Athletics in Tasmania

What's On :: RE: Shamus Liptrot

Author: Darren A
Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 12:33 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 1

RIP Shamus
_________________
Darren A

What's On :: Shamus Liptrot

Author: damo
Subject: Shamus Liptrot
Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 12:02 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 1

I am very sorry to announce the passing of Shamus over the weekend as a result of his injuries from his crash in the 2007 coastal carnival series.

The following was posted on the SA cycling website,
"Max Stevens, Monday, 9 May 2011
The cycling community is in shock tonight after learning that Shamus Liptrot passed away overnight at his family home north of Adelaide.
�We have lost the most beautiful person I have ever met�, said his father Malcolm Liptrot. �He had worked so hard and never gave up his love of life, we are in disbelief, this has come as a total shock�.
Shamus was seriously injured in December 2007 when competing in Devonport Tasmania. While he never fully recovered from the injuries sustained his mother Patricia and father gave the young man a quality of life he deserved.
Our hearts and thoughts go out to Patricia and Malcolm at this time. Their love, commitment and workload are a lesson for all to admire. They put their lives on hold to give Shamus comfort and a future.
Shamus was still training on his bike at home, enjoying a return to his local school and loving life. This was the last thing any of us would have expected.
We are all shocked and heart broken. Shamus was doing well and kept regular contact with his cycling mates, I�m speechless, and words fail me at this time.
Our love is with Patricia and Malcolm and the many people who have loved and supported Shamus and the Liptrots since the tragic accident.

Max Stevens"

I had the good fortune to meet Shamus the following year after his accident and his parents and he was an outstanding young fellow full of life, I will never forget however the look in his eyes when speaking with him, his body was damaged, his speech was poor and he was distorted in his features but he was alive and vibrant behind those eyes, so full of life and future. He was and is a role model and an extrordinary talent and person and will be enormously missed by everyone who knew him and also all of us that were there that fateful evening in Devonport. I know the crash had a huge impact on my squad and families and to see him 12 months on going around the track in the back of a ute whilst hard to take gave us belief.

RIP

What's On :: Australian national championships and world champs selection

Author: damo
Subject: Australian national championships and world champs selection
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 1:32 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 0

wishing all athletes the best for this meet with quite a few attending and quite a few first timers. In particular my Sandy Bay athletes Jarred Gilroy and Max Waldron. Jarred is doing the senior 100/200/400m and Max the senior 200/400m. Also the following weekend both boys and Rowan Mason and Jordy Sheppard will be competing in their first ever Stawell Gift. All the guys are looking forward to both weekends to end their domestic season and are hoping for good perormances.

Just a quick one, watch out for the Dragon, Dan Lemoto, at Stawell. He has a good mark and is running close to the best form he has had in 5 years, could very well make the final based on his mark and times if he runs well

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Interclub forum for 2011/12

Author: damo
Subject: Interclub forum for 2011/12
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 3:21 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

230 views, 4 posts

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Interclub forum for 2011/12

Author: damo
Subject: Interclub forum for 2011/12
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 3:20 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

srae wrote:

Damo maybe put this on the Tasathlete FB page.... apparently this is where all the cool kids and parents are now.....

Actually prob good start at least awareness would be lifted. Are there minutes of this meeting somewhere?

I would really really like to see 10am starts!

what's FB Gramps, you are speaking another dialect GHet Hag's to do his post on there too. I did look at the views and a lot of people had looked at his post, obviously the "like" button wasn't working

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Interclub forum for 2011/12

Author: srae
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 12:02 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

Damo maybe put this on the Tasathlete FB page.... apparently this is where all the cool kids and parents are now.....

Actually prob good start at least awareness would be lifted. Are there minutes of this meeting somewhere?

I would really really like to see 10am starts!

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Interclub forum for 2011/12

Author: damo
Subject: Interclub forum for 2011/12
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 3:22 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

BRH wrote:

Damo - your post was lodged on 1 April but this is no joke.

Good of you to raise the subject on this forum but according to recent posting traffic the forum may be less frequented than previously....??

Anyway, in my opinion, the biggest issue facing interclub (and more broadly track and field in Tasmania) in coming years and decades is volunteers, be they coaches (some might argue these should get paid), administrators and officials. Our existing volunteer population is ageing (With all respect Noel Ruddock was old when I was an athlete). So many of the athletics community wear many of these hats anyway (think of Rosemary, Rex, etc etc) and over recent years many athletes (eg Rae, Humphrey, S Morey, M Giblin) have donned multiple hats.

There is no "contract" between AS and the clubs to provide officials for interclub, but there is an expectation. We could go back to the old fashioned way where there are lists of jobs and numbers required from each club. Clubs might have to do a roster?

We need certain specialist qualified officials (chiefs, announcers, timekeepers etc) who will turn up regularly but we also need athletes and parents to jump the fence and rake for an hour or set up hurdles or read the start lists. The long term threat of "the sport will die" does not seem to be enough of a threat to get people to volunteer.

One thought of mine is to have some prizes to award to young volunteers, eg for every 30 minutes of volunteering you get a ticket, might be a new iPhone or tickets to Falls Festival, or maybe Neil Diamond tickets for the older officials... AS might have to fork out $500 per year in prizes, but it might be necessary.... Maybe those demanding, specialist jobs (eg announcer) get double tickets....

Young people - tell us your thoughts, we need your input?

Cant beat the silence can you Hags

2 days no responses, wonder what will happen then, maybe no interclub unless there is a full compliment of officials? wonder whether that would raise any eyebrows?

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Interclub forum for 2011/12

Author: BRH
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 1:14 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

Damo - your post was lodged on 1 April but this is no joke.

Good of you to raise the subject on this forum but according to recent posting traffic the forum may be less frequented than previously....??

Anyway, in my opinion, the biggest issue facing interclub (and more broadly track and field in Tasmania) in coming years and decades is volunteers, be they coaches (some might argue these should get paid), administrators and officials. Our existing volunteer population is ageing (With all respect Noel Ruddock was old when I was an athlete). So many of the athletics community wear many of these hats anyway (think of Rosemary, Rex, etc etc) and over recent years many athletes (eg Rae, Humphrey, S Morey, M Giblin) have donned multiple hats.

