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From the President: A few
thoughts before I go
Now
that my time as the President of
the NZPA comes to an end, (3
years are over!) I would like to
thank everybody who has been
supportive, promoting and
nursing the game of Petanque. A
lot of petanque enthusiasts have
helped to set up Clubs, Regional
Associations and a National
Association, the NZPA
and..........played petanque.
In
the last few years, the NZPA has
committed itself to represent
the game on a National and
International level, to look
after their members and to keep
up the leisurely and sportive
spirit of the game. I believe it
has worked out quite well and in
the future there is always
something to improve and develop
further. Written suggestions by
NZPA members to their Regional
Associations and to the NZPA
will help to do that.
I
am surprised to hear players
complaining about the $10.00
yearly membership fee to the
NZPA, that they can’t see a
reason to be a member of the
NZPA. For sure, everybody can
play petanque without being a
member of the NZPA, but nobody
should expect to take part in
National and International
Tournaments, which need money
and a great deal of effort to
organise. They also cannot
expect, that any form of
sponsorship will be achieved to
finance these tournaments, that
National Coaches and Umpires
will be promoted, that they will
be supported to go overseas to
take part in World Championships
(as good as the NZPA can!!) or
that they are kept informed
through a newsletter about the
development of petanque in NZ.
Being part of the game of
petanque in NZ right from the
start in 1987, it became quite
obvious to me how many
similarities to my German
petanque past have occurred. NZ
petanque went through a fast
development within the last 10
years.
There is still a large group of
players today (possibly the
largest) who play the game as a
social and leisurely game and
who are possibly playing it in
it’s purest form, which is
meeting people, having a good
time (maybe a little red) and
playing an exciting ball game.
There is also a group of
players, who developed their
skills and appreciation of
tactics of the game further and
who are focused on the
competitive side of the game,
which is normal and
understandable. These players
will be most likely be the ones
who win in their club
competitions or the national
competitions. They will be the
ones who will represent New
Zealand petanque at the World
Championships.
But
as in every competition, the
real challenge is to keep up the
true spirit of the game. I find
it quite amazing why more and
more competitive players are
asking what the prize money for
the three NZPA Tournaments are.
I always thought, that taking
part in a National Tournament
and possibly winning it, to
become the best player or team
in NZ and be invited to
represent this country in a
World Championship would be a
great honour in itself.
Please remember, there is not
even a money prize for the best
player or team at the World
Championships, so why in NZ? Has
money become for some of the
competitive players the only
reason to play petanque or is it
still a sport and a passion
where your compare your skills
with other players and give your
very best in a fair and sporting
way? Prize money (and later
appearance?) can be a
dangerous development in any
sport, see Golf, Tennis, etc...
The
NZPA Committee decided to
support the idea of prize money
for the NZ Open to have players
from overseas interested to come
to NZ and play. I personally
think it is debatable, but it
maybe the only way to have very
talented players from overseas
in NZ showing their skills and
helping them to cover some
travel costs. Clubs will have a
different point of view
regarding money and material
prizes, but that I think, is
totally up to them how to handle
this issue.
The
other issue often questioned by
competitive players is the modus
to determine the one team (from
1998 onwards) to represent NZ at
the World Championship. For sure
there are many ways to find out
the very best of all players and
teams. It could be a summary of
results of tournaments, an
individual point system, a
league or even the combination
of all of that.
In
Germany it ended up in a highly
sophisticated league, which
nobody understands anymore,
which is extremely difficult to
administer, and still does not
represent the ultiimate way of
finding out who is the very
best. (The performance of the
German Teams in the past were
not very impressive!).
We
all know that it takes more than
just being a good player to play
in a team and represent our
country overseas, and as I said,
‘there is always room for
improvement’, but only if there
is a debatable serious proposal
available to the responsible
committee of the NZPA.
So,
don’t lament, send your
suggestions to the NZPA
Committee, that’s what the NZPA
Committee is there for, to serve
you the members.
The
NZPA Committee decided to invite
the winner of the National
Triples to represent NZ. I
believe this is a good decision,
because the winner will be most
likely one of the best teams in
NZ and it leaves a little
excitement for everybody
participating, because the old
rule applies, ‘it is the form of
the day’ that allows any one of
a number of teams win.
