Athletics Griqualand West – Council Meeting 12 January 2019

Council Meeting Minutes

The draft (unconfirmed) Minutes from the AGW Council Meeting are made available on the AGW Webpage by the Friday Following the meeting. The Minutes are confirmed at the AGW Annual General Meeting and the webpage updated.

Welcome to the Council Meeting

The purpose of this meeting is for this Council to make decisions on matters that affect the affairs of AGW, Council will consider at this meeting these matters listed in the Agenda.

Members wishing to record a Council Meeting (audio or video) must seek approval from the Chair prior to the meeting. Only if the Chair grants permission is recording allowed, and the Chair will advise everyone in attendance (for privacy reasons).

Voting

For each decision Council makes, a member will first propose (move) a motion. The motion must be seconded by another member before it can be discussed and decided on. Voting on a motion is always by a show of hands.

Apologies / Leave of Absence

It is expected that Members will attend all Meetings to participate in the Council decision making process. There may be times a member is not available to attend a meeting, and may submit an apology for that meeting or send a proxy or delegate from the Club Management by advising the Chair. The Chair will note any apology at subsequent meetings.

Designations of Items as Confidential

In order for Council to make an informed decision on a matter, sometimes supporting written information is provided that is inappropriate to be released publicly, for example information that is Commercial in Confidence.

Council may resolve to declare any relevant documents as confidential.

Urgent Business

If a matter has arisen since the distribution of the Agenda that requires a decision of Council, and cannot be deferred until the next meeting, it may be admitted as an item of urgent business. This may only happen if deferring consideration of the matter would have a negative impact on the Council.

Council must first decide to accept an item of urgent business before the matter can be discussed or considered.

Confidential Business

Sometimes Council will need to close the meeting to members of the public, to consider confidential Member Reports. Members of the public, media are then required to leave the meeting, but are able to return once the confidential item has been decided.

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1. Council Commitment

As the AGW Council, we will act in the best interest of the AGW running community and consider the immediate and long-term impact of our decisions. We will make these decisions fairly and without bias.

We will uphold all of our obligations under the AGW Constitution, and will act in accordance with the ASA Code of Conduct as amended and updated from time to time.

2. Chairman’s Introduction

As Chairman of the AGW Board I am delighted to Chair this 1st AGW Council Meeting.

At the beginning of each year businesses establish a theme. Usually it’s one word to describe their focus for the year. This year I want to propose our word and focus for AGW: IMPACT!

We are a federation that IMPACTs you, your family, our running community, this demarcated Province, Athletics South Africa, and South Africa with the high- potential talent within our midst. IMPACTing one member at a time.

In the opening lines to his Tale of two cities, looking back on the French Revolution, Charles Dickens wrote:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it

was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we are all going to Heaven, we were all going the

other way…”

While we can enter 2019 with positivity, we must be also be conscious of the challenges:

We are operating in an increasingly competitive environment and it is essential that we focus on communicating AGW, our products, our strengths and our ability to deliver value to funders including Dept. of Sport, Arts and Culture, other government departments, local municipalities and districts we operate in, Lotto and commercial sponsors.

Athletics worldwide has been damaged by the ongoing doping scandals. The need for creativity and differentiation in the recreational running areas, i.e. Parkrun, is

more of a priority in a cluttered market.

On the flip side of the same coin we also have a number of strengths:

Our sport has low barriers to entry and is available to everyone. It is a “Sport for Life”. We cater for a variety of running disciplines to meet varying individual needs. We operate our championships and recreational events to high standards. We have strong media reach and good relationships with sports media. We are slowly starting to produce high ranking athletes on the ASA National Top 10 Ranking

list.

Our ambition is also to become an even more integral part of ASA’s national agenda of producing medal contenders and podium finishers at National Level.

We, as AGW, will continue to show leadership in our sport and seek new opportunities for sponsorships and expansion of our footprint in running events.

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With the continued commitment of our club- and associate members and elected commissions working together we can achieve our federation goals and make a significant IMPACT to the ranking of this registered ASA Province.

3. Governance Structure

Splitting the duties of Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer

Allow me to quote the AGW Constitution as adopted and approved at the AGW AGM on 1 July 2017:

“Point 21. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD

Point 21.16 The Authority to appoint a CEO.

