The Dirt - September 2014

THE DIRT september 2014

cLUB RETURN: MOREE a ride around the country geelong track development uci bmx sx: argentina

THE DIRT You can be a part of THE

DIRT too!

If you have news, event reports, photos or anything else BMX related, send them to the Editor at news@bmxaustralia.com.au Cover: Track development at Moree BMX Club.

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IN THIS ISSUE FROM THE TOP OF THE RAMP

OPERATION: BMXA cLUB RETURN: MOREE uci bmx sx: argentina geelong track development a ride around the country

we want your stories Do you have a great BMX story that needs to be told? Maybe it’s about a hero, or long serving individual around the club?

It could be an inspiring story or a tale of exceptional achievement.

Whatever it is we love hearing from our BMX family, and more than that we like to share your stories with everyone else.

If you think someone’s story deserves to be heard get in touch with us at news@bmx.com.au and it could feature in future editions of ‘The Dirt’ so get writing!!

THE PRO'S CHOICE

ATHLETE | JYE HOMBSCH | DK BICYCLES FACTORY TEAM

From The Top Of The Ramp Inside BMX Australia with director anita wells

Welcome to the Top of The Ramp, where in this edition, I will be providing you with an update as to what has been happening within the National Coaching portfolio and our focus area at the moment – How can you identify an Accredited BMX Coach?

This is definitely a busy time for Coaching, both within Athlete Development and Coach Education.

BMX Athlete Development: The BMXA Board has recently endorsed the creation of new national pathway identifying the stages of BMX Athlete Development in line with the new AIS Winning Edge guidelines. This program incorporates the development stages of Foundation, Talent, Excellence and Mastery.

BMX Australia Development Academy: is continuing to broaden its foundations and under the leadership of National Academy Coaches, Luke Madill and Sharon Willoughby, already proving to be the launching pad of future High Performance BMX athletes.

Coach Education: National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) accredited courses are continuing around the nation, with the number of accredited coaches steadily growing in all states.

HOW CAN I TELL IF A COACH IS ACCREDITED OR NOT? If you are a BMX Club committee seeking the services of a Club or Guest Coach, or a parent or rider looking for a Private Coach, ask to see their BMXA Coaching Licence. If the coach can’t provide this information then they may not be accredited and you need to contact your State Coaching Director or BMX Australia to confirm their coaching accreditation.

WHY BE ACCREDITED: The Australian Sports Commission requires that all BMX Australia Coaching activities require the coach to be accredited through the NCAS. Engaging the services of an accredited BMX Coach means that you are being provided a quality service. Being accredited also means that you and your riders are covered by BMXA’s insurance when conducting coaching within your level of accreditation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? If your coach is accredited he/she: - Has attended and passed a course (or is in training) providing general sports and BMX specific information including: • Knowing the boundaries of their coaching accreditation - e.g. 1. A Beginner Coach is accredited to coach basic entry level skills aimed at beginner or novice riders such as ‘wheels on ground’. 2. A Level 1 Coach is able to coach more advanced skills such as jumping and manualing aimed at experienced and competition level riders.

• Stages of rider development • Periodization of training • BMX rules and ethics • Nutrition • Drugs in sport • Safety - Has a valid Working with Children’s Check - Has up to date qualifications in First Aid - Is bound by the NCAS BMXA Coaches Code of Conduct - Is covered by BMXA’s member Insurance whilst undertaking accredited coaching activities.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS? Risks of using an UNACCREDITED COACH are: - Not knowing if they are safe to work with children - Not knowing if they are teaching you current, up to date BMX skills that are appropriate to your age and stage of development - Not knowing if they will know what to do if you get hurt during your coaching activities.

- Not being covered by BMXA insurance if you do need to make a claim - Your club, state or BMXA may not be able to take disciplinary action against the person if you need to lodge a complaint.

- Clubs or individuals within the club committee can become personally liable if they sanction unaccredited club coaching activities within their club.

RATIOS: Beginner 8 riders per accredited coach (1:8) Level 1

8 riders per accredited coach (1:8)

State Coaching Directors are responsible for all coaching matters within their states. If you have a query, complaint or compliment, please direct them in the first instance to your relevant State Coaching Director.

I AM INTERESTED IN BECOMING A COACH: For more information please contact your club or state association or email: coaching@bmxaustralia.com.au General information on coaching can also be found at www.bmxaustralia.com.au and NCAS coaching resources at www.ausport.gov.au Coaches are such a central key to our great sport of BMX. I hope you’ve found this information useful.

Yours in BMX, Anita Wells National Coaching Director BMX Australia

OPERATION: BMXAchallenge report with general manager mark louis

Membership and event registration system We were travelling well in the development of our new membership and event registration system – My BMX, with a comprehensive roll out plan which included the setup, introduction and training of the new system to our Clubs and States, only to have the old system effectively shut off prematurely from our previous provider.