Even if comes to an ‘upset’
result and a relatively
inexperienced team wins, what a
great performance it was from
them and what a ‘lesson’ to the
other teams it has been. Keep in
mind, there is always a chance
to repeat such a success, even
at a World Championship, which
would be even more exciting.
The
FA League in England is full of
such surprises, which very much
adds to the excitement of the
game of soccer and everybody
involved.
I
am sure that petanque in NZ will
grow further, privately or
organised, on grass or shells,
that most players will try to
keep up the spirit of the game
and that the NZPA will be able
to fulfil their commitments with
the help of their members.
So
do not question the importance
of the NZPA, join them (for
$10.00 a year) and work with
them to make petanque even more
exciting in New Zealand. You are
the NZPA! and please don’t
forget, ‘it’s only a game!!’
(but a very nice one!!)
Jorg Schulze, President of the
NZPA
Coaches prized in modern day
sport
The
Hillary Commission is proving
its commitment to coaching and
its development by putting a
significant position of its
funds towards a 'Coaches Count'
campaign which was launched
February 28th.
All
sports national governing
bodies, the NZPA included, must
demonstrate a commitment to
developing coaches within its
sports. The NZPA has undertaken
to have a Coaching New Zealand
Level (1) Coach in every club
currently belonging to the NZPA
by 2001 , lets do heaps better
than this - this year.
The
infrastructure exists for every
club to have access to a course
in your Regional Sports Trust
area. The CNZ Level (1) covers
the general principles of
coaching which can the be
applied to petanque utilizing
the ideas contained in the
Peugeot Coaching Manual.
Local Community sports funds
look favourably at applications
to help train Coaches. Check out
your Local Regional Sports Trust
for details on applying to the
local sports fund.
Any
NZPA members in the Greater
Auckland Region can contact Cam
Calder for dates of courses run
by Sport Auckland and Sport
North Harbour. We should know by
mid April the availability or
otherwise for partial funding of
courses in those regions.
Remember coaches - your own game
improves along with that of
those you enthuse and instruct
to play better.
A
CNZ Level (1) Course will extend
knowledge and develop your
coaching skills and philosophy.
A workbook and manual
accompanies the course. The CNZ
Level (1) Certificate is an NZQA
qualification.
The
sport of petanque needs coaches
of all ages. A general
introduction to coaching is
available also in the form of a
two hour 'Kiwi Coach' course.
Congratulations to Stan Sexton
and Gerard Pinguet who bring our
number of qualified coaches to
4.
Niau is Number One again
The
second Air New Zealand National
Singles Petanque Championship
was held in Rotorua the
first weekend of March.
Competition was fierce and play
was extremely ‘hot’ in the
tournament, which was expertly
run on behalf of the NZPA by
Noel Hunt, NZPA Committee and
Trevor Neilson and others of the
Rotorua Petanque Club.
The
Rotorua Pétanque Club’s terrain
is in an idyllic setting,
located in the grounds of
Government Gardens. Niau Ruta
won 15 - 8 over Georgio Vakauta
in the final.
NZPA National Team for the 34th
World Champs - 1998
The
winning team at the NZPA
National Triples Petanque
Championship, to be held at
Napier during the Easter
weekend, will be invited to
represent New Zealand, at the
34th World Petanque
Championship, at San Fernando De
Mas Palomas, Grand Canary
Islands, 23 -27 September 1998.
The
essential factor is that a
commitment is made to the NZPA
by those selected, a need which
appears to be appreciated by a
majority of players. Hence the
initial deposit required will be
$500 payable by May 12, 1998.
The remaining balance will be
payable by June 30, 1998.
The
return air fares alone are as
follows:
Auckland - London HR - Auckland:
$2,650
London HR - Grand Canary Islands
- London HR: $2,100
It
is probable, cheaper charter
flights are available in the UK.
Cam Calder is to liaise with the
BPA and a colleague resident in
the UK who has offered to look
into charter flight
alternatives.
Rory writes.....
Dear Cam
Thanks for a great Air New
Zealand tournament. Both Bob and
I enjoyed ourselves greatly. For
the record, during my visit I
managed to play at: Gisborne,
Napier, Dannevirke, Masterton,
Christchurch, New Plymouth and
of course, Auckland.