21.16.1 The CEO shall be the executive head of the organization, and is responsible for

21.16.2 The financial well-being, the image and the marketing of the organization, as well as the implementation of broad policies and decisions as lay down by the Board. The CEO will report to the Board;

21.16.3 The CEO shall be the chief administrator, the Chief Protocol Officer and the Chief Development Officer and will be in charge of the administrative functions of the AGW Head Office and will be appointed on a full-time basis by the Board.”

Since my election, as AGW President, I worked tirelessly to established an AGW Provincial Office required by the AGW Constitution. Since then I have been involved in the day-to-day running of the AGW Provincial Office with great detriment to myself and my family. Except for attending the ASA AGM in 2018, I can honestly declare that I have not receive any honoraria, payment in good faith for services rendered to AGW as was the case by my predecessor, approved by the previous AGW Board.

Unfortunately, I have fallen prey to the pitfalls of the expectations of AGW, demanded me doing more work than I intended, incurring expenses and neglecting my family, my health, and paying clients in the process. I appreciate their understanding that due to the many late nights and long hours spent devoted to the affairs of AGW that I may not have always been at the top of my game as a Coach or been able to spend the dedicated time with them that I would have liked to.

Speaking of which, ever notice taking time off is hard for a lot of leaders?

I get that…I’ve been there. Most driven leader struggle to take time off.

I publicly committed to bring back the integrity of this high office, but a few months in is not enough to be judge on and to undo 12 years of misrule – but how long is this going to take?

We’re all in this for the long haul. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. And if it’s costing our health, our relationships, or burnout, then we need to check ourselves.

And I think for me personally, I know I can identify those indicators or those signs or flags that things are getting out of whack and I can make those course changes to get aligned better easier.

The desirable route is renegotiating splitting the duties of Chairman of the Board and appointment of a Chief Executive Officer that will allow the federation and Executive Management to concentrate on its strategic priorities and implement the strategic plan under the best possible conditions.

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4. Government Council and Administrative Body

In accordance with the AGW Constitution should the office of any member elected to the Executive Committee become vacant, due to various reasons, the remaining members of the Executive Committee shall have the power to co-opt a member, in good standing with the Province, in his/her place until the next General Election provided that should the office of the President become vacant, the AGW Executive Committee shall elect the Vice President to act as President until the next General Election.

Therefore the AGW Board co-opt members for their expertise and experience in varied fields, taking into account the Board’s diversity, who each contribute their individual knowledge and skills.

With that in mind Mr. Bernard Farmer was co-opt to act as Vice President and Vice Chairman of the AGW Board, and Mr. Willem Uys as Acting Additional Member: Technical on the AGW Board. Thank you gentlemen for taking on this huge responsibility and the valuable work that you have already done in a short time since you occupied office.

The following positions is still vacant on the AGW Board following the resignations received:

Chairman: Road Running Woman Representative

The AGW Board hereby invite nominations from registered members in good standing from the Clubs registered to AGW for these 2 (two) positions as a matter of urgency. Please use your discretion when submitting nominations for election. The AGW Board will short list the names submitted and be in contact with the successful candidates shortly after for availability to be co-opted on the AGW Board.

Pursuant to the AGW Constitution, to fulfil its mandate to serve the members, a salaried Secretary was appointed in the Office of AGW working from Monday – Friday, 07:30 – 13:00.

Please make use of this opportunity to interact with the AGW Office during the office hours specified.

5. Values and priorities

The period leading to 2019 was characterised as a time where a new AGW Board was elected, but also a difficult time where we experienced numerous resignations due to different reasons.

In order to counter these resignations and developing a more stable organisational environment and moving the federation forward the AGW Board set ourselves to uphold and reinforce the following strategic values and priorities from the AGW Constitution for 2019 to follow:

Teamwork – We succeed together with respect for one another.

Commitment to our brand – Through ownership, leadership and commitment we proud our services.

Honest Responsibility – We are transparent and take accountability for our actions.

Care – We believe in making a difference wherever we go, so we can leave people better than we find them.

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User-friendly - We are right here with you on your beautiful journey and we’re not going to stop until you seize your moment and become everything you were destined to become. Your moment will come. That much we know for sure.

