Letter of congratulations from BV

[The Puma]

It warming to know that following the recent success of the Victoria women's blue team at the nationals in Ballarat each player received a personal letter from the CEO.

Here it is....

Re: Uniform during the National Women’s Championships
We are writing to you as a member of the Victorian Women’s Program that represented Baseball Victoria at the recent National Women’s Championships held in Ballarat.

All players, coaches and team staff were required to wear the official and approved clothing at all times during the Championships, at the field, on the field, during travel and during official functions as per the High Performance Programs Ethics and Expectations (Policy).

Baseball Victoria is aware that the Policy was breached during the Championships by the players wearing or using the following items:
White pants with a blue stripe
Plain blue pullovers without the BV logo
Non-approved hoodies
Playing hats with names of players on them
Non-approved bags

The above was explained in an email sent to Simone Wearne and Colin Penny on 6 February 2013 which also attached the Policy.
This letter is a warning that any future breaches of the Policy while representing Baseball Victoria will automatically see you suspended from two (2) games.


Yours sincerely


Brett Hidson


Chief Executive Officer

[lorraine]

Looks like baseball Victoria have lost the plot ....We the baseball community are very proud of how The Womens/girls represented us in Ballarat . Well done .........

[philniekro]

I agree Lorraine, any chance that the letter may say what an outstanding effort these girls have put in??

[mc15]

How come I get the feeling that you're not telling us the full story Puma...

Letters like that don't just appear out of the blue. What's the full story?

[mandi]

I really hope that this situation gets resolved as it will be a terrible shame to have the nationals at ballarat again next year and to have no team representing Victoria. From what I am hearing from some of the players they are seriously considering not trialing for our association in the future.

[houghy49]

Apr 9, 2013 17:13:47 GMT 10 mc15 said:

How come I get the feeling that you're not telling us the full story Puma...

Letters like that don't just appear out of the blue. What's the full story?

You're right mc15, the email actually said 'please see the attached letter'.

The details puma provided were the exact details of the attachment and it was in fact received by every member, (coaches and players) of the state program this year.

At least they were kind enough to personalise each letter to each member.

If BV weren't so eager to inflate existing program costings they may not have such issues as they have outlined here.

And I can also back up mandi in saying that from what I've seen/heard already today, BV will be extremely lucky to have a women's program and/or a State program next year.

[gj]

Lucky they never saw our hoop socks MC.

[rightie]

Let's see arguing balls and strikes 1week, audible obscene language 1week, putting your name on your hat 2weeks that seems fair

[oldmanriver]

First of all, congratulation to Simone and the girls on their success. This email from the Ex CEO just goes to show the small mindedness of the man. It also probably shows from the Ex CEO just where he thinks Womens Baseball is at the moment. Instead of being proud all he can come up with is nit picking. Be even more proud of your achievements and file the email/letter where it belongs. More power to Womens Baseball.

[Marshy]

At the risk of suffering the wrath of the entire women's program, I don't think what is being said in the letter was unfair.

All elite programs have a uniform and that should be respected. Imagine if MLB allowed players to "customise" their uniforms with bits and pieces God only knows what we'd see on the field.

Remember BV is a brand. I remember being forced to wear a pair of white of Aerosport joggers as part of my Vic uniform. I HATED them with a passion, but they were the approved footwear and so I sucked it up as I was proud to be wearing the big V.

Now with that said, I think the timing of the letter was poor. What's done is done this season, I think ideally this letter should go have gone out prior to next year's tournament.

BTW well done girls!!

[wearnie52]

Agreed Marshy, parts of the letter were not unfair. And agreed, correct uniform should be wore........and was for 99% of the tournament.

However, it was horrible timing for that letter to be sent, and it was also unnecessary. The uniform that is worn is decided by the coach (me) who should be getting a letter, not the players. And along with that, some of the things listed on the letter are just plain garbage. Names on the back of hats? Surnames? Paid for and organised by me as something for the players.

Those players do not deserve the treatment they receive from the people who should be supporting them.

And as for the 'compulsory' uniform items that they are supposed to purchase............they are overpriced and of average quality. This is a huge issue moving forward with all state programs.

[theolderiget]

For the purpose of perspective, how much did each of these girls pay for the "honor" of representing Victoria including the compulsory uniform items?

