ADFPF 2014 AGM MINUTES

Transcription

1 THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF AUSTRLIAN DRUG FREE POWERLIFTING FEDERATION FRIDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014 AT, MERIMUBULA R.S.L P.M. A G E N D A 1. Welcome: 5.00 pm 5 September 2014 AGM commenced. ADFPF members present welcomed by ADFPF President Mr Grant Cruikshank who chaired the meeting. Present at the AGM: David Bedingfield; Paula McPherson; Rose Gow; Nathan Dew; Todd Whiter; Christopher Powell; Damian Powell; Grant Cruikshank (ADFPF President & Chairperson); Jenna Morea; Sarah Bickers; Peter Bickers (VDFPA Inc. President); Hector Lawson; Austin Morrison (DFPA of NSW Inc. President); John Clow; Sandra Clow and Bob Parker Quorum met as per the ADFPF constitution. 2. Apologies Don Juers, Barbra Juers, Mark Buckerfield 3. Minutes of 2013 Annual General Meeting Posted on the ADFPF Website prior to the AGM and accessible to all ADFPF members to read. No amendments raised. Supported as a true and accurate account by Austin Morrison; Seconded by Damian Powell AGM Minutes accepted unamended. 4. Correspondence Damian Powell tabled Proxy Votes received from Don Juers, Barbra Juers, and Mark Buckerfield of SA nominating Rose Gow to vote on their behalf at this AGM. Tabled also were nominations for positions of the ADFPF Executive and Committee to be identified at relevant point in AGM re Voting for Officer and Committee members. 5. Treasurer s Report Treasure is Ms. Rose Gow. She advised that there is no report as no Financial Accounts exist or are maintained by the ADFPF body during this annual reporting period. Motion: Moved: Acknowledge that the ADFPF did not manage any finances during the annual reporting period, therefore no Treasure s report required Rose Gow; Seconded by: Austin Morrison Unanimous acceptance No treasurer s Report required 6. Other Reports o 2014 ADFPF President s Report: 1

2 Posted to the ADFPF website prior to the AGM. Tabled as read but summarised by Grant Cruikshank. (Refer to the ADFPF Website for the full report). Key issues raised included; challenges throughout the year for the ADFPF and affiliate State member Associations. Special mentions made to Damian Powell for taking on some key roles within the ADFPF Executive and Committee. Recognition and thanks to both the former skeleton Executive Committee of the VDFPA Inc. and Peter Bickers / 2014 saw a reduced number of State and national competitions run with the National Single Lift Championships in SA being cancelled. Issues affecting this included reduced lifters, spotters and loaders availability and declining International qualified referees available to travel large distances across Australia to support national events. Recognition of the VDFPA Inc. Force Deadlift Challenge as a great initiative to promote the sport and new membership to the VDFPA Inc. and ADFPF which will undertake drug testing even though no records can be set. The ADFPF President encouraged ADFPF members to both take up referee qualifications as well as consider taking up roles within the ADFPF Executive and Committee to ensure its future. Motion: Moved: To accept the President s report. Austin Morrison; Seconded: Damian Powell Unanimous acceptance Report accepted o 2014 ADFPF Referee s Co-ordinator Posted to the ADFPF website prior to the AGM. Prepared by Mr Don Juers, ADFPF Referee Coordinator. Read by Rose Gow on Don s behalf. Key Issue reported: Declining number of internationally qualified referees- further discussed at Agenda item 9.7; Mr Don Juers tendered his resignation from the position after valued service to the ADFPF due to declining health and absence of internet access (Refer to the ADFPF Website for the full report). Motion: Moved: To accept the report: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Austin Morrison Unanimous acceptance Report accepted o 2014 ADFPF National Secretary Posted to the ADFPF website prior to the AGM. Tabled as read but summarised by Damian Powell. (Refer to the ADFPF Website for the full report). Key issues raised during the year included back pay of WDFPF Affiliate Fees 2013 and Annual fees are 100 Euro plus 1 Euro per member within the ADFPF (including non-financial members such as Life members and Associate Members); WDFPF recognition of ADFPF member status; and recognition of current ADFPF qualified International Referees. Reimbursement from State Associations to Damian Powell for affiliate fees paid $688, to be paid in equal share by VDFPA Inc. and 2

