The UNIVERSITY SPORTS SYNDICATE reports to the Council as follows:
The Sports Syndicate met on five occasions during the academical year with Dr J. R. F. Fairbrother, T, the Vice-Chancellor's Deputy, as Chairman. The Syndicate welcomed Miss Charlotte Smith, DOW, and Miss Sarah Taylor, T, appointed by the Women's Blues Committee and Mr Andrew Middleton, G, Mr Harry Leitch, F, and Mr Tom Close, EM, appointed by the Blues Committee. Miss Laura Walsh, F, was appointed junior representative of the Colleges. Senior members representing various University institutions included Dr J. Lasenby, T, Dr J. A. Little, CTH, Ms D. Lowther, G, Dr R. E. McConnel, JN, Dr J. K. M. Moody, K, Mr C. Pratt, F, Miss R. Shaw, Mr A. Thompson, M, Dr D. M. Turner, PET, and Mr A. D. Lemons, HH, as Secretary.
Mr A. D. Lemons continued as Director of Physical Education and Secretary to the Sports Syndicate with Mrs Karen Pearce, Assistant Director. Other members of the administrative staff included Mrs Barbara Beckett, Chief Secretary, Mr Mark Warner, Financial Clerical Assistant, and Mrs Zenobia Tavaria, Clerical Assistant. A comprehensive list of all staff members may be found at http://www.sport.cam.ac.uk/.
The Syndicate received funding under the current arrangements from the Colleges and the University Chest. The Colleges contribution for 2005-06 was increased to £3.45 per junior member in residence, this represented an increase of 18p on the previous year, realising an income of £60,040. The University's contribution was also increased to yield a figure of £50,000. The Syndicate also benefited from interest accruing to this account of £1,122. The income was used mainly to make grants to the 52 sports clubs recognised by the Syndicate. The Grants play a crucial role in making it possible for these clubs to operate and for ensuring access for talented students, not just those who can afford to compete.
The Sport in Cambridge Fund income during 2005-06 was £5,255, with interest during the year of £2,884, increasing the Fund to a total of £75,193. The Fund, derived from the University's Licensing Programme under an agreement approved by the Council in 1993, is administered by the Sports Syndicate and is specifically for capital projects.
The Syndicate has met the University's obligations to the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) and continues to contribute to the part payment of travel to BUSA events.
Under Regulation 7(c) of the Regulations of the Sports Syndicate, the Syndicate is charged with maintaining a list of approved University sports clubs. This list for 2005-06 is published in Appendix 1.
The Syndicate's Committee on Grants met on four occasions during the year with Ms Rachel Shaw as Chairman. Other members of the Committee included all junior members of the Syndicate with Mrs K. Pearce as Secretary. The Committee received applications from 44 University sporting clubs and gave a total in recurrent grants of £67,822, non-recurrent grants of £11,577, and grants towards those clubs reaching the last 32 and finals of BUSA competitions of £3,004. A full list of grants awarded to clubs is included as Appendix 2. The Syndicate made grants to clubs of £7,500 for use of the facilities at Fenner's Tennis and Cricket ground under arrangements approved by the Syndicate. The Syndicate also allocated £1,000 towards the costs of the University sports website and £1,500 as a contribution to first aid courses undertaken by members of student clubs.
The Syndicate, acting on behalf of the University sporting clubs of Cambridge, has continued to contribute to the affairs of the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA). The Syndicate nominated Mrs Karen Pearce and Mr Lemons as Vice-Presidents BUSA. The Syndicate paid a subscription on behalf of the University's sports clubs of £8,744.
The market's confidence has continued to be restored as reflected by further improvements on last year in both new and renewed patents and royalties. Total cash income for 2005-06 of £99,139, with additional non-cash benefits, was received. Only a small number of University clubs currently benefit from this income, with the University receiving 15%. Beneficiaries include the nine clubs involved in the former arrangements in the Adpro Scheme, an expansion of areas and benefits from licences granted by CU Rugby Union Football Club, the CU Polo Club. This report does not include figures for any club undertaking private arrangements negotiated outside the scheme approved by the University.