6. AGW Website

Let’s talk about your mobile strategy for 2019. You think about it, engagement is everything.

We live in an analog and digital world. You have people who show up in person and then you have people who are on their cellphones, tablets, and laptop computers every day incessantly.

They have a mobile strategy, it’s an engagement strategy.

We are fortunate to have with us Mr. Ewald Mitchell, AGW Website Developer and tech-savvy, who will introduce the new user friendly rebranded AGW Website. Mr. Mitchell you have done an excellent job to bring our vision for AGW to life to exceed our member’s expectations.

This newly created digital platform give us the edge we needed to communicate easily, quick and efficiently with our Clubs and registered members.

As soon as we receive the 2019 registration documents from the Clubs and Schools the AGW website will be updated with the new contact details of the Clubs Management. It is still the responsibility of the Clubs to ensure where Club Management change due to election or resignation, to submit the minutes to the AGW Office in order to change these contact details on the AGW website. Thank you for those Clubs that have already submitted their minutes.

Thanks for your ratings, your reviews, your social shares to lead like never before.

We pride ourselves and hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism & excellence.

7. Workshops before Council Meetings

With the increasing costs of fuel and related expenses to attend Meetings, we should look at alternative means to assist deserving Club Representatives.

That been said, it is more productive to combine workshops and administrative training with or before meetings to save time and money and build relationships between Clubs and this AGW Office.

Please consult with the AGW Office if you need assistance in this regard.

8. AGW Preparation Squads for 2019 – Northern Cape Academy of Sport and ASA

Towards the later part of the 4th Quarter of 2018, all ASA Provinces were asked to submit the name of the Provincial Coach Coordinator who liaise with the registered Provincial Academies of Sport in the Regions and Provinces.

As I was already working since 2015 on this draft and proposal to the Northern Cape Academy of Sport, I assume this responsibility, until such time somebody else can take the reigns.

With reference to Circular 74 of ASA 2018. ASA encourage all athletes listed on the ASA website under statistics Top 10 Rankings, and their Coaches, to make use of the academies in their area to assist them in qualifying for South African Teams.

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These athletes whom will be taken into Academies will be preparing for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan and other major events.

Due to limited funding from the Northern Cape Academy of Sport, focus will be on provincial athletes that have a proven track record to qualify for the AGW Provincial Team and who constantly perform at various age group national championships.

During numerous visits to the office of Mr. Thabisho Mohulatsi, NC Academy and High Performance Convenor, we agreed upon 20 athletes to be absorbed into the High Performance Programme.

Category A will be the Top 10 athletes and Category B those athletes who will be groomed for the near future.

These names have already been communicated and submitted to Mr. Thabang Maleka at ASA in reference to the meeting held on the 30 August 2018 with all Provincial Academies of Sport.

Each athlete needs the endorsement from the federation for the selection process.

Included in this proposal is the names of AGW’s top ranking athletes and next generation pool of athletes to be taken up in the High Performance Program. (2019 AGW Development document to be uploaded on the AGW website).

Please take note that this is not an exhaustive list and more athletes can be added when they qualify or get a ranking on the ASA Top 10 list.

It never fails to surprise us how much talent exists within the boundaries of AGW. We have more than our fair share of good athletes from this ASA Province and an untapped talent pool in our midst.

However AGW still needs to sit down with the Academy Manager and discuss the structure of support that the Academy will provide to the athletes in order to sign a Memorandum of agreement.

We must get the best value from that public attention: the best for the sport and the best for those who take part. To do this we need to work with governing bodies of sport, local authorities, schools, sports clubs and the private sector.

Those involved in supporting and running sport have often been criticised for being inefficient, lacking vision and failing to develop common goals. Too often, too many organisations fail to join up their policies and their programmes. Too often, evidence on how to be most effective is lacking.

Too often, initiatives lack sustainability. This means that children and young talented athletes miss out on the opportunity to enjoy sport, and we as an ASA Province fail to identify future champions.

Circular 123 0f 2019 – 2019 ASA Preparation Squads has bearing:

“Please note although youth and junior athletes is not listed on the 2019 Preparation Squad, they can still qualify through performances from now until March 2019 for the 2019 CAA African U18 & U20 Championships scheduled from 13 – 20 April 2019 in the Ivory Coast, provided they were achieved at credible events.”