3 SADFPA Inc. respectively. WDFPF World Congress are meeting on 31 October 2014 in the Republic of Moldova. Special Acknowledgements: Jenna Morea, the outgoing ADFPF ILO, Secretary and Record Keeper for stepping into these roles at a critical point when the ADFPF could have folded through non participation in the governing body by ADFPF members. WDFPF President Mr Wim Backelant, WDFPF Secretary, Ms Yulia Segal and WDFPF International Liaison Officer, Mr Andrew Cominos in assisting the ADFPF resolve both the affiliate fee, international referee qualification and world record issues. It was noted by Austin Morrison that Damian Powell paid the backdated affiliate fees out of his personal funds in the absence of an ADFPF funds being available, to ensure the issue was addressed in a timely manner. Ms Helen Kostadinos represented Australia, VDFPA Inc. and the ADFPF in the WDFPF World Single Lift Championships in Germany in June Helen set 4 new world records and 2 personal bests. Acknowledgment to Peter Bickers, Grant Cruikshank and Helen Kostadinos for compliance with ADFPF requirements pre competition. Motion: Moved: To accept the report: Rose Gow; Seconded by: Jenna Morea Unanimous acceptance Report accepted o 2014 International Liaison Officer Report Posted to the ADFPF website prior to the AGM. Tabled as read but summarised by Damian Powell. (Refer to the ADFPF Website for the full report). Key Issue reported: Key issues addressed included the resolution of WDFPF affiliate fees; WDFPF world record claims by ADFPF athletes; WDFPF recognition of ADFPF qualified International Referees. Reminder of Drug Testing timeframes of 5 days after the event must be adhered to so the ADFPF ILO can ensure all relevant drug testing documents are received by the WDFPF Drug Control Officer, Mr Rudy Smet. Timeframes this annual reporting year have improved from the previous year. Motion: Moved: To accept the report: Austin Morrison; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank Unanimous acceptance Report accepted o 2014 National Drug Control Officer s Report Posted to the ADFPF website prior to the AGM. Tabled as read but summarised by Damian Powell. (Refer to the ADFPF Website for the full report). 3

4 Key Issues reported: Development and implementation of enhanced ADFPF Chain of Custody Document. Total of 12 drug tests undertaken since the 2013 ADFPF AGM in July 2013 including two out of competitions drug tests in that timeframe (minimum of 1 x OOC required under WDFPF). All drug tests maintained integrity and compliance with WDFPF and WADA standards and all returned negative results, which whilst expected of athletes is very pleasing. Feedback from the Australian National Measurement Institute re drug testing kits supports the 2013 ADFPF AGM decision to move to the Berlinger brand Drug Testing Kits as the ADFPF national standard. Discussion centred on the possibility of national procurement of drug test kits for all State Association. This issue is discusses at Agenda Item 9.5. Motion: Moved: To accept the report: David Bedingfield; Seconded by: Jenna Morea Cruikshank Unanimous acceptance Report accepted o 2014 National Record Keeper Report Posted to the ADFPF website prior to the AGM. Report read by Rose Gow, ADFPF National record Keeper. (Refer to the ADFPF Website for the full report). Key Issues reported: Since last AGM in July 2013 ADFPF lifters have set many new State records; 45 new Australian national records and 8 new WDFPF records. 13 WDFPF World record claims by ADFPF lifters were recognised by the WDFPF during the annual reporting period, noting some of this have since been surpassed. This was an outstanding achievement by the ADFPF membership. Special thanks to Jenna Morea Cruikshank and Peter Bickers for assistance in getting the VDFPA Inc. State and ADFPF national record data handed over to Rose as the incoming ADFPF National Record Keeper. Peter Bickers advised he has established a new Excel Spreadsheet with formulas for VDFPA Inc. which provides competition results and informs establishment of new State and world records. Peter will speak with Rose Gow and State Record Keepers regarding interest from other States in adopting this new electronic approach. Motion: Moved: To accept the report: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Jenna Morea Unanimous acceptance Report accepted 6. Election of Officers The Chairperson declared all positions ADFPF Executive and Committee vacant and handed over to Damian Powell who chaired the election of the new ADFPF Executive and Committee members: ADFPF Executive Positions: Nominated by ADFPF President: Grant Cruikshank. No other nominations received. Jenna Morea; Seconded by: Austin Morris 4

