Darts Regional Organiser Conference 2010

In line with the policy to narrow the gap between the national CSSC Sports organisers and their colleagues running their sport in the regions, CSSC recently held its first Darts Regional Organiser Conference.

Six organisers attended and the regional split was as follows:

Ray Allen: National Organiser and South East

Kevin Mansell: South West Organiser (new in 2009)

Dave Cross: Southern region (deputising for Dale Grove who was unable to attend)

Robert Walker: Scottish Men's Darts

Phil Gregan: North East (new in 2009)

Dave Henderson: Organiser at National Final and deputising for Allan Grafton

Hilary Gray: Event Team

The event was held at Stoke as this is the venue for the National Final for the next two years although all of the attending organisers had been there for previous competitions.

A full agenda was followed and a lot of lively debate took place - the delegates continued through dinner on the Sunday night as well, sharing experiences in running events with the newer organisers.

Some slight changes to the National Final rules were proposed and accepted mainly in the format of the semi final and finals in the men's tournament (playing best of five rather than three which is currently the case). This followed a good discussion and use of the information on comment forms issued at the 2009 National Final.

The subject of markers at the tournament was discussed at some length. It was decided to propose that any regional organisers who had not qualified (with the exception of Northern Ireland) would be invited to attend at a 50% discount rate on accommodation purely as markers (the free drinks vouchers for players and guests would also continue). Ray is to include this in his budget request in 2011 but it is hoped that this would be able to start in 2010.

It was also agreed that whilst the event was on at the same time as 'Children in Need' that this would be our adopted charity for the Friday night.

The organisers have requested that the CSSC Code of Conduct be available for them at their Regional Qualifiers and Hilary will arrange to send this out shortly with the amended rules.

Background

This conference was one in a series of Sporting Regional Organiser Conferences which have taken place over the past two years involving a number of sports: tennis, golf and volleyball are just some examples. The national sports organisers rely heavily on the regional organisers to deliver their sport, therefore it is essential that regional organisers not only have a regional identity but feel part of the overall delivery of their sport within CSSC. These conferences encourage the sports to share best practice and by doing so make changes to its delivery which help a sport develop within the CSSC sporting programme.

For more information please contact Kate Newberry, Event Team Manager: Tel: 01494 888444. Email: kate.newberry@cssc.co.uk.