Also thank you and the other
members of the NZPA for your
enthusiasm for the Whanau Cup. I
enclose a bit of a blurb on it
as requested.
I
realise I have passed you a few
problems but hope the committee
can find some use for the cup.
By example, it could be awarded
to the Family Team obtaining the
best total ‘points difference’
at say, the Air New Zealand Open
Doubles. Equally it could be
awarded at a National
Competition or at a Triples
Competition. Perhaps family
entries could be encouraged by
advanced publicity that it will
be awarded at some chosen event?
As
a last resort it could be
awarded at a special family
tournament, but doesn’t really
introduce kids to adult
competition. Oh yes! Small
trophies for retention. Could I
leave you to find something
suitable and not too expensive?
If you could handle their
ordering I’d be pleased to pay
for them while I can.
Re
Email: I enclose my address
above. If any member of the
committee is on the net, could
he/she just drop me a line? It
could be helpful in future to
have an established, fast, cheap
means of communication. I also
recommend the BPA Website as a
source of an excellent format of
the Official Rules etc. Perhaps
you could mention it in the
Gazette?
I
don’t know when/if I shall be
able to come over and play
again, but whatever - I look
forward to following the NZ
petanque scene in the future via
the Boules Gazette.
Yours sincerely
Rory O’Brien
NB:
The
NZPA Committee will consider
awarding the Whanau Cup at the
National Triples should any of
the teams meet the criteria.
Welcome to Michael Emerson
Michael Emerson will be joining
the editorial team as Editor
from the next issue.
To
facilitate individuals, Clubs
and Regions providing copy for
publication the ‘Boules Gazette’
will appear in future in the
following editions:
Spring Final Copy Date: 7
October
Summer Final Copy Date: 7
December
Autumn Final Copy Date: 7 May
Continue to send your news.
Letters and articles are
welcome. Where space allows,
paid advertising may be
accepted. It is hoped thus to
defray some of the production
costs and allow continued
evolution of the Boules Gazette
format. Rates are available from
the Editorial Team (Michael
Emerson, Cam Calder and Mick
Sharpe).
NZPA Secretary will not stand
for re-election to FIPJP
Executive Committee
Last year, even with Air New
Zealand sponsorship of both
flights to attend the two
meetings of the FIPJP Committee
as well as some support from the
NZPA and the Herne Bay Petanque
Club, attendance at the meetings
meant a personal cost of several
thousands of dollars.
This year Air New Zealand have
kindly offered 3 AD 75% air
tickets for the team and one to
enable the Secretary to attend
the two meetings. The reality is
clear - the cost of fulfilling
my obligation to the Executive
Committee this year will require
personal expenditure of a sum
possibly in excess of $5,000!
Having accepted election I will
honour my obligations but will
not stand for re-election to the
FIPJP Executive Committee in
September as the on-going costs
are personally untenable.
It
has been a privilege and a
challenge to serve and I will
continue to promote at my final
two meeting a cause dear to my
heart and that of the delegates
of at least 50% of petanque
playing countries - that there
be two official languages of the
FIPJP - English and French.
Cam
Calder
Secretary NZPA & Member
Executive Committee FIPJP
Air New Zealand Open Tournament
in association with Peugeot,
November 22 & 23, 1997
Local players again enjoyed the
challenge of top overseas
competition at Auckland’s
Victoria Park Terrain, in this
the second NZPA Open Competition
of 1997.
A
Ateo and R Tumg from Tahiti
successfully defended their
title against regular Aussie
supporters of the event T.
Hofman and B Chevalier.
NZPA Tournament Committee
The
NZPA Tournament Committee of
Christian Fouquet, Peter de Beer
and Noel Hunt will be
responsible for the organisation
and format for the NZPA National
Triples Tournaments at Napier.
The Committee are to organise
and run the tournaments
themselves in association with
the host region or club.
Petanque at Kennedy Park
Kennedy Park Petanque Club
organised its very first
competition on the 8th February.
It was a great success. There
were 62 competitors (playing in
pairs) from clubs as far a field
as Mt Albert to Hibiscus Coast.
The
competition started at 10.00am and
ended at 5.30pm on a very hot
Auckland day. We fully excepted
the finalists to be wilting but,
being the great competitors that
they are, they were ready and
willing to fight it out to the
bitter end, even though the
temperature was well over 30°C.