[pirates]

disappointing letter on so many levels particularly from an out going CEO. sounds like a parting swipe at someone. This sort of chastising should not be addressed to the players but to the managers anyway, sort it out behind the scenes rather than make a bigger deal out of it, unless you wanted to show up the mangers.
If they are so concerned about these extra items wouldn't you think they would have arranged to supply them if players want them, there's an idea actually listen to the players needs.
The uniforms were all screwed up by the last CEO, that's a whole other story. There was time when the league arranged all the items listed, bags, hoodies, "named caps and playing tops" ext ext no money saved just charged the players more. The provincials always did a far better job at these things and at a far less cost.

[wearnie52]

$2035 per player

Not including: transport to and from the tournament, transport while they are there, fuel costs, breakfast and 5 dinners, warm-up top, hoodie, pullover, shorts, all other merchandise, recovery costs (pool next door was $5 per person, per day), ice that we purchased each day (approximately $30 bags over the week - around $130)

Also not including: time off work, etc, etc, and so on

[wearnie52]

Kanus, there is an 'equalisation' amount that each state has to pay to the ABF. Each state is given an amount by the ABF that each player must pay - this year the girls ABF component was $931.87. BUT the rest of the costs are based purely on what the state charges them.

[jb]

If you read the letter, it states High Performance Programs Ethics and Expectations (Policy).

How much clearer can this be, if you breach a POLICY at your work place i am sure you are reprimanded, so this is no different. POLICY is POLICY whether at BV or BHP Billiton and should be treated that way.

The time off work issue is a non discussion, why should BV pay you to have time off work the player chose to try out for the team. Take holidays which the company you work for will pay you for, BV do not employ you!!!

Those who do not chose to try out next are more about their own self importance than the game, this my also help with blooding some new players into the team

[rightie]

You obviously have little to do with women's baseball BHP pay their employees therefore have every right to have and enforce policy, these girls pay bv for the chance to play After all we are talking about a blue pinstripe on the nice new white pants paid for by the players and a name on the hat paid for by the coach (policy must have changed I have several state caps with my name on which I wore proudly) I took the time to travel to Ballarat and watch the girls and can say that they looked fantastic and throughout the tournament did both BV and the broader baseball community proud,well done on your fantastic achievement your commitment to and passion for the game never ceases to amaze me

[Deleted]

I’m not buying into the debate about the BV letter and/or any uniform policy requirements that may or may not have been broken.

That is for others directly involved to comment.

However, as a person who lives in Ballarat and spent some time at Prince of Wales over the nationals (but had nothing to do with organisation of the event), I make these points.

From my observation, the girls and the women presented themselves particularly well at all stages of the tournament that I saw. Both of the BV uniforms were really striking, the squads had a real presence around the place and I say good on Simone for funding some individual recognition in the form of player names on caps.

Well done to the Vic Blue team on its playing success.

Secondly, I am concerned about the apparent attitude of some baseball administrators towards their role in the sport. I was personally staggered by the arrogant and bizarre attitude of a particular person from the Australian Baseball Federation during the Ballarat series.

The self-appointed Camera Police surely have better things to do with their time than harassing and haranguing people (in some cases parents and partners) for having the temerity to take photographs of the action - with "big cameras". Duh.

I copped a shameful barrage from this person even after explaining that I was taking a few innocent pictures for the BV website with the idea of supplementing online coverage of the series. I tried to assure her that we are on the same side (at least I thought we were).

That fell on deaf ears. Stupid ears.

Even though reporting on women’s baseball has never been part of my brief with BV, I nevertheless apologise to interested parties for not covering the last few days of the tournament – especially the finals – as I would have liked. And as I intended.

The disincentive – to me - was the insulting and thoughtless behaviour on the part of a senior official with the national governing body.

Finally, I expect that there shortly will be a report that is critical of organisation of the Ballarat series in several key areas. The report should be honest, and it should be fair. While I cannot speak for them, I believe that the Ballarat Baseball Association Board, its affiliate clubs and the City of Ballarat had no clear idea of what they were getting themselves in for when the council handed over a slab of cash to the ABF for hosting rights.

Despite the gutsy efforts of a small group of people at local level (and good on them for doing as much as they were reasonably able), key aspects of the nationals should have been organised, overseen and managed far better than they were. Next time around, I expect that far more things will be done far better.

With the investments made by local councils, players and supporters to events such as this, the Australian Baseball Federation needs to look past the dollar signs and make a fair dinkum effort to work with all stakeholders to ensure that events of the best possible quality are delivered at this level.