There is no "contract" between AS and the clubs to provide officials for interclub, but there is an expectation. We could go back to the old fashioned way where there are lists of jobs and numbers required from each club. Clubs might have to do a roster?

We need certain specialist qualified officials (chiefs, announcers, timekeepers etc) who will turn up regularly but we also need athletes and parents to jump the fence and rake for an hour or set up hurdles or read the start lists. The long term threat of "the sport will die" does not seem to be enough of a threat to get people to volunteer.

One thought of mine is to have some prizes to award to young volunteers, eg for every 30 minutes of volunteering you get a ticket, might be a new iPhone or tickets to Falls Festival, or maybe Neil Diamond tickets for the older officials... AS might have to fork out $500 per year in prizes, but it might be necessary.... Maybe those demanding, specialist jobs (eg announcer) get double tickets....

Young people - tell us your thoughts, we need your input?

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: Interclub forum for 2011/12

Author: damo
Subject: Interclub forum for 2011/12
Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 10:56 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

I thought the forum was quite informative, Jarrod explained a lot of issues well and what I basically took from the meeting is that for interclub to improve in most aspects there needs to be more hands involved. Suggestions were floated and all involved had good points of view to put across, good to see some athletes involved as well.

From my point of view the following points were important and when raised drew a lot of conversation

lack of officials and its immediate impact on quality of competition
planning for the future, not just for the present with what works best in programming for jumps/throws with large fields split over multiple sessions?

Interclub not neccesarily being a Saturday afternoon based comp, what are the other options? the 10am start was well recieved, freeing up an afternoon and also the opportunity to engage Little A's in some way to possibly prevent a long day at aths for many families?

clarification of interclub start and end dates and what constitutes a season?

the need for athletes to become more involved in officiating as a way of them building stronger knowledge about their events and how a competition is run?

Flagging of an incentive/disencentive scheme for officiating?

I will put this out there now, Jarrod is particularly interested in recruiting finish line people for the photo finish operation, it apparently is a simple but important job, I believe we need 4 people and they could be doing it on a rostered basis, any takers?

Secondly announcers? Jarrod would like some interested parties to come forward to basically talk about fields and commentate events. I believe it would be good if we could get a panel of announcers whom could commentate on a rostered basis as well, 2 each week, one stays pretty much around the office and the other can get around the sites, really get people engaged in the throws and jumps, instant results etc, interview the athletes or coaches about the days proceedings etc, what their goals and plans are for the comp?

Thoughts?

What's On :: Cross Country 2011

Author: chris
Subject: Cross Country 2011
Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:08 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 0

Athletics South Winter Program 2011
Register Now for the 2011 Cross Country Season

Download Winter Card 2011

APRIL
Sat 2 AS * Graeme Cruise Memorial 3km & 6km Bellerive Beach
Sat 9 AS * Geilston Bay Relay 3 x 2 x 2km Geilston Bay
Sun 10 ES Round the River Fun Runs 2.5km, 5km & 10km Eastern Shore
Sat 16 AS * Risdon Brook Dam 4.5km & 9km Risdon Brook
Sun 17 RO Oatlands Fun Run 2km, 4km & 8km Oatlands - 11am
Sat 23 AS Wentworth Park (Salacia Ave) 3km & 6km Howrah
Sat 30 AS/AT * Domain Cross Country 4km (Inc. AT Short Course X/C Titles) Domain X Roads

MAY
Sat 7 AS/RWT * John Keenan Memorial Government House 3.2km inc. RWT Walks Lower Domain
Sun 8 TMA Jim Burr Memorial Mountain Run 9am (Solo/Relay) Hobart GPO
Sun 8 S2F Mothers Day Classic Fun Run & walk 4km & 8km DAC, Domain
Sat 14 AS Wentworth Park Handicaps (Salacia Ave) 3km & 6km Howrah
Sun 15 AS City to Casino Fun Runs 2.7km, 7km & 11km Hobart
Sat 21 AS * Bagdad Cross Country 4km & 8km Bagdad
Sat 28 AS/RWT * Max Cherry Memorial Ridgeway Road 2.5km & 5km inc. RWT Walks Ridgeway
Sun 29 TMA Road Titles 11am Campbell Town

JUNE
Sat 4 AS * Police Academy Road 4km & 8km Rokeby
Sat 11 AS Pontville Handicaps 4km & 8km Pontville
Sat 18 AS 5 Mile Beach Cross Country 4km & 8km 5 Mile Beach
Sun 19 EVS/AT Launceston Ten Fun Run (Includes AT 10km Road Titles U/20, Open & O/40) Launceston
Sat 25 AS * Smith�s Apple Orchard 2.4km & 7km Grove

JULY
Sat 2 AS * Gellibrand Drive Cross Country Relay 4 runners x 3 x 1.1km Legs Sandford
Tue 5 AT Tasmanian All Schools (Secondary) Cross Country Symmons Plains
Sat 9 AS/RWT * Kempton Road 4km & 8km inc. RWT Walks Kempton
Wed 13AT Tasmanian All Schools (Primary) Cross Country Symmons Plains
Sat 16 AS * Opossum Bay Cross Country 4.5km & 9km Opossum Bay
Sat 23 AS Police Academy Cross Country Handicaps 3.5km & 7km Rokeby
Sun 24 NS/AT Glenorchy Fun Runs 2km, 5km & 10km DEC Glenorchy
Sat 30 AT/TMA IGA Tasmanian Cross Country Championships (Combined AT & TMA Age Related Distances) Pontville