The
finalists were Andrew Mailei &
Allan Fletcher who beat John
Pettit & Ian
Baker, 13-12. Winners of the
Plate were
Charles Brock & Ashley
Price from Kennedy Park Petanque
Club.
Kennedy Park Petanque Club day
is every Sunday at 10.00am. They
also, meet on Tuesdays and
Thursdays at 1.00pm and
Wednesdays at 5.00pm (during
daylight saving).
A
Secretary’s Muses
It
is almost 5 years ago that I
proposed to a small group of
petanque enthusiasts who had got
into the habit of playing
regularly at the back of Chris
Priestley’s Atomic Cafe that we
consider forming a NZ Petanque
Association.
The
NZPA was duly formed at the
meeting held at the Atomic Cafe
soon after with its prime
objective being to promote and
foster the development, playing
and knowledge of the game of
petanque in NZ.
Chris Priestley, Jorg Schulze, Christian Fouquet,
Mick Sharpe, Keith Barker from
the early days are some who are
still contributing to the game
and the Association has
attracted many new passionate
enthusiasts who are helping to
spread the word to the length
and breath of the country and
beyond.
Over 30 petanque Clubs now exist
in NZ and I am regularly being
made aware of and helping with
new ones in the process of
formation.
Annual National Championships
are held in Triples and Singles.
Overseas players regularly
contest the NZ Open and since
1995 NZ has had representatives
at the World Petanque
Championships and since 1996
elected at a meeting of the
petanque playing countries of
the world, a New Zealander is on
the Executive Committee of the
FIPJP.
I
am particularly pleased that at
the most recent meeting of the
Executive Committee I obtained
the French President’s
permission to reproduce the
'Petanque Bible', the French
Coaching Manual, and later the
British President’s permission
to use their excellent
translation thereof - this is
published in NZ by the NZPA with
the valuable assistance of
Peugeot and known as the Peugeot
Coaching Manual.
At next months
Executive Committee meeting in
Nice I have tabled for discussion
the concept that the official
languages of the FIPJP be French
and English. A change essential
to improve the growth o the game
globally.
Back home - the NZPA has brought
Marco Foyot current French and
past World Champion to these
shores for demonstration and
coaching, and plans are afoot
for further visits.
Excitingly this year the NZPA
was recognised by NZ’s premier
sports body, The Hillary
Commission, as the national
governing body for petanque.
Already talks are underway with
the Commission to have petanque
as a Kiwi Sport and become part
of the sporting curriculum in NZ
schools, adding to the work
already started by our sister
organisation, the NZ Schools
Petanque Association.
The
NZPA shares the Hillary
Commissions commitment to aiding
the fair play and the need for
coaching and, through the
Regional Sports Trusts,
Association members have access
to excellent Coaching New
Zealand Courses, which can
provide the skills necessary to
pass on the techniques outlined
in the superb Peugeot Coaching
Manual.
Further in a bid to give
all members a greater chance to
participate in NZPA affairs the
Committee decided to hold the
AGM at Easter and thereafter
wherever the National Triples
Champs are held. A better
alternative currently for a
small organisation than the
potentially expensive minefield
of proxy voting, though
obviously still not ideal.
Members could be forgiven for
thinking now there is time for a
brief moment to rest on
accumulated laurels, wrong!!! The NZPA has never faced more
pressing challenges, mindful of
Voltaires maxim of “Judge a man
by his
questions rather than by his
answers”. I pose a couple of the
most pertinent to Association
members:
-
How do we ensure that all
members of petanque Clubs
support their National
Organisation?
-
How does the Association fund
itself?
These questions, of course ,are
not new but are assuming ever
greater importance to all
members of the NZPA.
Regarding the First Question - a
gratifying number of club
committees are seeing the need
for all members to be NZPA
Members and including the annual
levy in the club’s annual
subscription. This is the
situation as far as I know with
every sporting code in the
country and is currently only a
problem in petanque because of
its being a relatively youthful
sport in NZ.
All members have a
responsibility to encourage
their own clubs to aim for 100% NZPA Membership. Are there other
strategies to consider or think
about? If so, please discuss
them with your Committee Members
or drop a line to the Secretary.
