Hi Club Secretaries (or NZACA Liaison Officers)
Two Issues of Secretarial Jottings this month. This one which is of a more general nature highlighting matters from the last Executive Meeting etc.; and the other an issue geared towards individual club members which I hope I have included enough for you to give out to all your members. We very much appreciate the trouble you have to go to in distributing this individual issue but it is only through you we have access to our individual membership.
First of all confirmation that the well known fishing identity, Bill Hohepa, has accepted the position of Patron of the Association. We are sure Bill will bring much to this organisation and we know he will take an active part and not just be a figurehead. Welcome Bill and we look forward to working with you.
Some matters were finalised at the last Executive Meeting – firstly the matter concerning how disputes are dealt with at the Nationals. The following has been confirmed :-
1. If a competitor(competitors) or club has an issue over a particular matter, whether it affects themselves or another(other) competitor(s), then this is to be put in writing and given to the National Secretary (or his deputy) as soon as practically possible. This could possibly be done on pre-prepared complaint/issue forms to be made available at Nationals.
2. If another(other) competitor(s) is(are) involved then that(those) person(s), or a designated official in their club, must be informed ASAP of the issue/complaint.
3. The competitor(s) involved must be allowed to weigh-in their catch, continue casting or whatever activity they are participating in until the matter is heard and resolved.
4. A deliberation meeting time to be set.
5. The Deliberation/Disputes Committee shall comprise of four members plus Chairman. Two being NZACA Executive Members, but not from the Club(s) involved in the issue. Two from the Host Club, providing it is not the Club which is involved in the issue; or if no Host Club, or the Host Club involved, then two senior NZACA non-Executive Members, being not members of clubs involved. The Chair being the NZACA President or their deputy. The National Secretary will act as scribe but with no voting rights.
6. The competitor(s)/Club Representatives who has(have) initiated the issue, together with, if applicable, those whom the issue concerns will be entitled to appear before and speak to the Deliberation Committee; either separately or together. Those to whom the issue concerns are entitled to be accompanied by another NZACA Member if they so wish, i.e. their Club /Team Captain, other Club Official or fellow Member.
7. Once the Deliberation Committee has heard from all of those involved they will retire and come to a decision, the Chair and the four Committee Members having one vote each. The decision must be conveyed verbally to all Parties concerned as soon as possible. This is to be followed up by the total matter and decision being put in writing and given to the Parties involved, with additional copies being made available to all Clubs if felt appropriate.
8. The Committee’s decision is final. No further debate, written or otherwise can be entered into, excepting that if the Parties so involved choose to do so they can exercise their rights under Clause 23 of the Constitution of the Association.
The other issue is the “hot” topic of lines used at the Nationals. In their deliberations and considering input received from clubs, and that the AGM had set the rule that there were to be no line classes as such at the Nationals but with a maximum of 15kg.; the Executive Committee felt as this is a rule there must be means of monitoring it etc. and ensuring that it is followed, otherwise the rule need not be there. So the following is what is felt to be the best practical solution, fairness to all and the most simple to manage. The Executive have now decided that for future Nationals the following will apply :-
1. Competitors may use any line, mono or braid. The maximum breaking strain of such not to exceed 15kg.
2. All braid must either be an IGFA rated brand or have proof of breaking strain (this can be submitted, if wished, prior to the Nationals for testing by the Association Line Tester, if no other proof available)
3. All other lines in excess of labelled Breaking Strain of 10kg must also be IGFA rated or have proof of breaking strain (this can be submitted, if wished, prior to the Nationals for testing by the Association Line Tester, if no other proof available)
4. Competitors must produce spools, or proof of line being used, for verification of the line to be used (can be more than one) at the time of Registration.
This means any line (except braid) 10kg or under can be used at the Nationals and not have to worry about IGFA rating etc. This covers by far of the majority competitors and will overcome the situation which happened at New Plymouth. Braid has been kept separate and needing some form of proof as recent testing has shown that a common brand of braid labelled at 6kg actually tested at 10.4kg. As the AGM has set the 15kg upper limit the Executive feel that there needs to be proof that the line used in these upper limits does break within reasonable parameters. This will affect only a very few competitors. By having lines verified at the time of registration will save any hassles at weigh-stations and competitors will know that the lines they are using are acceptable before they go fishing. Nice and simple.
We need to say thank you and acknowledge CBS North Shore Ltd who are the agents marine radio and accessories and other products such as GPS for providing funding towards the cost of publishing and posting our Newsletters etc. Look for their promotion on either Minutes or Secretarial Jottings. We need to especially thank John Jones, an Executive Member, for this assistance.
Some Members of the Executive recently spent time up at Coromandel looking at various sites and other issues concerning the 2009 Nationals. We are planning to gear these as especially for families as well as our usual competitors as it will be during the school holidays and straight after Easter. Folk could have Easter in one of the many accommodation facilities in the Coromandel area and then stay the extra few days for the Nationals.
Your planning to be at Ninety Mile for the 2008 Nationals next April should be well advanced by now. Remember you can apply to Gaming Trusts etc. for funding to attend these as they are a Championship and not a competition for monetary prizes. Applications should be sent off ASAP as sometimes you need to apply to more than, and only one at a time. We can give you, on application, a letter confirming your affiliation to a national organisation which is usually required. If you have not received relevant information regarding these Nationals contact ASAP. Some Clubs will receive packs in this mailing.
$$$$$$$$ RAFFLE $$$$$$$$$
Planning is well underway for a national raffle with first prize of $1000, 2nd, $500 and 3rd. $200. Tickets will be limited number at $5 each. This will give a much needed boost to our funds as well as giving the opportunity of some spending money for lucky winners in the summer. We would like some indication of how many books you think your club could sell please, so we just send out what’s required especially with only a limited number being available.
We are now calling for nominations for the vacant position of Junior Vice President. Nominations to be received in writing in time for the next Executive Meeting scheduled for 25th.August. One has been received already.
Feilding Club through services of Birchler Industrial willing to provide scale testing services at next Nationals for any clubs who wish to bring their scales to the event to take up this offer. Scales should have existing compliance type number for complete certification.
Reminder that our Testing Officer, Kevin Pulman, is only to happy to test any line for clubs or their members. Does not have to be part of a catch recognition application.
Reminder also that when completing the new Catch Recognition Application Forms, all appropriate sections to be completed, especially the line class being applied for (top right-hand box). Please pass this info’ on tour your members and Weigh-Masters. Thank you.
Also in this mailing are the Postal Casting entry forms. Remember these casting days can be a lot of fun, a good in-between season activity and in some areas clubs may like to combine for the event. If you want to know more please ring Janine (07 323 9109) or Dick (027 242 2549). With the handicap system all competitors have a good chance of picking up one of the very many awards.
Well lots of information in this mailing for you to deal with and we again thank those in receipt of such for putting in the time and effort required. However this is your Association and just the national extension if you like of your club so really national matters are still club matters. Don’t forget club membership renewals are now due.
Graeme Dawber
NZACA National Secretary
