MEMBERSHIP fees for the 2013 HPH York Vale League season have been pegged to help cash-hit clubs.

Many clubs were left out of pocket after this year’s rain-lashed summer and the decision to freeze subscriptions was announced at the league’s annual general meeting at Fulfordgate Working Men’s Club.

Malton & Old Malton II and Barmby Moor were re-elected by large majorities. Both clubs had to re-apply after conceding more than two fixtures during 2012.

Wheldrake II, who also did not fulfil sufficient fixtures last season, opted not to re-apply so the league will operate with 47 teams next year – a drop of seven from 2012. The management committee will meet next Tuesday to discuss the format of the league for the 2013 season with five divisions being the most likely outcome.

Clubs backed a rule change proposed by the management committee to reduce the number of points for cancelled or abandoned matches to ten points from 15. This was in response to a clubs’ survey which suggested that 15 points was too generous and the reduction should provide teams with a greater incentive to play rather than cancel.

A move to switch match starting times from 2pm to 1.30pm was defeated, as was a proposal by Heworth to increase the fine for away teams who cancel a fixture from £30 to £60.

Fixtures secretary Andy Copeland was appointed secretary after the resignation of John Parker who held the post for two years. Mike Hamshere has returned as interim treasurer for a second period after Dave Morton stood down. All other 2012 officials were re-elected.

To help to plan the fixture list for next season clubs have been asked to contact Copeland by Friday, November 30, with any weekend dates in 2013 when grounds will be unavailable.

Thixendale, Westow and Ben Johnson will be fined for failing to attend the annual meeting.