AUGUST
Sat 6 AS Froggy Wise Memorial Handicaps 2.5km & 5km Waterworks
Sun 7 AS Budget Rent A Car Fun Run & Walk 2.5km & 5km Hobart
Sat 13 AS * Domain Cross Country 4km & 8km Domain X Roads
Sat 20 AS Axiom Way Cross Country 3.5km & 7km Acton
Sat 20 AA Australian Cross Country Championships inc All Schools & Primary Exchange Canberra ACT
Sun 21 AA Australian Schools Cross Country Championship Relays & Australian Walks Titles Canberra ACT
Sat 27 AS * Gellibrand Drive Cross Country 3km & 6km Sandford

SEPTEMBER
Sat 3 AS * Tas Bevis Memorial Cross Country 5km & 10km Huntingfield
Sun 4 RM Ross Marathon, Half & 10km Fun Run Ross
Sat 10 AS * St Virgils College XC 4km & 8km Austins Ferry
Sat 17 AS Risdon Brook Dam XC 4km & 8km Risdon Brook
Sun 18 TMA Brighton Country Challenge Fun Run 4km & 8km - 11am Pontville
Sat 24 AS * Tolosa Park Relay 4 Runners x 3 x 1mile Glenorchy

OCTOBER
Sat 8 - Sun 9ULT Freycinet Lodge Challenge Coles Bay
Sun 16 BSE Burnie Ten Fun Run 10km Burnie
Sun 23 AT Tasmanian Mt. Running Champs Mt Wellington

NOVEMBER
Sun 20 PtoP Point to Pinnacle Hobart

DECEMBER
Sat 3 ULT Bruny Island Ultra Run / Relay 64km Bruny Island
_________________
Go Sandy Bay Harriers

What's On :: World Youth Championships

Author: Fort
Subject: World Youth Championships
Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 9:16 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 0

Congratulations to Danni McConnell and Kaitlin Morgan on their selection for the upcoming World Youths in Lille, France July 6-10. No surprisen as they had both automatically qualified but nice to actually see it announced. Congratulations also to those coaches and others who have worked so hard to help these athletes, in particular although not limited to, Evan Peacock, Rex Morriss, John Peacock.

What's On :: RE: Australian Junior Championships 2011

Author: Fort
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 12:51 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

Thanks to Kev Morse for the research. Tassie had 23 medallists winning 32 medals (including relayists) which is a terrific performance from just over 50 athletes. Lots of pb's and the confirmation of international representation for Kaitlin and Danni with maybe more to come. The team was the benchmark nationally for enthusiasm and support once again for which Rosemary and her team deserve much praise. Tasmanian coaches also deserve commendation for their efforts in preparing the athletes so well. The 32 medals are broken down into Runners 17, Throwers 9, Jumpers 3, Race Walkers 3.

What's On :: RE: Australian Junior Championships 2011

Author: damo
Subject: Re: Australian Junior Championships 2011
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:37 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

Darren A wrote:

damo wrote:

medal chances??

I must admit many of the younger age group names are foreign to me, maybe older little A's athletes fresh from U/15's last season??

Anyone?

Guess the throwers will bring some home as usual.

My guesses

Kale Adams Male - North West, 3000, 2000 Meter Steeplechase
Rebecca Direen Female - Eastern Suburbs, Shot Put, Discus, Hammer (U18), Shot Put, Hammer (U20)
Sophie Eberhardt Female - OVA Southern Saints, 5000m Race Walk (U17), 3000m Race Walk (U16)
Natasha Fitzpatrick Female - Northern Suburbs, 3000, 2000 Meter Steeplechase
Mikayla Genge Female - OVA Southern Saints, Shot Put, Hammer (U17), Hammer (U20)
Tahlia Hunt Female OVA Southern Saints, 3000 Meter Race Walk
Danielle McConnell Female - Eastern Suburbs, Shot Put, Hammer (U18), Hammer (U20)
Kaitlin Morgan Female - OVA Southern Saints, High Jump, Triple Jump (U18), Long Jump (U17)
Huw Peacock Male - Eastern Suburbs, Discus, Shot Put, Hammer, Javelin
Natalea Smith Female - Tamar, 3000m, 2000m Steeplechase
Max Waldron Male - Sandy Bay, 200, 400

U/18 mens 4 x 400m may also be a strong medal chance?

What's On :: RE: Australian Junior Championships 2011

Author: Michelle
Subject: Australian Junior Championships 2011
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:47 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

A 3rd to Kale Adams in the 3k and a second to Natasha Fitzpatrick in the 2000m steeplechase - looks like Natasha wiped out state records for the U17, U18, U19, & U20 age groups in the process.

Well done!

What's On :: RE: Australian Junior Championships 2011

Author: Darren A
Subject: Re: Australian Junior Championships 2011
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:02 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

damo wrote:

medal chances??

I must admit many of the younger age group names are foreign to me, maybe older little A's athletes fresh from U/15's last season??

What's On :: RE: Australian Junior Championships 2011

Author: damo
Subject: Australian Junior Championships 2011
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 11:42 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

medal chances??

I must admit many of the younger age group names are foreign to me, maybe older little A's athletes fresh from U/15's last season??

What's On :: Australian Junior Championships 2011

Author: Darren A
Subject: Australian Junior Championships 2011
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 7:34 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 5

I did a quick count and there seems to be 54 athletes representing Tasmania this weekend. Good luck to them all.

Kale Adams Male - North West, 3000, 2000 Meter Steeplechase

Samuel Alderson Male - Newstead Harriers, 400 Meter, Triple Jump, Discus, Hammer

Jordan Bennett Male - Western Suburbs, 100, 200, 400

Nicholas Bennett Male - Western Suburbs, 400, 200 Meter Hurdles

Jacob Birtwhistle Male - Riverside, 1500, 3000

Ashlyn Brennan Female - Northern Suburbs, Triple Jump

Lillian Castle Female - OVA Southern Saints, 200, 400

Nathan Claridge Male Newstead Harriers, 800, Hammer Throw

Brandon Clark Male - Northern Suburbs, Triple Jump, Long Jump

Ashleigh Corbett Female - North West, 100, 200

Ben Covington Male - Sandy Bay, 800, 1500

Abbey de la Motte Female - North Launceston, 200, 400

Jacob Despard Male - OVA Southern Saints, 100, 200, 400

Rebecca Direen Female - Eastern Suburbs, Shot Put, Discus, Hammer (U18), Shot Put, Hammer (U20)

