AUF memberships due July 1, 2012

Australian Underwater Federation memberships expire on June 30.

Changes to Membership Structure

The AUF has recently made changes to improve the membership data base tier structure, to improve access and reporting capabilities at a club level.

What does this mean you members?

It has not changed your fees or your link to your club or Commission (sport).

It will allow your club, if they choose, to include the club membership fees in one payment.

You will now have more choices of membership e.g.  1 yr,  4 yrs, 6 months (1 Jan – 30 June) or family membership. For clarification of Membership types please go to the web page.

Your club will be able to access all the data for their members.

Your club will be able to use the data base to send communication to its members.

Your club will be able to use the data base for registrations for events/competitions.

You will have a separate log on and password for each commission (sport) that you are a member of.  Please ensure that you log into the correct sport when paying your membership as your main sport and then your secondary sports . Once logged in you can change your password. We hope in the near future to make an upgrade so that only one log in will be required – but we are not ready for that yet.

When you renew your membership you will see that the pricing structure and time frame reflects the changes to the season end date.

Having trouble renewing?

For any problems with your membership renewal  please email memberships@auf.com.au, please allow a couple of days for a response, remember we are all volunteers.

 

Bridging the ditch

By Zoe Canavan

“Is that a wooden stick? What are you, a dinosaur?”

“No, I’m Australian.”

Using plastic sticks for the last two years I’ve been living in New Zealand has helped me blend in with the Kiwis playing UWH in Wellington. I recently switched back to wooden sticks and quickly became aware of the flashing sign above my head that screamed ‘Australian’. The first night I played with my wooden sticks, I caught one of my teammates staring at my stick with a mixture of confusion and intrigue. He had no idea sticks could be made of anything but plastic because it was all he had ever seen.

Naturally, there are many differences between the way in which New Zealand and Australia play. We play in different formations, we have different ‘rules’, the names for our positions and even our gear differs.

Let’s start with the gear. The majority of Kiwis use plastic sticks – typically the Dorsal or Stingray. A stick can be quite a personal thing and different types work for each of us. The plastic sticks that they use are particularly efficient with the Kiwi puck – a puck which is significantly different to ours. The Kiwi puck is heavier than the Aussie one and has rounded edges. The weight gives it more stability when swimming, lessening the chance of the puck bobbling on your stick when you’re doing a breakaway. Players that have used both types of puck say the Kiwi puck seems to fly straighter and further, while keeping at a reasonable height. The rubber finish on the Aussie puck provides better grip between the puck and stick, which is helpful when learning to flick but, it can result in a flick going higher than anticipated.

Most people know NZ play in a 2-3-1 formation. They have two forwards, then two wings (half backs) and a centre back, and behind them all is the goalie (full back). One of the key differences in our formations is the lack of a centre forward. The NZ centre is more of a defensive player sitting behind the puck and controlling the middle of the pool rather than up front like we’re used to.

The Kiwi backline doesn’t rotate like an Aussie one would. Instead they use a two way rotation between the goalie and the on-side wing, leaving the off-wing to hang back and hover over the tray. Don’t be tricked into thinking they won’t switch it across the backline because they can and will.

Kiwis also have a different philosophy on flicking than Aussies do. We like to flick on a 45 degree angle whereas NZ will only flick straight forward or flat to the side. Each approach suits the country because of the way their formations work.

There are some incredibly talented players in NZ and the competition, even at a local level, is of a high standard. They hold many competitions throughout the year, some official and some fun and quirky. There are Club Nationals, North/South Island Club tournaments, Regionals, an annual 4-a-side in Dunedin (which was fantastic!) and quality local hockey to attend. If you ever get the opportunity to play with, or against, the Kiwis at one of these tournaments, I highly recommend you put your name down and get on a plane.

In the spotlight: Margaret River Underwater Hockey Club

By Chris Wenman

About the club

Margaret River Underwater Hockey Club is a great place to play, with high game standards and a great bunch of people young and old. The club is now an Incorporated club and is active in funding applications to help maintain and update equipment available, particularly for the juniors to use. The club has a fantastic relationship with the staff at the Margaret River Recreation and Aquatic Centre.

We started about 12 years ago when Clare Forward moved into town. Clare, along with about five or six other like minded bodies formed the club and started playing at the Margaret River Recreation and Aquatic Centre. The pool has a liner surface, which saw the club come under intense scrutiny in previous years when the game was blamed as the cause of damage to the liner. Eventually the game of underwater hockey was found not to be the reason for any damage, and the club started gathering momentum with new players regularly showing up for the weekly game.

In the last two years the club has transformed into one of the strongest sporting bodies in Margaret River, having a senior membership of about 50 and a junior membership of about 30.

