2004 President's Report

2004 has seen continued growth in ultimate in Hobart. Despite a low point during the winter indoor league season with only 3 teams, numbers bounced back in the Spring outdoor league, with a dramatic increase in numbers which saw the first Tasmanian league to feature 6 teams. While the exact number of TUA members is hard to determine under the new AFDA fee structure, there were more players in Spring League alone than the total TUA membership in 2003. This boost in numbers is largely due to successful recruiting by Joe Boyer over an extended period of time, and for this league in particular, due to the recruiting efforts of Phil Exton (bringing in a team largely composed of PE teachers) and Mark Alexander (who brought a team from Geilston Bay High School). Thanks to organisers Jeff Dunn, Asher Gentle, Tim Phillips, Kate Godber and Joe Boyer for running these leagues. 

One tournament was run by the TUA in 2004, the Two-Hat VI in October, with record numbers (48 players), a record 5 teams and once again good support from interstate players. The Two-Hat attracted some media publicity with both the Mercury and Southern Cross TV providing coverage. In addition, the Mercury covered the Autumn Indoor league and Southern Cross covered the Tiggers prior to Nationals 2004.

Two Tasmanian teams ventured across Bass Strait in 2004. The Tassie Tiggers were captained, coached and organised by Mike Baker (with support from Tim Phillips) and finished in 13th place in the Open Division at Nationals, out of 21 teams, one place below their seeding. Given the new two tier structure at Nationals and the relatively small team which made it to Brisbane, this was an excellent result for the Tiggers. Shavawn Donoghue played in the Women's Division at Nationals this year, playing with the Women's division winners Southside (from Sydney). To be selected to play in a top Sydney team at Nationals is a significant achievement for a non-Sydney player, especially one who spent most of the lead up to Nationals on Heard Island! 

Tanzania was the second Tasmanian team to compete at Mixed Nationals, captained by Shavawn Donoghue and finished 14th overall, matching their seeding. The lack of experience playing as a team before this tournament didn't help, but in each game, Tanzania played a stronger second half than the first half, and scored some notable victories. Thanks to Mike Baker and Tim Phillips for supporting Shavawn in the run up to this tournament. On the Nationals scene, Joe Boyer's record stands out as the only player having played for 5 Tasmanian teams at Nationals (Mixed and Open) since 2002.

At a more informal level, the University of Tasmania Ultimate Frisbee Club continues to provide great support to the Hobart Ultimate community by providing: twice weekly lunchtime pickup games; support in running the Two-Hat; hosting the CSIRO/Uni challenge and selling discs. The Tas Uni club also re-applied for grant funding with the Tasmanian Office of Sport and Recreation, applying under the auspices of the TUA, and, very late in 2004, were informed that they were successful with this application. This means the club has over $3000 to spend on a range of ultimate related activities in 2005. 

With support from both the TUA and the University club, 4 TUA members began the coaching accreditation process by attending one of the first AFDA coaching accreditation courses, held in Melbourne in Novemeber 2004. Once their practical component is completed, Mike Baker, Shavawn Donoghue, Tim Phillips and Ashleigh Martens will be accredited as level 1 ultimate coaches.

On a National administrative level, Shavawn Donoghue served another term as a director of Human Resources on the AFDA Board.

The Tasmanian Ultimate Championships was played over 10 rounds in 2004 with a somewhat controversial 5-all draw declared at the end of the season. Free Come and Try sessions were run prior to the start of outdoor and indoor leagues (thanks to Mike Baker and Joe Boyer for running these).

Financially the TUA is still in a sound position, with most events running at a small profit. A loan from the AFDA in 2003 enabled the TUA to order and print over 200 Tasmanian discs in 2004, which arrived just in time for Two-Hat VI. Sales of these discs have been brisk and have allowed this loan to be repaid in full. Thanks to Louise Emmerson and Joe Boyer for their contribution to the design process.

Special thanks also to Tim Phillips for stepping up and initiating the first moves towards the formation of a strategic plan for the TUA, for media liaison, and for investigating possibilities for sponsorship and extending the range of the TUA to Launceston and Burnie in 2005.

Finally, I would like to thank all the members of the TUA committee, and others who attended TUA committee meetings, for helping to make things happen. Without people volunteering their time and energy, there would be no ultimate in Hobart!

Jemery Day.
TUA President