Abingdon Squash Club played host on August 20th to the OSRA Annual General Meeting, an event combined with the handing out of significant trophies from the previous 12 months playing performances. The assembled throng discussed several major issues for our sport across the county in particular the league formats, tournament sponsorship and how to reinvigorate to Squash more generally (a not insignificant challenge!).
It was decided that a more pragmatic approach to divisional make up was required and agreed rule changes will give the organisers more flexibility to try and ensure that competitiveness becomes the major priority. Concerns are centered more especially on the Summer Leagues and we will have to see what progressive steps can be introduced for next year.
In response to trying to grow tournaments at both junior and senior level, a few new faces were elected to the committee with the expectation that they will provide new ideas and stimulus in trying to attract outside funds to help ramp up participation.
There was also universal agreement that to generate increased participation at all levels and age groups, the number of coaches needs to be addressed.
The Minutes of the AGM have been reproduced at the bottom.
On a more lighthearted note, Trustee Jim Reay presented awards to the Divisional Winners from both Winter and Summer Leagues as well as to the A Grade County Closed Champions.
See below for the photos
Michelle Knight of Brackley receiving the Winter League Division One Cup
Mike Hyland (Defence Academy) receiving the Winter League Division Three trophy
Christian Jackson (Spiceball Platypuses) receiving the Winter League Division Four Trophy
Martin Packman (University) receiving the award for Summer League Division One Champions
Christian Jackson (Spiceball Platypuses) receiving the cup for Summer League Division Three
Michelle Knight (Brackley) receiving the trophy for Oxfordshire County Closed Ladies Champion
Jason Varrie receiving the award for Oxfordshire County Closed Men’s Champion
Freshly engraved and painstakingly polished by David Quinn!