MINUTES OF THE NEW ZEALAND POLOCROSSE COUNCIL
2007 CONFERENCE HELD AFTER THE 2007 AGM
AT THE KING COUNTRY POLOCROSSE CLUB ROOMS
MANUNUI, TAUMARUNUI
29TH SEPTEMBER 2007 AT 1.00PM

PRESENT:           As per the AGM  …

FORMAT FOR NATIONAL FIXTURES:
Russell Tye spoke to the conference re the Coaching Panel’s recommendations that the Inter Association Championships and the Roke and Rockwood competition be held on alternative years.  By holding these events on alternative years, it would help free up the playing calendar to allow other events and in particular  assist international competition and more development squads.
This may also enable horses to be more readily available for touring teams to help develop all of our players.
Inter- Associations was originally for the best players from each association – this may stimulate the importance of this event.
The Board supports this and suggested that the Inter Associations could be replaced this year with a large Sponsors Carnival since there has been no Association wishing to take on the hosting of this National event.

Brief discussion of the Guidelines for National Fixtures took place – but it was noted that most of the information in this is based on By-Laws and other information that has always been around – it has just been put together in one place. The rest of the information is a guideline, based on the successful Inter-Association event run by Wanganui –Waimarino, and in an effort to keep these as high profile events, show casing New Zealand Polocrosse.

FUNDING FOR 2011 WORLD CUP:
A committee has been set up to look in to ideas for funding for the 2011 World Cup in the United Kingdom. A very conservative budget has been set at around $140- $150,000.00.
Ideas so far include – sponsors carnival; TAB betting; calendars.
Anyone with ideas has been asked to speak to Ruth Tye or Kerrian Duff.

GENERAL DISCUSSION:

HORSE FLU:
The Polocrosse fraternities need to be aware of the Horse Flu and implications that this may have on New Zealand. Information has been sent out to all Club and Association Secretaries. We need to be very aware of the risk of this and take any precautions possible with teams, people or gear coming in from Australia.

REPORTS BEING MADE AVAILABLE:
It was questioned as to why the reports given by Coaches, Managers and the like, cannot be placed in full on the web site. The Board explained that as they would like all reports given to them, to be an honest account and reflect the individuals true feelings, and that for this to happen there needs to be some anonymity in the reports – the Board has always believed that a “summarised” report should be available for general viewing.
It was also suggested that the Board should ask for reports from all those involved in such things as the recent World Cup (eg, Assistant Coaches, Selectors etc) to help us get as much perspective on the tour as possible, thereby enabling us to learn from each experience.
Where possible it would be helpful for future Coaches, Selectors etc to be able to view reports from previous years to gain knowledge and understanding to help them in their respective roles.

PUBLICITY:
Carey addressed the meeting again with reference to the importance of appearance in regard to publicity – eg shirts tucked in, correct uniform etc when having photos taken.  If you are hoping to have media coverage at any event, they usually require 3 copies (paper, reporter, photographer) of the programme at least one week prior to the event.

JUNIORS & INTERMEDIATES:
It was questioned as to the timing of this event, but this was explained by the Board and other delegates present, that the Juniors and Intermediates is held at this time of the year (January) to coincide with school holidays and the fact that players that are away at University would not have the time to work their horses if this event was held laterin the season.

DRAWS:
Work has been carried out on the electronic draw system (as used in Australia) but at present this has come to a standstill due to a technical problem downloading some of the programme.

WITH NO FURTHER BUSINESS MEETING CLOSED AT 2.30PM.