by Bill Harrigan | Mar 9, 2022 | Media Release, National, Tournaments
It is with deep regret that Australian Oztag has to abandon the 2021 Senior Australian Championships.
We are all aware of the amount of rain which has fallen over the Northern rivers and the Greater Sydney basin in the last two weeks. The devastation it has caused and the impact it has had on our players, their families and friends has been enormous.
New South Wales is in a state of emergency and our thoughts are with all of those affected. We understand that their priorities must be with recovery efforts rather than playing Oztag.
Secondary to the decision to postpone the tournament, Perry Haddock attended Coffs Harbour on Tuesday morning to inspect C.ex Stadium and surrounding fields with Council Staff and the Stadium Greenkeepers.
Although the fields are starting to dry out, the long-range weather forecast indicates further rain in Coffs Harbour and across NSW next week which may prevent us from hosting an effective tournament.
Australian Oztag would like to thank Council and greenkeeping staff who did provide us with a contingency plans to use different variations of fields, however, considering the devastation right across the Sydney basin on Tuesday 8th March and the impact it has had on the Oztag community, we are abandoning the tournament.
We understand better than anyone the impact decisions like this can have on players, families and the local Coffs Harbour community. However, by making this decision now we hope to minimize the impact and allow teams to make arrangements with accommodation & travel.
This brings me to the decision by AO to abandon the tournament rather than postponing it.
This tournament has already been postponed from November 2021.
To postpone the tournament again, in an already very busy Oztag schedule in 2022, creates more logistical problems. E.G. Weather, scheduling and hiring the venue, close to the June state cup dates, accommodation availability, referees and also consideration was given to the fact that Australian teams are not being selected from this tournament & Queensland teams were not represented.
Although this decision was not made lightly, to abandon the Senior Championships and move on to the 2022 tournaments just makes sense.
Bill Harrigan
Australian Oztag General Manager
by Chelsea Cryer | Dec 9, 2021 | Latest News, Media Release, NSW Oztag, Tournaments
Tournament Director, Luke Manahan has announced that the NSW Senior City v Country has been postponed to January, 2022 due to heavy rainfall.
The South Coast has experienced heavy rainfall over the last couple of days with more rainfall forecast today (9/12) and tomorrow (10/12).
The groundsman completed an inspection this morning & he indicated the fields were unplayable and would remain unplayable on Saturday.
Regardless, Wollongong Council have since closed ALL fields.
Therefore, Australian Oztag (AO) will postpone the tournament to Saturday 29 January, 2022 at Sid Parrish Park, Figtree NSW (same venue).
Contingency plans to move the venue were considered, however fields in those councils have also been closed & other options have been negated by cricket.
We also had to consider travel arrangements by players coming from regional areas – it’s important to give these players as much notice as possible.
AO’s goal is to play this tournament to give the selected players the opportunity to represent their region; hence the postponement to a new date.
However, if the tournament cannot be completed on the 29th January it will be cancelled & the rego portion of the player fee refunded.
Thank you.
Luke Manahan
Tournament Director
by Chelsea Cryer | Sep 29, 2021 | Latest News, Media Release, NSW Oztag
AO General Manager, Bill Harrigan has released a statement following the NSW Government’s recent announcement on the return to community sport at 80% double vaccinations.
Hi Everyone,
Great news is Oztag will be back in 2021.
After the NSW Government announcement on Monday, what we do know is this:
Community sport will return after we hit 80% double vaccinations in the community of 16 years of age and above (mid to late October).
We know it is only for double vaxxed people until the 1st of December. This will include parents and spectators only attending if double dosed. From the 1st, all can participate & attend.
We must abide by the one person per 2 square metres or capped at 5000 people if the venue is big enough.
There has been no mention of the ages allowed to return, only that we can return when double vaxed hits 80% of the people 16 and above.
So the questioned is asked, can under 16’s play without being double vaxed? We have asked the question and waiting on confirmation.
I read it as over 16 must be double vaxed and under 16 don’t but can return. TBC
Therefore Oztag associations are gearing up to return to play for Summer 21/22.
You will need to search your local associations social media or website for details on when they will start and their registration protocols.
