Rural Athletics Club

____________________________________
An email from the President¹s Desk.

Welcome to a new month of athletic competition and one that promises to be a little more low key than the month we have just experienced.
May was an extremely successful time for the club, starting with Interclub 1 followed closely by the Festival of Athletics, then the Litchfield Gift and finally with Interclub 2. RAC has received favourable exposure from the media and the public eye during all these events. Our volunteers have donated their time selflessly and have performed a job beyond the call of duty. On behalf of the Committee, I thank you for your endeavours. The athletes have had the opportunity to develop their fitness and skills while competing amongst the best junior athletes in the Territory. We have seen results from age all groups that have exceeded all expectations - Congratulations to our children.
Results for the Interclub Series will be published in the near future as we strive to take out the Club Trophy for the Interclub Competition. Many personal bests (PBs) and club records were broken.
The Fred's Pass Show was an important activity for RAC and to see the hustle and bustle around our modest venue was exciting. The professional approach to supporting the stall and the Litchfield Gift showed the versatility our parents and children have when there is a job to be done.
Our new hurdles have arrived in Darwin and will soon feature on Saturday mornings. I am looking forward to discovering new talent as our children fly down the track leaping the hurdles in a single bound.
We have recently purchased a chest freezer, which will provide the Centre with a capability to store bulk goods and produce as many ice cups as our kids can eat.
The Parents' Athletic Orientation has been successful over the past few weeks with Mitch conducting short presentations on the events we see being conducted every weekend. This allows us to better guide and coach the athletes to achieve greater results.

See you around the track
 
Darren Murch

Fees.
Membership Fees for the 2003 athletic season are $70 for one athlete; $135 for two athletes $195 for three and then $35 for each additional athlete. Rusty Rurals fees are $40 each. Registration is essential to compete so membership fees are due now.

Important Dates to note.
General Meeting: Sunday 8 June 2003 2.00pm 20 Sherringham Crescent Durak.
City to Surf: Saturday 14 June 2003 6.00pm to 8.00pm Beachfront Hotel, Rapid Creek.
Interclub Series 2003 Round 3: Saturday 2 August 4.00pm Arafura Stadium, Marrara.
Training sessions will be weekly at the Reserve on a Monday and Wednesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

Thank yous.
Thank you Caitlin Walker for hard selling the 100 club and your work on the canteen.
Thank you to the volunteers who worked on the Show Stall: Vivienne Walker, Julie Holtham, Sandy & BrianThetford, Louise Evans, Paul Harris, Gwen Lowther, Marilyn Reeves, Theresa Murch, the Burrows crew, Jude Sherley, Rose & Micaela Gerlach, the Mitchener family, Jamila Harris-Evans, Siobhan and Fred Munro, the Pickerings, Mick Taylor, the kids that handed out fliers, the kids that ran the novelty event and to everyone who contributed the fabulous variety of cakes, slices and biscuits.
Thank you to the volunteers who worked at the Litchfield Gift: Julie Holtham, Paul Harris, Darren Murch, Rose Gerlach, Daria Mitchener, Fred Munro, Paul Mitchener, Geoff Smith, Tracey Shepherd, Elaine Holmes and Athol from Winnellie Mowers.
Special thanks to Darren Murch for catering for the Officials at the Litchfield Gift.
If we have missed anyone we do apologise and say thank you to you too.
Thank you to all RAC parents who acted as officials and event helpers during Interclub  
2 at Katherine. For a small club our presence on the arena was outstanding.

Athlete of the Month Awards.
This award encompasses all aspects of an athlete¹s attitude to the sport and is not solely performance based. The Coaches looks at an athlete¹s behaviour on and off the track, attendance at training sessions, uniform appearance, participation at meets, care of equipment and Club fellowship. Athletes of the Month for May are Men: Michael Taylor; Women: Marilyn Reeves; Boy Damon Howard; Girl Jaimi Turner. Congratulations. Award winners receive a Canteen Voucher.

Festival of Athletics.
Congratulations and well done to the four RAC representatives who acted as Officials at the recent Festival of Athletics. Darren Murch, Paul Mitchener, Paul Harris and Daria Mitchener received high praise from the NTA for their efforts.

