for the season. It was felt that this would be a further burden on our members who were already having to endure increased hotel and travel costs to compete. This is not sustainable going forward and we have subsequently increased the entry fees to £14 for singles and £7 per doubles event. It was also noted that in order to schedule the events within allotted time-frames, some events will have to have to adhere to the 'consecutive age groups' only. It was also agreed that the token prize money would be replaced in favour of gifts such as T-shirts or balls. Medals would be retained for VETTS Masters events.
Thanks to everyone who took part - and particularly thanks to all the Committee members and helpers who work so hard to make the VETTS a success.