minutes - Australian Water Polo Inc

AUSTRALIAN WATER POLO INC
BOARD MEETING
QANTAS CLUB BUSINESS CENTRE, SYDNEY AIRPORT, SYDNEY NSW
FRIDAY, 19 MAY 2006 at 9.40am
MINUTES
WELCOME
PRESENT
APOLOGIES
Chairman welcomed the Directors and Staff.
Peter Kerr, Leanne Barnes, John Birch, Rob Gronow, Tom Hoad, Nathan Thomas, John
Whitehouse, David Marks and Peter Hobday.
Chris Mackay.
MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING 17 FEBRUARY 2006
Resolved that the Minutes of the Meeting conducted 17 February 2006 be adopted.
BUSINESS ARISING
Matters to be dealt within the body of the meeting.
APPOINTMENT OF APPOINTED DIRECTOR
It was noted that the term of an Appointed Director was twelve (12) months, hence it
was necessary to appoint CM again.
Moved TH Seconded NT “that Mr Chris Mackay be appointed as an Appointed Director”.
CARRIED
MG1.
MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE FOCUS AREA REPORT
It was noted that staff contracts were being drawn up by HR company to comply with
Work Choices legislation and that Contractors agreements were being revised. Staff
appraisals need to be high priority. A meeting is scheduled for 26 May with new ASC
Sports Consultant, Bryan Wilson, in Hobart and Andrew Collins at which the 2006/7
Operational Plan will be provided.
Resolved that the verbal report be accepted.
MG2.
BOARD MEMBERS’ VISIT - NATIONAL OFFICE
A summary of action points arising from that visit was tabled. Three major tasks have not
yet been completed
• JW to update and agree job descriptions for HPM and National Coaches
• Priorities for JW
• Acquire contracts for employees
These tasks to be completed by 30 June 06.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
MG3. FINANCIAL REPORTS (JUL 2005/MAR 2006)
Reports were tabled including the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss (Actual v Budget with
explanation on variance) and End of Financial Year Forecast. JB congratulated Glen

Ransley (AWPI Finance Manager) on the presentation. TH commented that the
expenditure by AWPI on Junior and Club Development was inadequate.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
MG4.
2007 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
JW detailed a variety of correspondence sent and received including letters to the
Minister and the Organising Corporation on a range of topics including “volunteers” and
“corporate boxes”. Tony Ryan (VWPI) has been given the task of an audit of qualified
and capable volunteers within Victoria to be completed by the end of May. Extra
volunteers may be required from interstate. The Competition Schedule has been
provided by FINA. Australia will play the last games in each session. TH expressed
concern about television coverage of water polo within Australia caused by the two
venues for M2007.
RG reported that Jon Seiben met and talked about marketing to schools and country
water polo - he is on his own with other positions to be advertised. Other venues for
training are being sought.
TH sought to have the last game of each day at the Rod Laver Arena to ensure TV
coverage.
Discussion took place on the lack of representation on the Organising Committee of
M2007 of water polo which resulted in JW to write to the Minister to follow up JW’s original
two letters and to seek FINA’s assistance.
It was agreed that JW write to FINA in respect to Competition Schedule and implications
for TV coverage.
It was advised that if Formula One Grand Prix chose “second March weekend” it would
have disastrous implications related to those events at MSAC.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
MG5.
NWPL AND INTERIM COMMISSION
JW outlined the acceptance by the NWPL Clubs of the amended MOU and the
subsequent election of the NWPL “Interim Commission”. It was agreed that the Special
General Meeting required to change the Constitution to be held on Saturday 1 July 2006.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
MG6.
FEDERAL FUNDING
JW detailed the extra funding tor the ASC and AIS following the 2006/7 Federal Budget
handed down on 9 May 2006. DM commented on possible DAS payments for the
Women’s Program, and that Stanwell has extended its commitment to the National
Women’s Program by a further two (2) years, and the Gold Coast City Council
agreement has been continued for a further one (1) year.
Resolved that the verbal report be accepted.
MG7.
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
JW summarised the position for 2010 in New Delhi depends upon the Swimming
Federation of India and their commitment to Water Polo. It was agreed that AWPI should
agree to an annual program to tie in with the Commonwealth Games to provide
coaching assistance to India, with the National Men’s and Women’s Coaches to travel
to India. JW to approach ASC for possible financial assistance.
PK or JW to meet with Mike Hooper to promote inclusion in the next Commonwealth
Games. TH to contact Sue Taylor who is an Executive Member of the Australian
Commonwealth Games Federation.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
MG8.
CORRESPONDENCE RE ELITE TRAINING CENTRE PETER MONTGOMERY
JW acknowledged Peter Montgomery’s efforts with the Federal Sports Minister and stated
he interpreted Peter’s vision is for a “Centralised Men’s Training Program”. Peter
Montgomery is now seeking the ground rules for further lobbying and seeks clarification
on his directions. PK asked JW to write back and outline the Board’s coming review of the
National Men’s Program and to invite PM to be involved in that process.
Resolved that the report be accepted.