Positions Vacant.
Announcer. Saturday mornings, announce track and field events over a pa system. Chair and shade provided. Great job for someone who likes to sit on the sideline in the shade.

Housekeeping.
Don¹t forget every athlete is to ³sign on² in the Sign On book every Saturday morning at the Officials table. Put a tick next to your name to register your attendance.
The toilets need cleaning. Yes we share the toilets with the footy mob but they don¹t care for cleanliness so the RAC has to do it. Volunteers are needed please.
Please put all rubbish in the bins. The RAC prides itself on keeping its area clean and tidy. Recycle the cans and pop tops at the canteen. Everything else in the bin please. The Reserve groundsmen can and do identify what rubbish comes from which user group.
Please be careful when erecting the new portable shade tents. One has been broken during improper assembly. Take care, take time and a few hands are needed to help.
New junior uniforms are available for sale from the officials table on Saturday morning meets. Junior athletes all sizes $25.
Children (especially little ones) are not permitted in the shed.
RAC meet results will be posted on the notice board during Saturday morning meets.
Place Ribbons from the Rural Championships 2002 that were not distributed at last years Presentation Day will be available for collection at the Officials table. Please see Daria Mitchener.

Fund raising.
There is a 100 Club Raffle on offer. First prize is a $100. Tickets $2 per number.
Mothers Day Raffle. Winner Tracey Shepherd. Orange Ticket No 8. $161 raised.
Ice Cups stall at Interclub Round 1 at Marrara. $53 raised.
JR Lighting Sausage Sizzle Sale Saturday 24 May. $82 raised.
JR Lighting Sausage Sizzle Sale Saturday 31 May. TBA.
PRBA donation for the Junior Litchfield Gift program. $1000 donation.
Guess the Weight Competition. Bag details...Drink Bottle: 65g. Plastic Cone: 60g. Onion bag: 140g. Large Discus: 1000g. Small Discus: 750g. Yellow Shot Put: 7260g.
Small Shot Put: 2000g. Small Shot Put: 2000g. Larger Shot Put: 3630g.
Total: 16,905g or 16.90kg. Winner: Maurice Sacilotto guessed 17kg. $50 Sportsco voucher. Other close guesses: Heidi McKellor 16kg; Jamila Harris-Evans 17.35kg; Micaela Gerlach 17.53kg and Michael McKellor 15kg. $57 raised.
Ian Leeson is organising another CMAX Movie Fund raiser and a Club night with dinner and raffle at the The Hub. Watch this space for details.

Sponsor a Trophy.
Ian Leeson has been working very hard on this initiative which the RAC developed last year whereby a local business is asked to donate $50 to repair and maintain the Club¹s trophies. So far Ian has received sponsorship from the following businesses Domestic Electrical Services; BBQ¹s Galore;Top End Hire; The Fence Factory; Viking Pools; Tom¹s Tyres; Palmerston Physiotherapy; Top End Upholstery & Motor Trimmers; Cartridge World; Finlays Stonemasonry and Tropical Fisheries. The RAC gratefully acknowledges the support of these businesses and encourages all members to thank them personally by supporting their business. A special thank you to Ian Leeson for his marvellous efforts with Sponsor a Trophy. Ian you are a legend in your own lifetime.

On the scrounge.
Can anyone assist with the following........................................
Permanent covers are required for both long jump pits. Any ideas?
Sign writer needed to produce an all weather Events Board. Got a friend or relative?
If you can help please talk to a Committee member today!!!
Ian Leeson is organising a lap bell for long distance track events and race walks.
Darren Pickering is organising the Officials Flags! Red; White and Yellow.
Mick Taylor still has the relay batons job to complete.
 
Rusty Rurals.
Stop Press......Stop Press......Stop Press.......Stop Press.......Stop Press......Stop Press.....
Richard Hilder-Achurch does a hammie in 100m sprint. Important message to all Rusties to warm up and stretch those rusty pegs first. Mick Taylor's run in the 800m was outstanding and an inspiration to all us Rusties. The Ladies of the Shot Put Circle were graceful and exciting to watch and Marilyn Reeves is the Triple Jump Queen. Vivienne Walker can sprint carrying her throngs, sunnies and a mobile phone over 100m. Gotta be a record! Rusty Rurals shirts are available for purchase for $20 in medium, large and XL. Rusty Rurals....give it a go.

