AGM of AAA of England 2007                                                                                                          
 The Amateur Athletic Association of England (AAA of E) held a very successful AGM just outside Derby on Saturday 17^th March 2007 obtaining overwhelming support for its proposals for the future.

     One of the resolutions passed was  the decision to drop England from the title of the Association. This was seen as an important move as it not only retained the Association’s links with its illustrious past, but is consistent with its continuing role in the sport as well as avoiding any confusion with the new governing body, England Athletics.

     The AGM gave very strong votes of confidence for the current management and the activities it wishes to pursue. Three members of the existing Board were elected to officer positions for the coming year. The list of the officers for 2007-08 is as follows:-

President                      Sir Rodney Walker KB  

Chairman                      Mr Graham Jessop 

Honorary Secretary      Mr Walter Nicholls 

Honorary Treasurer      Mr Richard  Float. 

  The incoming Chairman paid tribute to the outgoing Chairman, George Bunner, emphasising that he had provided statesmanlike leadership for the Association during a period of major change. The commitment, enthusiasm, vision and energy which George brought to the sport was second to none and the Association could now move forward with confidence in its new role. George will continue to bring his knowledge and experience to the benefit of the Association especially with events for the younger age groups.

     Two “special associations”, which work within the framework of the AAA, also had their annual elections at the AGM. The Officers for these associations are now as follows:-

 English Cross Country Association

 Chairman                  Mr John Temperton 

Honorary Secretary      Mr Ian Byett 

Honorary Treasurer      Mr Richard Inchley 

English Road Running Association 

Chairman                   Mr Mike Neighbour 

Honorary Secretary      Mr Edwin Butcher 

Honorary Treasurer      Mr Graham Jessop 

  In addition to the name change, which had the support of 86% of the club vote, the AGM considered three other important resolutions:

    (a) Twelve of the Clubs had proposed that Membership of the Association be frozen as at the 31^st December 2006. However, this approach was thought to be fraught with difficulties and inconsistencies and was rejected by 71% of the votes cast.

   (b) The Management Board and General Committee wanted to ensure that the organisation and regulations meet current needs and, accordingly, had reviewed the Memorandum and Articles of Association which were submitted for approval in a revised form.  As a result of this review, both the management structure and the objects of the Association have been updated. Essentially the AAA,in the future, will provide and organise, as necessary,

·        the holding  of athletics competitions

·         support and co-operation with bodies associated with the sport

·         maintain a dialogue with the Territorial Associations, Regional Bodies and Clubs,

·         promote the traditions  of the Association

·         ensure the  proper use of the AAA’s trophies

·         retain the AAA’s standards scheme

·         look  after the interests  of the sport’s voluntary sector, acting as its conscience if necessary.

 A very decisive 89% of the votes cast supported this motion, subject to some minor modifications to the text. Once the text of the Memorandum and Articles has been adjusted to incorporate the agreed changes it will be sent to all Members.  

     (c) Eleven clubs had requested the minutes of the Board be made readily available to Members including being posted on the website in draft form. The impracticalities of this suggestion, including the difficulties it poses for an operational company were noted and resulted in the motion being lost, with only 14% being in favour. 

In conclusion, the Association would like to thank the clubs for the heartening support  for the proposed management arrangements and activities,  and looks forward to a period  in which, through competition and other activities, it will continue to play a part in developing  athletics in this country.

Graham Jessop,

Chairman.