Some of these comments may appear off the point, though I believe what we are seeing with discussion in this thread is indicative of a systemic malaise that is afflicting baseball administration at various levels – especially, but not only, at national level.

Yes, it is appropriate and reasonable to apply dress and behavioural standards to players and officials representing Victoria or Australia at baseball tournaments. Of course it is.

But it is also important to remember that players pay for the privilege to represent their club, their region, their state and their country.
Baseball players and baseball clubs own the sport. Bureaucrats and officials are paid employees entrusted with keeping it in good health.

I reckon – every now and then - some people need to be reminded of that.

[theolderiget]

Yes KC - the Photo policy adopted for these Tournaments is another unnecessary impost on the participants and their families. Someone (presumably the ABF) charge a commercial Photographer a fee for exclusive rights for the Tournament. The Photographer then charges the participants and their families Commercial rates for mementos of the Tournament.
What is the point? The only people taking photos will be family members (and highly paid baseball journalists like KC). Families should have the opportunities to take their own shots with whatever lenses they own.
The cost to families for boys participating in the Under 14 Championships this year was approx $3,000 inc compulsory items. The boys were accommodated in Dormitory style accommodation at the Institute Of Sport for 8 days. Families who wanted photos of their boys then had to buy them off the Official Photographer - all cameras were inspected by the Camera Police to ensure they didn't have a zoom exceeding 100ml. For $3000 parents should be allowed to use whatever camera they want.

[perfeckt]

Before you can berate people for taking photo's and try to control the distribution of imagery you need to have an overwhelming commercial interest to protect. As far as I can see, there isn't one. Aside from the cash injection from the players themselves, all the way from junior baseball participation to a rep' side and the FREE support given to promote the most marginal of our marginal sport in Australia, there isn't anything to protect! What else? The contributions and tithes that are paid into the State and Federal governing bodies from the Baseball clubs and Associations that are overwhelmingly AMATEUR! Look up the definition in a dictionary....a real one, i.e., one with a book binding. 'jb', you are on a hiding to nothing. Comparing the rights of one of the largest multi national corporations (listed on many a stock exchange) of the world with the rights of a brand that is only as strong as its paying members is ignorant at best. Feel free to look up "ignorant", it's listed under 'I'.

[Deleted]

Seriously, the more one finds out about the pathetic self-serving attitudes and approaches taken by a number (but not all) adminstrators of our sport, where the main goals/aim seems to be self interested revenue raising that presumable pays thier wages, the more confident I am that our sport is going nowhere in our Country.

We'd be better off playing the game along the lines of the Sandlot Kids and having all the fun and none of the crap that seems to follow the people employed to take care of the game.

How about anyone of them going along to Ballarat these next few days and see how if they leave the game alone and trust the PARTICIPANTS then only good things will happen (most of the time).

Seems the more the game is 'professionalised' the less pofessional (and more pedanatic and pathetic) it is made, with 'fun' seen as less important by some than filling up peoples pockets with money to keep them and their 'business partners' in work.

[houghy49]

Apr 10, 2013 17:57:22 GMT 10 jb said:

If you read the letter, it states High Performance Programs Ethics and Expectations (Policy).

How much clearer can this be, if you breach a POLICY at your work place i am sure you are reprimanded, so this is no different. POLICY is POLICY whether at BV or BHP Billiton and should be treated that way.

The time off work issue is a non discussion, why should BV pay you to have time off work the player chose to try out for the team. Take holidays which the company you work for will pay you for, BV do not employ you!!!

Those who do not chose to try out next are more about their own self importance than the game, this my also help with blooding some new players into the team

I think you're missing the point of this thread. Yes, in trying to look as professional as we possibly could, we have breached the uniform policy. The whole point here is, four days after winning a come from behind National Championship final, every player/coach/EO from the program has received this warning. Surely it could have waited a week, and been issued AFTER a congratulatory letter.

I feel for the 15 year olds that competed at their first National Women's Championship to have to receive such an email. They would have had no idea that anything they wore/bags used would lead to them receiving a warning.

Now, after several emails have been sent back to the CEO, he has kindly responded to our emails. Ooops, my bad, I meant he has kindly cut and pasted the same response and emailed those parties back. Very thoughtful and time efficient that's for sure!!

Blooding some new players? Where are these players coming from?? Is there something you know that I don't?