Hurdles.
The hurdles have arrived and are in storage at Northline Freight Services in Winnellie and need to be collected asap. We need a convoy of trucks, utes and vehicles with trailers to pick them up and delivered to Fred¹s Pass. We need to act on this quickly. Please declare your availability and vehicle type today to Darren Murch or Paul Mitchener who will coordinate a suitable time.

Shade Structure Working Bee.
Club patron Gerry Wood, MLA has kindly offered to finance the repairs to the shade structure. It needs bracing to stop the lean it has developed and new shade cloth on top. The materials required can be purchased from Mitre 10 Howard Springs. Brian Thetford has offered to coordinate the operation and now needs a number of TA¹s to help do the job. No experience necessary. Many hands make light work and the job can be completed over a couple of Wednesday afternoon training sessions. Please declare your availability to Brian Thetford or Paul Harris and get the job done before the holidays.

Office of Sport and Recreation visit.
Michelle May, Club Development Coordinator, with the Office of Sport and Recreation visited the RAC on Saturday 17 May. Michelle is on a meet and greet mission with all local athletic clubs to familiarise herself with club operations, chat to volunteers and assess club needs. The RAC welcomed her warmly and she very impressed with our operation. The need to upgrade the long jump runway and the desire for more shade for field events were discussed.

Canteen Capers.
The Canteen will operate between 8.30am and 10.30am. Last cooked orders 10.15am.
Volunteers are needed each week to run the canteen. Without help the canteen will not open. At least five volunteers are required each week but many hands make light work. Donate an hour of your time during the morning is all we ask.  
Please recycling your cans and pop tops. Cans can be cashed in as fund raising and the pop tops go to the Kids Activity Trailer for craft activities. There are recycling containers at the Canteen. Remember to recycle.
Please don¹t help yourself to canteen items from the bench or the fridge. Just ask one of the friendly staff for help. There are no free drinks from the fridge and all items must be paid for. Children should not be helping themselves to the fridge. Each week 8 to 10 drinks go missing from the fridge which the RAC, your Club! is paying for.
The Canteen staff are volunteers and ask everyone to exercise good manners when ordering.
Can anyone assist the canteen with a donation of eggs or can you sell us your eggs?
Menu.
Bacon and Egg Sandwich.......$2.50.
Bacon Sandwich......................$2.00.
Egg Sandwich..........................$2.00.
Soft Drinks.............................$1.00.
Juice PopTops.........................$1.00.
Chips..............................................50c
Ice Cups.......................................50c
Tea and Coffee...........................50c
Slice of Cake..........................$1.00.

Sandy Thetford.
Canteen Coordinator.

RURAL ATHLETICS CENTRE.
GENERAL MEETING.
Sunday 8 June 2003.
 20 Sherringham Crescent, Durak.
2.00pm.
Everyone welcome.

The Junior Litchfield Gift.
In the Under 10 70m Dash Final Robyn Wattam, 9, finished first in 10.8 secs to win $125 in prize money. Sam West, 9, was hot on her heals taking second place in 11.1 secs and claim $60 prize money while Robert Gerlach, 9, came in third in 11.4 secs for $35 prize money. Michael Collins, 10, was officially fourth in 11.4 secs with BJ Byrnes, 9, fifth in 11.9 secs and Jaimi Turner, 9, filling sixth place in 11.9 secs. These athletes each received $10 in prize money.

In the Under 15 100m Dash Final Isaac Taulelei, 11, finished first in 11.9 secs to win $250 in prize money. Cody Barry, 12, dashed home taking second place in 12.0 secs and claim $120 prize money while Micaela Gerlach, 12, came in third in 12.0 secs for $70 prize money. Clare Duncan, 11, was officially fourth in 12.0 secs with Teigan Holtham, 14, fifth in 12.0 secs and Michael Currie, 15, filling sixth place in 12.1 secs. These athletes each received $10 in prize money. The times reflecting what a close race this was for athletes and officials alike. All Junior Gift finalists were presented with sashes by Wayne Zerbe, President of PRBA, and Peter Maley, MLA.

