So What's On Your Mind - PCNC Mid Season Meeting of Reps

Before last Sunday’s games, a meeting of representatives was convened at the Rita Flynn Courts to thrash out a number of issues affecting the competition.

Issues raised basically revolved around

1)  player eligibility,
2)  the quality of umpiring and
3)  the condition of the playing courts at Bisini.

The issues of eligibility are being addressed individually and the appropriate actions were being taken by the match committee and the Executive respectively.  The bottom line however was that a level of honesty was expected from all participating teams in ensuring that the players nominated are genuine employees, their spouses and/or their dependents and that as sponsors, the employers were also taking a responsible position on such matters.

(above and below) a good number or representatives turned

up for the meeting

One sobering point raised was the purpose for which the competition was first developed.  That the PCNC was a “social competition” and though it espoused good netball, it’s original concept was a means by which women of the private sector could socialize and enjoy the afternoon playing netball with workmates, family and friends.   There will always be a range of talent and skills which is already reflected in the structure of divisions in the competition, however the needs and interests of those who enter the competition simply as a social commitment and a means of  networking and consolidating friendships, must be respected as much as the interests of those that are driven by competition.

If the situation becomes untenable, the PCNC has a three member judiciary panel comprising the President of the PCNC, the President of the PNGNF and one of three nominated and independent female lawyers in Port Moresby to consider the legal aspects.

(above) Mrs Moka makes a point during last Sunday's meeting

The issue regarding the quality of umpires was and will continue to be a difficult one to address and was left as a work in progress, however where there are concerns regarding the quality of umpires, teams are urged to raise their concerns immediately before or after the game.   Janet Ravusiro, as Coordinator of Umpires already has a difficult task balancing the needs of the competition with the limited resources she has at her disposal.  So with approximately 40 games to manage each weekend, some understanding, cooperation and appreciation would be a welcome gesture, because without umpires, there can be no games.

Consideration was given to future clinics provided by the PNG Netball Federation with a suggestion that teams offer at least one name to attend the coaching and umpire clinics when they occur.

The final serious issue raised was the very poor condition of the courts being played on, especially the dirt (village) courts 5 – 9.  Though many suggestions were offered up, any action on the issue remained in the domain of the Port Moresby Netball Federation.  The PCNC Executive was however obliged to take the matter up with POMNA on behalf of its members.

For details please see your company rep that attended.

The PCNC Executive extended an invitation to those qualifying to travel with the PNG Masters teams to the Gold Coast this November to register their interests.  Teams will be broken up into age groups from “old bombs” to “wrecks”, (just joking).  

Age groups start from 35, so if you are interested, see Mrs Hitolo Moka or members of her committee.