My ambition for Track & Field and Cross Country in the AGW Province is to start a 2year process of re-establishing this Province as a powerhouse in the Athletic arena.

A Province that can look at the Athletic Track or the podium and feel a sense of pride.

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A Province with the constant desire for improvement and the unshakable will to provide elite athletes for National and International Competitions.

9. The selection of Teams and Team Management for 2019

With the 2018 athletic season drawn to a close we reflect back on the process of Team selection and Team Management.

Teamwork as a concept has grown over the last 20 years. However, teamwork success is not automatic. Teams have to be established for the right reasons.

Team member selection is very important, as is ensuring that the team purpose is clear and agreed upon. But it has to be set up correctly. The team members have to be willing and ready to participate.

There is this misperception by athletes and officials that they are entitled to selection to the AGW Provincial teams to the various ASA National events.

This know-it-all attitude and air of self-importance should stop with immediate effect. Allow me to refresh your mind and preventing the misuse or abuse of Provincial Colours.

“Schedule A of the Constitution of Athletics GRIQUALAND WEST

THE ROLE OF THE COMMISSIONS3. POWER OF THE COMMISSIONS3.3 To select competitors to represent AGW in national competitions and to propose team managers and coaches of any team of competitors so selected, subject to the exclusive right of the Board to approve such.”

i. First and foremost an athlete needs to meet the AGW Qualifying standards set for the different running codes, which have been already published on the new AGW Website.

ii. Secondly, the Team and Team Management, and Team Coaches selection are subjected to the approval by the AGW Board.

Attributes and Selection Procedure:

We take the selection of Team Managers, coaches and support staff for teams that represent Athletics Griqualand West very seriously.

All Team Managers and Team Coaches are required to be registered with Athletics Griqualand West Coach Membership.

These are some of the qualities we are looking for in Team Manager and Coaches selections:

The Team Manager will have the overall responsibility for the welfare of the team. Working in coordination with the team coaches, the Team Manager is responsible for establishing an acceptable team environment to facilitate successful outcomes by team members.

The Team Manager is also responsible for coordinating the work of the team coaches, and other support staff.

In addition to the duties for which the Team Manager is solely responsible for, there are many elements of team management and administration duties that are required in order

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for any team participate successfully. The administrative functions cover a wide variety of areas including travel logistics, pre-planning, communications, event issues and so on.

How well these various functions are managed can have a significant impact on the success of the team.

In addition the Team Manager will need a working understanding of drug testing and media services (if applicable).

Post-event, the Team Manager will be required to submit a report. Team Coaches provide key support to athletes before and at a championship or event and

will often be required to advise athletes on technical matters in the absence of a personal coach. Event Coaches will need to liaise with the Team Manager and High Performance Team Coordinator to coordinate the following:

Knowledge of specific coaching, technical and tactical matters relative to the events for which they are responsible.

Providing specific coaching, technical and tactical services for athletes at the competition. Assistance with training programs of athletes and any specific coaching requirements by

liaising with athlete/coaches before championships. Coordinate with Team Management on appropriate team pre-event planning and

competition strategies. Take an overview of an athlete’s preparation and ensure coach/athlete planning is carried

out to maximize performance. Members should be proficient in a range of technical events and knowledge. For example

we may require a coach experienced in Hammer, Shot Put, and Discuss at a high level and who can cover other events at times to assist other coaches. This is why we often need to wait until the team is selected to appoint the Coaches.

Members familiar with high level competitions. The ASA National Championships are elite competitions and require support staff who are accustomed to the requirements of these meetings.

Members who have experience coaching a squad of athletes with a variety of needs, or experience in observing how they operate with other coaches and athletes in team environment.

Members who will work as part of the team. In the past we have found some coaches who have athletes in the team, subconsciously treat their athlete differently.

Management and Coaches, who at times can be firm with athletes whose behaviour is sometimes inappropriate.

We often need a balance of male and female management staff in order to suit the team requirements.

Not every member will meet the aforementioned criteria, but this is what we are aiming for. If the overall applicant for a team position do not meet our needs, we will extend our search and invite others to apply.

The selection panel includes Athletics Griqualand West members with experience managing teams, coach development and high performance.

