Notice from the chairman

[Pete S]

Dear AEBBA members

It has come to my attention that officers of the association have been criticised and often quite harshly and this has to stop NOW. I will not tolerate officers of the association be treated in this way when they are doing their best to move the association forward and organize tournaments and make improvements with the future of the game at heart.
I would remind you all that we do not own this game but are merely guardians of it for the next generation just as those before us were the guardians of the game for us. If the bickering continues there will not be a next generation.
If it comes to my attention that individuals persist then I will seek sanctions against the parties concerned. This includes comments like “this is not a criticism but an observation” when clearly it is meant as a criticism, maybe once is acceptable but not continuously.
The officers of the association all put a tremendous amount of effort into organizing competitions and ensuring smooth running of the association whereas others are quite happy to sit at home and just type comments or send e-mails.
There has been much said about the pairs at Bournemouth and although not noted in the minutes it was mentioned at the AGM. No decision has been made yet but I would remind everyone that the tournament director has the authority to change the format if he thinks it will be better to so, although he would consult the other officers. There has also been rumblings from the 4 pin contingent regarding the rules. I believe Chris Saville has now made it clear that the 4 pin rules that they play their 4 pin tournaments and local competitions by are for them to make and administer but if the AEBBA holds a 4 pin tournament then they can play the tournament by their rules.
Every year in December we have the AGM and that is the time to question the officers and make your point. By my reckoning about 500 people could attend the AGM qualifying as players or administrators but only 9 (not including the officers) attended, that’s less than 2 %. But to attend the AGM would take effort. Nigel Senior does not drive but always attends, (when the AGM was in Reading he used to catch the train). Mark Trafford does not drive but he gets to the AGM. Too many people are quite happy to have a go at those doing but not interested in doing themselves.
If this post upsets people I do not apologise as it needed to be said and if you don’t like it then attend the next AGM and elect a new chairman.

Peter Sainsbury
Chairman AEBBA

[Chris_Sav]

Thank you for this statement Peter.

As the signatory and Co-Owner of The British Bar Billiards Forum I must state that British Bar Billiards Forum specifically prevents abusive posts. Personally I am thus a little unsure where this 'abuse' is manifesting itself. I hope the implication is not directed at the British Bar Billiards Forum.

The only time the words "criticism" (or "criticise" or "critical") and "observation" have appeared in the same post on this forum in the last five years was in one internal Sussex post.

You specifically mention four pin and there was just criticism of AEBBA breaching its own constitution by contravening their rule-book by changing the rules without an AGM. This happened not once but two years on the trot unfortunately when AEBBA failed to make the necessary change at the intermediary AGM. That has now been corrected and AEBBA have removed the dependency on Sudbury rules for their competitions alone. Suffolk may not like it but they are aware. 

The only other context I am aware of in which AEBBA has been commented upon unfavourably on this forum is the five months delay in producing their own accounts from close of business at the end of August 2019. It is essential that accounts were ready for the AGM three months later so that AEBBA could make budgetary decisions for the following year. Last year was a poor year financially from what I have seen from running the Bournemouth finances, it is now far too late to do anything about it for this year.

The British Bar Billiards Forum management will continue to make sure this forum is run without any abuse and will continue support AEBBA where necessary and as we have done with Bournemouth this year.

[barbelman]

Peter

I totally agree that the elected committee should receive our support totally where ever possible.  

However you cite Bournemouth as one of the major contentious issues but comments were INVITED by Lorin with respect to the format.  I thought that all responses were reasoned and non-judgemental whichever way people voted.  Surely it is better to know what the great unwashed (all of us!) think rather than crashing on with unpopular decisions..  The irony is that most were supportive of the change in Bomo format.

As an addendum, I'm not sure that threatening people with sanctions if they dare to criticise is the way to get them on your side.  Open and honest management, and making people feel part of something, is a much better path.....and one I thought the AEBBA was treading.

As an administrator of various BB stuff, I remain in awe of the strides that past and present committees have made...

Tony

[Chris]

Dear All

I wish to express my views but not as a moderator.

Lorin has done a sterling job but there have been many issues for him, that he did not expect but he has done well in answering.

I truly believe he has Bar Billiards in his heart and is pro active re 3 pin at its best and where he can supporting 4pin.

I disagree that any four pin tournament held by us must be by the four pin rules unless it is in our constitution and if if is I abide by it.

My personal opinion is that this is becomming part of the negativity within our own league 're 3 pin as it is constant. But again personal opinion not anything to do with the forum. I have nothing against 4 pin, but we are a 3 pin league.

Whilst we should embrace 4 pin totally our roots are us.


I truly support any changes re Bournemouth as the majority of responses have supported groups. I thank all for their support here re the change to groups.

I believe We should seek out the true issues rather than the rumours. Maybe a Monkey Survey that the Secretary could put up .

I believe the Secretary and chairman could then move forward following an open view.

Chris