MAF National Carnival Hobart 2000

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME

Welcome to Hobart for out 18th National Superules Carnival.  This is the third Tasmanian Superules has hosted National Carnival, previous years being 1985 and 1993.

Unfortunately due to variation factors we find the number of participating teams and registered players down on previous years.  Because of the reduced numbers we have had to amalgamate states enabling players to participate and for the first time we will be actually playing 'dead rubbers' id. matches which will not effect the final outcome of championships.

The Tasmanian Superules Organising Committee, under the control of Angus Adams have put together a very exciting program for us all to enjoy during our stay in Hobart.  The National Board would like to express their thanks to Angus and his team who have had to overcome a number of difficulties during the past 12 months or so in putting together a program which no doubt will be a great success.

Superules Australia was delighted to be the recipients of a $10,000 grant from the Australian Sport Commission.  The grant is for 3 years providing we can demonstrate to the A.S.C. that we can utilise the grant to improve Superules throughout all State and Territories.  This is indeed a windfall for Superules Australia and greatly strengthens both our financial position nationally and our credibility as a growing masters sport.  It shall be up to the States and Territories to put together projects and planning sessions within the guidelines as outlined by the National Board and the Australian Sports Commission, costs of which shall be supported by the National body.

Hopefully all players, coaches, umpires and team managers are aware of the changes which have been made to the rules of Superules and to the umpiring instructions.  You shall all recall after Darwin there were many negatives to come out of the Carnival and I gave a personal assurance at the presentation night that the National Board in conjunction with the Delegates would review the playing conditions and guidelines for National Carnivals.

After many hours of discussion and valuable input from many interested members this has now been completed and will be fully implemented during this carnival.  The ball so to speak is now in your court and it is up to you all to ensure that we play the game of Superules in the manner which it was originally designed, that is football for fun.

The National Board would like to Acknowledge the great amount of support we received from Ansett Australia our major national sponsor and all other sponsors who support Superules throughout the various State and Territories.

Good luck to all competing teams, player officials and umpires and may you all have an enjoyable week of football and a great week in Hobart.

BRIAN STIRLING
NATIONAL PRESIDENT