Dear Members
As you are aware, we recently communicated a decision of the Committee to cease issuing participation trophies for junior players in the U13 - U17 age groups.
We have received a range of feedback on this decision some supporting it, some opposing it and some suggesting that the change would be supported if made at the start of the next season, rather than just before the end of the current one.
The Committee would like to share its thinking on why we think the change is worth making.
Our view was about helping to better prepare our older kids for real life where competition is part of life and success and recognition are earnt through hard work, demonstration of the right values and achievement. For the older age groups we want trophies to be encouraging our members to embrace this reality and for recognition of efforts to be both and meaningful and encouraging desired behaviours.
I want to make it really clear that our decision was not cost driven. I am sure you can all see the effort that has been put into the training shirts, sponsorship and the subsidized jersey and short packages that were rolled out at the beginning of the Junior season. This increase in value delivered to members wouldn’t be happening if we were focused on saving by taking away member benefits. That’s not our intent here.
We honestly believe this is the right policy for our Club to adopt and that there is majority support for the proposed approach. But we have been persuaded by feedback suggesting that the end of this season is probably not the best time to implement this change.
Accordingly, for this season, we will adopt the five main awards and provide every junior player who does not receive one of the main awards (including those in the U13 - U17 age groups) a participation trophy.
From next season, we propose that participation awards will only be given to our youngest members only (not those in the U13 – U17 age groups).
I would encourage any member who would like to express a view on this proposal (whether for or against) to contact myself or any other committee member to discuss. A final decision will be made before the start of our next Junior season but in the meantime the Committee is very willing to listen to all views and make sure that our assessment of majority member support for this planned change is accurate.
Kind regards
Matt Waller
President
Cheers!
Matt Waller
WET WEATHER INFORMATION
Firstly, check if the relevant council for the location you are playing at has closed your sporting reserve for play.
For Juniors:
If the ground is open, ring the Hills Juniors Wet Weather Information Line and check the status of your playing venue as individual clubs may close their grounds for safety or to prevent damage to the playing surface. To confirm if a club has closed their ground, ring the Hills Junior Baseball Association Wet Weather and Information Line - 8604 2792 press 0 after the beep and select option 4 for ground closure information.Call Cost 60c/min. Telads Higher cost from Mobile/Payphones.
For Seniors (Sydney Metro Baseball League):
If the ground is open, ring the Hills Wet Weather Information Line and check the status of your playing venue as individual clubs may close their grounds for safety or to prevent damage to the playing surface.To confirm if a club has closed their ground, ring the Hills Association Wet Weather and Information Line - 1900 920 229 press 0 after the beep and select option 5 after 11am for ground closure information. Call Cost 60c/min. Telads Higher cost from Mobile/Payphones.
