Minutes of Wellington Pétanque Association Committee Meeting, 26 February 2004

Present

Michael Rocks, Brian Smith, Neil Dykes, Beverley Mason, John Beard, Lindsay Skinner, Fran Beach, Elizabeth Rocks, Roy Zeier, Tony Packer, Kath and Kaye Alison, Graeme Morris, Barbara Nicholls, lain Baine, Maureen Wood, Gary Brunton, Bob Wilde, Louise Sligo

Apologies

Ralph Priddle, Barrie and Ngaere Sinclair, Claire Bradburn, Shirley Nesbitt, Nyra Bentley, Susan and Dean Norman

Previous Meeting Minutes

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2003 be accepted. Moved: Michael Rocks, Carried.

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising

Correspondence

Inwards

• From Geoff & Nyra Bentley - a reminder that all messages for Levin Club be sent to Nyra Bentley, Secretary. Additionally an apology for being unable to attend the AGM and expressing appreciation of its work.

Outwards

• From Porirua Pétanque on behalf of the WPA expressing thanks to CEO of Porirua City Council for use of the piste at Aotea Lagoon for the Champion of Champions Singles tournament.
• To Ngaere and Barrie Sinclair, Manawatu Petanque with thanks for hosting the inaugural inter-region match.
• To Sue Gurr, Wanganui East Pétanque Club stating objectives of the WPA and giving details re. their consideration of joining.

Financial Reports

Brian presented the 2004 Budget for the WPA with anticipated expenses and income.

Moved by Michael Rocks that the Financial Report be accepted. Seconded by Tony Packer. Carried.

WPA

Events debrief

Claire Bradburn has won the Champion of Champions Singles. Trophy mistakenly initially presented to Gordon Dykes. Practice is to take wins into account first, and then points, positive and negative. The tie breaking procedure should be that the player who has beaten the other is ranked higher. The website has stated otherwise. Neil Dykes queries this is the most fair system. Theoretically, someone could win with significantly less points than the other. Agreed that such anomalies could arise.

However, the entry forms and conditions of entry did clearly stipulate the rule. An unfortunate mistake was made on the day. At next events, the procedure will be announced verbally.

Graeme Morris in his personal and independent capacity noted that if the Champion of Champions events seem to contain problems then perhaps they should be reviewed.

Michael Rocks felt the best time to do that would be at the end of the season.

Tony Packer suggested that intra-club competitions be uniformly run. Agreement that the WPA should not interfere with a club's own organisation.

Upcoming events

Brian said that random draws will be used for the Regional Triples. Stressed that entrants should send in just one part of the entry form and retain the other. These are sent in individually rather than through clubs.

Women's Singles tournament to take place on 7 March.

Fran Beach asked if the winner will get a championship shirt. Michael agreed so and that this should be awarded retrospectively. Need to get sizes. May be a prize giving ceremony to present all. Brian thought this occasion could extend to the presentation of trophies.

PNZ Report

• Graeme Morris stated that their AGM will be held over 27/28 March and for the first time under the new constitution. Only the regional representatives will be in attendance. Michael is to attend as the Wellington rep.
• Celebrating the 10th year of PNZ with 1994 being the year of incorporation. Merchandise items are available. Suggestions are welcome for ways of celebrating from the clubs. 2004 also marks the 10th anniversary for Masterton and Christchurch clubs.
• Teams are to be selected for the Trans-Tasman challenge (following the Masterton mid-winter tournament at Clareville) and for the World Championships at Grenoble, France.
• 6-8 will be chosen for the Trans-Tasman and 4 for the World Championships and the latter team will be ineligible for the Trans-Tasman.
• A squad has been selected for the teams. From the Wellington region they are: R. Zeier, M. Rocks, G. Dykes, Dirk Winnie, E. Rocks, B. Johnston, J. Miller, L. Gibbons, D. Carducci, M. Fleck.
• There is to be a later training camp for the Oceania Championships.
• The PNZ is assisting clubs with coaching and junior development and national assistance. Working in with SPARC’s objectives and SPARC offers a separate coaching fund.

PNZ Strategic Plan

“Goal to increase the public profile of organised petanque in New Zealand.”

• Brian sees the 10 year anniversary as an opportunity to promote the profile. Bev Mason asked if any banners etc. would be available for display in public places. PNZ may be able to make these available.
• Idea also to link into a community event - say on a once a year basis. Can seek help and support from other clubs and WPA for the staging. Kapiti have plans underway already.
• Possible that Murray Deaker on the radio could be approached.
• Also public participation events and mentioned that Porirua is good at doing this. PNZ fliers to be distributed.
• Ideas and feedback should be sent to Louise, the WPA secretary, to pass on to Barbara Whittington, the PNZ secretary to pass on - and good for SPARC to know of these.
• Masterton is running a Business Clubs event.
• There is to be a French Day on 3/4 April at Tauherinikau with an opportunity to demonstrate play etc. This coincides with the PNZ triples. Organiser’s contacts to be ascertained by Graeme Morris.
• Free lessons might be offered. Iain Baine said that the arrangement between Park Avenue and the WEA has led to new members. An article is being written for the Hutt News.
• Tony Packer said that Silverstream were working on ideas to contribute to the profile.
• Brian Smith suggested that a new WPA brochure be produced with contacts etc listed. Brian is willing to undertake the project.
• Lindsay Skinner mentioned that Porirua has a 'happening' by the petanque piste at Aotea Lagoon next Sunday.

General Business

Upcoming Events

• Bev Mason asked for clarification that Kapiti would be holding both the Regional Doubles as well as the Nationals in October.
• Melee date at Kapiti is to be confirmed.
• Park Avenue are having a Bastille Day event on 11th July.
• The Khandallah terrain is closed in the meantime due to storm damage - and Park Avenue will help. The Swiss Doubles will be rescheduled for the 24th.
• Upper Hutt Terrain has also had damage and drainage problems from floods.

Coaching

Brian Smith noted that the last seminar showed the range of player abilities. A squad type approach may be useful to cater for the differing abilities. Bernadette to assist - need would be to have squad compatible with player level.

Next meeting will look at the Strategic Plan goal on Coaching, Officiating structure and programmes.

What do club members want and at what level? What can we offer other clubs? Is anyone willing to act as a coaching co-ordinator? Look for the next meeting agenda.