5 ADFPF President - Mr Grant Cruikshank - NSW ADFPF Vice President: Don Juers. No other nominations received. Rose Gow; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank Acceptance unanimous ADFPF Vice President - Mr Don Juers - SA ADFPF Secretary: Damian Powell. No other nominations received. Barbra Juers; Seconded: Peter Bickers ADFPF Vice President - Mr Damian Powell - SA ADFPF Treasurer: Jenna Morea Cruikshank. No other nominations received. Rose Gow; Seconded by: Austin Morris ADFPF Treasurer Ms. Jenna Morea Cruikshank - NSW 7. ADFPF Committee Member Appointments ADFPF Referee Coordinator: Chris Powell. No other nominations received. Damian Powell; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank ADFPF Referee Coordinator Mr. Chris Powell - SA ADFPF National Drug Control Officer: Damian Powell. No other nominations received. Peter Bickers; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank ADFPF National Drug Control Officer Mr. Damian Powell - SA ADFPF International Liaison Officer: Damian Powell. No other nominations received. Barbara Juers; Seconded: Paula McPherson ADFPF International Liaison Officer Mr. Damian Powell SA ADFPF National Record Keeper: Rose Gow. No other nominations received. Don Juers; Seconded by: Jenna Morea Cruikshank ADFPF National Record Keeper Ms. Rose Gow - SA ADFPF Public Relations & Marketing Officer: Jenna Morea Cruikshank. No other nominations received. Jenna Morea Cruikshank; Seconded by: Peter Bickers 5

6 ADFPF Public Relations & Marketing Officer Ms. Jenna Morea Cruikshank - NSW Position ADFPF General Committee Members Mr Peter Bickers. No other nominations received. Peter Bickers; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank New member - Mr Peter Bickers (VDFPA President) - VIC At completion of the election of new ADFPF Executives and Committee members the meeting was handed back to the returning ADFPF President, Mr Grant Cruikshank to chair the remainder of the AGM. 8. Constitutional Matters Nil. 9. General Business 9.1 ADFPF Logo standardising our brand Raised by Damian Powell Damian Powell spoke to this agenda item and identified two different logos for the ADFPF are currently being used. A proposal was put forward to consolidate to a single logo agreed by the ADFPF that best represents the ADFPF both as a brand and is easily identifiable as Australian in the international environment. Option 1 logo: Non Preferred: Depicts a bent barbell and weight plates the words Australian Drug Free arched above the bent barbell and words Powerlifting Federation and Natural Athletes below the barbell. Option 2 logo: Proposed Logo: Depicts an outline map of Australia with a straight barbell and weight plates through the centre of the map and words Australian Drug Free arched above the map; and Powerlifting Federation arched below the map of Australia. Motion: That Option 2 is approved as the standard ADFPF logo to be used for this date forward in all ADFPF marketing and communication. Moved by: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Peter Bickers Motion passed 9.2 Protocols for communication on the ADFPF Facebook and website pages Raised by Jenna Morea Cruikshank Jenna Morea Cruikshank spoke to this agenda item proposing the development of protocols / Code of Conduct for the interaction and communication by members and non-members, online. It was noted that the ADFPF Face book page is used as a primary form of marketing and is accessed by both ADFPF members and non-members. On this basis it was raised as to whether protocols and a Code of Conduct including, 6