Sophie Eberhardt Female - OVA Southern Saints, 5000m Race Walk (U17), 3000m Race Walk (U16)

Natasha Fitzpatrick Female - Northern Suburbs, 3000, 2000 Meter Steeplechase

Lauren Free Female - Northern Suburbs, 100 Meter Hurdles, TJ, LJ, Discus, Shot Put, Javelin

Morgan Gaffney Female - North West, 100

Mikayla Genge Female - OVA Southern Saints, Shot Put, Hammer (U17), Hammer (U20)

Jarred Gilroy Male - Sandy Bay, 100, 200

Andrew Goyen Male - OVA Southern Saints, 800

Ryan Haag Male - OVA Southern Saints, Triple Jump

James Hansen Male - North Launceston, 800, 1500

Samuel Henley Male - North Launceston, Long Jump, Triple Jump

Tiffany Henricks Female - Western Suburbs, 100, 200

Tyler Heron Male - Western Suburbs, 110 Meter Hurdles, 400 Meter Hurdles

Tahlia Hunt Female OVA Southern Saints, 3000 Meter Race Walk

Darcy Lahey Male - North Launceston, 400

Cody Leary Male - Western Suburbs, Javelin

Charlie Leek Male Hobart Athletic Club, 100, 200

Joel Mason Male - Eastern Suburbs, High Jump

Claire McClenaghan Female - Newstead Harriers, Shot Put, Hammer, Javelin

Danielle McConnell Female - Eastern Suburbs, Shot Put, Hammer (U18), Hammer (U20)

Jessica Morey Female - OVA Southern Saints, 800, 1500

Kaitlin Morgan Female - OVA Southern Saints, High Jump, Triple Jump (U18), Long Jump (U17)

Caitlin Newson Female - Eastern Suburbs, 100

Huw Peacock Male - Eastern Suburbs, Discus, Shot Put, Hammer, Javelin

Andrew Robinson Male - North Launceston, 100, 200

Louis Rose Male - OVA Southern Saints, 3000 Meter Race Walk

Mitchell Salter Male - OVA Southern Saints, 400, 800

Ella Scott Female - Eastern Suburbs, 200, 400

Maddy Scott - Female OVA Southern Saints, 200, 400

Natalea Smith Female - Tamar, 3000m, 2000m Steeplechase

Courtney Stanley Female - Western Suburbs, 800, High Jump, Triple Jump

Felicity Stringer Female - OVA Southern Saints, 400, 100m Hurdles 400m Hurdles

Russell Taib Male - OVA Southern Saints, 100, 200

Rachelle Taylor Female - Western Suburbs, 5000 Meter Race, 3000 Meter Race Walk

Jye Terry Male - OVA Southern Saints, Shot Put, Hammer

Alec Thomas Male - North West, 400, 800

Jordan Tyler Male - Western Suburbs, 400, 800

Jesse Usoalii Male - Eastern Suburbs, 100, 200

Max Waldron Male - Sandy Bay, 200, 400

Emma Walker Female - Western Suburbs, 3000 Meter Race Walk

Kate Walters Female - North Launceston, Long Jump
_________________
Darren A

What's On :: RE: State Championships 2011

Author: JyW
Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 9:22 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 23

A bit off topic, but sort of related to what Darren was talking about regarding a selection process to get to state champs via regional meets.

I've often wondered whether this would be a useful path to go down during the school season. Particularly if Tasmania does eventually end up going down the 4 term model it may structure the school year so that it is easier to duplicate what goes on interstate during the school athletics season....however with a bit of a unique Tasmanian twist to fit with existing meets that are held, and in light of Jarrod's comment that regional All-School Meets are now a thing of the past. The reason I have started thinking along these lines is because it would make Tasmanian kids a little more competition hardened like their interstate counterparts if they had to go through a series of meets to qualify for the Tasmanian team and it may make more kids, apart from those already in the sport aware of the Tasmanian all-schools, meaning a wider talent pool.

Hypothetically, the selection process for reaching the Tasmanian All-Schools could be based around the various region's inter-high meets and SATIS carnivals. This is because as far as I have observed these are the meets which have the widest range of talent and attract not only kids already involved in athletics, but also those that don't normally have exposure to the sport.

What you could do for example is have defined places for the Tasmanian all schools offered for each event (in each age group/gender) along lines outlined below. I have roughly judged the allocations on the general depth you might see at each of these regional meets:

First 3 finishers at Southern inter-high Division A
First 1 finisher at Southern inter-high Division B
First 2 finishers at Northern interhigh
First 2 finishers at North-West inter-high
First 4 finishers at Southern SATIS
First 4 finishers at Northern SATIS

Therefore 8 Northern places (North & NW) and 8 Southern Places. Additionally maybe some wildcard places for those kids who may be unlucky enough to have struck a particular event and/or age group with extensive depth in their particular regional carnival. Before you know it you have 16-20 kids in an event which would be a lot more competitive than turning up and qualifying for the Tasmanian team by simply finishing or obtaining a valid performance.

Might seem like a bit of a pipe dream, but I remember turning up to Tas All-Schools as a teenager in the mid 90's (well after the golden age that the elder statesmen of the sport in Tasmania talk about) and nearly needing heats for 1500's. Now I watch the Tas All-Schools and see kids qualifying just for turning up and competing, particularly with the new model. I can't help thinking it really is a bit of an anti-climax for a kid to turn up and find only 3 others (less in many cases) in their event at a state meet.
_________________
There's no such thing as bad weather just soft people!!

What's On :: RE: State Championships 2011

Author: Jarrod
Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 7:28 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 23

I was referring to earlier comments re working athletics around other events such as MS Fest, and emphasising that there is something other than athletics on every weekend. I shall take my tongue out of my cheek and realise that some people are free to use their own sarcasm in here, but choose to not read others!!!!

