National President's Welcome Perth 1994

Bruce Arlow

I take this opportunity to welcome all Eastern States visitors to Perth for our second hosting of the Superules National Championships.

At the time of writing, indications from two of our National Patrons John Kennedy and Vince Yovich were that they will be attending our Championships and I welcome and thank them for accepting our offer of Patronage.

It is pleasing to see a number of familiar faces returning to Perth for their second visit. This underlines the success of our decision in 1987 to introduce Masterules and the natural extension of this to Seniorules in 1992.

I firmly believe the three divisional concept is the ideal mix for Superules as a whole and whilst we appreciate Seniorules probably will never grow to the eight team competition, as has Masterules, a four or six team division will be pursued. I do not envisage ever introducing an over 50's division in years to come, however, careful monitoring of the Seniorules in its current concept of no formal results will ensure the availability of this division for players of any age. Feedback from Seniorules players does show strong support for the less competitive nature of this division.

As Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, I must pay tribute to the dedicated Committeemen who have worked extremely hard to make this carnival a success.

Ric Forrest               Right Hand Man, Finance and Presentation Dinner.
Tom Booton              Merchandising, Rottnest and General Spare parts man.
Ken Reynolds           Oval Facilities, Services and Rottnest.
Mike Evans              Transport and Liaison.
Geoff Groenenberg   Match Organisation and Football Facilities.
Bob Anderson           Umpire Co-ordination.

With the exception of Bob, all the Committee members are seasoned travelers and dedicated desperate's for a good time.

It's been a long hard year and I thank you all for your commitment to making the week as enjoyable as possible for our guests.

As many members would be aware, I am stepping down as National President in 1995 and whilst I may miss the total involvement I can look back with a great deal of satisfaction at the advances Superules has made since I became involved in 1982.

Without exception, every state association is now firmly established and a respected and recognised member of the football world.

Having senior Football and Political identities involved is a sign of the acceptance that Superules has achieved throughout the community.

I am proud that in some small way I have helped the sport achieve this status. Obviously over the years I have made numerous friends in all states and territories and these friendships I know will endure. The network throughout Australia is a valuable tool for business and social contract and I strongly recommend all members make use of this.

It would be remiss of me not to thank some of you for the assistance and friendship I have received over the years and please forgive me if you are left off the list but space is limited.

On the National front, Tasmania one of the most competitive Groups at National Carnivals do a great job with limited resources. Angus Adams, his predecessor Trevor Best and lan Parker Dave Charlesworth, 2 x Chris Barry's, Big Eddy Aville, Peter Styles and Tich Edwards.

Queensland, one of the most sociable groups outside of WA with deviates such as Jimmy Barnes, Crocodile Bennett, Tim Gleeson, Kooka Emzen, Peter Lavery etc., all supported by President Laurie Whelan and his predecessors. Special thanks Laurie and Qld Superules members for all the assistance you have been to my daughter whilst she has been living in Brisbane for the past 12 months.

Northern Territory's Herman Rooding is one of the very few originals from 1993 and its good to see you still involved and working hard. I know how hard you work Herman and it is greatly appreciated.

South Australia is another state with a wide variety of desperates, John Rutherford, Billy McDonald and Deadeye Smallwood are all long standing players and workers and is a credit to these people that South Australia has one of the most successful domestic competitions in the system. I know its hard work John but stick with it, you are on the right track.

The Blues from New South Wales have always had a difficult task in organising such a wide ranging association but Maurie Gale set in place a structure that Warren Finger and his 1995 Committee are building on most successfully. If next years' carnival is only half as well organised as the presentation to the Executive in Bankstown earlier this year then it can only be a huge success.

The ACT is our smallest Association and until this year one of the most active and most traveled. Brian Stirling is one of the most dedicated and professional administrators (for an umpire) in Superules and the support he received from Garry Robb, Curley Alien, Bill Robbie and all their ladies has kept this organisation viable.

Last but by no means least is the two Victorian contingents. The Metro boys just nudge out the West as the most desperate, however, the West would still retain most sociable title. Bob Ellis, Ray Walker, Charlie Ceric, Col Hansford, Col Morton, Spock Kemp, Tony Matthews, Gary Dyring, Rat Callega, Bob Kennedy, the list goes on and on will all remain firmly etched in the grey matter.

Vie Country have also had a few in their time and have been ably led over the years by John Condon, Peter Scheuffele, Terry Rowe, Mick Moro and currently David Peake. Noel Wenzlau has been playing since time began.

I must also pay tribute to the National Executive Directors over the past few years in John White, Peter Scheuffele and currently Bob and Sue Kennedy for their support and hard work over the seven years of my Presidency.

In closing, I thank you for the memories and I must give special thanks to a few Western Australians who have worked, drank and told lies with and for me over the years.

Ric Forrest, Mike Evans, Brian Thompson, and Wayne Koch, have been invaluable committeemen for most of the 13 years we have existed.

Country friends such as Mike Evans, Alan French, Bill Hayward have also been there for the long haul.

To all you Superules Members I thank you, because whilst I may have put foreword some ideas, you all made it work.

Thanks for the memories ...