Unfortunately, this is not a case of "no news is good news". At time of writing the PAA hopes to have stitched up a deal with new underwriters by the end of this week (9th March). There was obvious disquiet with the NSW delegates, however, our hands are tied until we know the extent of the new policy. As soon as I receive information from the State Secretary, I'll pass it on to all club secretaries.
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Regional Development
This concept has been kicking around for the past 18 months or so. However, there was general agreement that this will be good for our sport. The Tri-Regional concept will not replace zones, rather it is hoped to promote our game by raising its profile and increase participation, particularly at the lower grades.
Our Region includes South West Riverina, South West Slopes and Southern Highlands. Each zone is to nominate a representative to liaise with the other zones. The initial thought is to hold a regional carnival (in 2002) particularly focussing on B, C, D, E grades at a central location to all zones.
Your thoughts and comments would be welcomed.
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US Junior Exchange Tour
The players for this tour were selected at the weekend. Congratulations to Ben Blore from Bungendore who will be experiencing the trip of a lifetime. The other players selected were - Skye Bradford (Warren/Bunnan); Gemma Jones (Wagga); Kelly Cameron (Glen Innes); Sam Halstead (Bunnan); Matthew Spedding (Central Coast) and Greg Schwager (Narrabri).
Please support Ben in his fundraising activities. This year the State will not be providing financial support for the juniors and they will each need to raise between $4,000 and $5,000!
The State has called for further nominations for a coach and manager. Club secretaries have received the official nomination forms, however if you think you could do this job please contact me and I will send you the relevant information direct NB nominations close 19th March.
The NSWPA Council has granted financial aid of $1,500 each to the coach and manager. This is a pretty tough job, but the State recognises that to attract people to take it on, the provision of some financial assistance was required.
The tentative dates for the tour are from 23rd June to 23rd July and at this stage the group will be visiting Sante Fe, Colorado Springs, New York and Pennsylvania - sound good? then give me a call!
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Nationals 2006
The Council determined that the Nationals for 2006 would be a State run and funded fixture. Regions will be invited to "tender" for the event with a maximum of two per region.
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Nominations for State Secretary
Jenny Jones informed the meeting that she would not be seeking re-election at the October AGM. Jenny has worked tirelessly for the State Association for the past 16 years but her new passion in life, her Boer goats, are taking up the majority of her time. Indeed, Jenny's Boer Ram won the Supreme Champion Exhibit at the Royal Canberra Show.
Jenny says the workload of State Secretary has increased to such an extent that she believes the job should be divided into three separate positions: A teams liaison officer (currently undertaken by Helen Stapleton); a minutes/registration secretary and general secretary. Tony Burrell (State Treasurer) has agreed to take on registrations however there are still the other positions that will need to be filled.
Nomination forms for all positions will be sent out to Zones later in the year, however if there is a person out there who thinks they could be interested in any of these jobs, I'm sure Jenny would be pleased to discuss it with you. Please contact me for Jenny's details.
Odette Neumann
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ZONE NEWS
ROYAL CANBERRA SHOW Max Walters Trophy 2001
In true style the temperature was nudging 35 deg on Saturday at the showgrounds. However, despite this the four teams were on time for their first game and were very well presented. Before the games commenced, the NSW Chief Umpire, David Sillis, called in all players and explained the new rules. Namely, if a player changes direction, that player must allow a distance of 5 meters from all other players. Secondly, swinging a racquet must commence from the boot of the player, not from the shoulder.
This covered, the games began. First match was Southern Highlands against Central West with SH winning that game.
Next North West Plains met South West Slopes with SWS defeating NWP.
The first game in the afternoon found South West Slopes against Central West and SWS won their second match of the day.
Then Southern Highlands met North West Plains in a closely fought game but SH were the eventual winners.
Following the Grand Parade at 4:00 pm all teams headed back to the Canberra Royals Grounds and enjoyed a refreshing shower before heading out to the official function. This year, players, coaches, families and invited guests enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the Old Canberra Inn. The outdoors "beer garden" with trellised wisteria was a welcome relief from the heat of the day.
North West Plains had the best turned out team on the evening, they all looked very smart in their white shirts with yellow scarves and ties - an excellent effort on their behalf.
The Zone was honoured that the PAA President, Peter Crauford, was able to attend the dinner. Both Max Walters and Peter Crauford briefly addressed the players and wished them well for the next days games.
Due to Southern Highlands and South West Slopes both gaining their berth into the finals the previous day, they did not play the first up game on Sunday morning. However, Central West played North West Plains with NW Plains winning that match.
Thankfully the weather was a little kinder on the Sunday with the overcast sky providing slightly milder temperatures. Both teams appeared slightly nervous in front of the large number of spectators and Umpire David Sillis had his work cut out keeping all players on track. Players needed reminding of the new rules on a few occasions which resulted in several penalties being imposed.
The girls met in the first chukka and after 6 minutes the score was SWS 4 - SH 2.
Next the boys "did battle" but at the end of chukka 2 the score remained 4 to 2.
Chukka 3 had the girls back on field and Nichole Amey for SWS increased their lead by another 4 goals.
With South West Slopes having such a handy lead the final chukka proved a little trying for the Southern Highland boys. At the final whistle, the score was 8 to 4 in favour of SWS.
Congratulations to a well played game by South West Slopes who have now taken out the Max Walters Trophy 4 years in a row!
The teams competing were:
CENTRAL WEST
Gaye Nesbitt
Kelvan Harris
Carlie Venables
Brendan Harris
Kristen Thistleton
Luke Greenslade
NORTHWEST PLAINS
Mary Jones
Cody Maidens
Amy Townsend
Thomas Schwager
Rachel Lilliebridge
Mitchell Johnstone
SOUTH WEST SLOPES
Nichole Amey
James Fitzgerald
Penny Jones
Ben Manwarring
Rebecca Webb
Wade Mathie
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Belinda Anderson
Ashley Mathie
Sarah O'Brien
Paul Lawton
Alison Mathie
Anthony Yeo
A special mention goes to Kristen Thistleton who played with Central West enabling them to field a team, reserve players Wade Mathie played with South West Slopes in the absence of one of their team members and Belinda Hallam did an exceptional job on several occasions filling in as required.
Well done to all players and congratulations again to South West Slopes.
Odette Neumann
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SYDNEY POLOCROSSE CLUB 2001 Start Up Carnival 17-18 March
Now located at Camden (adjacent to the showground) the club is running a "Greenhorse Go Easy Competition" which is ideal for the young or green horse that needs to be exposed to the game in a low pressure enviornment and an "Open Bounce On Competition" for experienced horses or those that want to get ready for the long season ahead. There is no interchange of horses, however players may nominate in more than one section.
A "Sub Junior Young Guns Competition" will run throughout the weekend - numbers permitting.
If you would like further details contact Shiree Bennett on 02 4884 1200.
Australia 