In the Tattersalls Masters 100m Dash Final Bronwyn Rossingh finished first in 12.4 secs to win $150 in prize money. Frank Kresse ran home taking second place in 12.5 secs and claim $75 prize money while Gerry Wood came in third in 12.6 secs for $50 prize money. Ian Cameron was officially fourth in 12.7 secs with Elaine Holmes fifth in 12.9 secs and Barry Darben, filling sixth place in 13.1 secs.

The NT Government announced that it will sponsor the prize money for Junior Litchfield Gift with a grant of $750 per annum to the NTA for the next three years. The Palmerston Regional Business Association announced that it will sponsor the Junior Litchfield Gift with a donation of $1000 per annum to the RAC to host the event for the next three years. The RAC gratefully acknowledges these generous sponsors. Love live rural athletics and the Junior Litchfield Gift! Yahoooo!

Interclub Series 2003.
A fantastic effort from the 35 RAC athletes at Round 2 held at the Katherine Athletic Centre recently has seen the Club move into first position on the leaderboard. Yahooo! Go Rural. Results of the meet are on the notice board. All athletes gained the Club valuable points just by participating in the events. It was a great team effort. But lets not be complacent. Check out the scores below and you will see that Alice Springs and Katherine are big improvers from Round 1 and Darwin can never be underestimated. They are hot on our heels.
It means that we all need to keep the momentum going. And that means that everyone of you is required to participate at Interclub Round 3. So here are the details........
Interclub 2003 Series Round 3. Saturday 2 August 2003.
Venue: Arafura Stadium, Marrara. Assemble: 4.00pm. Starting Time: 5.00pm.
The RAC Team: if your name is here the Club needs you to attend the final Round 3.
Boys 6 years. Jack Byrnes, Thomas Fox, Chris Gergis, Corey Greaves,
Murray Harris-Evans, James Hilder-Achurch, Ned McCrallis, Michael Nan,
Jordan Samy, Narrayan Verma, Arthur Wilson.
Boys 7 years. Mitchell Armstrong, Nathan Cappelluti, Jayden Paterson,
Samson Walker, Jerone Wills.
Boys 8 years. Damon Howard, Ben Pearson, Jackson Smith.
Boys 9 years. James Blewitt, BJ Byrnes, Mathew Collins, Robert Gerlach,
Jacob Howden, Jack Murch, Daniel Neilsen-Titus, Nicholas Sheers.
Boys 10 years. Michael Collins, Joshua Paterson, Henry Whatley.
Boys 11 years. David Arnold, Jason Holtham, Joshua Mitchener.
Boys 12 years. Cody Barry, Jessie Cannell, Buddy Robinson, Brody Smith.
Men 17 years. Cameron Brannelly.                                     
Girls 6 years. Louise Collins, Alexandra Habets, Danielle Leeson, Annaka Neilsen-Titus, Shiann Paterson, Bronte Pearson, Meg Reeves, McKenzie Scarff, Lillian Taylor.        
Girls 7 years. Ellie Braam, Dailene Doyle, Michaela Doyle, Annie Fox, Louise Gergis,  
Ricki Lake, Nicole Paterson, Sheridan Wilson.
Girls 8 years. Chantel Braam, Ryleigh Hunt, Tasman Murch, Chontayn Pickering,
Alexandra Verma.
Girls 9 years. Rebecca Burrows, Jamie-Lee Ede, Kaylee Festing, Julie Gretton,
Kelly Leeson, Hanna Mitchener, Emma Murphy, Michaela Pickering, Coreena Reeves, Ellen Robinson, Ashlee Scarff, Mikaela Steel, Jaimi Turner.        
Girls 10 years. Kia Best, Sarah Gretton, Michaela Hilder-Achurch,
Laura Scoggins, Katelyn Tandy, Abby-Jo Thetford.      
Girls 11 years. Andrea Brown, Clare Duncan, Jamila Harris-Evans, Rochelle Hunt,        Naomi Ladlow, Jessica Leeson, Emma Saunders, Chrissie Sherley, Toni Sherley, Stevie Smith, Jenna Steel, Stevie Taylor, Claudia Verma, Amee Willmett, Phillipa Wilson.      
Girls 12 years. Kristy Blewitt, Colleen Brannelly, Danielle Brown, Nakita Dendle, Micaela Gerlach, Siobhan Munro.       
Girls 14 years. Tiegan Holtham, Linda Kitchen, Penny Robinson,
Samara Smith, Matilda Wilson.       
Women 16-17 years. Emma Mitchener, Eliza Wilson.

