SGM Outcome & Minutes

The Payneham Table Tennis Academy Inc. held a Special General Meeting in the Clubrooms on Sunday 14th April 2024 to discuss and vote on the TTSA / TTA affiliation motion.

Motion to be voted is YES or NO:

‘It is proposed that The Payneham Table Tennis Academy Inc. fully affiliate ALL social and competition players with Table Tennis South Australia / Table Tennis Australia.’

In total 71 eligible attendees were present, in addition to Paul Langley (TTSA President) and Cynthia Langley (TTSA Events) representing the states governing body in a non-voting capacity.

Item 1 – Opening & Welcome

Payneham Chairperson, John Cox welcomed all attendees, thanking them for giving up their time on Sunday to attend the Club in what is considered an important matter. Attendees were welcomed noting:

• Paul & Cynthia Langley, representing TTSA,
• Payneham Life Member & TTSA Life Member Bill Oatey OAM, and Patron of Table Tennis SA (2023 and 2024), plus
• Payneham Life Member & TTSA Life Member Brian Howard
• Payneham Life Members Marilyn Bull, Jeff Bull, Herb Ellis, Kaye Merrett, and Ken Granfield, and
• All Payneham current and past social and competition players.

The current Payneham Management Committee (6 members) was introduced, Brett Edwards, Chris Phung, Marilyn Bull, Brian Howard, Stephy Ngu, and John Cox, who had effectively managed the Club for almost 4 years.

Apology for the 30-minute delay in commencing the meeting due to overwhelming attendance and the need to verify everyone’s eligibility status to ensure no irregularities.

Meeting commenced at 11.00am.

Preamble (written) was provided, confirming that the SGM had been called by the Management Committee and the reason why being in response to the Club’s preclusion from 2024 Winter Pennant after +60 years association due to only partial affiliation with the state governing body.

Constitutional clauses allowing for the SGM, the process of voting, the 14 days’ timeframe, and the consequence of achieving a YES vote. It was confirmed that the purpose of the SGM was for the Management Committee to seek a mandate to update the Club’s constitution, effectively changing the rules by removing Section 28 – Affiliation.

It was confirmed that if a YES vote was achieved, the change would be effective immediately, although a new constitution would need to be prepared and presented at either an AGM or another SGM for adoption.

It was highlighted that sole purpose of the meeting to provide a Q&A time, and then put the motion to a vote.

Reference to the Club’s position on negotiations between TTSA and Payneham have previously been covered in the Club’s Official Statement posted on the web page and circulated.

Item 2 – Confirmation of Attendees Eligibility

The process of checking the database of current financial members ensured that only current financial members since from 1st January 2024, and Life Members could vote. It was noted that membership renewals had been accepted during the week and on the day, given there was no suggestion of vote stacking, but delay in renewing.

71 Eligible names were accepted to cast a vote.

Item 3 – Confirmation of Quorum

It was confirmed that the Quorum required for either AGM or SGM is 5% of adult membership.

The meeting was advised that the Club had 380 financial members, split as 339 Adult and 41 Junior (ineligible to vote) – refer Section 23.1 a) of the Club’s constitution.

As only 18 financial members were required to achieve a quorum the SGM was declared valid.

Item 4 – Q & A and Discussion

It was again highlighted that a time of 30 minutes was felt adequate for members to ask relevant questions of the Club’s Management Committee and voice their view on pros and cons of affiliation.

It was again reiterated that TTSA representatives had offered to attend to answer questions and provide relevant information where applicable. On several occasions members were reminded of the purpose of the meeting, the Q&A discussion time and asked to show respect while at the same time expressing their disappointment on 2024 Winter Pennant outcome. Both John Cox and Paul Langley confirmed that best endeavours had been made.

From the outset the Management Committee advised it was the single motion for consideration, and nothing to do with membership or playing fees, or changing the flooring, or another matter.

The Management Committee reaffirmed the Club’s strong financial position due to the past efforts of committees, reassuring questioners that there was no desire for the current team to consider any changes. This was reaffirmed by Brett Edwards on behalf of the Management Committee.

Paul Langley provided useful insight as to the Club’s benefits in being fully affiliated – policies, grants, guidance & support, Winter Pennant. Paul Langley was quizzed by Stephy Ngu as to whether Payneham is the only partly affiliated Club in SA to which he confirmed “YES”.

It was queried as to why only 30 minutes allocated, but people were reassured if they stuck to the topic, and the floor was shared then people could express their opinions, as well as get the answers or reassurances required.

Consensus was that people were disappointed with the Winter Pennant outcome, some anger towards TTSA with short definitive notice, but it was also noted that many players had now found positions in either Adelaide or East Adelaide and others had decided not to play. Jordan Hua was thanked for assistance in working with Chris Phung.

Concern for Payneham players coming back for Winter Pennant 2025 was raised, several players in attendance confirmed Payneham was their home.

Item 5 – Voting and Decision

Prior to voting it was noted that a two-thirds majority is required at a SGM to effect rule change, so based on 71 eligible attendees a 48 YES vote was required.

People were advised that blank forms, additional names / comments would render the voting slip invalid.

Prior to voting everyone was thanked for giving up their time to attend.

Outcome of the Vote

63 – YES
8 – NO
0 – Abstained or Informal.

Motion carried by greater than two-thirds majority.

In closing to everyone who attended the SGM the PTTA Inc. Management Committee thanked them for the interest in their Club

Thanks,

PTTA Inc. Management Committee
Tuesday 16th April 2024