We are just about ready to announce the new Pathways Model to the wider squash community. The Pathways program will support SA squash athletes to acheive their full potential at a Local, State, National and International level. The program replaces the existing SAAS program and addresses the issues raised with the SAAS program such as general lack of knowledge of the structure of SAAS and how the scholarship and funding works, lack of transparency around funding, and shifts to focus more on grass roots to grow the talent pool At this Board meeting the Board agreed on the final paperwork and the model will be made available and communicated personally to the juniors on 1st Sep and to everyone at the AGM at the end of September.
National Junior Series (NJS) Review
SA held the NJS earlier this year over a split venue (Karadinga and Ingle Farm) because we lack the facilities here to hold the competition in a single venue. The event was largely a success and this review was undertaken to determine what could be improved and whether a split venue will also be suitable for the Australian Junior Championships (AJC) being held later this year. The review showed that we still need better communication during the event. It also determined that a split venue was not suitable for holding the AJC, and that we should allow another state to hold the event unless a suitable facility becomes available. We are still keen to hold the event and the new courts going into the Barossa multifunction facility are a possibility. We will have to see how the Barossa development goes.
AGM
The Squash SA AGM is approaching soon (end of Sep)! This will be a great opportunity for the Board to go through what has been achieved over the past year. On the face of it, there may not seem to have been much action but I can tell you that it has been flat out for the Board members and staff completely re-focussing and re-structuring the organisation, hiring amazing new staff, doing sorely needed reviews and putting together the plans for the future of squash in SA. We did not want to rush in and change things without the facts, but we are finally at a stage where the research and planning is being put into practice. Squash is finally starting to get some media coverage, a new Pathways Model is about to be released, the new Development Officers are out in the schools and clubs building grass roots support, clubs and players are being offered a new kind of membership to Squash SA with great benefits. All of these great new ventures will be presented at the AGM.
Committees
I know you're wondering when all the committees are officially going to come back online. Well we're almost there. We have some good nominations but we are working on a committee 'code of conduct' to ensure a constructive and fair environment on the committees.
Barossa Valley Recreation Centre
The Board has reiterated its commitment to provide $200,000 to the project in order to get 6 ASB (movable wall) squash courts into the centre. Can you imagine getting a little B&B for the weekend, playing some squash and sampling a few wines... pure heaven!
Port Pirie YMCA
It has come to the Boards attention that Port Pirie YMCA (which includes squash courts) is selling and will likely lose those courts. The Board will have the Country Development Officer get the status of the sale and negotiate with the purchaser to see if the courts can be retained. Squash SA will also lobby the Port Pirie council to ensure squash is included in any new multi-function sporting facilities built in the area.
Membership Categories
Patti Wilson our Membership Services Manager presented the new membership strategy to the Board. The strategy includes different membership categories for players and clubs (currently only clubs can be members of Squash SA) and some exciting benefits to becoming a member. Patti has worked hard to put together a compelling package for Squash clubs such as providing public liability insurance, access to the Facilities Enhancement Grant and coaches.
Campbelltown Leisure Centre
The Board has recently received criticism for not being more open in its discussions with Campbelltown Council with regard to providing funding for the Campbelltown Leisure Centre redevelopment, where there is potential for 6 new courts. Squash SA has so far only given 'in principle' support to the project, which has so far failed to get the federal funding it needs to progress. The Board will put together a business plan and do further analysis into the viability of funding new courts in the Campbelltown region if and when the project moves forward.
Other News
- The Board will put together a Board Travel Policy that will outline accommodation, entertainment/meals entitlements when representing Squash SA on intrastate and interstate travel.
- Squash SA will now be putting its minutes on the website for everyone to view.
- Sports SA Awards Night: Squash SA has nominated two squash legends for the Sport SA Hall of Fame: Vikki Cardwell and Chris Dittmar. Good luck!!
- State Women's comp will have a staged fee increase over 3 seasons to bring it back up to break-even. Squash SA had been subsidising the comp over the last few years to the tune of $1000/season.
- Racquets SA carpark development update: Demolition of the surrounding houses is set to begin on 24 Aug.
- Amendments to the Racquetball Bylaws were approved by the Board.
- Amendments to the Squash Bylaws were approved by the Board.
