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Post by Administrator on Nov 11, 2009 23:00:47 GMT 1
Hi all,
I've been asked to post the following message. This has been organised by a group of coaches and has the backing of England Athletics. Guest speaker will be Paul Dickensen.
Dear Javelin Fan,
Whether you are a thrower, a coach, a parent, a teacher or a fan, you will have your own opinions on the state of British javelin throwing. With the lack of a head of throws in any of the disciplines now, we are in a state of limbo, with people trying to make the best of a bad situation.
Some of us have put our heads together and after some discussions feel that there is room for a proper UK Javelin Association, with elected officials and a proper constitution, in order to look at what we, UK javelin people, would like for our event. We are not anti-establishment, we are pro-javelin, and perhaps some of our collective decisions may be taken on and implemented by those with the budgets and the clout to do so. If not, at least as a democratic organisation we can look to developing some of our own support mechanisms.
There will be a meeting held about this in Bedford Stadium, on 12th December, starting at 10.00. We recognise that throwers tend to be activists rather than pragmatists, so to appeal to those who would like to have some fun, we will be holding a Vortex competition after the meeting, with possibly also a Golf Ball Throw World Record attempt too. Prizes for the winners!
This is not about what we can’t do, it’s about what we can do. All are welcome, come with an open mind, and a positive attitude.
Hope to see you there!
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Post by dobster on Nov 11, 2009 23:41:32 GMT 1
Hi all,
Personally I think this is a very positive step for the event and an excellent idea. I have been asked to assist in this project and would ask all forum members to positively contribute to this thread.
In essence we would appreciate if you could start to add some ideas, thoughts and proposals on how the event can improve and move forward. I would ask all posters to respect other individuals in what they write so lets not break down into arguments and disagreements. This should be a forum brainstorm session and we hope that it will provide a starter for 10 to aid our discussion on 12 Dec. Short bullet points or a very short precis should suffice at this stage.
If you can please encourage as many throwers and coaches to participate as possible.
Regards
Tom Dobbing
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Post by dobster on Nov 11, 2009 23:49:08 GMT 1
A few quick ideas from me to hopefully stimulate some more posts:
- A technical model for the event.
- A framework strategy for improving the standards within the event.
- A resource database of training ideas, plans, programmes.
- An event 'Champion' that can assist in progressing the event and be utilised as a conduit to the NGB and other associated bodies. Does not need to be a current/retired top javelin thrower.
- All P10 Top 20 throwers to be a part of the senior club teams in the BAL in order to generate healthy competition between our best throwers.
- An Association sponsored/organised Warm Weather Training trip each year.
- Branded goods that advertise the Association ie tee shirts etc
- Regular get togethers for both athletes and coaches. Ability irrelevant.
Tom
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Post by geoff on Nov 12, 2009 0:10:57 GMT 1
Sounds like a good idea provided it is accepted by the governing bodies and supported in the same way as the BMC. Can I ask whether this is a UK Association or an England Javelin Association?
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Post by dobster on Nov 12, 2009 8:01:17 GMT 1
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Post by Administrator on Nov 12, 2009 11:45:43 GMT 1
As always I would like to play Devil's advocate - important again to mention that I am always in support of anything that improves the state of javelin throwing in the UK. I believe some concerns will arise over some of the points and as such in order for them to be successful, I'd like to challenge them:
- A technical model for the event.
I understand this was the goal of the national squad last year and I'm sure for previous years. This gathered the best coaches in the UK. Was this goal ever met? I assume not, if it was where is it? What will be done differently to ensure that this model is formed or shared this time around?
- A framework strategy for improving the standards within the event.
- A resource database of training ideas, plans, programmes.
Obviously coming from a biased point of view but the javelinclub website already has this (admittedly limited). We've made numerous requests for people to add to the existing database on the main website but have only had a few things added by Wez and Slinger . What will be done differently to gather the info? How will it be shared? Would it make sense to leverage the existing database and website traffic? To me sensible answer is yes?