The bequest from the Trustees of the Eric Evans Memorial Fund to establish the Eric Evans Fund produced an interest of £2,811 during 2005-06, which was made available for awards. The Syndicate appointed Dr J. Lasenby and Dr J. A. Little to act with the Director of Physical Education as Managers for the Fund. The Managers made the following awards:
| Charlie Palmer | HH | Rowing |
| Cagri Burak Salgin | CAI | Real Tennis |
| Natalie McGoldrick | CHU | Equestrian |
| Phyllis Agbo | T | Heptathlon/athletics |
| Ben Richardson | CHU | Athletics |
| Andy Nowacki | R | Target Shooting |
| Dan Bray | R | Athletics |
| Michael Spencer | G | Rifle Shooting |
| Jamie Douglas | JN | Real Tennis/Squash |
| Ian Caulfield | Q | Archery |
| Rosalind Lloyd | LC | Lacrosse |
| Lucy Rackley } Joint | PEM | |
| Lillie Weaver}applicants | T | Lightweight rowing 2's |
| Lee Meakin | R | Trampolining |
| Gary Chandler | EM | Judo |
| Michael McConnell | TH | Swimming |
| Graeme Spence | TH | Swimming |
| Laura Greenhalgh | JE | Rowing |
| Ben Lister | CHR | Sailing |
The Committee of Management met on two occasions during the year, reporting to the Sports Syndicate, with Dr J. Lasenby as Chairman. Other members of the Committee included:
Chairman
Dr J. Lasenby, T
Director of Physical Education (Secretary)
Mr A. D. Lemons, HH
President of Cambridge University Athletic Club
Mr Andrew Owen, SE
Team Captain of Men's or Women's CU Athletic Club
Miss Clare Palmer, DOW
Senior Treasurer of CU Athletic Club
Mr Chris Pratt, F
Local Athletics
Mr Barry Wallman
Dr Neil Costello
Captain CU Hare and Hounds Club
Mr Simon Rutherford, G
Captain CU Hockey Club
Mr Andrew Middleton, G
Captain CU Women's Hockey Club
Miss Jennifer Lees, R
Senior Treasurer CU Combined Hockey Club
Dr R. E. McConnel, JN
The academical year 2005-06 represented the eleventh full year of operation of the Wilberforce Road Sports Ground since the opening of the Athletics Track and Pavilion in May 1995. Although operating well below its full potential due to a lack of any floodlighting provision for athletics or hockey, the sports ground has continued to increase its activities. The track remains the premier facility for athletics in the area and, as such, is the operational and training base for all athletes. Access is offered to University staff and their families or individuals, clubs, and schools outside the University (matriculated students having free access to facilities), taking out seasonal or half seasonal user cards. Group bookings are reported for each facility below.
Mr Parker, Custodian, assisted by Mr Maurice Benn, continued throughout the year. The Department Secretary, Mrs B. Beckett, undertook all bookings.
The track is the base for the UK Athletics Regional Coach, the University Athletic Club, and the Cambridge and Coleridge Athletic Club for City members. Many other sporting clubs from different disciplines used the track for training purposes. Group bookings of the track at various times throughout the year include:
A Public Consultation on new proposals for the provision of floodlighting for the athletic track and the synthetic hockey surfaces, including the second pitch yet to be built, was undertaken during the year. The full report is available on the sports web.
The synthetic hockey pitch in 2005-06 continued to operate at close to its optimum capacity. However, more than any other facility the synthetic pitch suffers from a lack of floodlighting. The potential of this facility would be in excess of twice the current use given such provision. The pitch was predominantly used throughout the year by the University Men's and Women's Hockey Clubs with other groups at various times as follows:
The Management Committee endeavour to maintain a balance between the primary uses of servicing the needs of University sports clubs and providing a venue for sports conferences, seminars, and training days and the more commercially attractive social functions. Groups making use of the facilities at various times include:
Chairman
Dr D. M. Turner
Director of Physical Education (Secretary)
Mr A. D. Lemons
Senior Member appointed by CU Cricket Club
Professor K. Siddle
Senior Member appointed by CU Lawn Tennis Club
Sir Geoffrey Cass
Senior Member appointed by CU Cricket and Athletics
Dr A. Cosh
2005-06 marked the sixth year of operation under the newly established Fenner's Committee as a Committee of the Sports Syndicate. Mr J. Moden continued as Head Groundskeeper, assisted by Mr Rob Costen, Deputy Head Groundskeeper, and Miss Hannah Tripe, Junior Groundskeeper.
