Following feedback from Clubs around Australia, Judo Australia has cancelled the 2024 National Club Teams Competition in Bendigo. Originally scheduled to take place next month, the idea is an exciting one that Clubs need more time to embrace.
Shane Alvisio, national operations manager for Judo Australia, advises that although entries for the October 18 event had not yet closed, it had become apparent over the past week that there were just not enough Clubs who were confident they could enter teams.
"We decided to make this decision early, so that Clubs could obtain refunds for flights and accommodation expenditure," Shane said.
"Judo Australia is encouraged the feedback we have received on the concept is 100% supportive. We know the Teams Judo concept is a strong one people want to be involved with, and hope that it can be introduced into State Tournament Calendars for 2025."
"Judo Australia is certainly looking at our Gold Coast Nationals schedule for 2025 to determine the best way to include the National Club Teams format into the existing event," Shane concluded.
We would like to receive feedback from as many Clubs as possible on ensuring this Team concept can be supported going forward. Some feedback from Clubs and judoka so far includes:
“in a nutshell, the cost and timing is the issue. Families have already committed to the QIO and as mentioned previously the cost of the judo product has reached a tipping point and families are really feeling the pinch and discretionary funding has dried up”
“As alluded to on the telephone earlier today, we will NOT be sending a team to this year's National Club Teams Championships. Apologies, however it is just too expensive and with a couple of our team members in the competition pathway, their money is already tight”
“we will not be attending the teams event. A lot of our players have competed overseas this year and so are unable to afford more travel. I think there would be more support if it was added to the Nationals with plenty of warning so players can book their flights knowing it is on”
“maybe different weight categories would assist Eg: Womens to be under and over 57kg (not 63kg) Mens to be u73kg, u81kg, u90kg, o90kg)”
“feedback from our club members – they didn’t really know about the concept of the event – was it a one off event or did it lead to anything?”
“Bendigo is difficult to travel to. Fly into Melbourne and then organise a bus ? Maybe consider hosting the Teams Event in a more accessible location”
”I was planning on having a team but it seems that it is harder than ever to get people to get work off, buy accommodation etc for a non NES event- it’s a big commitment for recreational players."
“October is a difficult time due to end of year HSC exams, if JA could consider hosting as part of the existing Nationals in June. While a significant number of our members are already competing at that event.”
"I propose that we integrate the team competition with the Nationals. This adjustment could be easily implemented, and modifying the Nationals program slightly would benefit JA while encouraging clubs to consolidate their expenses. While we currently have kids' teams, they lack adequate support. I believe teams should compete on a separate day from individual events. Additionally, October coincides with exam periods, which significantly affects many of our top players….”
“Mostly is the cost and traveling distance. This event doesn't bring the value to the members in comparison to the cost, time and effort involved. Most Judoka would be happy if it is within a day trip. I support the ideas of team competition, maybe start building and climbing the ladder with regional to state and then national level. Make teams qualified to next level. Get community involvement in process of growth rather than gathering on unknown venture where competition level can be from recreational to international. I think the quality level should be similar, as well potential of achieving goals to attract people to travel long distances.”
Judo Australia includes the above feedback to stimulate further conversation and feedback from Clubs on getting the Teams Competition concept correct for future events. We are keen to integrate the Teams concept into Judo within Australia and provide another opportunity to build local Club spirit and camaraderie," Shane concluded.
We welcome your thoughts via email to Shane on admin@ausjudo.com.au.
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