MG9.
ASADA
JW tabled the ASADA Agreement and pointed out that the Funding Service Level
Agreement (FSLA) with the ASC was dependent upon AWPI’s acceptance of the ASADA
agreement. The power of ASADA is significantly broader than previously held by ASDA.
Resolved that the agreement be accepted and authorised.
MG10. ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATION UPDATE
JW updated the Board on current violation and progress of hearing. JW outlined the
process which had been undertaken including consultation with SAL, CAS and solicitors
regarding the application of provisional sanction. The advice from the solicitors was that
provisional sanction best not be applied. It was agreed that the Board is to be notified of
all breaches of Anti-Doping Policy as soon as “The Sport” becomes aware of the breach.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
MG11. RUSSIA V HUNGARY 1956 OLYMPIC GAMES CELEBRATIONS
TH outlined the position Russia has taken regarding it’s involvement and it is unlikely that
they will participate while Hungary has committed to the visit. JW to write to the Water
Polo Federation of Russia to encourage it’s participation.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
MG12. FUNDING FOR WATER POLO HISTORY
A proposal received from Dr Tracy Rockwell detailed his project to date along with a
request for funds to complete the task. After discussion, it was agreed to allocate $5,000
towards the project subject to a satisfactory contract with Dr Rockwell including possible
returns expected by AWPI.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
MG13. GOVERNANCE ROLE - HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
JW tabled a document outlining Board governance relating to the High Performance
Program which was adopted.
Resolved that
the information be noted and the role of the Board adopted.
MG14. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENTS
The following appointments were ratified, namely:
Junior Men’s Assistant Coach
Peter Smith
Youth Boys Assistant Coach
Paul Oberman appointed National Coach 26 March 2006
Mark Hubbard appointed Joint National Coach with Paul Oberman
Junior Women’s Assistant Coach
Sharyn Gist is in her second year
Youth Girls Assistant Coach
Taryn Woods
Resolved that the appointments be confirmed.
MG15. STAFFING
DM and PH left the meeting.
It was agreed that DM be appointed Commercial Manager of AWPI responsible for and
as the High Performance Manager (National Women’s Program), AOC Liaison,