You can find websites via oztag.com.au & search locations.
We will continue to update detail as we are informed.
Regards,
Bill Harrigan
AO General Manager
by Chelsea Cryer | Sep 2, 2021 | International, Media Release, Tournaments
Australian Oztag Director of Coaching and Development, Michael Buettner officially announced the cancellation of the 2020 Trans Tasman series, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is with great regret, Australian Oztag (AO) can officially announce the cancellation of the 2020 Trans Tasman Tournament in Auckland, New Zealand.
Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 lockdown, which has affected every State in varying degrees, the New Zealand ‘travel bubble’ was closed and therefore meant the tournament could no longer go ahead despite the many attempts to reschedule over the past 18 months.
Australian Oztag would like to congratulate all the players, coaches and support staff who were selected to compete in this tournament. It is always an honour to represent your country and this would have been the biggest touring party to have left our shores representing Australian Oztag.
All players and coaches will receive their playing gear courtesy of Australian Oztag as recognition of their selection in the squad, as well as the 1 year service recognition despite not having competed at the tournament.
Australian Oztag would also like to take the time to thank the players, coaches, managers and supporters for their patience, understanding and support over the past 18 months. Clearly these have been unprecedented times and we all are hoping that there is light at the end of the tunnel so we can all get back to playing as soon as possible.
Another big thank you to Kim Newton and Amanda Washington from MTA Travel who had the unenviable task of booking and rebooking over 600 players and supporters on 4 seperate occasions. Their efforts behind the scenes cannot be underestimated and their support, commitment and professionalism was apparent and ensured they were going to do all they could to get our Tagaroos teams competing at this Trans Tasman tournament.
Australian Oztag is hoping to see restrictions ease in the coming months, so players have the opportunity to enjoy our great game again. Until then, stay safe and train hard.”
Michael Buettner
AO Director of Coaching and Development
by Chelsea Cryer | Sep 1, 2021 | Media Release, NSW Oztag
AO General Manager, Bill Harrigan has released a statement in response to the NSW Government’s recent announcement regarding the ease of restrictions, subject to vaccination rates.
“Today, the NSW Government hinted there will be a further ease of restrictions when NSW hits 70% vaccinations in mid-October. They also said they expect to open up international travel in mid-November if we hit 80% vaccinations.
Therefore, there can be an expectation that community sport may be allowed to resume. It will probably come with restrictions like we saw last year when we returned to sport after the first lockdown. E.g. limited numbers within areas, no spectators etc. We should also consider that the Government may restrict sport to only fully vaccinated people.
So, Australian Oztag encourages its players to get vaccinated in readiness for a potential return to sport this year. We also acknowledge people have a choice but if the Government restrict participation to only fully vaccinated, we must comply.”
Bill Harrigan
AO General Manager
by Chelsea Cryer | Jul 7, 2021 | Media Release, NSW Oztag
The NSW Government have announced the extension of the current Public Health Order until 11:59pm Friday 16 July, 2021.
Following updated health advice, the NSW Government Stay at Home Order across Greater Sydney including Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour has been extended another week, until 11:59pm on Friday 16 July.
While such restrictions are in place, community sport (training or a match) cannot proceed in these areas. Head to Sport NSW for more information.
The return to community sport across Greater Sydney including Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour Local Government Areas (LGAs) will be subject to NSW Health advice.
The current restrictions in place across the remainder of NSW have also been extended until this time (11:59pm Friday 16 July). NSW Health detail what you can do in rural and regional NSW.
NSW Oztag are pleased that competitions outside the lockdown areas are able to continue play, however their Covid Safety Plan must be updated and enforced to adhere to current restrictions.
Any player residing or working in the lockdown areas must not attend ANY competition still running outside the lockdown areas.
Any player feeling unwell is encouraged to not attend their local competition during this time.
Associations across Greater Sydney including Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour have been advised to update their Covid Safety Plans and ensure they are ready for immediate use when community sport returns in these LGAs..
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your association directly.
NSW Oztag will continue to monitor the NSW Health regulations in conjunction with Sport NSW and will keep the Oztag community updated as necessary.
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