What's On :: RE: State Championships 2011

Author: Darren A
Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 2:38 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 23

Sometimes dealing with change I find this quote handy

The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.Winston Churchill
_________________
Darren A

What's On :: RE: State Championships 2011

Author: damo
Subject: State Championships 2011
Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 2:14 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 23

Jarrod wrote:

Also, State All Schools same weekend as Hobart Show,

who goes to the Hobart show?? used to be big once upon a time but I wouldn't have thought it would impact on an athletics event.

Darren's dates were just an example, I believe he has made the point however that there could be a functional split in junior / senior that could reflect favourably to national level.

What's On :: RE: State Championships 2011

Author: Darren A
Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 6:18 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 23

Oops sorry meant to say 6-8 from each region plus wildcards exemptions would mean around 16 in each event.

I haven't changed the schools events because that was fact and it worked well, shame that it has gone.

According to my records, the schools events are the actual dates they were on - therefore probably yes it was on during the HObart Show.

I initially had the junior state champs as the Briggs Meet, then changed the date as most wouldn't like that - even though I think it is a good idea.

The dates are more a concept and an idea, not this is when things should be.
_________________
Darren A

What's On :: RE: State Championships 2011

Author: Jarrod
Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 7:52 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 23

So only 6-8 in each event go to state championships???

Also, State All Schools same weekend as Hobart Show, and Junior Championships the same weekend as MS Fest..... don't know that is going to get supported by many apparently....

Southern All Schools also a part of history, no more of those.

What's On :: RE: State Championships 2011

Author: Darren A
Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 3:35 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 23

Just to go on with the thought of splitting the championships to Junior and Senior. Here is aquick plan of how something could be structure to have the relevant state champs before the National Champs.

I think you could programme regional interclubs, and statewide interclubs around it. I also personally like the idea of having a regional championships (ala Northern branch) before the state champs.

My reasoning for having regional to state to National is to compete at nationals, I think only in open events, if you finish top 3 at State champs you can compete at Nationals. So my thinking would be to do state champs, subject to exemptions/wildcards, everybody has to there regional champs. You could take the top 6-8 of each event and do the State champs for that event.

Date (Sat) Actual Competition Suggested Competition

16/04/2011 Australian Open Championships Australian Open Championships
09/04/2011
02/04/2011
26/03/2011 - State Senior Championships
19/03/2011 Tasmanian State Championships -
12/03/2011 Australian Junior Championships Australian Junior Championships
05/03/2011
26/02/2011 - State Junior Champsionships
19/02/2011 Briggs Meets
12/02/2011
05/02/2011
29/01/2011
22/01/2011
15/01/2011
08/01/2011
01/01/2011
25/12/2010
18/12/2010
11/12/2010
04/12/2010 Australian All Schools Australian All Schools
27/11/2010
20/11/2010
13/11/2010
06/11/2010
30/10/2010
23/10/2010 State All Schools Championships State All Schools Championships
16/10/2010
09/10/2010
02/10/2010 Southern All Schools Southern All Schools

Thoughts?
_________________
Darren A

What's On :: RE: State Championships 2011

Author: Darren A
Subject: Re: State Championships 2011
Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:51 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 23

Quote:

Maybe we need to look at state champs being broken into u/14-u18 on one weekend and u/20-senior on another, closer to open nationals?

Steal a line from Damo. "Where is that like button" It might also allow some of the talented junior athletes to step up in ages, especially for running events.
_________________
Darren A

What's On :: RE: State Championships 2011

Author: damo
Subject: State Championships 2011
Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:37 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 23

NMorey wrote:

With State Champs now being back on one weekend (which is a much better than the long winded 2 weekends that we've been trying) and with the strength of many of the open events on the track, there are bound to be clashes.

It comes down to picking the events which you are stronger in and most athletes will be in same situation no matter what discipline/area of track and filed they compete in.

And I would just like to express my joy of OVA's recent signing of ol Stevey Rae!!

Pro's and con's Nath, I still believe as a sport we focus far too much on the end result and not on development, we are not alone of course. The single greatest benefit of 2 weekends is the ability of an athlete (not senior) to compete in multiple age groups to challenge themselves and get 2nd chances at improvements in areas of weakness. Maybe we need to look at state champs being broken into u/14-u18 on one weekend and u/20-senior on another, closer to open nationals?

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: damo
Subject: Competition participation
Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:33 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

JyW wrote:

srae wrote:

If the suggestion is that by having a sat parents would choose then let them maybe do one week little As next week senior? I know a lot of people are more excited about competing seniors than the nazi run littles As

And again at the end of the day like some of the programming are we catering for senior athletes or for anyone else who wants the track for some use?

Heaven forbid we attempt to encourage a few away from Little A's (those 10-14yo Little A's - and their families) . Not like it hasn't been tried the other way around. After all I still reckon Little A's structure of competition is only really appropriate to kids up to U/12 like it was for it's first 30 yrs of existance (just my opinion). However having said this, any way of trying to intigrate the two organisations will benefit transition and the sport in general.

Maybe with a combined meet there is also scope for a coaching clinic each meet in whatever discipline. One thing I find astonishing is little A's kids without a clue of how to use blocks. Best time to teach a skill is to a developing brain, open to all feedback. Why teach poorly or not at all, then retrain at seniors with an individual coach? This combined opportunity needs to be revisited constructivley and fervently by AT as it will increase retention

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: damo
Subject: Competition participation
Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:26 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

BEARDY wrote:

As an athlete I personally don't like the idea of Sunday afternoons for interclub because it will disrupt training plans quite a bit! Also if I was planning on having a hard race on a sunday I would want a very relaxed Saturday and sunday morn, not doing much to prepare for the race, this would result to loosing most weekends. I can however see the benefits of a sunday.

Are we able to do some Friday twilight meets? Even if it is a lightning program (minimal events, short and sharp) That would free up the whole weekend and have a minimal impact on training programs!

Or alternatively we could have a Saturday morning interclub, and before everyone jumps up and down saying that is when little a's have the track could we incorporate some little A's events into the interclub program so that if a little A's event is on at the track they could compete with the senior athelets. this will help reduce the gap between little A's and seniors and could also increase officials as the little a officials would have to work alongside our officials which will help up skill them. Another benefit is it could increase the atmosphere at interclub as it can be a very quiet place some weekends!