Fenner's remains the base for the MCC Universities Centre for Cricketing Excellence, the CU Cricket Club, and the CU Lawn Tennis Club and during the Michaelmas Term the CU Association Football Club and the CU Falcons Association Football Club. As such its first-class facilities were used by a number of County teams for tennis and cricket matches and several professional football clubs whilst playing against the University.
Groups using Fenner's cricket facilities during the year include:
Groups using Fenner's tennis facilities during the year include:
The development of Fenner's as a County Centre of Cricketing Excellence continued to make progress with many outside groups and individuals using the facilities. Details of the development are available at http://www.sport.cam.ac.uk/cricket/facilitiesanddevelopments.html.
Groups using Fenner's Indoor Cricket School include:
The Senior Coach, Mr Chris Scott, supervised the development of the selected students who are drawn from male and female students at Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin Universities. The programme included a range of physiological tests and training supervision provided by ARU, skills and techniques coaching, and a number of matches. The scheme is overseen and funded by the MCC. The expenditure for the year's programme totalled £83,000, of which the MCC provided a grant of £65,000, with sponsors and the CUCC providing the balance. ARU provided a significant number of services without charge to the scheme.
The Physical Education Centre remains the administrative offices and main central University facility. The two gymnasiums continue to provide a basic training venue for many University and College clubs and as such are in great demand. Circuit training classes and other exercise groups led by Department Recreational Assistants remain popular. During the year the Department benefited from the installation of a new upgraded computer network and the introduction of a new software package for bookings, membership, and invoicing (if required), integrating all the facilities and sites under the general control of the Syndicate.
The Fitness Suite, for which there is a charge to all users, continues to maintain its attraction with a membership of 2010 in the year. Income to offset the running costs totalled £81,932 drawn from student members, staff members, UCLES/CUP members, partner and family members, and alumni.
Mr Tristan Coles and Mr Antoine Mobian continued as Recreational Assistants and Fitness Advisers, supported by part-time Recreational Assistants and generally supervised membership applications (all applicants undertake self assessing medical screening) and the maintenance and safety of the fitness suite and other induction courses, classes in aerobics, and circuit training.
This year saw the continued success of the C.U. Sports website, http://www.sport.cam.ac.uk/. Creating an active interface between the University home page and University and College Sports Clubs, the site is designed to provide information to the University community, information to all outside the University on all aspects of University sport, a news and publicity forum. An integrated e-mail system provides a rapid communication system, cost effectively overcoming many of the inherent communication problems of a collegiate University with a range of semi-independent sports clubs. The site gives details of all sports activities and contains Sports Syndicate documentation. All applications for grant support, BUSA communication, and other administrative matters are incorporated into the system. The site is linked to a number of external sites and provides up-to-date information on new facilities and results of University and College sports teams.
The fund-raising campaign continues as part of the Cambridge 800th Anniversary Campaign to meet the cost of what will be one of the most advanced sports facilities in the country. The full report is available for consultation at http://www.sport.cam.ac.uk/westcambridgedevelopment/index.html.
Following the University's Health and Safety Guidelines, and in compliance with the Sports Syndicate's general responsibility for the management of University premises, facilities, and services for sport and physical recreation, the Physical Education Department continued its extensive review of its Health and Safety policy and procedures. The Department Safety Committee met during each term. It oversaw the drafting of a number of significant documents in support of Health and Safety within the University and its sports clubs. The Department published Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults whist participating in sporting activities at the University that was adopted by the Syndicate. A report of this important area of work appears as Appendix 3.
Volunteer Coaching Scheme
27 students were involved in regular placements (i.e. once a week or once a fortnight).
62 students were registered with the scheme and took part in regular coaching or one-off events.
531 recorded voluntary hours have been undertaken (including one-off events).
