Shiny new venue

A new venue has become available and because we are non-profit we can get into this amazing space for just a little more than we are paying now. The Sports HUB at the University of Wollongong is three connected competition size netball courts with a mezanine level running all the way around the top. The floor is semi-sprung plastic and looks a little odd. It is square tiles of plastic with a thin seam between them.


I was a little wary that the plastic might be too slippery and so organised for Drop Bear to come along with me and try the floor out. It was amazing and great and not slippery at all. Takes a little longer than usual to stop and takes a bit more push. But as you can see slides are super easy.



And it marks up pretty easy and sounds a bit loud but the marks came off with the edge of our finger so should definitly shift with some wet tennis balls (thanks SRDL).



The whole league is booked in for a trial on Tuesday to make sure the stopping thing isn't a problem for anyone before we book in there for training sessions. It is a lot of fun to skate.

Certificate of Appreciation for donations

These will be going out to people and businesses who have supported WIRD's upcoming Trivia night. Spread that special derby style of lovin'.

Making executice committee meetings make sense

WIRD have an executive committee meeting coming up and I've been compiling some material so we can all have a stronger understanding of what our job is. Six months into our incorporation and the structure of the league is really starting to come together. Meetings are hectic, but I imagine this is typical.

Roles on WIRD's EC

President – Job is to provide leadership and a figure head, act as official representative, sign off on official and financial documents, report to EC and general meetings
Vice President – Support president to provide leadership, sign off on official and financial documents, act as president if president is indisposed
Secretary – Maintain records and correspondence, store official documents, hold official seal
Treasurer – Maintain finances, sign financial documents
Coordinators– Coordinate activities in their area (Newbie, Training, Merchandising, Fundraising, Media, Website) recruit assistance for their area from among the general members, report to EC and general meetings, prepare submissions for voting at meetings (a submission is a clear outline of your idea with prices and costings and enough information for the meeting to vote – if it is detailed it is best to get it to meeting attendees with time to look over it)


Meetings Etiquette

'Meeting etiquette is really just a matter of manners and common sense.
Here is the top 10:

1. Don't arrive late or leave early. Arrive on time (or early) and leave only when the meeting is finished.
2. Make a careful reading of all items well in advance of the meeting. Make note of the items you would like to speak to and what you plan to say.
3. Don't make personal attacks or rehash issues that have already been decided.Learn how to accept Board decisions graciously, even if your view has been overruled.
4. Stay away from discussions about irrelevant information and stick to the agenda.
5. Never agree to decisions or action you don't understand, always ask questions and insist on answers when you need clarification.
6. Do not ignore potential or current conflicts of interest that you think have arisen or may arise in the future. Take appropriate action to ensure you and your Board are protected from possible or real conflicts.
7. Don't speak without listening or interrupt people when they are talking and ensure you give the views of each Board member respect and consideration.
8. Never underrate the contribution you can make – attempt to make an active contribution to all debates and discussions.
9. You can't assume knowledge. Answer any questions meeting participants ask, even if they appear naive.
10. Do not discuss confidential or sensitive information outside of meeting and respect all confidences afforded to you in your role.
    

Read more.


And in moments of doubt we fall back on the safety net of the:

Executive Committee Members’ Code of Behaviour

1. Involve members in the planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related to Roller Derby.
2. Ensure that equal opportunities for participation in sports are made available to all members, regardless of ability, size, shape, disability or ethnic origin.
3. Ensure that equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the ability level of participating members.
4. Ensure that adequate supervision is provided by qualified and competent coaches and officials capable of developing appropriate positive behaviour and skill technique.
5. Avoid allowing events to become primarily spectator entertainment. Focus more on the needs of the participants rather than the enjoyment of the spectators. To focus on ‘sport over spectacle’.
6. Distribute and enforce the Code of Behaviour regarding players, officials, spectators, coaches and the media.
7. Encourage Members to realise their potential and athletic abilities.
   

'Whip It' movie cross-promotion organised

After a quick discussion about the movie it was suggested we might tap into the potential publicity of this movie. We approached the independant Gala Cinema at Warrawong and they are very excited about doing some cross promotion around October when it is realeased.

Amazing how Drew Barrymore knew we were gonna be starting our first season around then.

WIRD Trivia posters and flyers

'Group get skates on', Wollongong Northern Leader

Much thanks to Jenna Buchanan at the Wollongong Norther Leader.

Also available here.

Oak Flats Skating rink too much of a success

Following onto WIRD's amazing word-of-mouth and social networking advertisement of the Oak Flat Rink, tonight's first session was so dramatically successful that by the time we arrived twenty minutes after opening they were at capacity. Myself and a few of the other WIRD girls alternatively pleaded, begged and cajoled but were unable to get in the door. Luckily a handful of us got there early and handed out flyers.



Can you feel our pain? Make it worse and check out the Oak Flats Roller Skating Rink!

WIRD Media release

Who wouldn’t want to play Roller Derby? Wollongong Illawarra Roller Derby is welcoming experienced skaters now.

Since their first skate in February 2009 the Wollongong Illawarra Roller Derby girls have been training hard to bring this radical sport to life in Wollongong. WIRD, as they’re known for short, have been hitting carparks and bike paths preparing themselves to be the biggest thing in Wollongong roller skating history.

Wollongong is no stranger to skate sports. This region has produced state and national skate champions across a range of disciplines. Now we are home to the fastest and toughest league of skaters who are preparing to compete in the hottest and meanest all-girl sport ever – Roller Derby!

Roller Derby is sixty minutes of brutal competitive athleticism, where two teams of roller skaters battle it out for points, glory and adoration. Modern Roller Derby embraces excitement and spectacle as players frock up, slip on pseudonyms and revel in the freedom of eight wheels and truckloads of safety gear. A global body sets the rules of the games, referees enforce them, and tricky skaters pay the price for breaking them with a trip to the penalty box. Roller derby has taken the world by storm and WIRD will be representing Wollongong as the NSW and Australian competitions pick up. They expect to be holding public bouts by the end of the year.

The WIRD ladies sweat and grunt it out for a few sessions a week, pushing themselves to the limits to become Wollongong’s Derby girls. Building team work, healthy athleticism, empowerment and safety for all participants is core to WIRD’s mission and training focuses on endurance and agility.

Wollongong Illawarra Roller Derby currently has fourteen skaters, but would like to have more. WIRD are looking for experienced skaters to join our ranks and are welcoming anyone who can skate safely, stop and turn. Male skaters are also encouraged to join up as referees and officials. If you’ve been itching to get your skates on again then drop them a line at wird.freshmeat@gmail.com and catch the Roller Derby virus.

Photo shoot with Martin Lucic

After Martin worked out that the only way to get a good group shot was either make it an action one or risk yelling at a bunch of derby girls we all got on fine.

Asked to be Door B**ch for SRDL

Have been specifically asked to handle the door at the upcoming SRDL Grand Final.

May have done a better job than even I realised.

Recruitment poster

We've decided to piggyback on SRDL's recent media exposure and attempt to snare ourselves some new members. There will also be some media releases going out over the next few weeks to try and stir up interest.

[edit 25/7/09 - controversy erupted this week when the above poster was mistaken for a commercial campaign by the local university's marketing department. Some quick diplomacy (and the author's student number) set the situation to ease and resulted in a whole new set of connections for WIRD]