It is fair to say that the twenty-three polocrosse administrators who were fortunate enough to attend this workshop in Canberra last weekend all came away with a better understanding of their administrative role.
The program covered a wide range of topics including Club Management & Planning, Financial Management, Building & Retaining Membership, Club Marketing, Sponsorship, Fundraising & Grants and Event Management.
Keith Meskell, Manager of Industry Development with the ACT Bureau of Sport and Recreation presented these topics in an interactive and easy to follow manner. At times our grey cells were put to the test, but our group managed to acquit itself very well.
There were two other sessions conducted by specialists in their field. Firstly, Paul Grogan from the Australian Sports Commission introduced us to the Active Australia Provider Model which offers a great resource for Club Development.
Paul's one hour session stretched into two - as the group become totally involved in this concept. In broad terms, "Active Australia" is a resource tool which I urge all clubs to consider tapping into.
For a two-year membership fee of $80, Members receive a kit containing a self-audit checklist which enables your club to identify its strengths and weaknesses and to develop an action plan for the future.
The key feature of the process is that Members receive personalised, professional advice and feedback from an Active Australia Consultant.
To join ring 1300 130 121 or download an application form on-line at:
The other specialist session was conducted by Sacha Wainwright, a solicitor with a Canberra legal firm. Sacha specialises in "Sports Law" and is also a member of the Australian Womens Soccer team. With this background, Sacha has an understanding of the pitfalls Clubs and Administrators face.
As we are all aware, legal issues and risk management are becoming more prominent in our society these days. Sacha's presentation also extended well over two hours, such was the depth of issues and topics covered.
Risk Management is something we all need to be more aware of. Our State has put in place a "Risk Management Policy" - this is set out in the NSW Polocrosse Handbook (all NSW clubs have a copy). Bill Bleechmore has also prepared a checklist which will be forwarded to Clubs in the near future. It is expected that Clubs will complete this form on a yearly basis to assess and identify what steps have been put in place to minimise risk.
On Sunday, the PAA President, Peter Crauford, gave us a run down on the PAA's funding arrangements and how these funds are expended. We also have a greater understanding of the many hoops the PAA has to jump through to secure Government Grants and the specific areas these grants must be used for.
Also a great deal of time was spent walking us through our insurance situation. Hardly a day goes by when you don't hear of yet another organisation or business that, as a result of not being able to secure public liability insurance, has been forced to cease operating. Unfortunately, this also includes several equestrian groups.
The workshop was also a valuable forum to network with other state administrators. The group covered the whole range of polocrosse administration from Club level right through to the National body. The youngest participant was twenty-one year old Sophie Keynes from Victoria up to…… well, probably Steve Stuart who's pacemaker beeped a couple of times!
As could be expected from any group of polocrosse people, it didn't take us long to get to know one another. Although predominantly NSW people attended, there were four ladies from Western Australia, or should I say the four "wild ladies" from the west. There might be two hours of separation between us, but their merry laughter will be heard for a long time to come. Kerryn, Jo, Pip and Mandy, it was great to meet you.
Katie from Swan Hill also fell into that "wild" mould, however Kate had to leave us on Saturday evening to bus it home.
The South Australian Secretary, Jodie-Ann Hochuli was there, as was Queensland's Administrator, Sue Terpening.
Pam Coulson, the PAA Secretary, and Karin Stockman, the National Coaching Director, are to be congratulated for putting this workshop together. It was such a useful program the Zone Executive is considering running a workshop along similar lines later in the year for our clubs.
Overall, I found the two and a half days most beneficial and have come away with a greater awareness of Club Administration and also a better understanding of the workings of the PAA.
Odette Neumann
ZONE NEWS
Hunter Valley Appeal
On Friday 24th May, while enroute to polocrosse at Singleton, Haydon Turnbull's truck carrying eight horses caught fire. As a result of this, two of Haydon's horses had to be destroyed. The other horses, owned by the Smiths and Kellys, didn't fare much better. At this stage probably only one horse will be able to play again while the others are suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. All gear in the truck was also lost.
When the Zone Executive learnt of this tragedy, we wanted to help in some way, and although money can't erase the horror of the whole event, we hope our donation to the Appeal will demonstrate our concern and support to Haydon and the others. Clubs have also been encouraged to contribute to the Appeal. If individuals would like to offer their support in this or any other manner please direct them to:
Debbie Craig Treasurer - Hunter Valley Zone "Boronia" Piles Lane DURI, NSW. 2344
NSW Zone Championships 8-9 June 2002 Bungendore Showground
As members are aware, Southern Highlands applied to the NSWPA two years ago to run a championship competition as a means of raising funds for the Zone.
Preparations are in full swing for the 2002 NSW Zone Championships. Clubs appointed delegates early in the season to attend meetings and organise their jobs. Below is a run down on each Club's tasks:
BUNGENDORE Field Marking Firewood Arrange removal of rubbish PA system Co-ord. food ordering with Burradoo & Hall
BURRADOO Canteen - breakfast & lunch (Sat & Sun)
HALL Dinner Saturday evening
MOSS VALE Set up tables for dinner and assist with serving (other clubs to assist where possible)
LAKE GEORGE Bar Marshall camp sites and collect gate entry
CANBERRA Organise raffle prize, obtain licence for raffle, print and distribute tickets.
YASS & BRAIDWOOD Toilets/showers - cleaning etc Organise umpire's horses (All clubs asked to bring spare horses where possible)
In addition to this, each club was responsible for seeking sponsorship for a competition as well as provide a judge for best horse & rider combination -
MENS --- Lake George WOMENS --- Bungendore VETERANS --- Yass INTERMEDIATE --- Hall JUNIOR MIXED --- Canberra JUNIOR OPEN --- Braidwood SUBBIES --- Moss Vale CHAMPION HORSES --- Burradoo
The Zone Executive and your Clubs have been working hard to make these Championships a success, but will need all their members input on the weekend. Members are also asked to supply cakes and soups for the canteen.
Our Clubs have a history of successfully running carnivals together (ie End of Year Zone Carnivals) and this will not be too different from those.
Brian Luton and Graeme O'Donnell will be the official announcers for the weekend, with Brian also functioning as Master of Ceremonies during the Official Opening by Gary Nairn MP - Federal Member for Eden Monaro.
The Grand Parade will be held at 12:30pm on Saturday with the parade and official opening not expected to exceed one hour.
Best of luck to everyone who will be competing at what we expect will be a very successful competition.
Australia 
