Minutes of the EC of the BKA held at Kodokan Dojo on Sunday 12th March 2007.

Present: G. Salmon, J. Howell, D. Gordon, V. Cook, D. Spacey, A. Lee-Nash, T. Chapman, P. Budden, P. Gray, S. Bishop, F.Goodman, E. Schofield.
In attendance I. Parker Dodd, L-A. Law.

1. The minutes of the meeting of Nov. 12th were approved. Matters arising:
A] Insurance, A Donation had been received from Nenriki Dojo in respect of incorrect insurance. A simplified insurance document for the website would be asked for. President passed insurance documents to the Gen. Sec. for the archives.
B] The Chairman is to contact Nenriki Dojo to inform them that the Kendo Bu would run the Lidstone Taikai this year, but that the EC would prefer it to be run by the Dojo in a safe venue. A dojo neutral venue is to be chosen.
C] It was reported that Mr. Price had been expelled from the association, and his grades cancelled at EKF and IKF levels. The constitutional guidelines had been followed.
D] Procedures for CRB cheques would be emailed to all Dojo. A central record is to be kept, and a short explanation given at the AGM.
E] With regard to the Iai meeting, Mr. Cook will talk to senior members of the Iai Bu and give feedback by the AGM. Jodo do not have similar problems.

2. The new constitution was considered. Some small changes were suggested. An EC resolution that ‘The EC recommend the new constitution for adoption, with some minor adjustments’ be put to the AGM, was agreed. A simple club constitution would be suggested for dojo.

3. Kendo, Iaido, Jodo, H&S, and PRO reports were accepted. The PRO report for Iaido was discussed. The lack of support for Seni was mentioned, however it was pointed out that a clear ruling on this had been given by the EC. Chair was sorry that the Iai PRO felt undervalued.

4. The draft accounts for the year were accepted. A vote of thanks to the Treasurer by the Chairman received unanimous support.

5. The government proposals on sword legislation [see www.homeoffice.gov.uk\about-us\haveyoursay\current-consultations ] were considered. It was clear that the points made by the BKA had been taken on board. It was agreed that an answer, with a copy of the BKA’s previous statement, would be sent.

6. Mr. Parker-Dodd outlined the coaching scheme. He was thanked for his work, but the need to keep the EC informed of what was going on was made clear. Mr. Bishop also asked to be kept in the picture.

7. President told the meeting that the EKF were disappointed with the number of GB senior grades qualifying as International referees. Financial help for the Brussels seminar might be considered in the future. President would become involved, with Mr. Davies, in future domestic courses.

8. The question of bringing a Kendo teacher was discussed. It was agreed that this could go ahead [vote 5 for 1 abst.] provided that an acceptable contract could be drawn up. Chair agreed to look into this.

9. Proposed dates of meetings: AGM 12th May 2007. [Elections, V. Chair, Kendo member, Iai Bucho, Jodo Bucho. Grading Officer.] EC meetings: 11th May 2007, 21st Oct 2007, 21st March2008; AGM 21 May 2008.

Topic for next EC meeting ‘Web Site’.

A newsletter will be published before the 2007 AGM with the papers for the meeting. Members will be asked at the AGM whether they wish to continue with the newsletter.