Placements included: Cambridge and Coleridge Athletics Club, Cambridge Disabled Kids - Swimming, Cambridge City Council Play-schemes, and Disabled Children's Activities, Coleridge School, Cambridge City Hockey Club, Beechwood School, Exercise Referral Rowing Scheme, Perse Hockey Tournament, St Luke's Primary School, Student Action for Refugees.
The following number of students accessed training through the scheme:
Child Protection (4), Football Coaching Level 1 (2), Coaching Disabled Users (2), Hockey Coaching Level 1 (3), Multi Sport FUNdamentals level 1(1), Ice Hockey Coaching Level 1 (2)
Course attendance was paid for either by the scheme, volunteers, or in partnership with the organisation running the activities.
The PE Department ran three events in March 2006 as part of the Cambridge Science Festival. The event was sponsored by the Cambridge University Press
Interactive sports science event for school groups was held in the Indoor Cricket School. Three fully booked sessions with two junior schools, two secondary schools, and a group of home-educated students taking part. 89 children attended.
Interactive sports science event for family groups was held in the Indoor Cricket School from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 363 people attended the event.
Practical coaching and analysis sessions run by the UCCE Head Coach and UCCE students from the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University. The sessions were fully booked in advance with 60 children participating.
25 students and 7 members of staff were involved in the Science of Sport events.
The Community Sports Project is mainly funded by grants from the University Active Community Fund. In 2005-06 we also received £3,500 from Sport Relief, and £960 from our fund-raising event. This year's event was a sponsored treadmill relay race where a team of Physical Education Department staff ran a total of 252.75km in 24 hours.
The Science of Sport event was sponsored by Cambridge University Press (£500 of sponsorship and £500 of printing). Grays Sports and Hobbs Sports donated prizes. Equipment was loaned from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge United Football Club, and Coleridge Community College.
On Thursday, 16 March 2006, Tony Lemons, Director of Physical Education and Caroline Ward, Community Sport Liaison Co-ordinator, were invited to Manchester to speak at the 2nd Annual Conference on the Role of Higher Education in the Regions: Developing Commerce, Culture and Communities. They were asked to talk about the way the University of Cambridge contributes to the development of sport at a regional and national level and in particular how the Community Sports Project has made an impact locally.
On 15 July, the Community Sports Scheme organised the Cambridge Evening Mile for Sport Relief. The two waves of races were both fully booked in advance with over 160 people walking, jogging, running, or being pushed round the mile course. Thousands of pounds were raised for the Sport Relief charity.
The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) is a Government funded programme that represents a partnership between sport and higher and further education. The programme awards Scholarships and Bursaries to talented athletes that are committed to combining their sport and education. It aims to reduce the drop out of talented athletes from sport and supports and develops the talent of today for sporting success in the future. Athletes do not directly receive any financial award but receive access to sporting services through the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University, and their National Governing Body. These include; coaching, strength and conditioning, sports science support, medical support and insurance, competition and training expenses, and lifestyle management. The following TASS awards were made in 2005-06:
University of Cambridge
| Athlete | Sport | Award |
| Bethan Carden, TH | Sailing | Scholarship |
| Sam Carter, W | Sailing | Scholarship |
| Mary Cohen, F | Fencing | Scholarship |
| Samantha Cutts, EM | Equestrian | Scholarship |
| James Gill, HH | Triathlon | Scholarship |
| Christopher Greenside, CL | Fencing | Scholarship |
| Richard Timms, CL | Cricket (UCCE) | Scholarship |
| Amir Habibi, Q | Golf | Scholarship |
| Tom Savill, HO | Cricket (UCCE) | Scholarship |
| Tom Smedley, JN | Sailing | Scholarship |
Anglia Ruskin University
| Athlete | Sport | Award |
| Amin Mohammed | Cricket (UCCE) | Scholarship |
| Phil Edwards | Cricket (UCCE) | Scholarship |
| Zobie Sharif | Cricket (UCCE) | Scholarship |
The Physical Education Department managed TASS Bursaries and Scholarships on behalf of three external athletes from the East Region in the sports of Hockey (Bursary), Waterskiing (Bursary), and Disability Powerlifting (Scholar).
These awards are made to athletes up to the age of 25 years old; however, the age limit can be extended to 35 for disabled athletes. The athletes must be undertaking a higher-level educational programme in either a Further or Higher Educational Institute and must be studying at least 50% of a full-time course per year. The level of support can be up to the maximum of £3,000.
