Club Committee Minute 21st June 2020
Members
Chair - Davey Green
Secretary - Jo Yarnall
Membership Secrtary - Janet Cobby
Treasurer - Jon Aston
KIT Manager - Tim Lupton
Social Media - Keith Luxon
Aspiring Members Ambassador - Pete Mizzi
Website - Gaz Davies (Co-Opted)
Background
When the COVID-19 Pandemic first hit the Committee took the decision (17th March 2020) to suspend the approval of any and all races counting towards club totals and members achievements. This decision was taken for all marathons worldwide given the unprecedented nature of the pandemic and the general advice by many/most Governments to not travel. Later that day England Athletics suspended the approval of races and withdrew licences for races already approved – that ban has subsequently been extended.
The pandemic has moved at different speeds in different countries and some countries are begining to try and return to a more “normal” setting. This may well mean that they will sanction races to take place in the near future. Races remain suspended in the UK. UK Government advice for UK based members remains only to travel if it is essential.
Proposal
KL made a proposal to allow marathons and ultras to count in limited circumstances. The proposal was amended by PM to include taking into account FCO guidance on travel. The final proposal read.
The 100 Marathon Club will allow the counting of races in countries where both the national Government and the national athletics governing body support them to take place ( members will be required to provide proof of both items above) where the runner is a resident of that country or complies with UK FO guidance in travelling there
The Committee vigorously debated the proposal over a number of days on its private chat forum.
In favour of the proposal was that races would only count if both the Country’s Government and its Athletic Association sanctioned such events. That the world was moving at different paces. That we had members in many countries and if one was in a country that allowed races then why should we prevent this counting.
Against the proposal was the unprecedented nature of the pandemic and the risk of a second wave. The clear unambiguous guidance from EA on races and the UK government on travel. The wish not to issue complex guidance but to keep the position simple for members and vetting purposes. The rapidly changing situation and the feeling it was too soon to lift any restrictions.
In addition to the proposer and seconder two others voted in favour of the proposal and 4 voted against. As it was tied 4-4 with all 8 members having voted the Chairman used his additional casting vote to maintain the status quo for the time being in line with normal procedures. . Therefore the proposal was rejected.
The Committee agreed to keep the matter under review.