Taking into account the criteria stipulated in the AGW Constitution:

1.10 Criteria to be a Chairperson of the following Committees:

1.10.3 Selectors and Elite Athletes Co-ordinating Committee must be a Level 3 Coach.

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1.10 Criteria to be a member of the following Committees

1.10.3 Selectors and Elite Athletes Co-ordinating Committee must be a Level 2 Coach.

If you are unsure about anything to do with the Selection Policies/Nomination Criteria, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you.

Offences

a) A person may not:b) Project himself or herself as representing AGW in an official capacity in a sporting activity

without the written consent from the AGW Board;c) Unlawfully and without authority of the AGW Board misrepresent that he or she is entitled

to wear provincial colours;d) Commit any act, directly or indirectly, which brings the AGW Provincial Colours into

disrepute.

If an offense is alleged to have been committed, the AGW Board may recommend disciplinary or legal action against any member or individual as a result of any conduct, action, or statement which, in the opinion of the AGW Board or any disciplinary committee appointed for that purpose, is considered to be in breach of these regulation, or constitute an abuse or misuse of the AGW emblem, or constitute bringing the emblem in disrepute.

Penalties

Any offence referred to in the aforementioned may be punishable with a fine not exceeding R5000-00 (Five Thousand Rands). Other forms of penalties e.g. suspension, expulsion etc. may also be considered.

All members have a duty to ensure the prestige of AGW Provincial Colours and to protect them against abuse and/or misuse.

AGW still have to look at our Branding policy: Trademarks and Copyright.

10. Referees and Technical Official Training – 2019 ASA Rules and Regulations

AGW was instrumental in 2018 to join hands with the Sol Plaatje University, Higher Education Department, to supply an ASA Level 1 Technical Official training to the 2nd Year Higher Education students as part of their extramural curriculum.

2019 will be no different, and we ask Clubs to communicate this to their registered members to make use of this opportunity to get trained as Technical Official.

The training dates will be communicated in due course.

From our Club members also qualified as Technical officials in 2018, and we need these attendees to step forward and avail themselves for duty during AGW Championships and AGW sanctioned events in this Province.

Those that have not yet completed their practical training should get in contact with the AGW Office in order to finalize their training schedule, resulting to get registered on the AGW Provincial Technical Official database and issuing of an AGW Official Card.

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AGW is in the process to introduce an AGW branded identification card to those qualified Officials/Referees. Costs will be kept to a minimum.

I would like to ask the Additional Member: Technical serving on the AGW Board and the Chair: Referees to assist with this training schedule.

Please be aware that to be in possession of an ASA Course Certificate do not automatically qualify you as an Official.

Practice makes perfect. Take pride in your training to be able to lead, serve and implement the 2019 ASA Rules and Regulations, in force from 1 January 2019.

ASA Circular 5 of 2019 has bearing:“ASA Members must take note that should any member allow unlicensed (ineligible) Technical

Officials to do duty, any legal action flowing from such action, the provincial/associate member and/or the relevant Race Organizer will be held liable.”

Get your house in order to prevent any action instituted against you by neglecting your duty to ensure licensed Officials are used.

11. Coaches Development

Our brief spans track and field, through cross country and road running, trail running, and the occasional mass-participation events, at all level and ages, with athlete welfare as a primary concern.

“So what does coaching really involve? Coaching involve teaching, training, instructing and more. It is not simply about helping people to learn sport skills, improve performance and reach their potential. It is also

about recognising, understanding and providing for the other needs of athletes. These needs are many and cover a wide range such as social and emotional needs, as well as the more obvious needs related to

athletics and competition. As a good coach you should have a code of ethics which places the rights and needs of your athletes before those of yourself.” - Steve Rautenbach

We have a commitment to enhancing our coaching structure through the ASA Coach education pathway to support athletes of all abilities, with a particular emphasis on the elite / High Performance level.

With reference to the ASA- and AGW Website, there are educational information/documentation and Coaching Manuals available, that are on par with the best in the world, to assist Coaches of all experience levels to become a skilled coach in the major events of track & field: sprints, hurdles, relays, jumps, throws, middle and long distance running.

