COACHES BRIEFING

SUNDAY 30th September 2007

Whilst I was not able to make training yesterday, I understand the conditions were less oppressive than the previous Sunday; I hope all squads are now getting to grips with the season including finalizing their squad list and coaching team.

A number of points this week:

-         Many thanks for your team lists for the DeAT Festival

1. In order to make the task easier of notifying me of your team entry for each Festival, please ask your squad to plan ahead as all Festival dates are now known: in addition to DeAT, we have Sandy Bay on 25th November (team entries by 22/10), Singapore Tour on 1st December, Flying Kukris on 9th December (subject to invitation), Tai Po Dragons on 13/01, Football Club on 09/03 and HK7’s from 28/03-30/03
2. Head Coaches to find me on Sunday and provide all completed Play Up/Down forms; safety is the only consideration and both Carl and I will need to watch the players in action before signing off
3. Please do a roll call on Sunday to get an idea for provisional numbers for the Singapore Tour and email Carl the results on Monday; at the same time please get the names of qualified medical personnel (doctors and/or nurses) and email to Carl on Monday
4. Look at the calendar and ensure you know when your squad has clubhouse duty and plan ahead by booking your parent volunteers
5. This Sunday, arrange a photographer to take mugshots of the full coaching team (in kit) and post with a mobile number and email address on your web page; also please post a squad photo in full kit
6. Please verify the accuracy of your membership lists which Kim Murphy recently issued; it is essential that we have accurate dates of birth, that all have paid their subs (Kim will let you know any who have not!) and that there are no double entries, players in the wrong group etc.
7. Thank you all for your efficiency in posting your weekly reports……as the main mode of communication with the squads, we are already seeing the benefit, not least in our player registration which is phenomenal
8. Hugh has now sent you all a coaching lesson plan template so please take the time to keep a record of your sessions for use by squads next season; any questions can be directed to Hugh directly
9. Following on from the above, please get (strongly gentle encouragement!) as many of your squad (coaches and/or parents) to attend the courses this season, whether it be coaching, refereeing or medical related….we are trying to move towards all coaches being certified
10. I understand the kit has mostly been issued; please understand and pass on that we are moving towards the ideal (size, fit, material etc) for all and so this is a work in progress and takes time…..therefore, please do not direct any complaints towards Tonda but rather log all the points and we will come to you at some point for feedback

Many thanks.

Nick Pasha