Club nights

Games are played three nights per week:

  • Mondays 6pm – 8.00pm (open game)
  • Wednesdays 6pm – 7pm (ladies only)
  • Wednesdays 7pm – 8.15pm (open game)
  • Fridays 5pm – 6pm (juniors)
  • Fridays 6pm – 7pm (open game)

Teams are formed on the night and played in a 3-3 format, most nights see full teams with interchange players available.
The highlight of the year is without doubt the Margaret River Rumble, a tournament open to any players from anywhere! All players are placed in a pool (pardon the pun!), and teams are formed. The comp is usually followed with a presentation and curry feast.

The players range in age from 8 years old to mid fifties. The club currently has four 8 year olds that play every Friday, they are all budding stars in the making, pool depth of 1.9m no challenge! The oldest player would be Gary Gibbon, the clubs’ treasurer.

The Committee

  • Mark Nathan, the elusive President
  • Chris Wenman, secretary
  • Gary Gibbon, treasurer
  • Clare Forward, general do everythinger!

Representative players

The club currently has four Australian Under 19 representatives:

  • Hayden Wenman (17yrs) – Mens, half back
  • Tate Strudwick (14yrs) – ladies, centre- Captain
  • Sunny Pasco (16yrs) – ladies, wing
  • Meg Pardoe (17yrs) – ladies, wing

Club players that represented Western Australia in the 2012 Australian National Underwater Hockey Championships:

  • Country Masters Team
    • Mark Nathan
    • Chris Wenman
    • Gene Hardy
    • Gareth Mann
    • Pat Kelly
    • Mark Lee
  • Mens Elite
    • Jason Miezis
  • Women:
    • Clare Forward
    • Sunny Hardy
    • Jasmine Mann
  • U/19 Juniors:
    • Hayden Wenman
    • Zephyr Morris
    • Sunny Pasco
    • Meg Pardoe

More information

UWH at Oceania Dive Travel & Watersports Expo

Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
8 & 9 September 2012

ODEX11 logo

Underwater Hockey Australia in conjunction with the NSW Underwater Hockey Commission will host a booth at the Oceania Dive Travel & Watersports Expo in Sydney.

We will be showcasing the sport of Underwater Hockey and outlining opportunities to get involved in NSW and across Australia.

ODEX has been developed as a family friendly consumer event that will showcase products and services relating to recreational scuba diving, dive resorts and holiday destinations, underwater imaging, marine ecotourism and conservation initiatives, freediving and spearfishing, watersports and various other exciting underwater activities.

ODEX is complemented by several educational seminars and is proud to be a Major Sponsor of the 2012 Australian Fin Swimming Championships.

Fin Swimming Championships 2012

Quick on a break away? Test yourself against Australia’s best Fin Swimmers.

Fin Swimming lends itself to Underwater Hockey very readily. Many of the best Underwater Hockey players started off as fin swimmers.

OzFin Australia is calling for participants from Underwater Hockey to compete in the upcoming Australian Fin Swimming Championships in Sydney.

Events include:

  • 50m surface and breathhold
  • 100m surface and Scuba
  • 200m surface
  • 400m surface and Scuba
  • 800m surface and Scuba
  • 1500m surface
  • See entry form for complete listing

Australian Fin Swimming Championships 2012

8-9 September 2012
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127

Rules of Competition

  • CMAS rules will apply (except some in water starts will be allowed for Masters competitors and those with disabilities)
  • One (1) start only
  • Separate Awards and records will be issued for Mono and Duo events.
  • Competitors entering an event using a Monofin, cannot enter the same event using Duo Fins (bi fins).
  • Where entries are less than four (4) for an event, the men’s and women’s events may be combined or where there is an event for separate Mono and Duo these may be combined but individual awards and records will be taken into account.
  • Age records will apply and results will include best in each age group, although medals will be presented as open medals.
  • Entrants in the scuba events MUST be able to show proof of scuba certification to the minimum CMAS standard of open water diver.

Competition Entry Fee

  • $50 per person*

* Contact organiser for family rate

Ozfin Membership (includes AUF)

  • Senior: $55
  • Junior: $35

Membership to be paid using AUF webpage. International competitors must have CMAS affiliated membership.

Entry Forms

Entry forms must be returned by 7 August 2012. Late entries will be considered if there are spare lanes available.

Forms should be returned to:

Cheques payable to: Matt Edmunds
Transfers payable to: Matt Edmunds, ANZ, 013-412 551 289 218

ATTENTION: ELITE MEN’S PLAYERS

Due to the withdrawal of a player selected in the original squad, Underwater Hockey Australia (UHA) is calling for nominations from interested players for the Australian Elite Men’s team which will participate in the forthcoming Trans Tasman Competition to be held on the Gold Coast 9-13 July 2012.

All nominations should outline:

  • Name
  • DOB
  • Contact details (email and phone)
  • Detailed outline of relevant playing history
  • Preferred position
  • Nominations should be sent to the Australian Men’s team coach Arnold Piccoli (picabs@iinet.net.au) ASAP.

The nominal deadline for the submission of nominations is 31 May 2012. Following that date applications will be considered by the UHA selection panel until a suitable applicant is selected.