Responding to a call from ASA to all its members and Associates to embark on a vigorous drive of training of new Coaches and advancing existing ones to the next level, we as an ASA Province need to come up with a workable solution that is relevant to develop excellence, not masses that will not bring glory and honour to this Province.

In the words of the ASA Acting CEO, Mr. Richard Stander: “We are moving towards an era that demands ASA to submit to the IAAF every person who has athletes, so means they must be qualified and be a member in good standing.”

Coaches in good standing registered on the AGW Coaches Register:

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Name Surname ASA Level Events Year obtainedLeon Fouche 1 Sprints, Hurdles 2017Alta Le Roux 1 Throws 2018Gerhard Prinsloo 1 Throws 2018Theo (Snr.) Senekal 3 Jumps 2017

A Level 3 status can only be achieved of the ASA National Coach has, at the very least, produced a medal winner at an ASA National Championship and delivered a thesis at the ASA National Coaches Symposium in the field of specialisation.

It is a growing concern to me that NO ONE responded to several requests to Clubs and Schools to advise this AGW Office if they have qualified Coaches that needs to be registered on the Provincial System (Level 0, Level 1 and Level 2) as required by ASA.

I do question those Coaches credibility who pretend to be qualified. It is time that we take serious action against these so called “Coaches”, and parents should start asking questions and take an interest in who’s care they place their children for coaching who claim the same rights and privileges available only to those in the registry.

We know the majority of coaches already live and work according to the Code of Conduct; the Coaches Registry helps the rest understand that as well.

With all this been said, Mr. Gerhard Prinsloo, AGW Coaches Commission, and myself is in the advanced planning stage to introduce and present the ASA Level 0, Kids Athletics and Athletics Orientation, to our registered members which will result in a published list of Coaches who have demonstrated the ethics, honesty and trustworthiness necessary for endorsement by the Provincial and National governing body.

Mr. Gerhard Prinsloo is a respected former voice in the world of education, and beyond. With his extensive experience from coaching from Primary School athletes, Sub Youth, Youth, Junior and Senior Level, he often addresses the heart of coaching which is rooted in the identity and integrity of the Coach.

It is our intent to work together with these coaches in a positive and productive way to make sure we are serving them as well as our athletes. In the end, this is everybody doing what is best for our athletes, coaches and our sport.

The implementation date and rolling out of the ASA Level 0 Course will be communicated shortly.

In the long term this will ensure that the performance level of our athletes keep on raising and receive the necessary and specialised attention they deserve. Refocusing our efforts will ensure that we are working towards the common goal of growing our sport of running.

It will also assist us in implementing and monitoring the ASA Development Strategy adopted at the ASA Council Meeting 13 October 2018 for implementation in 2019.

12. Provincial TOECS Co-ordinator

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To ensure that our Technical structures are efficient, responsive to our members and managed in line with the best principles of good governance, I was appointed the Provincial TOECS CO-ordinator for AGW.

As soon as ASA send me the necessary information/documentation, myself and the Technical Committee can start planning the training and examination of the Technical component of the related running codes as specified by ASA.

13. New proposed AGW Attire and Branding Policy

When we hear of a sports hero who has broken a record, or our SA athletes wins a Championship, we get so excited.

There is something about a person being able to perform at such a high level, that amazes us!Athletes within the Province are well known for their prowess, and no doubt they will give a good account of themselves in the various running codes on offer in 2019. To add to the refocusing of the IMPACT our ASA Province are planning, our athletes deserve the admiration and support by fellow athletes and the general public.

Far too long we as an ASA Province have clenched to the “old AGW attire” which have been regretfully reduced over the years to sub-zero standard and of little value and meaning!

Where the rest of the ASA Provinces moved forward in new designs, we as AGW were left behind.With that in mind we, as AGW Board, proposed and approved the new rebranded AGW Provincial Attire for the Provincial Teams to National Championships, and AGW merchandise on sale to supporters to be able to aid in the costs incurred by our Provincial Athletes to National Championships.

We make a plea to you, as members, parents and supporters to please support this worthy cause.Your purchase shows passion and commitment to support the sport and celebrate the achievements of our athletes. This is an investment into the future of our sport that you make alongside thousands of others.

We still need to submit these changes separately to ASA for approval.