7 the authority for the ADFPF Publications and Marketing Officer to take down / remove from ADFPF online forums any comments (posts) that are considered inappropriate and have the potential to negatively impact the ADFPF and its affiliate member Associations; or bring the sport into disrepute. Jenna identified that there had been a few occasions already (nothing significant) where comments posted on these online ADFPF social forums had the potential to negatively undermine / misrepresent / impact the ADFPF and its integrity and good reputation. Discussion centred on removing inflammatory, racist, derogatory, discriminatory comments that are likely to offend. Issuing of warnings to persons who post inappropriate comments was discussed. It was identified that these contemporary social media forums are a primary form of marketing and advertising for the ADFPF to nonmembers. A significant risk identified was non-members coming onto the ADFPF sponsored/ administered sites posting defamatory information about the ADFPF. The development of protocols /conditions / code of conduct is intended to promote respectful, inclusive, supportive and encouraging communication between like-minded people in the international powerlifting community as well as promoting the WDFPF and ADFPF philosophies of natural athlete through drug free powerlifting. It is not intended to censor or restrict freedom of speech. The AGM forum recognised it was important to take reasonable steps to protect the reputation and brands of both the ADFPF and the WDFPF. There was support for the development of conditions of use for persons interacting on ADFPF branded social media sites and forums and to have these conditions expectations and potential outcomes as a disclaimer at the top of the relevant online social networking sites / forums for information of all users. It was also identified there was a need to add these conditions to existing State Association membership forums to ensure all ADFPF affiliate members were aware and agreed to conditions and ramifications of misconduct on the online environment. Discussion also centred on who should have access to the ADFPF sponsored sites and whether this should be limited to ADFPF affiliate members only. Motion: ADFPF develops a code of conduct / conditions of use are developed for ADFPF sponsored / branded website and internet social media forums and these are circulated out of session to the respective National and State affiliate Presidents for their consideration and out-of-session approval. Moved by: Responsibility: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Austin Morrison Motion passed ADFPF Publications & Marketing Officer- Ms. Jenna Morea Cruikshank - NSW 9.3 Annual ADFPF Fees for State Associations Raised by Damian Powell Damian Powell spoke to this agenda item. The ADFPF is the governing body of the three States Affiliate member Associations being; the South Australian Drug Free Powerlifting Association (SADFPA); Victorian Drug Free Powerlifting Association (VDFPA) and the Drug Free Powerlifting Association of New South Wales (DFPA of NSW). Each year the ADFPF is required to pay the WDFPF annual affiliate membership 7

8 fees. The impact of letting this lapse was experienced in past year where the ADFPF membership, and recognition of world records and referee qualifications was in jeopardy. Damian identified that as the ADFPF has not previously set annual affiliate fees for State affiliate Associations and as such, has national funds no funds upon which to draw to pay these national funding responsibilities. Damian proposed the ADFPF establish annual State / Territory affiliate membership fees required to be paid each year by the respective State / Territory Associations to the ADFPF to ensure for this purpose. The AGM forum discussed broadening the purpose and contributions of each State/ territory affiliate Association to cover common expenses that could be shared equitably across the current three Association. These included the purchase of competition trophies for States through bulk purchasing nationally; purchase of drug test kits for State / territory Associations; national payment of drug testing for National competitions only. Motion 1: ADFPF Executive is authorised to set annual ADFPF affiliate fees that will be paid by each State / Territory affiliate member Association to the ADFPF. These annual fees will be for the purpose of agreed payment and purchases on behalf of State / Territory Affiliate member Associations including: Annual WDFPF Affiliate Fees Payment of drug testing for ADFPF endorsed national powerlifting championships and events Bulk purchase of competition trophies and ADFPF marketing items as approved by the ADFPF Executive on behalf of State / Territory affiliate member Associations Bulk purchase of ADFPF Drug Test Kits (Berlinger) on behalf of State / Territory member Associations Moved by: Responsibility: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Austin Morrison Motion passed ADFPF Executive Motion 2: Implementation of annual affiliate fees set by the ADFPF are not implemented until the issue of establishing an ADFPF national bank account is fully explored and implemented. Moved by: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank Motion passed Responsibility: ADFPF President to communicate outcome of establishment of ADFPF bank account to ADFPF Executive to enable the setting of annual affiliate fees. 9.4 Establishment of an ADFPF Bank Account Raised by Damian Powell Damian Powell spoke to the agenda item. It follows on from Agenda item 9.3 and also relates to Agenda item 9.5. It was identified that the establishment of a national ADFPF bank account was required in order to facilitate enhanced coordination of payments and agreed purchases on behalf of ADFPF affiliate member Associations, as outlined in 8