- An event 'Champion' that can assist in progressing the event and be utilised as a conduit to the NGB and other associated bodies. Does not need to be a current/retired top javelin thrower.
- All P10 Top 20 throwers to be a part of the senior club teams in the BAL in order to generate healthy competition between our best throwers.
Definitely a good idea in principal but I don't believe that there will be any changes here. From personal experience and looking at the picture for next season, the throwers that want to be throwing in the BAL, particularly premier league already are. What can be done to encourage those that do not currently do this? I believe that the athletes are the only barrier here, no clubs will turn down 70+ throwers, they will welcome them with open arms.
- An Association sponsored/organised Warm Weather Training trip each year.
Sounds great to me and definitely something I would be interested in. Is the goal to get financial sponsorship from governing bodies or private sponsors?
- Branded goods that advertise the Association ie tee shirts etc
There was huge interest for this for the javelinclub - so much so that I designed a range with Stash and it was made available - 7 people bought items! This may be different for another organisation but its important to understand how/why?
- Regular get togethers for both athletes and coaches. Ability irrelevant.
Great idea. I don't see any barriers to this and think it should be done more freely. (That said people do organise them already and they are not well attended numbers wise).
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Post by carrie on Nov 12, 2009 12:15:37 GMT 1
Could one of the aims be to provide information and advice/best practice regarding injury prevention and a database of good physios or surgeons covering the treatment side who have been recommended and have knowledge/experience of dealing with throwing injuries country wide?
A coach or athlete could get in touch and find out who is close to them if they have an issue that is not responding to initial treatment. A second sound opinion could save tears and months/years of frustration.
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Post by Caroline on Nov 12, 2009 12:18:44 GMT 1
I think sponsorship is a great idea, although it's not really the ideal economic climate to look for it! Maybe look at a sub-committee to develop sponsorship ideas?
How about a central store where people can try out different types of javelins? (A javelin 'library'?) Maybe javelins donated by ex throwers or suppliers?
Links with coaches/athletes in other countries? Visits to Finland, or maybe visits from them to here?
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Post by dobster on Nov 12, 2009 14:04:09 GMT 1
Hi all please keep the responses coming in. Remember there are no right or wrong ideas at this stage, it is just a download opportunity. Thanks
Tom
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Post by sportbilly on Nov 12, 2009 23:48:07 GMT 1
have to agree with admin devils advocate. same as before just someone else or a new team of people saying it just not as good i would imagine. if it is independent will they elect a lead and an organisational team? now that would be ground breaking and positive. we could register as coaches and athletes and people would then apply for the roles so tt could be then a group we wanted. this would be a way of getting ownership of the process and make it something to be proud of. now that would be positive.
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Post by dobster on Nov 13, 2009 0:10:56 GMT 1
Sportbilly - thanks for your post. This isnt an attempt to just moan or gripe - quite the opposite, as we hope it to be positive and constructive. It needs the athletes and coaches to own this, hence why I am asking for contribution.
I like your idea of an elected lead and an organisational team - suggestions on who you think could assist would be most welcome. It is something that I briefly touched upon in my above post of having an event Champion.
Tom
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Post by dobster on Nov 13, 2009 7:25:45 GMT 1
Fo thoseindividuals who wish to add comments in private then please either send me a PM or email me at t.dobbing@btinternet.com. Thanks
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Post by districtus on Nov 14, 2009 13:15:25 GMT 1
Hi, just to confirm that Esa Utriainen has been appointed UKA javelin lead...
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Post by districtus on Nov 14, 2009 13:46:05 GMT 1
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Post by dobster on Nov 14, 2009 14:53:51 GMT 1
Certainly is good news. Lets use this thread as an opportunity to inform him how we feel the event could move forward, in a positive manner. We may as well contribute rather than sit back.
Tom
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