Question Two - obviously is
allied to a successful answer to
the membership question but
other answers exist. For a tiny
organisation albeit a growing
one the NZPA has enjoyed
excellent media and therefore
corporate support. Peugeot have
helped communities with terrain
construction, financed the
Coaching Manual and provided
prizes for competitions. Air NZ
provided sponsorship worth
$15-16,000 in 1997.
We have been
most fortunate, having said that
it is financially a burden for
an individual to travel overseas
to represent NZ. Only last year,
10 days before they were due to
leave two members of the NZ Team
told an NZPA Committee meeting
they didn’t think they could
afford to go.
Fortunately disruption to the
World Championship draw, or the
need to draft in new members to
the NZ Team with the
concomitant furore that would have
caused w avoided by prompt
action by the club of the
individuals concerned. Overseas
travel in all except for a few
notable exceptions at the elite
level (a level to which we in
petanque constantly aspire but
have yet to reach) involves
contribution from the athelete,
their club and the national
association. This will continue,
I suspect, for the foreseeable
future.
What can an NZPA member do?
-
Seek out further
sponsorship, as long as it
doesn't tread on the toes of
our current two major
sponsors. The NZPA Committee
is delighted to hear from
you, discuss the
possibilities and perhaps
help put a proposal together
and meet the firm or
corporation concerned with
you.
-
Organise competitions and
other fund raising events
within your club
specifically to raise funds
for future travel overseas
by club members and others
representing NZ. Herne Bay
has done this for the 1996
and 1997 teams, Mt Albert
helped their 1997 NZ team
members and the Wellington
Petanque Association and
Cockle Bay made payments to
the NZPA specifically, for
the teams expenses despite
not having any club members
in the team - a fine
gesture. An accumulation of
funds can be a year round
endeavour for clubs and
regions.
Of
all the other questions to be
asked regarding the
future course of the NZPA - perhaps these next are
among the most
pertinent.
-
What is the ‘big picture’
for petanque in NZ as far as you
are concerned?
-
What are you yourself
going to do to
promote and foster the
development and playing of
Pétanque this year.
Cam
Calder
NZPA Secretary
Face the facts - A concerned
member writes
The facts are: The NZPA
cannot afford to finance a NZ
Team and Delegate to the World Petanque Champs in 1998. Also no
major sponsorship has been
finalised at this stage (last
year Air NZ gave us tickets to
the value of approx $15,000 but warned us, it would
not be so great this year). We
need to accept these facts
and put an end to criticising
and complaining. Lets not
overlook the hardwork already been done by
the NZPA Committee.
We could all
join forces to r in contribution
from the with our energy’s,
focused on solutions rather than
being a part of the problem. The NZPA Committee in my
understanding are our trusted
servants. They are there to
serve us (the players) and
support the growth of petanque
in NZ on a
whole.
Remember just over 400
players, including the eight
Committee members, who
themselves are all players, make
up the NZPA. Everybody from the beginners to the champions have
a right to put forward
suggestions to the NZPA Committee for the NZPA Committee
to best serve us, they need to
know what the players prefer.
Without us (the players) there
would be no NZPA.
For
this to be effective, matters
need to be presented in writing.
I won’t go as far as saying 'Speak
up or Shut up', but the general
feeling I have personally
been experiencing around
some terrain’s is of concern.
‘Petanque Politics’ are robbing the enjoyment from the
game that this sport offers.
Having said that, many
contributions could come from
the petanque clubs throughout
NZ. Some clubs are raising decent amounts
of finances through petanque.
Some clubs already contribute. This would be optional of
course, and relative to finances
available.
The NZ Team could
make themselves available to
clubs and spend some time
sharing petanque tactics and
techniques. Having personal
contact may encourage some
support, create a win/win
situation.
Maybe the NZPA could seek
business at a cost to advertise
through their newsletter. Does
anybody have suggestions on
finding decent sponsorship, fund
raising or petanque matters in
general. Please take these a
step further and put them in
writing and send to the NZPA
Committee, they are always keen
to have input. If we all join
forces, we will make a
difference. See ya on the
terrain.
Allan Fletcher
Club Med - Air Calin winter
series at Herne Bay on again
this year
Club Med confirmed to Cam
Calder their sponsorship of this
years Winter Series
Tournament at the Peugeot Terrain, Herne Bay. A
similar format to last years’ 1st Tournament.
