To All Members,
Recently the Doutta Galla Tennis Club Committee identified that there are several issues they need to raise with its members.
We are seeking expressions of interest in the following areas and we wish to convey some general information which is important for ALL members to note.
Most importantly there are a few positions on Committee that are currently vacant and in general we are reaching out to ALL members to consider becoming part of the committee.
While it may seem daunting, the beauty of our little club is that it practically runs itself, however we there are still some duties to be performed. On top of the roles outlined below we are also seeking a couple of new committee members, to sit on committee and give feedback and share ideas. We only have a meeting every 2 months and the amount of commitment is entirely up to the person. Some fresh ideas would be most welcome & appreciated.
We are asking our members to step up in the following areas to ensure our Club remains the small family it has become.
1. Club Secretary
Michael and Annette Mann who have been jointly undertaking the Secretary role for the last 9 years would like to step back. We are asking for any persons interested in taking on the role to contact a member of the Committee.
The role includes:
- Attending and documenting the minutes for Committee Meetings
- Handling all correspondence in and out of the club
- Organising competition tennis balls
- Plus other small administrative duties
2. Junior Coordinator
This position will become vacant at the conclusion of 2013 as Michael and Aaron are no longer able to take this role on. Both are more than happy to support the role until the applicant is comfortable. We are asking for anyone interested to contact Michael or Aaron.
The role includes:
- Organising and submitting junior teams to the NSJTA
- Liaise with juniors and parents to ensure the smooth running of junior competition at the club
- Ensure Saturday morning competition days runs smoothly
- Attend 3 NSJTA meetings per season and report to the Doutta Galla Tennis Club Committee
It is important to note that without a volunteer the Club’s junior participation may suffer and we may be forced to discontinue the junior competition. Another option the club is considering is to pay a willing member or seek external expressions of interest to undertake the role. If the latter does occur members can expect an increase in junior membership fees for this to be a viable option.
3. Junior Competition Fees
As of 2014, all participants will be required to pay a small fee per season in addition to their annual club membership fees. The reason for this is new policies have come into effect from the NSJTA requiring new and modified balls to be supplied for various grades.
The fee will be set at an upcoming Committee meeting where we will have to take into account the amount of balls required as well as the afore mentioned Junior Coordinator Role.
4. Team Selection
It has been brought to the Committee’s attention by the Selection Committee there is some discrepancy in the process taken when selecting players for adult, midweek & NSNTA teams.
So the process is clear for all it is outlined below.
- Team members to write down the required information either on the sign-up sheets located in the club house or via email. (If you do not notify the club of your intention to play in the coming season, do NOT expect to be placed in a team)
- Team members may request to be grouped with friends and every effort will be made to accommodate this.
- The Selection Committee will then review the team entries, contact previous seasons Team Captains to notify them of the teams and any changes, apply for the appropriate level and submit teams.
- When a new player to the club or a gap in a team has been opened the Selection Committee will have the final power to move players from other teams to create even teams.
Please note:
- When a change needs to occur, the Selection Committee will make every effort to inform the affected player of the change.
- It should also be noted that the Selection Committee also receives advice from time to time from Competition Associations as to the suitability of some players with regards to the teams they are in and grades applied for and this needs to be considered.
The Committee recognises that the precedent has been teams select their own players. If the Club is to continue to grow and be competitive in the future, the Selection Committee must be allowed to move players where necessary.
5. Club Championships
Lastly we would like to mention the Annual Club championships. In a step away from what normally occurs and in an effort to increase participation from within the club, we have taken the step to hold off this year’s Club Championships until February 2014.
There are a few reasons in doing so, apart from the participation factor mentioned, we feel that September is becoming a harder time of year with School Holidays and AFL finals being in the minds of all! We feel moving it to early February during Summer and around the Australian Open Club Members might be more inclined to play.
We are also going to look at a few different format options so all members of the club can have a go while still leaving events open to the more competitive.
Don’t forget the Club Christmas Party on Friday the 13th of December from 7pm, we do not hold many club functions and it would be great to have a big crowd along this year!
If you have any questions, feedback or would like to put your hand up for one of the positions please contact myself on 0407 885 012 or send the Club an Email at email@douttagalla.com .
Regards,
Aaron Sharpe
President
Doutta Galla Tennis Club
