THE Nowra Shoalhaven Touch Association Winter Mixed Competition for 2014 got underway last week with the first of two trials.
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Problems were encountered with the floodlights at Lyrebird Sports Park and games were delayed at the start as a result.
Council was informed of the issues and it is hoped that all will be well for this week’s games for Monday, April 14.
All teams are advised that there are no games scheduled for Monday, April 21, the Easter long weekend.
The second and final trial will be played tonight with 26 teams.
This is the most teams that have registered in the winter competition for 14 years.
In 1999 and 2000 there were 30 teams entered, but the highest number of teams entered in winter was in 1992 and 1993 with 52 teams.
It has been necessary to go to three timeslots of 6pm, 6.45pm and 7.30pm, with game durations reduced to 40 minutes.
This is an earlier starting time of 15 minutes and will allow a reasonable finishing time on a weeknight of 8.10pm.
It is important that teams are on time to play and are also on time with their duty referee appointments.
This is not a new concept.
It has been used previously in competitions with higher numbers of teams entered.
As per last week, games will not have half-time periods and will employ the touchdown/turnaround format.
That is, at each touchdown, teams change ends of the field.
This will assist with the number of fields and appointment of duty referees required.
It is important that all teams that are not fully financial, or have not completed registration forms for all players, must address this tonight.
No players are to play without being registered or financial.
Last week there were two teams who did not provide a duty referee.
This is a final warning to all teams that fines will be applied for non-compliance.
All teams must have two duty referees nominated, no exceptions.
For those referees who are not accredited, a course will be provided.
The 26 teams are AKS, Amazing Dental, Ashley Williams Team, Clifton Accountants, Dilligaf, Entire Services, Fauvo Hair, Harry’s Takeaway, Joel Atfield Roofing, Lewys Bakehouse, Longreach Earthmoving, Manildra, Memorable Moments, Mitchell Group, My Pink Hair, Pitt St Kindy, RH Boyd Pumas, Shea’s Swimming, Southern Windows, Specsavers, The Spartans, The Tross, Tim Webster Building, Untouch-ables, Us and YTC.
General enquiries can be directed to the association secretary, Razz, preferably via text to 0400 036 753.
The association’s registrar is Belinda, and can be contacted on 0438 235 679. Association president Dave’s contact is 0419 236 640.
All refereeing enquiries should be directed to referees director Ken on 0432 053 111.
It is important that all players are registered and financial before playing on field and within the next two weeks.
The registrar will be on hand at the grounds for those that are not yet squared away, however it is the team delegate’s responsibility to bring all outstanding player registration sheets and monies to the registrar at the one time.
All players must sign on each night before playing.
Team sheets are provided in the sign on area of the amenities building.
During trials it is accepted that not all teams will yet have their uniforms. Please ensure that all players are in their correct playing shirt displaying their individual playing number to the correct requirements as soon as possible. All players must play in approved footwear, wear socks and must not participate on the field wearing any jewellery of any kind.
Fingernails must also be trimmed or taped.
It is imperative that all teams meet their duty refereeing obligations in order that all games are properly officiated.
The association will work with all teams to ensure duty referees are fairly allocated to games.
Please allow a settling period until the association is fully aware of all referee capabilities, and those newly accredited referees are given some on-field coaching.
It is extremely important that all liaise closely with referees director, Ken, for all issues or unavailability reasons through-out the season.
Once all teams have notified both their nominated duty referees for the season, Ken will contact those persons who need to do a referees course to become accredited.
In case of bad weather or doubt of on field conditions, information will be available after 4.30pm on game days on the association’s website www.nowratouch.com.au.
If a team has no option but to forfeit on game day, the forfeit notification must occur by noon to the association secretary.
Any forfeit after this time will incur a team fine as per the team information pack.