I do however have one question perhaps someone might be able to answer..... are the Aces deemed part of the 'High Performance program'

[perfeckt]

Today I was interviewed for an ABC radio report, along with another colleague, that will be aired on tomorrow mornings 'AM' program. The story is about adult participation in sport and what might be done to encourage said participation. Mere snippets of our interviews shall be used as there were many more folks to be vox popped for their views. One of the things I pointed out to the journo was that in baseball, the largest sector growth was in fact Masters baseball. When asked why that was, I answered that from what I've seen, it's because it's fun and that it's not about sheep stations.

[Deleted]

Apr 10, 2013 22:45:13 GMT 10 perfeckt said:

Today I was interviewed for an ABC radio report, along with another colleague, that will be aired on tomorrow mornings 'AM' program. The story is about adult participation in sport and what might be done to encourage said participation. Mere snippets of our interviews shall be used as there were many more folks to be vox popped for their views. One of the things I pointed out to the journo was that in baseball, the largest sector growth was in fact Masters baseball. When asked why that was, I answered that from what I've seen, it's because it's fun and that it's not about sheep stations.

[theolderiget]

For the girls to obtain photos from the Official Photographer they had to pay $15.50 per shot. Alternatively, they could purchase a CD of all that particular player's images for $249.


Product Cost Qty Price
Image Download (Full size)
4320x2880 $15.50
-

+
$0.00

[oldmanriver]

For an amatuer sport, we seem to be run by some very professional wa&&ers. Considering there are only Juniors and Women playing State Championships, surely if BV got rid of three paid workers, the allocated funds could be pushed towards funding for the State teams instead of forcing the participants to pay for the privelege. I do remember many years ago in a different sporting field. If you made State, your equipment was handed for making it. No cost.
If you were good enough to represent your country, no cost again.
Perhaps it is about time for someone to try and encourage the fact that representing your State should be applauded and not nit picked by a bunch of professional tossers.

[jb]

OMW you obvoiusly have some issues with the outgoing CEO of the competition as quotes like "For an amatuer sport, we seem to be run by some very professional wa&&ers" and "This email from the Ex CEO just goes to show the small mindedness of the man" and and not nit picked by a bunch of professional tossers.

Why not come up with solutions regarding this situation if you are so concerned with it as to how BV can send players to the competitions at no expense. There is no use talking about other sporting fields as they may have greater financial backing by corporate sponsors or government grants that allow them to do this.

Rightie,

I had at least 8 years of involvement as a coach with the Womens program a club level and have seen a decline in the total amount of teams involved in the competition over the past 5 years which is very alarming for the health of the game, as it now seems there are 2 clubs that have a realistic chance of winning the competition each year. I appluade these 2 clubs for the work they have done howver by attracting the best players to their clubs it is ultimately hurting and the rest of the competition.

[houghy49]

Kane,

I can tell you that during my time at BV, such a letter was actually sent out, as it was done so by myself.

I came up with a suggestion whilst working there, that we add $5 on to each and every members playing fees. Simple. This $5 x number of paying members, goes straight to the Women's State program and comes off the total cost of their bills come Nationals.

In all honesty, how many people would kick up a stink knowing that they are donating $5 to go directly towards the Women's State programs? It would certainly stop so many players 'retiring' at this level due to lack of funds to pay to represent their state. I for one, and I know many others would probably still be playing (well at least trying out anyway).

[headinsand]

larry, I'm not sure what your getting at but If thats how you want to be treated then you get what you deserve!
I would have thought BV sending a letter of congat's would be the easiest thing to do but no the CEO leaves with this pathetic gesture.
jb either works in the game or is just a clown!
The terms used to refer to 'paid' staff is somewhat uncomplementary (by oldmanriver) but you then make referance to the "decline of the competetion is alarming", "no sh1t!!
The amount of funds wasted and abused by officials at state and national level would help offset the cost of such tournaments (there's your solution).
The ABF lost $1.4 million not long ago and then waste time sending staff to check the size of a camera lens! Another thread mentioned BV paying $12,000 to get cars serviced. Please! We are being treated as fools.
I'd be interested to know how much this commercial arrangement is worth for such a small tournament but I already know I won't get an answer or I will get lied to so I don't bother.

[hightower]

Does my lense look big in this?

Seriously, I'd like to see them try and stop me from taking a photo cos my lense was too big. It's no different from any other sporting event. Pro clickers are around the boundary or trackside and get paid for the good shots but they don't stop Mr.Canon in the crowd clicking away.
Un believable!

LC51