2009-10 Annual Report - Australian Water Polo Inc

8
World University Games Gold Medal
I have deliberately avoided making reference to the
performance of our teams as others have addressed
these elsewhere in the report, particularly the respective
national coaches. However it would be remiss not to
acknowledge the outstanding performance of our men’s
World University Games team in Belgrade, Serbia in July
2009.
The winning of this important FISU event against very
strong opposition, including Croatia and Serbia, was an
excellent result and illustrated the depth of talent we have
in this country. Congratulations to coach Paul Oberman,
manager Jon Sieben and all the players.
Impacts and Challenges
• To convince partners about the need for an AIS
Men’s Program;
• There is concern about being able to retain senior
athletes in the program post Olympic Cycle;
• Being able to provide access to coaching programs
for all national squad athletes, particularly youth
squad athletes;
• Uncertainty of Federal Government funding (now
quantified);
• Optional formatting and scheduling of national
competitions; also debate of club vis-à-vis State
competitions;
• Access of coach availability for national duties;
• Uncertainty regarding commitment from all SIS/
SASs;
• A need to create an acceptable coaching
infrastructure for sub-elite coaches;
• Developing and supporting referees to world
standard;
• Balance athlete training and work commitments.
Acknowledgements
It is appropriate to acknowledge the support of all
funding and support agencies that contribute to the High
Performance Program, namely the ASC, AIS, SIS/SAS,
AOC and sponsors, in particular, Turbo Crotton SA,
SOPAC, NSWIS, Auspole and Longmont Engineering;
to the national senior, junior, youth and girls’ coaches,
assistant coaches, managers, support staff and referees,
AIS coaches and support staff and the NTC coaches
– thank you for your dedication and support given to our
athletes.
John Whitehouse
High Performance Manager
Kate Gynther gives her all for champion VICI Brisbane
Barracudas at the NWPL Finals Series in Sydney.
➤ Operations Report
Membership
Following consultation with State Associations, further
categories of capitation fees were added and allowances
for regional areas were introduced. Players in regional
areas will pay 75 percent of the capitation fees for both
AWPI and their State Associations in recognition that
they may not benefit from programs as much as their
“city cousins” do. This will hopefully encourage country
players to continue their membership.
New categories for schoolchildren were introduced
to foster membership where the State Associations
may be involved in either running or supporting school
competitions.
Insurance
Insurance cover available for its members, clubs and
associations includes:
• Sports Injury
• Public Liability
• Professional Indemnity
• Workers’ Compensation
• Directors’ and Officers’ Liability
• Travel Insurance