Minchinbury Jets SC Update - 18th August 2021

Good evening Minchinbury Jets Soccer Club Members,

We hope that you and your families are all keeping well during the current lockdown. We understand that this is a very trying time for many people and we hope that you are coping with the issues that the current situation is raising.

As you are all aware, the current COVID-19 situation has meant that the 2021 season has officially been abandoned. Notice of this was sent to all members from Blacktown Soccer Association on 5th August 2021. A copy of their statement is available on our club website. The link to this statement is

https://www.minchinburyjets.com/post/bdsfa-board-statement

The decision to abandon the season was not taken lightly and whilst we understand the disappointment of not completing the 2021 season, the current health situation and government health regulations has meant that no other option was available to them. Our main priority is the health and welfare of our members and their families.

The abandonment of the rest of the season has obviously left raised a few questions on what will happen at a club level now that the season has been cancelled. The purpose of this email is to update you on what the club's plans are moving forward for the rest of the year and into 2022.

Following on from our recent committee meeting I can advise you on the following:

Team Photos

The photos are ready but unfortunately with the current lockdown we cannot arrange distribution until the lockdown restrictions have been relaxed. We will contact people as soon as restrictions are relaxed and allow us to get these out to players.

Fees Paid for the 2021 Season

With regards to refunds, at this stage our parent bodies, Football Australia, Football NSW & Blacktown Soccer Association have made no commitment towards refunds and possibly may not do so.

On a club level, the committee has decided that, due to the club having to pay full fees to our parent bodies this year, we will not be issuing refunds for this season. We will, however, be discounting next seasons (2022) registration fees for returning players. The level of discount will depend on what discount (if any) we receive on 2022 fees from our parent bodies & our club's financial situation after all costs (including 2021 presentations) have been paid.

Presentations - Junior and Senior

Preparations for our Junior and Senior presentations were well underway when the season was put on hold. The club has purchased presentation gifts for players and team officials, and we will definitely be having presentations. Whist we may have some restrictions on numbers at our presentations (possibly like last season), we are confident that we should be able to hold presentations in by late early November. Advice on when we will hold these and details on the format will be made available to you as soon as we receive the OK from NSW Health.

Please note that as the season was not completed. We will not be having "Player of the Year / Best and Fairest Player" team awards this year.

Return of Playing Shirts

Once the current health restrictions have been eased and allow us to do so we will put out a notice to team officials and players to organise the return of the playing shirts to team managers and for the return of the shirts and training kits back to the club. Players are reminded that they must return their playing shirt before presentation days, or they will not be eligible to participate in presentations.

Club Annual General Meeting

Whilst we generally have the AGM on same day as our Junior Presentation, the day on which we hold the AGM and how it is held will once again be determined by the NSW Health regulations. We will advise you of the details for the AGM at least 30 days prior to holding the meeting.

Nominations for the 2022 Committee

As per our club's constitution, all committee positions are vacated at the Annual General Meeting and positions for the next season are then filled. Nominations for the 2022 season committee are now open. A copy of the committee nomination form is available on our club website.

Nominations for committee positions must be received no later than 7 days prior to the AGM to be considered at the AGM. Any positions not filled at the AGM can then be filled by nominating for the position and submitting the nomination form to the committee for consideration at their next committee meeting.

Member Welfare

If you need someone to talk to or if you are struggling with your mental health, please make sure you seek help from the services that are available. These services include:

Lifeline - 13 11 14

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800

NSW Mental Health - 1800 011 511

Furthermore if you are struggling financially the NSW Government has assistance available:

COVID-19 Disaster Payment https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/covid-19-disaster-payment

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/pandemic-leave-disaster-payment-new-south-wales

Please take care of yourselves and your families during this trying time. We look forward to seeing you all at our presentations days where hopefully we can say that the worst of the COVID drama is behind us.

Take care and stay well