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ENGLISH BOWLS UMPIRES FEDERATION

SECRETARIES REPORT TO EBUF AGM – 2023

National Presidents, Chairman, Fellow Umpires,

This year has been a reasonably successful year for us in the EBUF with things getting back to normal. This year we had a reduction in peoples availability which meant some county matches were uncovered. We have lost some members through various reasons, to those who have chosen to retire, I thank you for the services you gave over the years and wish you the best for the future.

The Skegness Championships took place under a new format, and I believe they were played in a sensible way like in the past, yes there were difficulties due to extensive damage to one of the greens. The weather was kind to us this year and my thanks go to all members who officiated at Skegness for all your hard work and commitment whether you were playing or not.

We moved to Lincoln IBC this year for the Indoor Finals in April, and they were reasonably successful from our point of view although we were short of numbers at the crucial later part of the week when so many singles take place my thanks to those who stood in at the last minute. Once again late nights for bowlers meant late nights for officials and even with games affected by withdrawals prior to the matches taking place it is inevitable that these championships are going to take much longer to play. Even so I want to thank ALL Umpires for their help whether they were actually playing in the Finals or not.

For those Umpires that were able to assist in all matches played that required our members services, I offer you my sincere thanks. Your contribution is invaluable to the game of Federation bowls no matter which part of the Country you officiate in.

In conclusion, my thanks to all umpires for their continued support and dedication in carrying out their duties on the county circuit, at Lincoln and Skegness, also to the Committee for all their help, support and advice.

Keith Fox

Hon Secretary EBUF