President’s Report: Round 6

Hi All Sharks

It’s hard to believe we are already up to Round 7 this week.  Half way through the season yet it feels as though we’ve just got under way. 

Congratulations to all our Milestone players over the last few weeks.   The banners have been booked solid for 50 & 100 games milestones for quite a few players.   This is a great indication of the family atmosphere our club offers whilst receiving loyalty from our players.   Our playing list is certainly a tight knit group of young men and women, with friendships that will last forever.  I look forward to seeing our youth girls starting to book the banners as well in the next few years.  Every year we lose a few players for a variety of reasons, however we seem to attract new players to join us or return to us, even up to the Colts as evidenced again this year.

At the Sharks we base our younger players into friendship group’s teams and then adjust once they start high school with team selection.  This allows for children to initially learn the basic skills of football then as bodies start to mature we take the welfare of the players into account. With team selection mostly we get it right, mostly the players feel it’s right and mostly parents feel it’s right.  Whilst not an exact science, a lot of time and effort is inputted to help our players grow from U8’s through to Colts.   Now we have a pathway for Colts to U19’s to seniors with the P.O.F.C.

We are always looking at how our club is progressing and what areas need to be examined.   I love this Club and the committee involved in being able to accept challenges and see the excitement of turning dreams into reality, worries into problems and then solutions.   Whilst decisions are based on history, knowledge, and policy, we are trying to be proactive rather than reactive going forward.

Therefore from time to time we will challenge various parts of policy and what we do to see if we can improve areas within our Club.   At the end of the day it is about our players enjoying the game of football, bonding with team mates and being part of a healthy environment.

GO SHARKS!

Conduct

The previous weekend has seen an escalation of poor conduct by a number of clubs. Some comments have been directed at players and some at umpires. As previously mentioned we, at the Sharks, pride ourselves on enthusiastic yet restrained support.

A couple of incidents recently have disappointed me. One of our boys had a crack at an umpire on the weekend. I know it was out of character for this young man, and in the heat of the moment we say or do things we later regret.

We must always show respect to the umpires (they are trying their best, most young ones are still learning). Umpires are to be treated without approach or comment. Our club has a Zero Tolerance Policy towards victimisation of umpires.

On another note I’d like to remind all parents regarding our club policies. In particular please take the time to read and discuss with your children the Vilification and Discrimination Policy. Our aim is to provide a sporting environment which promotes understanding and accepts the unique differences of all persons. This includes race, religion, gender, colour, etc.  We are all united in the one thing – playing AFL junior football – no matter who we are or where we come from. All members, players and visitors at the club have a right to feel welcome and are considered equal.   Sometimes it’s how we say or do things that others may perceive differently.

At times I know I’m loud and yell out to my sons to take up various positions or to man up.   We all do.   Please let’s set the bar for the league in how we conduct ourselves. Our club is known for its respect towards the YJFL, its representatives and our opposition teams.   Let’s keep it that way and not denigrate ourselves to others’ levels.

Sharkwiz – Trivia Night!

Sharkwiz 2017 is almost here… Saturday 3rd of June @ 7.00pm at Domeney Reserve.   There are only a few tickets left.   If you want to be a part of this great night then quickly get online and book now.

Make sure you bring lots of $1 & $2 coins for the games and competitions.

For more information, please contact our Events Coordinator

Educational Event

Paul Haas and his wonderful team at Bounce Health group are running their informative “taping and sports medicine” evening again this year.   It is on Monday 19th of June at their Blackburn premises.   Every year the evening is booked out, so if you’re interested please let them know at your earliest opportunity.   You’ll be amazed at the number of taping options and ideas shared, and yes, this is a hands on event.   All of our Team Managers have full details so please contact them if interested or contact Bounce direct on 1300 855 442 or paulhaas@bouncehealth.com.au

Seniors – POFC

The U19’s Reserves & Seniors are at home this Saturday 3rd June and play The Basin.   If our junior members can find some time to get along and encourage the boys, it would be great. Our female Auskickers are playing a grid game at half time against Croydon Hills.   The weather forecast is for a sunny winter’s day, an ideal footy day for all the family.   Look forward to seeing plenty of our members there.

Summary

Looking forward to Round 7 for our Juniors. If at any stage you have any queries then please don’t hesitate to contact myself. 

Go Sharks!!

Ritchie Appleby
President, Sharks JFC
president@sharksjfc.org.au
0408 367 444