Test Team

Test Team Report 2019

2019 will be Peter’s last year, as a result the Board had agreed the Bluey should travel to NZ to gain a greater understanding of what happens and how it happens, this initiative as a good decision, transition of the Team portfolio to Bluey has been in place for since our return in late October

The experience in 2019 was again very positive, things just happen as they should we have worked through the same/similar process year on year with very minimal change.

All of the initiatives highlighted as part of the 2018 report have been implemented and the relevant documentation updated and published (MOU etc)

Contract End Dates – unfortunate the termination dates for both Female Manager and Coach expire on the same year – both were given a 2 year term – it was thought that the Coach was a 1 year term only – this is not the case – both expire end of 2020, expressions of interest for 2021

As per the Board’s decision, the Test Team qualifier will change for the NZ leg, with an event based on time will be run – this will be monitored and modified as needed for coming year(s)

Whilst in NZ it gave a good opportunity to discuss the potential impact AusCycle may have on the future of Test Team racing – there are options available to continue if AusCycle do not have the appetite

Test Team – Australian Leg

As in previous years it was very beneficial to work closely with Sarah and the event team, nothing was left to chance, all items had been satisfactorily addressed, the event received very positive feedback as always

Again, it is evident year on year Australia does it better, our dinner and event far exceeds that of NZ

Training Camps – a very successful outcome, it is always positive to have our riders spend time on the track that they will be racing

Teams Activity – continues to be a great initiative for both riders and management

Racing – what can I say, Test Team racing is always amazing, watching 11 year old bash it out over a weekend on a race track – nothing better 

Test Team – New Zealand Leg

Preparation as most years has been somewhat straight forward, Integrity always come to the party with uniforms, Planett continue to be difficult re pants and jerseys

Again Jerseys and Pants were not delivered as agreed prior to leaving for NZ, items had to be shipped to NZ directly – item sizing was incorrect for a number of riders, Jersey’s were received minus race numbers, very disappointing for the second year in a row – BMNSW will no longer utilise Planett for race uniforms

Racing was tight and very competitive, our riders had an amazing time on and off the track – the format just works

Summary – all in all the Management Team (+Bluey) and Coach are very happy with the way in which the teams and the countries are coming together

Working with New Zealand

All items highlighted within the Memorandum of Understanding had been adhered to – Australia received sufficient time on the race track, etc and prize giving was mutual

NOTE – NZ had indicated a change in date for the North Island Titles – further discussion to be had

State Team Report 2019

The new selection criteria worked for 2019 and had the desired affect – all parties understood the requirement, riders were able to schedule events to meeting their goals

The assigned budget addressed all requirements, riders benefited greatly from the revised funding model – the model will be replicated for 2020

NOTE – a minor change has been added to the criteria as the BMXA National Series did not deliver the outcome expected

State Team riders had been notified (2 chose not to take up the opportunity) – both riders and management seem to be in a better place

Merit Team

Another successful initiative – all riders and State Team members had a great time, a huge benefit having the State Team assist

Summary – Mary Harding and Alex have done a great job 

Academy

This has been a disappointment, finally BMXNSW received some quality documentation which assisted in gaining a greater understanding of the aim of the Academy

An MOU had been released, the MOU require considerable work, even with the MOU it was unclear as to the role and responsibility of BMXNSW within the documented structure, when asked both the Academy and Kiel Dellow struggled to provide a solid understanding as to the “support” they continued to speak of

On numerous occasions the Board was informed that without Kiel Dellow securing a position on the BMXNSW Board, the program would have a lesser chance of success, it should be noted the Board of BMXNSW did not receive a nomination for Kiel as part of the 2020/2021 Board Member expression of interest.

The Board of BMXNSW have reviewed and considered the Academy’s offering as part of our end of year and start of year board meetings. The Board of BMXNSW has elected not to adopt the Academy’s offering as part of its 2020/2021 development plan.

General

It’s been my pleasure to have been part of the pathway to success for approx 150 riders, I’m happy to have created an environment where kids get to have loads of fun, ride hard and make many friends. Thank you for the recognition, I appreciate very much being made a life member of BMXNSW.

All the very best my good friends, thank you & take care

Regards

Peter