9 Agenda items 9.3 and 9.5 of this AGM. The purpose for establishing this ADFPF bank account is: The receipt of any ADFPF annual affiliate fees by the respective State / Territory (as the case may arise) Powerlifting Association to the ADFPF The payment of annual WDFPF Affiliate Fees by the ADFPF. The payment of drug testing expenses directly connected with the National ADFPF endorsed powerlifting championships and events as required by the WDFPF To facilitate the bulk purchase of competition trophies and ADFPF marketing items as approved by the ADFPF Executive. To facilitate the bulk purchase of ADFPF approved Drug Test Kits. Discussion was raised regarding the practical and legal issues and considerations in establishing a national ADFPF bank account as the ADFPF is a representative body comprised of the membership of the three current State affiliate Associations who are each legally incorporated bodies. It was noted that the ADFPF was not an incorporated body but a representative body of theses legal entities. There was in-principle agreement and support for the establishment of an ADFPF Bank Account if this was possible. Exploration of the issues was required before a final endorsement and implementation of an ADFFP bank account could occur. It was queried as to whether prior to the establishment of such an account and the payment of annual affiliate fees (as per Agenda item 9.3) that the issues should be taken back to the State Association committees for their respective endorsement. It was decided that once the issue of establishing the ADFPF bank account had been explored that the issue should be referred to the respective State and National Presidents for out of session approval to implement. This would then be the decision of the respective State President as to whether the issue needed to go to the respective State Committee for approval. If established, consideration then needed to be given to whom the signatories to the account were. Suggestions included the National and three State President, National and three State Treasurers or a combinations of these. Signatories would be decided for the initial establishment by the respective State Presidents and National President. In circumstances of a tied vote amongst the Presidents, the ADFPF President will have the deciding vote. Motion 1: The ADFPF explores the legal and practical issues in establishing an ADFPF bank account. The intention of establishing this ADFPF bank account is for the collection of annual affiliate fees, making of purchases common to affiliate member Associations and payment of drug testing at National Competitions. These include: The receipt of any ADFPF annual affiliate fees set by the ADFPF and to be paid by the respective State member Associations to the ADFPF The payment of annual WDFPF Affiliate Fees by the ADFPF on behalf of the State affiliate members Associations The payment of drug testing expenses directly connected with the National ADFPF endorsed powerlifting championships and events as required by the WDFPF 9

10 To facilitate the bulk purchase of competition trophies and ADFPF marketing items as approved by the ADFPF Executive, on behalf of all State affiliate member Associations To facilitate the bulk purchase of ADFPF Drug Test Kits (Berlinger) on behalf of State member Associations. Moved by: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank Motion passed Responsibility: ADFPF Treasurer Motion 2: That the establishment of an ADFPF bank account is not implemented until approved by the ADFPF National and three State Association Presidents. This approval can occur outside of the ADFPF AGM. Moved by: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Peter Bickers Motion passed Responsibility: ADFPF President to coordinate agreement and advise the National Treasurer and Secretary of the outcome 9.5 Central Funding Pool for all Drug Testing Don Juers Damian Powell spoke to this agenda item on behalf of Don Juers, president SADFPA Inc. It was identified that the running of national ADFPF competitions places additional financial burden upon the hosting member Association. As drug testing costs are not subsidised by any Government funding, the full costs of drug testing ($500 / per test) is met by the host jurisdiction. National ADFPF Championships generally attract high numbers of athlete, incurring additional drug testing costs. It is proposed, subject to endorsement, to establish a national ADFPF bank account and ADFPF annual affiliate fees that meet the costs associated with drug testing at ADFPF national competitions and that these costs are shared equally by State member Associations each year. It was noted that as a general rule up to 20 lifters compete at any of the two scheduled national events incurring drug testing costs of $1000 per event. On this basis drug testing costs can be easily predicted. It was further proposed that if for some reason the full expected costs were not incurred in any given year, that the funds remain in the ADFPF bank accounts as carry-over to ensure extraordinary funds are available for unexpected costs. The issue of sharing drug testing costs for national ADFPF events can proceed in the absence of the establishment of a national ADFPF bank account however, it was noted that the ADFPF bank account would facilitate this more effectively. Motion 1: That State member Associations agree to share equally, anticipated annual drug testing costs for all ADFPF national events. Moved by: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank Motion passed Responsibility: ADFPF Treasurer 10