Margaret River Underwater Hockey Club Winter ’12 Fashion Collection

The Maragret River Club has released a winter fashion collection to sponsor their juniors attending the Southern Hemisphere Championships. If you want to lend your support see the details below:

Fashionistas, Commoners, Bogans,

The Margaret River Underwater Hockey Club is proud to present our Winter ’12 Collection!!

Unfortunately there are a few limitations on sizes and colours and with the RUMBLE just days away, time is of the essence…you have exactly 4 DAYS to customise, secure your very own Tshirt and Hoodie.

The process is simple…

  1. Check out the cool design attached
  2. Follow the link to select your favoured colour…(do this before selecting your size as some sizes have colour limitations)
  3. Select your size
  4. Reply to patkelly79@gmail.com with your order by THIS Thursday the 10th of May!! To avoid confusion and/or incorrect orders include the order number with your colour and size e.g Navy, Small, 64000L

NB:

  • The printing colours cannot be altered…they are as the attachment suggests white at the front and red/white on the back.
  • There is NO MEDIUM Ladies Tshirts in both the PINKS and they are low on SPORTS GREY
  • Ladies Tshirts, I have been warned, are a small or tight fit
  • There are 2 options with the Hoodies and both are unisexual…the first is a 50/50 blend and the second 80/20 blend and costs $5 more.
  • Thankfully there is NO ASH GREY, TANGERINE, CARDINAL RED, SAFETY GREEN or SAFETY ORANGE Hoodies

Prices are:

  • $25 for Tshirts
  • $45 for 50/50 Blended Hoodies
  • $50 for 80/20 Blended Hoodies

Here are the links:

It’s a deal, it’s a steal, it’s sale of the flippering century!!! A reminder that all proceeds will be going to our fledging juniors at this years Southern Hemisphere Championships!!!

Contact Pat Kelly to order (patkelly79@gmail.com)

Hungary to host 2013 Underwater Hockey World Championships

CMAS recently announced that the 2013 Underwater Hockey World Championships will be held in Eger, Hungary.

At a recent meeting of the CMAS Board of Director approved a request from the Hungarian Divers Federation to host the tournament from August 23 to September 1, 2013.

The CMAS memorandum states “The Organising Committee will be set up within two weeks and will carry out all the activities in order to make the WC not only a success, but a joyful and memorable gathering of the best CMAS athletes in this discipline.”

Tasmania to host 2013 Nationals

The Australian Underwater Hockey Commission recently endorsed a proposal by the Tasmanian Underwater Hockey Association to host the 2013 Australian Underwater Hockey Championships.

The event will be held from 24-28 January 2013 at the Hobart Aquatic Centre.

Wollongong Potluck 4s celebrates 20 years

By Eden Brown & Phil Ackerman

The annual Wollongong 4’s competition celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a terrific turn out of 87 competitors. After Nationals, it is one of the largest UWH competitions in Australia.

The potluck competition, held at Wollongong University on 16 March 2012, sees teams drawn out of the pot at random. This year’s competition ran very smoothly and we received a great deal of positive feedback regarding the games. This was largely due to having four non-players on hand to run the schedule and keep track of reffing and timing. It made a huge difference, as in previous years the competition was run by these guys while they’re trying to play.

From all reports the games were of reasonable quality with the winning team that looked set for gold from the outset when Stewart Parkinson, Dave Barry-Macaulay, Steven Taylor, Ben O’Connor and Tim Ogden were drawn together.

The competition featured 16 teams of five (due to the large numbers). Each team played 7 x 10 minute games meaning there was 115 games in total including the final and two kids’ games. This made for a pretty full on schedule but teams managed to work out their own method of keeping up. Because the timing is so tight teams can be caught out if they’re not in the water on time – games start regardless and the opposition tends to score goals very quickly with no opposition in the water.

We also staged two 20min junior games in the shallow court involving 16 juniors aged between 7 and 15 years old. It was fantastic to see the older children helping the younger ones out with skills and teamwork. Certificates and chocolate medallions were presented afterwards.

Phil Ackerman once again hosted a post-competition BBQ at his house on the hill. This year saw about 100 people and 48 interstate players were billeted including a contingent from Armidale, Queensland and Victoria. Three of the original winners – Carol Croxford, Andy Davis and Leah Moore – were in attendance. It really was a remarkable turn out with players arriving who we hadn’t seen poolside for 10 or 15 years!

The BBQ was fancy dress with ‘Irish Pirate’ the theme of the night. Two punters were selected for best dressed with the winner decided by a toss of the coin. To the victor went a pot of gold while the loser was forced to walk the plank into the pool! The children also had a fancy dress competition as well.

The party went well into the night and I believe both Kev and Eamon misplaced their underwear in the spa. Luckily Ty caused a distraction by voluntarily removing his!

So, who got lucky at the Wollongong 4’s this year? You’ll have to come next year and find out for yourself!