2014 State of the Villainous Empire! Part 3/3

Welcome back reader, prepare yourself for the final installment of this years trilogy!!! If you're a baddie and haven't read the other two... Part 1 & Part 2.

Part 3 - The year to come (the remainder of 2014):

Halibut is coming, August 23 – 24! Once again Townsville will be sending two teams! Jerseys have been ordered, accommodation is being booked, however teams are yet to be finalised as we’re waiting to see which women will be available for the tournament. Andrew Gosbee and Laura Knecht are your contacts for this team.

Australian University Games is in Sydney this year, if you’re keen let Tim Saunders and Andrew Gosbee know.

Semester 2, 2014 will be run by Andrew Gosbee and Tim Saunders. There is a discussion about modifying the current format to a Div 1, Div 2 style with the intention of higher level players in Div 1 and the social league being Div 2. This should allow captains and key support players to be better supported in both formats. Regardless of the format the feedback from last season is to make the games a little longer. The only way to do this will be to have the fields opened at 6.30 for a 6.45 start which should extend the games by a further 10 – 15 minutes but having the late game still finish before 9.30. If you have a passionate feeling about this, let Andrew Gosbee know!

TSVL Season 4 will be kicking off shortly after the social league. Again this will be run by Andrew Gosbee and Tim Saunders. An announcement will be made when registrations open and players will be expected to pay if they wish to be drafted. There is also a bit of a debate with regards to what should happen with late registrants, primarily if the draft cycle should continue, or if they should be allocated to the team with the lowest numbers, or some other method. Again, let Andy know your feelings on the subject!

The big discussion item among the senior members at the moment is the selection process for this year’s AMUC team. The process hasn’t been finalised yet, however trials will be needed and the process will be laid out so everyone knows what will be expected of them and the captains. The group has a number of resources being provided to make this process as transparent and fair as possible.

Speaking of AMUC, there will be a need for a large volunteer base to effectively deliver the event. If you’re keen to help out let me know. Currently the website is being developed, the disc design has been finalised, merchandising has been sourced and a number of grants have been applied for to reduce the cost of the event. Primarily we’ll need people to help out on the day setting up cones (fields will be line marked), setting up scoreboards, setting up marquees, filling water, manning the canteen, and being visible to help players with any questions. At this stage our jerseys will remain the same unless someone chooses to design something.

A massive thank you to those that have helped out over the year, particularly Scott, Bob, Andy, Saunders, Phipps, Phil, Kramer, Timmy and Finny.  

A special big thanks to Laura for being the acting President whilst I’m overseas and doing special jobs for me.

Thank you to the Townsville City Council for your support of AMUC and through the Excellence in Sports Grant.

Thank you to QUDA for the subsidies that allow our members to attend Northern Regionals and Halibut.

Thank you to all of the members for making this sport and club as amazing as it is!

Chris Ende

President