To All Club Representatives, Players, Coaches, Umpires and Spectators

BSNA GENERAL INFORMATION

To all club representatives, players, coaches, umpires and spectators -

please ensure the following information is disseminated as widely as possible.

With grading now over, the new season in full swing and winter rapidly approaching, it is timely to provide a few reminders to all new and existing players, coaches, spectators, delegates and umpires of some basic requirements of our Association.

1. INDOOR COURTS

The indoor courts can become extremely slippery to play on with any moisture on them. Any spills from water bottles etc or dripping from the roof should be wiped up immediately (towels are available at the office to help with this).

On wet days, players , coaches, umpires and spectators should ensure they DO NOT walk moisture into the playing area. Please ensure everyone dries their shoes thoroughly before entering the playing area. (Preferably, bring a change of shoes and leave wet ones in the change rooms, along with umbrellas, wet coats, hats etc). Spectators must also be extra mindful of this, as dripped moisture can easily be walked onto the courts.

Players are reminded that the use of hairspray on the soles of shoes is not recommended, as it makes runners even more slippery. If dust is a problem, regularly wipe off with a towel.

When entering courts, spectators and teams should be alert to games already in progress. Remember that umpires and players are likely to be running on the outside of courts and injuries can easily occur. Please wait until play is at the far end of court 1 before attempting to move to courts 2 & 3. (There is a STOP sign at the entry to court 1 for a reason – make sure you read it and understand why it is there).

Teams should only warm up outside the stadium – please do not congregate in the foyer. There will be plenty of time at the end of a game to make your way inside.

Court 1 spectators should view the game from the stand; courts 2 & 3 along the College side of those courts – the other side is for players, coaches and officials only. Please ensure sufficient space is left around courts, and especially at the ends, for our umpires to move quickly and safely; they are watching the game and may not see spectators in the way. Especially for this reason, all young children MUST BE SUPERVISED by parents at all times and MUST NOT play games at the end of courts. Any balls that are not game balls will be confiscated.

Please try to keep the stadium free from rubbish – we are proud of our wonderful facilities and wish to keep them looking sparkling. It is not fair to expect BSNA volunteers and staff to clean up the mess that is left in the stadium. PLEASE USE THE BINS PROVIDED.

1. OUTDOOR COURTS

Our five outdoor courts have all been resealed, with the plexi-pave courts especially providing a great playing environment. Now that landscaping has been completed around the courts, spectator comfort has been improved somewhat.

Spectators are reminded to be mindful of player and umpire safety – on courts 5 & 6, spectators MUST remain beyond the painted yellow lines or preferably in the viewing area above the courts.

On courts 7, 8 & 9, ALL spectators are reminded to remain outside the wire fence to ensure a safe playing environment. Umpires have been requested by the Executive to enforce these requirements, so spectators should not feel affronted if approached to move.

During games, apart from umpires, players and officials, the only people allowed inside the courts are the coaches, primary carer and scorer for each team.

On Friday nights, everyone needs to be particularly mindful that the lighting around the College is substandard – please take extra care around the outside courts and car park.

1. General

Everyone is reminded that Bendigo South East College, including all the grounds and stadium, is designated a NON SMOKING area and this must be strictly adhered to.

Parking is not permitted around Flora Hill Stadium. This allows ready access for emergency vehicles if they are needed. (Special exemption is given for some staff to allow material to be brought into the stadium – these people are easily contactable in the event of an emergency in case cars need to be moved).

There is ample car-parking along the streets and in the large off-street parking area – please ensure you park neatly and carefully and be mindful that this area can get quite full at times during the day.

Lost property continues to be a problem – could everyone please ensure they gather all their personal items before leaving the venue. The BSNA has a lost property bin, which quickly fills up. Items left in the bin for over a month will be cleared. Water bottles are generally not kept.

Canteen hours are approximately 9.30am to 3.30pm. Please be aware that people working the office roster are unable to sell canteen items.

OFFICE ROSTER – please ensure that there is at least one responsible adult on duty at all times. It is fine having younger players assisting, but remember there are cash transactions required and it is the responsibility of the club on duty to ensure appropriate conduct.

All score sheets (appropriately filled out and signed) should be returned to the office by the winning team after the completion of each game. All score boards should be returned to the office at the end of the day.

And to finish, can we ask all spectators, coaches and players to continue to be tolerant of our umpires, many of whom may be new to umpiring and are trying their hardest. The Executive will not tolerate umpire or player abuse of any kind. The Association is justifiably proud of the umpire development program we have in place and seek continuing support from everyone connected to the BSNA.

Our Umpire Co-ordinator Heather Abdy and Saturday Operations Manager Hannah Mildren are responsible for the efficient running of our games each week. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to approach either of them, or myself, for information.

Daryl Cheeseman

Executive Officer