April Board Meeting

SAAS Update
This month we had Geoff Davenport (SAAS Head Coach) attend the Board meeting and he gave us an overview of the SAAS (South Australian Academy of Squash) program and squads.  Geoff reported there has been an increase in the number of nationally ranked players this year from 8 to 16 and that overall SAAS is stronger but that we have to keep working on talent identification.  The introduction of sports psychology assistance has made a big difference to the players.  There is definitely a need to increase numbers in all age groups and Geoff is looking forward to the restructure improving the numbers in SAAS.

Geoff also gave us a round up of the performance of our players at the National Junior Series (NJS) held here in Adelaide.  The boys improved their rankings and performed well. The girls' suffered a bit from nerves and stress and were not able to put in their best performance. Geoff commented that maturity plays a big part in the outcome and that players are improving as they get older and with sports psychology coaching.  Some valuable feedback was that holding the event over two venues was problematic from a coaching perspective. Constantly having to rush backwards and forwards and not being available all the time.  This was a problem not just for coaching but for the parents as well, especially if they had more than one child competing - they might be at two separate venues. The Board took note of this feedback and has resolved that holding the Australian Junior Series in Adelaide (proposed for later this year) will have to be postponed until we have a suitable venue that can accommodate the entire competition.

Committees - We want YOU!
The committees are all done and we are now calling for members to apply! It seems that not all members and court owners have received the invitation to join a committee so the invitation will be put up on the matrix and a short newsletter/flyer sent out to bring members up to date with the changes and re-circulate all committee invitations. Come on and get involved. This sport is made great by the fabulous efforts of our volunteers. So give something back to your sport and put yourself down for a committee.

New Squash SA Staff
Thanks to the efforts of Board members and Phil Sinnott (General Manager) for interviewing and selecting our new staff! We had quite a few good applications but these guys and girls were the standouts. And here they are:
Tanya Virgins - Administration and Competitions Officer (Full Time)
Patti Wilson - Membership Services Manager (Full Time)
Jane Intini - Marketing Manager (Part Time 20hrs/week)
John Cranwell - Pathways Manager (Full Time)

Please make our new staff welcome as they ramp up into their roles. They have a fantastic level of enthusiasm and will be the people to help bring about the change in Squash SA that we've all been working towards.

Other News:

• The Board has agreed to the idea of a paid honorarium of $5000 per annum for the position of pennant registrar given that it is such a demanding and difficult voluntary position. The position of pennant registrar will be offered to all current members of the pennant committee.
• Sad news - The Adelaide Shores funding application for an Indoor Sports Centre was unsuccessful. This is not the end of the road, however as we can continue to seek funds next year.
• We're still keeping a keen eye on opportunities to create more courts around Adelaide. Meetings have been held with Gawler High School, State Sports Park – Gepps Cross Super School, Reynella High School.  Follow up meetings to be scheduled with Mt Barker, Seaford 6-12 School and Pinnacle Investments.
• PAC will be redeveloping their unused stadium and are interested in developing further squash facilities. - Maybe a new venue for future AJC events...
• The Board resolved to recognise the efforts of all the volunteers and clubs involved with delivering the NJS. A formal debrief for all involved and a thank you meal will be organised.