11 Motion 2: That sharing of drug testing costs for national ADFPF championships will occur with or without the establishment of a national ADFPF bank account. Moved by: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank Motion passed Responsibility: ADFPF Treasurer to coordinate State Association drug testing contributions to either a future ADFPF bank account or in the absence of a national ADFPF bank account, the respective Association hosting a national championship event. 9.6 Frequency of National Competitions (single Lift / 3 Lift Comps) Raised by Don Juers Damian Powell spoke to this agenda item on behalf of Don Juers. It was identified that a declining numbers of available of internationally qualified referees, competitors, spotters and loaders in July 2014 resulted in the ADFPF Australian Single Lift Championships being cancelled at the last minute. This was disappointing for all concerned including the SADFPA Inc., registered lifters and the ADFPF. The question being posed was whether there should continue to be two ADFPF national events (3 Lift and Single Lift) annually; only one national event annually; or one national event every two years. Discussion focused on ensuring the sport not only survived by flourished in Australia. A key factor in achieving this objective was to ensure that collectively the ADFPF and its affiliate State member Associations held as many events as possible. Discussion centred on the attraction and retention of new membership to our sport and organisations. It was acknowledged that new members will join if they have events to compete in. The number of events also becomes motivation for existing lifters to continue to participate and improve. It was noted that the cancellation of the ADFPF National Single Lift Championships in SA was due to unavailability of minimum support staff and lifters to make the event worthwhile; noting the effort required to bring this event together is significant for event organisers. It was recognised that lifters when making a decision to lift also need to commit to participating in the whole event. This includes helping in some way such as set up, pull down, spotting and loading, refereeing. Peter Bickers provided an outline of the new come and try out VDFPA Inc. Force Deadlift Challenge being held on 25 October 2014 in Victoria. This event was checked with both Mr Andrew Cominos of the WDFPF and the ADFPF which have identified no issues with the running of this event. This is being held to promote the sport and new membership as well as the philosophies of the WDFPF and ADFPF. Drug testing will occur but no records can be set. One day VDFPA Inc. membership will be required in order to participate. The ADFPF noted this initiative and its interest in the model and outcome of the event. There was general agreement to continue to hold two national events per year as a currently occurs being; one National Single Lift Competition and one National 3 Lift Competition and not to reduce the current scheduled number of national events. The viability of holding any particular national event will however need to be continually 11

12 assessed on a case by case basis subject to the availability and commitment of support staff, officials and competitors. It was noted that in 2015 DFPA of NSW Inc. and VDFPA Inc. would have the first opportunity to host the two ADFPF National Championship events. If for some reason one of these Associations is unable to host their event, they may consult with SADFPA Inc. regarding their ability to host the event in their place. It was also identified that the ADFPF Competition Calendar for 2015 needs to be settled by 15 December 2014 at the latest. This requires each State Association to set and communicate to the ADFPF Secretary by 15/12/14 the proposed dates for both the respective State and National Competitions being hosted by that Association. State Associations were reminded that in setting competitions date to be mindful of major Australian public holidays and events that may make it difficult for lifters to commit to the event. Also to be aware of the timeframe between the State competitions and subsequent National competitions. Motion: That the ADFPF continues to hold two National Championships per year being; 1 x annual National 3 Lift Championship and 1 x annual National Single Lift Championship with the host Association for these events being shared across the three existing affiliate member Associations on an equable and rotating basis. Moved by: Austin Morrison; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank Motion passed Responsibility: State Association Presidents of DFPA of NSW and VDFPA to communicate out of session and agree on who will host which national event and to advise the ADFPF President and ADFPF Secretary by 15/12/14 on the proposed dates for both National and State competitions for Requirement for more WDFPF qualified referees- Raised by Damian Powell Damian Powell spoke to this agenda item which follows on from the issue of declining numbers of WDFPF qualified international referees within the ADFPF, by the ADFPF President and the ADFPF Referee Coordinator in their AGM reports. All State Associations and ADFPF Executive were challenged to encourage as many members as possible to commence referee qualifications to ensure the future of the sport in Australia. Discussion centred on the requirements for qualification to WDFPF International level. It was noted that the tyranny of distance, coupled with the limited number of national level competitions in Australia presented challenges in qualifying members to this level. A question for the WDFPF Congress approval was proposed that approval be given to the ADFPF to conduct practical assessments at both State and national events. 9.8 WDFPF Executive and Committee nominations Raised by Damian Powell Damian Powell spoke to this agenda item. Damian advised that ADFPF members can put forward a nomination for an ADFPF member to sit on the WDFPF World Congress Committee. There is a specific application form available from the ADFPF Secretary 12

