March Meeting

We have received some very valuable feedback from the Strategic Forum. We are grateful to those that took the time to comment on our strategic plan and put forward some great ideas for growing squash in our state. See next post for a summary of the feedback.

The newly structured committees are ready to go and will be advertised to all clubs and players. The committees will have at least one Board member on them so we can keep in touch with everything that is going on. Plus it means we get to join in the fun of dreaming up and implementing new squash initiatives.

Some of you may have noticed that the pennant results have been going on the matrix a little late. Squash SA has been under pressure trying to find temporary support to fill the admin role until the formal position is filled. Please bear with them during this transition period. The results were late during round three in order to hold the rankings for the re-rank at round 4.

Glass Court update: We have decided to seek expressions of interest for the glass court.

Recruitment update: We’ve have over 40 applicants for the four positions we have advertised with some promising candidates. Interview panel will consist of Lynn James (HR consultant), Mandy Neller, Richard Tisher, Cheryl Johnstone, Phil Sinnott, & Jack Wass.  Now we’re getting all these new staff… where are we going to put them? The Board has been investigating several options such as upstairs at South Adelaide, Tennis SA (North Adelaide) or some other centralised location.

Facilities Update: Mark Goldstone (President) and Phil Sinnott (General Manager) have been busy drumming up interest for new squash courts all over Adelaide. They have met with the education department, the principles of the super schools, State Sports Park and the City of Playford, all with positive results. The Campbelltown Leisure Centre upgrade is looking good having now received state support. We have also been invited to talk to the architects regarding the squash court requirements. The first draft of the Adelaide Shores Complex is now available. Port Augusta is also a big sports development. There are so many opportunities, it’s very exciting!

Other Items

• The Board has given in principle support to Roxby Down squash club’s request for assistance for a new junior fitness program.
• The Board will support the new banded fee structure proposed by Squash Australia (this is the fee paid by Squash SA to Squash Australia for membership). The new fee structure is designed to make things easier for the smaller states to raise the money required.
• In response to concerns raised by the squash community, Squash SA will formulate a policy that applies to the sale of squash equipment by Squash SA staff.