Posted: 9th July, 2008
This week my junior report will move away from the performance of the kids to some more strategic issues. On Monday night the Club Committee reconfirmed their commitment to the grading of junior players. The Committee will develop a policy framework for grading at Langwarrin that will identify the aims and philosophies related to grading and will touch on companion issues such as team selection, players playing within their age group or not, scope of the grading process and coach selection. Also the club is selecting a small working party to define the actual grading process, the mechanics of grading if you like. This means that before the end of this season we will be able to clearly articulate to our members what we will be doing in 2009 with regard grading and our juniors.
Another key development is that we were informed on Monday night that the new flood lights are very close, possibly in the next 4-6 weeks. This will be another major infrastructure development that has been implemented by the Club, this time primarily to benefit the juniors.
In recent weeks we have had a couple of teams refuse to participate in the major fundraiser of the year, the chocolate drive. One of the reasons given is that they don't believe that the Club does anything for the juniors. Apart from being a ridiculous statement, one that we provide ample evidence to the contrary at the AGM and information nights, the implementation of the new floodlights will be very clear (and bright) evidence of the investment the Club is making in our juniors. I would also point out that I would not be investing my time and effort in running the juniors if I thought that they were not treated fairly by the Club.
The coaches of the two teams will be asked to front a session of the Club Committee in the very near future.
Other issues that we are dealing with at the moment are:
John Heskins
Vice President & Junior Co-ordinator