Instead of trying to get little a's to seniors lets go to little a's?

I know its a different concept and some may say its a bit radical but it could work?

I'm looking for that "like button " again, beardy don't want to steal your thunder but has been suggested many times over the years. I believe, may stand corrected, that little A's not interested?

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: JyW
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 3:05 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

srae wrote:

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Darren A
Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 9:04 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

I believe there is a forum soon. Don't have the details handy. I hope all the clubs send it onto to everybody.

Remember for every idea there is someone who think it s u c k s. Be constructive and improvement will happen.
_________________
Darren A

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: srae
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 10:48 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

Beardy,

The Sat morning was suggested earlier on last year and for the reasons Jarrod mentions was quashed quite quickly and sadly.

I suggested that Sat mornings interclubs and inviting a centre - every 4 weeks to compete with the seniors would benifit the sport in a number of ways. Firstly i just dont think the message gets out to Little As and this could be a better way to break this barrier we have and look to improve the relationship. And really the more important reason, how bloody brilliant is the weather usually in the mornings! im sick of coming up at 1pm after a still morning only to have that dam southerly pick up!

If the suggestion is that by having a sat parents would choose then let them maybe do one week little As next week senior? I know a lot of people are more excited about competing seniors than the nazi run littles As

And again at the end of the day like some of the programming are we catering for senior athletes or for anyone else who wants the track for some use?

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: JyW
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 8:31 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

Seems from the suggestions which Beardy and Michelle have made, Friday night might be something people would go for.

I'm with Beardy, I find that unfortunately Sunday's (on a regular basis) don't work particularly well from a training program point of view for athletes or coaches, which is why I suggested Saturday evenings. Friday evenings wouldn't be too bad though.
_________________
There's no such thing as bad weather just soft people!!

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Jarrod
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:57 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

BEARDY wrote:

Or alternatively we could have a Saturday morning interclub, and before everyone jumps up and down saying that is when little a's have the track could we incorporate some little A's events into the interclub program so that if a little A's event is on at the track they could compete with the senior athelets. this will help reduce the gap between little A's and seniors and could also increase officials as the little a officials would have to work alongside our officials which will help up skill them. Another benefit is it could increase the atmosphere at interclub as it can be a very quiet place some weekends!

Instead of trying to get little a's to seniors lets go to little a's?

I know its a different concept and some may say its a bit radical but it could work?

Beardy, not so radical, it has actually been discussed in the past. At the risk of sounding negative, the issue that was raised and discussed in relation to this, is that we have already got athletes competing from just about every LA centre in the south of the state. The issue with trying to integrate with, say for example, Clarence, if they have the track booked this Saturday, is that we also have officials/athletes/families from other centres who overlap.

The issue there remains the same if we book a Saturday when no LA centre has it booked, that of officials/families having to decide. I am only being the messenger here, as I no longer have any involvement with LA centres, but that has been the common comment from those families who have a foot in both camps, a group that has been growing as we have massively increased our numbers of dual TLAA athletes with most clubs.

But, as I said, not so radical, and a good suggestion

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: BEARDY
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 2:47 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

As an athlete I personally don't like the idea of Sunday afternoons for interclub because it will disrupt training plans quite a bit! Also if I was planning on having a hard race on a sunday I would want a very relaxed Saturday and sunday morn, not doing much to prepare for the race, this would result to loosing most weekends. I can however see the benefits of a sunday.

Are we able to do some Friday twilight meets? Even if it is a lightning program (minimal events, short and sharp) That would free up the whole weekend and have a minimal impact on training programs!

Or alternatively we could have a Saturday morning interclub, and before everyone jumps up and down saying that is when little a's have the track could we incorporate some little A's events into the interclub program so that if a little A's event is on at the track they could compete with the senior athelets. this will help reduce the gap between little A's and seniors and could also increase officials as the little a officials would have to work alongside our officials which will help up skill them. Another benefit is it could increase the atmosphere at interclub as it can be a very quiet place some weekends!

Instead of trying to get little a's to seniors lets go to little a's?

I know its a different concept and some may say its a bit radical but it could work?
_________________
Everyone wants to be a HERO because we run all OVA you!!

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Michelle
Subject: Competition participation
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 2:13 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

I think the problem with a late afternoon/twilight of a Saturday is that Saturday night is primarily an evening for those that perhaps have a social life of a weekend (social life? - what's that?) whereas there is less likelihood of this conflicting with a late Sunday arvo.

You are right of course in that lot's of sports are catered for of an evening - touch football a perfect example. The major comparison though is the amount of people it takes to run these sports - touch football only requires a couple of umps - no set up, no pack down - aths you need a cast of many and have to allow all the extra time pre comp and post comp.

Have you ever been to a little A's meet at Sorell? Friday night twilights and each age group take a basket around to each site (with parents in tow) finish their event and then onto the next one. Works very well for a small group, they get their comp over and done with and have the weekend to themselves.

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Darren A
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 1:57 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

That is something the T&F director next year could look at.

I think they are alternatives to look at, and have merit.

Has an official survey of athletes, clubs, coaches and officials been done in the recent history. I can remember seeing a survey or questionaire forms being forwarded from clubs to there members previously (not sure how long ago) but this missed a lot of people as well, such as coaches and some officials.

If you ensure every registered person got it, as coaches now need to register with AA to get insurance coverage it picks up a lot more interested people.
_________________
Darren A

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: JyW
Subject: Re: Competition participation
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 1:48 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

Michelle wrote:

For what it is worth I liked having interclub at 3.30 on a Sunday. As an official it meant that I had almost 3/4 of the weekend to have a "normal" weekend.

One of the challenges the sport faces is that the demographics of the athletes are that they are of an age where they have a heavy study load and/or are fitting in part time work - most of the part time work opportunities would be for a Friday night and Saturday. Check out the retail outlets on a Sunday around Hobart - the majority of them are shut.