9.30am. Sunday,
May 10, 1998, Peugeot Terrain, Herne Bay and dates
thereafter as per Auckland
Petanque Association Calendar. Format from: Club
Secretary, Christian Fouquet.
Top
four players after 9 tournaments (best 6
results counted, drawn
partners) will win a four
night holiday to Club Med -
Chateau Royal,
Noumea.
Max scores at Rotary/Boules To
You Charity Tournament
The 3rd Annual Charity Tournament jointly
sponsored by Cam Calder
and the East Coast Bays Sunrise Rotary Club took
place on Saturday, February 14th, 1998.
The concurrent one day cricket
international at Eden Park affected
attendances a little, but almost
twenty triplets enjoyed
excellent conditions and a raft
of prizes collected by the
Rotary Club.
In the final Max Davis,
Andrew Mailei and
Steve Lawry edged out Mick
Sharpe, John Kelly and Cam
Calder 13 - 10. Thanks to all who
supported the event, the nominated
charity benefited accordingly.
Davis - Abernethy Petanque
Terrain Open
Stalwart of the petanque scene
for many years Max Davis was
honoured by Papakura High School
who recognised his generosity in
providing materials and named
their new petanque terrain after
him and the principal
contractors.
Cam
Calder was asked to open the
tree shaded facility on Friday,
February 13.
Steve Saville, Greg Goodyear and
Jeff Lockhart teachers at the
school and prime movers in the
terrains genesis report large
queues from pupils eager to play
petanque during lunch breaks,
etc. Already plans are afoot to
extend the facilities.
After a year to practice on
their own terrain Papakura High
will obviously be the teams to
beat in this years Schools
Auckland Regional Championship.
Leon Crosse - Picked for
diplomatic plum in Washington DC
Wellington Petanque Association
President Leon Crosse will
shortly leave for the NZ Embassy
in Washington DC to take up the
position of First Secretary.
Congratulations Leon!
We
look forward to hearing of your
‘Impressions of Washington’ in
the Boules Gazette and don’t
forget to play some Pétanque
over there.
President - NZPA - AGM
The
NZPA Executive Committee
sent out an invitation to The
Wellington Petanque Association
to put forward a candidate a the
next AGM for the position of
President of the NZPA.
This was a unanimous decision by
the NZPA Executive Committee -
the main reason being that the
President may well be able to
encourage some of the 300+
Pétanque players of the
Wellington Region to join the
NZPA.
Wellington Region accepted the
offer and Brian Smith will be
put forward for the position of
President of the NZPA at the
next AGM.
Auckland Region - 1998 Triples
Championships
The
Auckland Region Triples
Championships for 1998 started
right on the dot of 9.30am at
Epsom on a brilliantly fine
Waitangi Day with 28 teams
taking part.
There were teams from eight
clubs including Salty Dog, Hibiscus Coast, Kennedy Park, Herne Bay, Mt Albert, Epsom, Cockle Bay and Victoria Park.
Sixteen teams survived the first
round of pool play. The
unsuccessful teams then had the
opportunity to play against each
other in the Plate. The
final of the Plate was fought
out between Rosie Muir, Lynette
Mesnage and Francesca Jarvis
against Geoff
Hughes, Jim Shields and Ron King
with of course the women
triumphant.
The
finalists for the Championship
were Christian Fouquet, Pain
Jenkins and David Lippard
against Georgio Vakauta, Niau
Ruta and Tiki Ruta. The latter
team emerging victorious.
New Zealand Petanque Association
AGM
6.00pm, Friday, April 10, 1998,
Napier Petanque Club
Agenda
-
President’s Report
-
Secretary’s Report
-
Balance Sheet and Statement of
Accounts
-
Election of Officers
-
Fixing of Annual Subs
-
Change Article 9 of the NZPA
Constitution to read, ‘the
committee shall meet at such
times and places as the
committee decides’
-
Change AGM to Easter
-
Odds and Evens Executive
Committee Membership
-
Proxy voting
-
Regional Reps are currently
co-opted, should they be ex
officio
-
Rep from the NZ Schools Petanque
Association on the NZPA Committee
-
General Business
Cam Calder
Secretary NZPA
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