14. Proposed Future Board and Member Meeting dates

Please see attached Annexure marked “A”

15. The Invisible Opponent: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health

During the ASA National Coaches Symposium there was much talk and emphasis placed on Sport Psychology and mental issues affecting our athletes.

My hope is that the content of the following will bring the problem that affects so many people, particularly athletes, to your attention.

If an athlete has constant pain in their foot, or pulls a muscle during competition, most likely they will seek advice and treatment from an athletic trainers or doctor. Why is then, that if an athlete has panic attacks, suicidal thoughts or is struggling with eating they are less likely to get help? What

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about mental illness makes people feel shame and want to hide – or at the opposite extreme – judge and criticize others?

I believe there are many myths that contribute to this stigma against mental illness.Stigma is the glass ceiling that keeps people from getting the help, understanding, and support they need. This is especially hard for athletes, as they are trained to push through physical pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, this is the same approach often taken with mental and emotional struggle.

This may come as a surprise to most people, but athletes are pretty normal is this regard. With this normality comes the shared human experience of having a fear of failure. Piling on more fear only makes the burden of failure that much heavier.Given the high percentage and statistical evidence regarding people struggling with mental health issues, perhaps you are reading this while feeling the weight of depression, crippling anxiety, or waves of suicidal thoughts.

Know that you are not alone.

There are countless people who have experienced, are currently experiencing, or will experience what you are feeling right now, and you don’t have to continue walking the path alone. While battling mental illness, you may also feel like you are walking in a fog waiting to disappear.

I want to validate this feeling, but I also think it is critical to have action steps, specific things you will do when you are struggling.

If you or someone you know is struggling, particularly with thoughts of suicide, call the

South African Depression and Anxiety Group: Emergency contact 0800 567 567 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 24hr Helpline: 0800 12 13 14 Lifeline SA Helpline: 0861 322 322

We’re all there with you. The dark side looms in all our hearts. What ultimately separates any of us from one another isn’t our capacity for excellence while performing, but rather our willingness to own our brokenness with a humble and contrite heart when we come face-to-face with it.

Also know that there is hope.

Change is happening as more people are becoming aware of mental health and more willing to join the fight against stigma. We have made progress, but still have a long way to go.

Even though stigma hurts, it will not destroy you.

Conclusion

As athletes, we tend to be inwardly focused, giving the bulk of our attention to training, recovery, and our performance. Taking care of fundamentals and perfecting your craft is beautiful and necessary. Shifting your focus away from yourself is beautiful and necessary, too.

In big ways and in small, you can be IMPACTful with the platform you have by making meaningful investments in the lives of others.

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As a sport we must ensure that children, and member’s early experience are inclusive, positive and enjoyable, irrespective of their ability, gender, social class and race. Our Clubs and members need to deliver these positive experiences Provincial wide each week as role models in their dealings with young people.

Young people want to be part of something bigger than themselves, they just need to know what that is. We need to tap into this pool of talent and start growing our sport of running.

There’s no question this younger generation is growing up with challenges people before them never experienced. No one can deny the IMPACT of this digital age and the emotional challenges it brings, but beyond having phones, Google, and social media at their fingertips, the personality gaps between today’s generation are not as far apart as many make them out to be.Older generations are the first to complain about the personality flaws found in the younger generation. Let’s call it the Older Brother Syndrome – when an older generation loses its patience for the generation rising up behind them, because they’ve forgotten the patience that was offered to them years ago.

Give patience and seek out understanding when it comes to the generation rising behind you.

Each soul excels at something. Clarify what’s their unique strengths, what makes them come alive, what they do best. Build on it. That’s what creates momentum. And, great success.

They are really not that much different from you, so be a student of them and they’ll seek to be a student of you.

Our members have become conditioned over the years to accept standards of mediocrity, but we need to change this mindset and brake this mold to start a new revolution in this Province…ONE of winning the hearts and support of our fellow runners.

We, as AGW, will continue to IMPACT our members and work to ensure that all young people see their involvement in athletics as a valuable and rewarding part of their lives, for all of their lives.

Allow me to thank all those Board Members for their leadership, support and guidance in the execution of this important mandate.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to each Club Member for their continued commitment and loyalty.

I thank youNdiyabulelaKe a lebogaBaie dankie

Theo Senekal Snr.

Chairman: AGW Board

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