commercial and sponsorship activities and servicing, M2007 Liaison, and Sports
Foundation.
It was agreed to review the Structure and Organisation direction of AWPI at a meeting
following the Special Conference on Saturday 1 July 2006.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
DM & PH rejoined the meeting.
TH left the meeting.
MG16. REVIEW OF NATIONAL MEN’S PROGRAM
It was agreed to conduct a review of the National Men’s Program on Sunday 2 July 2006.
SD1.
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT FOCUS AREA REPORT
JW reported on the Sports Development Focus Area report.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
SD2.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER REPORT
Production software and equipment to design interactive DVD’s for coach and officials
education material has been ordered. NCAS Level 3 Coaching syllabus has been
completed. The 2006 FINA School for Water Polo Referees conducted in Sydney was very
positive and well received.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
HP1.
HIGH PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREA REPORT
JW reported that all KPIs had been met.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
HP2. PROGRAM TOWARDS BEIJING 2008
The High Performance program leading to Beijing 2008 submitted by Greg McFadden
was tabled.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
HP3.
AIS ADDITIONAL PROGRAM
JW advised that some additional funding may be available for the National Women’s
Program via AIS. Greg McFadden has emailed this information to DM and a proposal has
been submitted to AIS subject to subsequent variation to same.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
HP4.
TOURING STAFF
JW indicated that Greg McFadden has emailed his intentions on the use of touring staff
to DM who outlined his meeting with QAS 30 March 2006 and the difficulties in having
QAS staff released for tours.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
HP5.
NATIONAL WOMEN’S TOUR
JW tabled a letter from Greg McFadden, which outlined the proposed tour 2006 World
League, USA tour and World Cup. This proposal was endorsed.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
NT left the meeting.
OP1.
OPERATIONS FOCUS AREA REPORT
PH reported that all KPIs had been met.
Resolved that the report be accepted.

OP2.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
PH reported on the Championships conducted since the last Board Meeting. JW raised
the issue of hosting and suggested that if no participation then the right to host is
forfeited. To be addressed at Conference.
Resolved that the report be accepted.
OP3.
WEB SITE
NEXT MEETING
PH advised that Toby Jenkins is quoting on redevelopment of web site.
Friday 4 August 2006, Qantas Club Business Centre, Sydney Airport, Sydney NSW
CLOSE OF MEETING
2.20 pm
Signed___________________________________________________
Chairman
Dated______________________

Action List
Date of
Meeting
Agenda
Item
Action
By
Whom
Expected
Completion
Date
19 May 06 MG1 Conduct staff reviews and set staff JW 31 Jul 06
targets
MG2 Update and agree job descriptions JW 30 Jun 06
for HPM and National Coaches
MG2 Sort out KPI’s and priorities for JW PK as 31 Jul 06
plus arrange periodic reviews
chair
MG2 Obtain Staff and others’ contracts JW 30 Jun 06
MG4 Complete an audit of skills within
Victoria for M2007 volunteers
TRyan
VWPI
31 May 06
30 Jun 06
MG4 Follow-up letters sent to the Minister JW 31 Jul 06
with copy to Shadow Minister and
FINA
MG4 Respond to FINA re draft schedule JW 30 Jun 06
and TV opportunities
MG5 Prepare for and call Special JW/PH 1 Jul 06
Conference to amend the AWPI
Constitution to accommodate the
NWPL Commission
MG6 Follow up possible DAS payments DM 30 Jun 06
MG6 Liaise with Stanwell & Gold Coast DM ongoing
Council
MG6 Proposal to AIS for a decentralised JW 8 Jun 06
National Men’s Program
MG7 Meet with Mike Hooper PK/JW
MG7 Meet with Sue Taylor TH
MG7 Lobby ASC for financial assistance JW 31 Jul 06
to send coaches to India
MG7 Coaches to visit India JW/DN/
GM
MG8 Write to Peter Montgomery outlining JW 23 Jun 06
proposed review of Men’s program
and invite him to it.
MG9 Authorise and forward ASADA JW 23 Jun 06
agreement
MG11 Write to Russians re game against JW 30 Jun 06
Hungary in November
MG12 Negotiate with Dr Rockwell JW 31 Jul 06
MG14 Advise applicants JW 30 Jun 06
HP3 Follow-up additional program JW/DM 30 Jun 06
submissions
OP2 Raise issue of no play no host PH Annual Conf
OP3 Website development PH 31 Aug 06
Date
Completed