These awards are made to athletes who are between 16-19 years of age; however, the age limit can be extended to 35 for disabled athletes. The level of support can be up to the maximum of £1,000.
| Club | Recurrent | Non-recurrent | BUSA |
| Association Football Club | £2,797.20 | ||
| Athletics Club | £3,996.00 | ||
| Badminton Club | £3,240.00 | £88.46 | |
| Basketball Club | £2,040.00 | ||
| Women's Basketball | £1,020.00 | ||
| Women's Boat Club | £1,440.00 | £1,000.00 | |
| Bowmen | £999.00 | ||
| Cruising Club | £2,256.00 | £680.00 (+£5,500 loan) | |
| £2,000.00 guarantee against loss | |||
| Canoe Club | £1,320.00 | £650.00 | |
| Cricket Club | £2,400.00 | ||
| Cycling Club | £540.00 | £600.00 | |
| Eton Fives Club | £1,200.00 | ||
| Fencing Club | £1,500.00 | £500.00 | £695.80 |
| Golf Club | £1,992.00 | ||
| Gliding Club | £720.00 | £250.00 | |
| Gymnastics Club | £532.80 | £851.88 | |
| Hare and Hounds | £1,305.60 | £200.00 | |
| Hockey Club | £2,700.00 | ||
| Ice Hockey Club | £1,440.00 | ||
| Women's Ice Hockey Club | £1,440.00 | £595.00 | |
| Judo Club | £924.00 | ||
| Karate Club | £1,332.00 | £400.00 | |
| Korfball Club | £942.00 | ||
| Lacrosse Club | £1,080.00 | ||
| Women's Lacrosse Club | £900.00 | £280.00 | |
| Lawn Tennis Club | £3,720.00 | £444.20 | |
| Modern Pentathlon | £1,200.00 | ||
| Orienteering Club | £1,080.00 | ||
| Powerlifting Club | £420.00 | ||
| Real Tennis Club | £460.80 | ||
| Riding Club | £780.00 | ||
| Rifle Association | £999.00 | ||
| Revolver and Pistol Club | £399.60 | ||
| Rugby Fives Club | £900.00 | ||
| Rugby League Club | £1,020.00 | ||
| Women's Rugby Union Club | £1,440.00 | £600.00 | |
| Ski and Snowboard Club | £0.00 | £500.00 | |
| Small Bore Club | £705.60 | ||
| Squash Rackets Club | £1,440.00 | ||
| Swimming and Water Polo Club | £8,640.00 | ||
| Table Tennis Club | £360.00 | ||
| Trampoline Club | £1,200.00 | ||
| Volleyball Club | £3,000.00 | £250.00 | £495.67 |
| TOTAL | £67,821.60 | £11,576.88 | £3,004.13 |
| BUDGET | £71,000.00 | £10,400.00 | £2,600.00 |
The Department Health and Safety Committee met four times in the academical year 2005-06, with the Director of Physical Education in the Chair.
The purpose of the Safety Committee is:
The following staff held Health and Safety positions within the Department:
| Department Safety Officer | Mrs Karen Pearce |
| Department Fire Safety Manager | Mr Tristan Coles |
| Deputy Fire Safety Manager | Mr Robert Barber |
| Department Chemical Safety Manager | Mr Philip Parker |
| Food Safety Manager | Mr Anthony Lemons |
The Safety Officer attended the Building in Safety Management briefing and the Fire Safety Manager attended Fire Manager training.
The Department Safety Handbook was revised to include new HSE regulations on noise, vibration, working at heights, and food safety. The PE Centre reception and each PE Department office hold copies of the document. Safety Information Sheets are available for each site. Site Safety Leaflets, codes of practice, and key safety information are available on-line. Guidance on policies and procedures, risk assessment and codes of practice, first aid requirements, insurance, and training are also available on-line for University Sports Clubs.