Most young adults that I know that seek part time work not just to earn money for phone credit but for some independence, such as saving for a car, then petrol expenses etc., or getting that all important independence status to get a living away from home allowance to pay for uni expenses. Not all kids get handed these things from their parents.

So perhaps this is what the sport needs to look at - changing the time slot to fit in with current lifestyle choices of our major demographics? It may also give more of an opportunity for little A's and their families to have a go at interclub.

Do you reckon a Saturday evening/twilight timeslot would fit with what you're suggesting Michelle? We do have the lighting for it at the Domain these days incase it was getting a bit gloomy for the last couple of events.

Just thinking it might achieve what you are pointing out in terms of fitting with busy lives, but at the same time fit a bit better with a weekly training structure than a Sunday evening/twilight would. In other words a bit of a compromise between the two priorities. Say a 4pm start with last event at 8pm (or 16:30-20:30, even 17:00-21:00 for that matter - depends what worked best I suppose).

It wouldn't be without precedent for local club sport to be done of an evening. Hockey has heaps of evening competition as does basketball, soccer, badminton, indoor cricket, squash, tennis, table tennis etc....the list goes on......I think even some of the lawn bowls clubs run evening comp (under lights if required) from time to time, with the oldies still managing to get home and in to bed on time .

The other advantage....we only tend to get a handful of nice still afternoons at the Domain during any given summer. Perhaps having evening competition we might get more placid conditions on a regular basis. Often I'll head out for a run or a row on the Derwent after an afternoon at interclub and the conditions will be the best they have been all day . Talk about frustrating .
_________________
There's no such thing as bad weather just soft people!!

What's On :: RE: State Championships 2011

Author: NMorey
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:45 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 23

With State Champs now being back on one weekend (which is a much better than the long winded 2 weekends that we've been trying) and with the strength of many of the open events on the track, there are bound to be clashes.

It comes down to picking the events which you are stronger in and most athletes will be in same situation no matter what discipline/area of track and filed they compete in.

And I would just like to express my joy of OVA's recent signing of ol Stevey Rae!!
_________________
OVA all the way!

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Michelle
Subject: Competition participation
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:08 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

For what it is worth I liked having interclub at 3.30 on a Sunday. As an official it meant that I had almost 3/4 of the weekend to have a "normal" weekend.

One of the challenges the sport faces is that the demographics of the athletes are that they are of an age where they have a heavy study load and/or are fitting in part time work - most of the part time work opportunities would be for a Friday night and Saturday. Check out the retail outlets on a Sunday around Hobart - the majority of them are shut.

Most young adults that I know that seek part time work not just to earn money for phone credit but for some independence, such as saving for a car, then petrol expenses etc., or getting that all important independence status to get a living away from home allowance to pay for uni expenses. Not all kids get handed these things from their parents.

So perhaps this is what the sport needs to look at - changing the time slot to fit in with current lifestyle choices of our major demographics? It may also give more of an opportunity for little A's and their families to have a go at interclub.

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Jarrod
Subject: Re: Competition participation
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 2:17 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

damo wrote:

I have my answers, Jarrod has highlighted that Sandy Bay are stuffed

I have not ever suggested or highlighted that Sandy Bay are stuffed. What I said was that Sandy Bay are probably at the bottom of the cycle which all clubs have (and no doubt will again) go through over a long and distinguished history. Look at the front page of this website. Sandy Bay just won the Men's Open Club Championship. Maybe not as much an achievement as in the past, but still a current achievement. Maybe this is the start of the upward climb again?

And in closing, there were actually 12 Sandy Bay athletes yesterday, one who competed in a relay, but no individual events, therefore not listed in the points by athlete listing!!

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Darren A
Subject: Re: Competition participation
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 2:08 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

Jarrod

Question 1

Quote:

Question 2

Quote:

Also do our branch's/program directors need to be smarter about programming, especially given the participating demographic, when staging interclubs against things like MS fest?

So there are in fact two questions.

I am not necessarily agreeing with Damo's comments, but I am trying to be constructive and move feedback to provide a preceive less hostile vibe.[/code]
_________________
Darren A

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: damo
Subject: Competition participation
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 1:57 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

topic was as per the header, twofold question about Sandy Bay's lack of numbers and whether or not branches need to look more closely at programming

selection of comments out of context don't add to the forum topic. "Yes if an athlete was serious about their sport they would indeed travel to Penguin because they would have planned ahead". Never met a serious athlete yet that is unorganised, plenty of promising and talented ones, but never really serious ones!

I made points that were not aimed at any individual but some choose to take things personally and take slight at them, well surely this is a problem for them. There will always be clashes but I am speaking about improving what we have to attract and retain, not having a go at anyone, lets move forward, I have my answers, Jarrod has highlighted that Sandy Bay are stuffed and no there is due consideration to planning against other events etc already. Next topic 400m heats on Friday night at State champs, anyone

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Jarrod
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 1:42 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

Darren A wrote:

It is always a branch issue. Holisitically if we as a branch are not looking at issues outside the sport which may affect the sport at our local level we are silly.

I made a point of telling a couple of my athletes that I would like them to compete yesterday, yet they were at MS and had to play soccer last night as well. I was called mean - my response to these was to mention they needed to compete.

I am not suggesting for one moment that we should not have had a competition yesterady, I also note the number of people who liked Sunday afternoon comps. I am personally not one of them.

I sometimes think people involved in sport, whether in administrative, official or coaching positions need training in sociology and psychological to work out what is happening sometimes.

Darren, the question/topic was about Sandy Bay only having 11 athletes yesterday, and therefore whether the branch should avoid events such as MS Fest. Unfortunately, this has been the average Sandy Bay numbers for the year (Yes, I did say unfortunately). I know that a few of their regulars are out with long term injuries (Lucy C) and the Sullivans went to Coles Bay, maybe Mark had to work. What I am saying is if the branch did not program on weekends when there were other events in Hobart, let alone Tasmania, the sport would really struggle.

