The Ring exists to promote the Morris, to provide fellowship and also to support its member sides. One way it does this is via its system of Area Reps, and another is through the provision of advice via documents on the Ring website, on topics ranging from Risk Assessment to Recruitment.
The smooth and successful running of a Morris side depends largely on the voluntary efforts of its officers. Traditionally that’s Squire, Bagman and Foreman, and although titles may have changed and other roles created, the basic jobs remain the same, and taking on any of those roles can be a daunting task.
Describing those roles, and providing a framework for carrying them out is what this Guide tries to do.
It doesn’t contain rules, and it doesn’t teach how to dance. It’s just a compendium of ideas on running a successful Morris side, to take / leave as you will, in the context of your own side. Every side is different so there’s no one ‘correct’ way…
It is organised in sections to dip into as you wish:
- Who are we?
The importance of deciding what your side is about.
- Officers and tasks
A Morris side’s officers and their roles
- Keeping the side happy
A happy side keeps its members and attracts new ones. An unhappy side doesn’t. Assorted thoughts on what keeps members happy to belong.
- Documentation and Legal stuff
The legal environment: Insurance, H&S, Safeguarding, GDPR, Equality Act etc. The stuff you need to know about and how to deal with it.
- Financial matters
Banking, collecting, giving, recording, reserves etc.
- Getting the best out of practice
The importance of regular and positive practices and how to run practices people want to attend.
- Public performance and events
The importance of putting on a good show.
- Recruiting and keeping new members
Who, and how ?
- Dealing with the media
Advice section…
The Guide was collated by Paul Redhead of Devil’s Dyke Morris Men with suggestions from Nigel Strudwick, Peter Austin, Matthew Turvey and Mike Garland. It draws heavily on material already on the Ring website, but blame Paul for the rest!