The First Aid for Sport Group met twice during the academical year. The group aims to cover, as part of a rolling education programme, all areas of first aid in addition to common sports injuries, the management of injuries on the field of play, dealing with sports personnel, children and young people, athletes with disabilities and élite sports performers, and strategies for promoting recovery and return to sport. Mr Owen Tucker (Geography Department) continued to act as Group Leader. PE Department Staff, University Sports Club Coaches and First Aiders, and other University First Aiders with a specific responsibility or interest in sports injuries were eligible to attend.
The following staff maintained their First Aider status within the Department:
| Mr Tristan Coles | (expires Oct 2006) | |
| Mr Brett Gooch | (expires Feb 2008) | |
| Mr Jean Jacquet | (expires Oct 2008) | |
| Mr Wayne Jacobs | (expires June 2009) | |
| Mr Anthony Lemons | (expires Feb 2008) | |
| Mr Chris Matthewman | (expires Feb 2008) | |
| Mr John Moden | (expires Feb 2008) | Department First Aider |
| Mr Philip Parker | (expires Oct 2008) | Department First Aider |
| Mrs Karen Pearce | (expires Feb 2008) | |
| Mr Chris Scott | (expires Feb 2008) | Department First Aider |
The following staff have completed an Emergency Aid Course:
The defibrillator continues to be housed at the PE reception and is clearly signposted. Daily equipment checks were undertaken by PE Department staff throughout the year, in addition to weekly and monthly checks undertaken by the Occupational Health Service. The following Physical Education Department staff have attended defibrillator training:
The fire alarm systems were tested on a weekly basis at Wilberforce Road Sports Ground and the PE Centre. Building Evacuation Drills also took place at various times during the year. The manual fire bell at Fenner's was tested every six months.
The Department Child Protection Policy was revised to include extracts from the new University Policy. The document will be submitted to the Sports Syndicate in the Michaelmas Term 2006 for final approval. Five members of PE Department staff have been CRB checked.
The following staff completed Good Practice and Child Protection Course:
The following staff completed a one-hour Safeguarding Children Workshop:
Manual handling training, run by the University Health and Safety Division, was attended by:
An insurance claim to the value of approximately £3,500 was made for new equipment and damage to doors, resulting from a break in at Wilberforce Road Sports Ground. A steel cage was purchased to store the new hand-held equipment.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force on 6 April 2006 repealing the existing Noise at Work Regulations 1989. The new Regulations are intended to further protect persons against risk to their health and safety arising from exposure to noise at work.
The University Health and Safety Division undertook formal noise assessments within identified areas of the Department and the findings were reported to the Department Health and Safety Committee.
All staff exposed to significant levels of noise undertook hearing tests through the Occupational Health Service. The staff will be subject to continued health surveillance in order to monitor the impact of noise and vibration on their health.
Note: The University Health and Safety Division hope to introduce tests for vibration at work in the near future.
A PPE audit was undertaken at each site and new equipment purchased or replaced where required. Dedicated lockers for PPE have been installed at Wilberforce Road Sports Ground. PPE lockers for Fenner's will be ordered in the forthcoming academical year.
| Asbestos survey | An inspection was undertaken by EMBS to detect the presence of asbestos in the fabric of the buildings at Fenner's and the PE Centre. As a result of the inspection asbestos was removed from Fenner's Cricket Pavilion. |
| PPE Store | The old bathroom at the Cricket Pavilion has been refurbished and will become a storage area for PPE. |
| First Aid room | A First Aid room has been established at the PE Centre next to reception. |
| Kitchen | The kitchen at the PE Centre has been refurbished by EMBS. |
| Changing rooms | After a second crack appeared on the outside of the building and large areas of tiles fell from the changing room walls, a structural engineer was called in by EMBS to assess the building. This confirmed that there are no structural problems but that the original builders did not use sufficient tile adhesive. All the tiles in the building were tested and major remedial work was undertaken by EMBS. |
| New pole vault bed | A new pole vault bed, complying with IAAF regulations, has been purchased for the University Athletics Track. A larger landing area and padded post protectors will improve safety during competition and training. |
| Track certification | The University Track was re-certified by UK Athletics and was awarded Class 1 status, suitable for all levels of training and competition. |
Department inspections took place in August 2006. The inspection team consisted of:
The Inspection Reports were received by the Departmental Safety Committee and any action required allocated to Department staff.