Dear GNSW Teams,

As you know, the Executive and in particular Darrin Mitchell has, in difficult circumstances, worked very hard to deliver a draw that I believe is fair and reasonable to all teams. We have received valuable feedback to the draft draw released last week, and where possible, we accommodated the requests of all teams. I welcome any comments in relation to this draw. I must, however, warn that unless there is a palpable and oppressive inequity identified, it is highly likely that this will be the final version of the draw for the 2009 season.

• 2009 Draw Final (as at 20 August)

Notable Changes from Earlier Versions

The late withdrawal of the Mustangs obviously forced many changes to the 2009 draw as initially envisaged. As Darrin explains, we have since tinkered with a 7 team draw and numerous changes have been made to earlier versions. These changes include:

All club play 10 games and have the benefit of two (2) byes. Given that all teams pay the same registrations costs, they should all be entitled to play the same number of games. Assuming there are only seven (7) teams in 2010, it would be ideal if all teams could play each other twice in order. This obviously avoids any possible discrepancies. Unfortunately, this option was not possible this year as it would have meant the season must start two weeks earlier than the proposed first game (5 September). This is a matter which must be put over to the next AGM.

As requested by many teams, the first four(4) rounds (i.e. before the October long weekend) will be played at a single venue. As previously discussed, there are many benefits of having a single venue, notably, it will allow for a concentration of officials and (we hope) provide a boost to League morale early on in the season. You’ll note that Craik Park was originally slated for round 2, however, as Liverpool Council is now topdressing the ground, it is unavailable for play. UWS Hockey (previously listed as the “reserve ground”) is now the venue for Round 2. Therefore, you’ll note that in the first four rounds of season 2009, there are two (2) Western and two (2) Eastern venues.

As suggested by many of you, single venue games played after the October long weekend at UWS Hockey will now be played at 5pm. This allows us to escape the heat of the day. Please note that all games at other venues (predominately Eastern grounds which are closer to the coast and are therefore cooler) will be played as per the usual times (4pm and 7pm).

Clubs who have the benefit of the BYE are required to provide GNSW Representative to ALL other games for that round. The only exception is in Round 10 where the Lions, Pirates and UTS all have the BYE. The Lions are to act as GNSW Representatives at both games, whilst the Pirates and UTS are the duty teams. I again attach the 2009 Game Day Checklist which the GNSW Representative must complete and forward to the Executive, along with relevant documentation (e.g. sign on sheets).

All clubs have duty five (5) times during the regular season

UWS Hockey and Kyeemagh have five (5) weeks of games and newer venues Little Bay, John Dwyer and Pennant Hills have three (3) weeks of games. Host clubs are, of course, listed at that ground when it is being used.

I look forward to your comments and more importantly, the start of the 2009 season. This draw will be updated on the League website in due course.

Regards,
Fady
VP (Division 1)