Looking a this season, Rd 2 was against SATIS, Rd 6 was against the Christmas Pageant, Rd 8 was against the Toy Run and Underage Nationals, Rd 11 was against Bikes and Spikes and Summerfest, Rd 14 was the day after MS Fest, and against Coles Bay, State Titles are against a triathlon at 7 Mile Beach. I know of a number of people who made the choice to go to each of these events in preference to interclub. But, there were also a large amount of people who chose to go to interclub eaither as well as, or instead of these other events. I am sure there was something else on in Hobart, or Tasmania just about each other weekend that we have had interclub on.

What I am saying is that the branch/state/club/individual cannot work around every other event in Tasmania or the mainland.

Of course the branch takes these other events into account, but do we concede to them and just scrap interclub every weekend that there is another event on? This weekend did not even clash with MS Fest, it was the day after, adn it started at 3.30 in the afternoon. I recall going to a concert in Launceston on a Friday night of State Title weekend a few years ago, driving back, getting home at 1am, and competing early afternoon. That was my choice, and I was happy to do it, great concert, and won a medal!!!

What gripes me is that people suggest that athletes get told on here that they if they were serious, they would give up a days work to travel to Penguin to compete, but then when another event is on, it is Athletics South fault that one club's numbers are down on the day following a dodgy (my opinion only) music festival in Launceston. And I am not the only one who has noted this!!!

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: damo
Subject: Competition participation
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 12:58 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

Darren A wrote:

where is the like button??

One could say that any sport is bigger than the sum of those involved, any planning should be done with an eye on what is going on around us. Branches shouldn't plan against each other or in competition of each other in Tas, population too small. Personally I would be in favour of 2 IC bases and they alternate weekly, with an odd carnival type meet at Penguin. Athletes in other states travel regularly for comp, we are spoilt but parochial in Tas which hurts our sport.

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Darren A
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 12:52 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

It is always a branch issue. Holisitically if we as a branch are not looking at issues outside the sport which may affect the sport at our local level we are silly.

I made a point of telling a couple of my athletes that I would like them to compete yesterday, yet they were at MS and had to play soccer last night as well. I was called mean - my response to these was to mention they needed to compete.

I am not suggesting for one moment that we should not have had a competition yesterady, I also note the number of people who liked Sunday afternoon comps. I am personally not one of them.

I sometimes think people involved in sport, whether in administrative, official or coaching positions need training in sociology and psychological to work out what is happening sometimes.
_________________
Darren A

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Jarrod
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 12:08 pm (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

Also worth looking a tthe overall numbers. Yesterday there were a total of 112 athletes competed in indivdual events. Looking at last years results for the same Sunday afternoon event, there were a total of 95, so nearly 20% more yesterday.

I again ask how this can be portrayed as a branch issue???

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: Relay for Life

Author: Darren A
Subject: Relay for Life
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:51 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 0

The relay for life was on the weekend just finished. They had use of the AS tin shed at the end of the track.

The gym had been moved to one end, which is okay. The concern appeared to be with the skiff bin next to the tin shed had some things that belonged in the gym in it. I am not exactly sure if anything of large of particular needed and difficult to replace was in there, as I wasn't going in to find out.

My question is relay for life would hire the ground out, does that include using the tin shed or did that become available due to the goodwill of the sport?
_________________
Darren A

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Darren A
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:46 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

Also do our branch's/program directors need to be smarter about programming, especially given the participating demographic, when staging interclubs against things like MS fest?

I think the question is valid. Do I have an answer - NO I don't. If we didn't have a comp this week, what would David Cresswell do? There were athletes who didn't compete and didn't go to MS or Coles Bay, but are preparing themselves for events in the coming weeks.

Looking quickly at the calendar we have 2 interclubs, plus a fun day then the state titles. The open national titles are 3 weeks after that.
_________________
Darren A

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Jarrod
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:20 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

Or maybe a few SB athletes could consider the following advice from yourself elsewhere on this site, which would then mean the branch could program events at anythime, even on weekdays;

"Maybe the problem is for some reason we treat our sport differently to team sport. I don't believe our lives really are that hard, we teach our kids about committment surely? If they play a team sport they are part of a team and the goals of the team are shared and respected by all, regardless of ability. I havent heard of many footy players in the past few years deciding to work on the weekend in lieu of a finals match for instance, if they want to play they make that choice. I firmly believe that SWIC needs to be taken much more seriously for it to survive and really at the end of the day any athlete has the opportunity to make a choice, a few extra bucks to spend in what they want or to challenge themselves in a top quality comp? The serious ones will always choose the comp, the social ones will choose work for phone credit"

Running, Walking, Jumping & Throwing :: RE: Competition participation

Author: Jarrod
Subject: Re: Competition participation
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:12 am (GMT 10)
Topic Replies: 22

damo wrote:

Just looking with interest at numbers at interclub and noticed that Sandy Bay, a once large and strongly performed club could only muster 11 athletes to compete on Saturday. Didn't really look at other clubs as they appeared the usual however is this the norm for Sandy Bay or an anomoly? Also do our branch's/program directors need to be smarter about programming, especially given the participating demographic, when staging interclubs against things like MS fest?

Maybe if you are going to query the "branch's/program directors" you need to "look at other clubs". There is something on in Tasmania evry weekend, so if things were not programmed against other things, there would be no interclub. I worked Saturday night, and was rather busy die to MS Fest, but was advising people that it finished at 11.30 saturday night, interclub started 3.30 Sunday afternoon.... don't quite see the clash there.

Maybe it is just that Sandy Bay are going through one of the troughs of their long and distinguished history, and I hope the club are looking at ways to fix it internally, rather than looking at external reasons such as branches programming, which is the same for the other clubs which are maintaining/growing.

I can recall times where ES were down and struggling, I can recall times when NS were down and struggling, I can recall times when OVA were down and struggling, but things change on a yearly basis.

Looking at some of the comments from SB people on Facebook, I would suggest that Cloes Bay Triathlon had more of an effect on Sandy bay yesterday than MS Fest.