Please note this year a six (6) team 9 (nine) a side format will operate. Some of last year's teams or players are no longer active, hence the change from 11 a side, and new teams will now be formed.

Hi all.

Welcome to the 2012 over 35 PCYC season ! GAME ON…

I have set out a schedule which includes preseason activities and confirms our start date after the Easter holidays.

I have also set out the normal stuff re my expectations and major issues. Just one change to the rules as you will see. I think this makes good sense.

I appreciate that at the end of last year there were rumblings of retirement from some players and some team managers. Ideally we would have an 8 team format and I would certainly be inviting and encouraging all of the six 2011 teams to re-participate, under their old names or new names.

I am also trying to field 2 further teams - and would like to encourage existing members of other teams who may be inclined to either break away or start their own team to do so. I also encourage individual players to go on their own recruitment drive and try and encourage more players to join our competition.

An 8 team competition will be far more enjoyable for all concerned than a 6 team competition, and given the high level of interest in players assisting other teams, and in general terms a greater acceptance that we are here to play for fitness and fun rather than to be world beaters, I am sure that even with some teams not consistently being able to field 11 players, we will have an enjoyable season.

If you personally have decided not to take on the reins again for another season, I thank you again for all of your efforts in earlier seasons and would ask that you attempt to find someone else within your team to take over as manager and communicate with me in that regard.

At this stage I have secured BJ again to ref I would be interested in any nominations for a second full time ref with similar experience and qualifications as BJ given Adrian's decision in 2011.

I may take on responsibilities for reffing one game per week, however ideally I would have a port of 3 referees to assist the competition.

Last year we also used Rob Clark and Dave Kerr at times, and they are still options, however someone independent might be better.

In terms of fees the 2011 rates will remain at this point in time. As a reminder, this involves PCYC membership (as separate to over 35 fees as such) plus $175.00 at sign on and a $50.00 player levy paid to team managers and then to me prior to the first fixture.

I anticipate 3 rounds (21 games) and then the final series with the season ending in late September if you have any queries please get in touch with me.

Assistance with sign on processes, $50 payments, making sure everyone is registered, will as usual be greatly appreciated from all the team managers, as well as your own efforts to recruit a reasonable group of players to make up your side, and encourage players to help out when other teams are short.

In reality we and the players make the completion a success or otherwise based on our conduct and attitude. Please remind the players of that. I hope to have the website up and running shortly. I would certainly encourage members of all teams, including yourselves to participate in the pre-season activities that I have organised as well as working on any of your own fitness or pre-season initiatives. The personal fitness sessions that I have arranged at $5 a pop represent great value.

Joe