13 which must reach the WDFPF Secretary by a certain date prior to the World Congress on 31 October Damian asked any member of the ADFPF Executive and Committee WDFPF minimum requirements for a position on the WDFPF Committee include an ability to communicate in English (written and oral) and ability to respond to s within 72 hours. Damian proposed that it was important that the ADFPF had confidence in the ability and capacity of any ADFPF nominee to the WDFPF Committee. He further proposed that any ADFPF member interested in nominating for the WDFPF Committee must have been or currently be on the ADFPF Executive or Committee and that the nomination of that person be recommended by the ADFPF President and National Secretary, similar to the process adopted for recommending and ADFPF athlete to compete in WDFPF World Championships. Discussion indicated general support for this quality assurance process. Motion: That an ADFPF member seeking nomination on to the WDFPF Committee must be a current member of the ADFPF Executive or Committee and must be recommended to the WDFPF by the ADFPF President and ADFPF Secretary. Moved by: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Jenna Morea Cruikshank Motion passed Responsibility: ADFPF President and ADFPF Secretary to approve nominations and send recommendation to WDFPF with nomination form. 9.9 WDFPF World Congress Meeting (ADFPF Issues) Raised by Damian Powell Damian Powell spoke to this agenda item. Damian identified that the ADFPF was able to raise questions or issues with the WDFPF Congress for an answer or decision. Questions or Issues must be in writing and provided to the WDFPF Secretary by 30 September 2014 for consideration at the World Congress Meeting on 31 October 2014 in the Republic of Moldova. Damian tabled the opportunity for the ADFPF to raise questions or issues and requested any issues or questions be provided to the ADFPF Secretary through the ADFPF President before 30 September Rose Gow raised on behalf of Don Juers whether WDFPF International referee practical assessments in Australia could be undertaken at both State and National Competitions provided the assessing referee was a current WDFPF recognised International Referee. The question is whether the WDFPF would give the ADFPF dispensation to do this as both events in Australia are judged at an international level and in line with the WDFPF rules and requirements. It was noted that unlike Europe, the tyranny of distance between States in Australia is significant and the opportunity to referee world record attempts is very limited. John Clow raised the question as to whether any other WDFPF affiliate member nations still feel the Start command was still necessary for the bench-press? Discuss was had on the origins on introduction of the command. It was identified that the WDFPF rules already have requirement to hold the bar motionless before the lift commences. The question raised being; is the start command still necessary. It was identified that waiting for the start command can and has left the lifter exposed. 13

14 Motion: That the following two questions are raised with the WDFPF World Congress: 1. Whether the WDFPF would give the ADFPF dispensation to allow the practical assessments for International Referee qualifications to be conducted at both State and National Events; and 2. Whether the start command for the bench-press is still relevant, given the existing WDFPF rule requiring the bar to be motionless prior to commencement of the lift. Moved by: Damian Powell; Seconded by: Grant Cruikshank Motion passed Responsibility: ADFPF Secretary to forward the above questions to the WDFPF Secretary for consideration and response by the WDFPF World Congress. AGM Concluded at 6.36 pm on Friday 5 September 2014 and closed by ADFPF President Mr Grant Cruikshank. 14