 We are the kids from Rural,   Oh we all love athletics,
 We run and jump and throw.   And we train with all our might.
 We know you¹re cheering for us,  The windmill is our emblem,
 It¹s Rural Go! Go! Go!    Our colours blue and white.

NT Athletics News.

Insurance.
Athletics Australia's advice earlier this year concerning the changes made to the national insurance program has understandably generated a deal of interest amongst the athletics community. We are aware that some concern has been expressed at the removal of the personal injury provisions and this email is in response to that.

You should be aware that the Board and management of AA considered this matter at length, taking into account the advice of Horsell, before determining to remove this cover from the policy. The rationale was simply to protect the sport from the significant premium increase that would follow a continuation of this level of cover (as it is, AA's premium has increased from approx $93,000 when AA embarked on the national program two years ago to a projected $270,000 in the coming 2003-04 year).

It is AA's understanding that, even with the removal of the personal injury component, athletes of all descriptions remain covered for accidents during competition (eg if an athlete trips on the inside running rail during a race; if an official is hit by a wayward implement; or an athlete head down out of the starting blocks runs into an obstacle crossing his path (it has happened!)) but are not covered for normal sporting injuries and associated costs.

I have sought (11 April) confirmation from Horsell that AA's understanding of this distinction is, in fact, correct. I have also sought Horsell's confirmation that officials are covered en route to and from competitions. Max Binnington (AV President) has pointed out to me that this cover is particularly important for metropolitan officials travelling to country locations to administer to meets. Finally, I have sought a further indication from Horsell as to what the impact on AA's overall premium would
be if we maintain the personal injury cover but with a significant excess (say $500) to protect our position against the plethora of low-level claims that were starting to eventuate (and which have impacted so significantly on Little Athletics insurance program), thereby updating the information we had available when the decision to remove this cover was made

I understand that some MA's have approached Horsell direct to obtain a quotation on the provision of this type of cover. As with the creation of the national scheme, there are advantages in coordinating a program such as this centrally (ie cheaper premiums) and so I will be in contact with the MA's once I have had a response from Horsell, which I understand is seeking further information from the respective underwriters.

Simon Allatson.
CEO, Athletics Australia.
T: 61 3 9869 5002. F: 61 3 9869 5053. M: 0438 604 582 E: sallatson@athletics.org.au

NT Athletics News.

Clubs Page.
Check out the Clubs Home page. This is where we can store information about your club, ie results, history, records, calendar, newsletter. The idea would be click on the club Icon to go to that club. RAC is an example. We will publish whatever info you provide. Then either from the office, or at club level, send out an email to members informing them as new info is posted.
http://www.ntathletics.org.au/Clubsmain.htm
Follow the link for info on the City to Surf
http://www.ntathletics.org.au/City%20to%20Surf/CTSHomepage.htm
Regards,
Phillip Stoneman, General Manager, NT Athletics.
PO Box 40375 Casuarina NT 0811. Phone: 89451979. Mobile: 0438604608
www.ntathletics.org.au

Office of Sport and Recreation News.

Please find attached the May 2003 edition of the Club Business E-newsletter, from the Office of Sport and Recreation. If you have any ideas for articles, please let me know and I will do my best to get them in the next edition, due out in June!

Yours sincerely,
MICHELLE MAY
Club Development Coordinator, Office of Sport and Recreation.
Ph: (08) 8982 2348 Fx: (08) 8982 2320 Email: michelle.may@nt.gov.au
 

______________________________________________________________________________          
 AN URGENT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.

CLUB FUND RAISING EVENT.

PASTA FOOD STALL.

THE ONLY FOOD STALL!

SATURDAY 14 JUNE.

6.00PM TO 8.00PM.

BEACHFRONT HOTEL FORE SHORE, RAPID CREEK.

PLEASE SEE DARIA MITCHENER
TODAY FOR DETAILS.