Middlesex RFU All clubs meeting 31st Jan 2022 on Lower XVs opt out consultation
Posted on 3 February 2022
First of all I would like to thank everyone who gave up their Monday evening to take part in the Middlesex Lower xv Opt Out Consultation Meeting last night. We had 71 people in attendance from 37 clubs. Hopefully those that did attend found it informative and gave them a better understanding of the issues that your clubs is going to be asked to vote on. I also trust that everyone who wanted ask questions or have their say were able to do so. It was a long meeting nearly two hours I think but it was important that everybody who wanted to make a contribution was able to do so. I was very pleased with the level and quality of the participation and as importantly the respectful manner in which everyone was listened to notwithstanding on what side of the debate they were on
For those who weren’t able to attend the meeting was recorded and can be found here (passcode ?n2.nsTX)
To reiterate clubs will be asked to vote on the following question set by the FCS Implementation Team
Do you support Lower XV teams from your CB playing in the English Club Championship (ECC)?
Yes/No
The Middlesex Vote will open from 9am on Thursday 3rd February and run until 5pm on Sunday 13th February. Only Middlesex Clubs who hold full RFU Voting rights are eligible to vote. Dr Tim Miller the County Secretary and Simon Hardcastle the County Assistant Secretary will have full conduct of the voting process to ensure it’s integrity. It is one club one vote. The question with the voting instructions will be sent out only to the club secretary. Any replies will be sent to a dedicated County email address which has been set up solely for this vote. Only the club secretary will be entitled to vote on behalf of their club. After five days a further email will be sent out to as a reminder to those clubs still to vote. The dedicated email address will be closed on Sunday 13th February at 5pm and any votes cast after the 5pm deadline will not be accepted.
To secure an opt out 66% of the clubs that actually vote will have to vote no. If not, Lower xvs will be eligible to enter the league pyramid in Middlesex up to level 7 for the 2022/23 season. Clubs that then wish to enter lower xvs will be able to submit applications from 28th February through to 18th March provided they are able to fulfill the entry criteria.
I would be grateful if you would ensure that the relevant people in your club get sight of this communication and most important your club secretary who as I have said is the only person who can vote on behalf of your club
Finally, a plea. Your club has a voice. Please make sure you vote. This is too important for the future direction of league rugby across our county not to use it.
Any questions or issues please come back to me direct andrew-smart@ntlworld.com or 07971 178633
Keep safe
Andrew Smart