Whilst our best laid plans were thrown into turmoil the staff and our new provider Omni Sports Management (OSM) and developers have been working overtime to put the new system in place with minimal disruption to our members wanting to become a member, renew their membership or enter into current events.

Whilst there have been the inevitable challenges the system is now working well and will set the platform as our new digital strategy to improve communications within the sport and enhance the member experience.

I encourage you to log into your profile, check your details are correct and see what events are available for you to enter.

The system is designed as a 100% bespoke BMX Australia product specifically for our sport in Australia and I am excited at the new enhancements already being developed in the system for release at a further date.

BMX Australia National Series Plans are well underway for the 2015 BMX Australia National Series which sees more racing over more rounds in what is brewing as an exciting Australian racing season ahead. We have received some amazing support from local governments for our events as our sport continues to gain momentum leading into the Rio Olympics. The BMX Australia National Series will open entries in October.

Coach Accreditation I echo the comments made by Anita Wells, our Director of Coaching of the importance of the BMX Australia National Coach Accreditation Scheme. It is vital that our young riders are being provided the best information from a suitably qualified coach and that that coach is coaching within the required ratios of 1:8. We will be soon distributing a list of accredited coaches and their level of accreditation to assist local clubs and parents.

International Travel As we move into a period of increased international competition and travelling, many members are making enquiries regarding competing overseas and insurance options. We have been working on both eligibility and requirements for competing at international events and on international travel insurance for our members. Please stay tuned to some soon to be released advice and news.

Moree BMX Club set to change the community for the better The Moree BMX club in North-Western NSW is about to make a glorious comeback after nine months of detailed planning, hard work and plenty of community support.

The old club, which closed in 2004 due to a lack of numbers, has been left dormant for the past decade. As a result, the Moree Plains Shire Council planned to remove the rundown old track due to safety concerns, before club President Chris Poole stepped in and struck a deal, agreeing to form a new club and sign a new lease agreement.

However the return of Moree BMX club is about more than just riding bikes, as a small, remote community of around 8000 people, Chris points out that there isn’t a great deal of activity to keep kids off the street and out of trouble.

“Being a town with a high indigenous population and a rising level of drug use, it’s my aim to get through to as many kids as we can and get them into the sport,” he said.

“Every kid has a bike, but these kids have nowhere to ride them, so opening the BMX club is going to give them a safe, clean environment to have fun and meet new people.”

A committee was formed in late January to start the long process of getting the club up and running starting with addressing the state of the track. Despite two major floods in the last three years the old track had held its shape, and only required cleaning to the surface and surrounding grounds. A new starting gate has been put in and a new canteen has been purchased awaiting delivery.

The overwhelming community support for the club began with an expression of interest session and according to Chris has continued to flourish ever since.

“When I first discussed re-opening the club I had an expression of interest afternoon, that saw about 40 families put their name down as potential members,” Chris said.

“Throughout the year while speaking to different people and businesses I have had nothing but strong support and well wishes by the community.”

After nine long months the club had finally planned its open day for Saturday September 20, and will be held in conjunction with bike safety week.

“We agreed to help out and jumped on board and used this to launch our club,” Chris said.

“Part of the day is being dedicated to bike safety, road rules and sharing the roads.

“The rest of the day will see supporting riders from other clubs come over and put on some exhibition races, before helping teach some key bike skills to new members.”

Given the resounding community support, and passion and commitment of its president, it’s a safe bet to assume that the Moree BMX club will be around for years to come.

Strong Argentina showing sets up mouth watering World Cup finale The UCI BMX Supercross World Cup series found its way to Santiago del Estero, Argentina recently for the fourth and penultimate round, as competitors vied for both the series title, and Olympic qualification points.

Australian star Caroline Buchanan went into the event as series leader having already won two of the three world cup events so far this year in Manchester and Berlin. Buchanan, who was second in the time trial at the World Championships in June, was again at her very best, finishing a close second to Olympic Champion Marion Pajon, while Andrew Dean finished 16th in the elite men.

Qualifying races for the following day’s main field provided plenty of thrills and spills, and were safely navigated by Australia’s Melinda McLeod, Lauren Reynolds, Kirsten Dellar and Bodi Turner to set up a strong Aussie contingent.

The next day delivered brilliant weather and highly competitive racing, where a brilliant Melinda McLeod made a real statement. After qualifying seventh fastest for the final, she started ferociously as she jumped to a clear second heading into the first turn, with only Saturday’s time-trial winner Mariana Pajon ahead of her. McLeod fought hard to the line narrowly losing out to American Alice Post to finish third, while Pajon made it a perfect set of weekend wins.

Despite a sluggish start resulting in a seventh placed finish, Buchanan the 2012 series champion extended her gap at the top to 150 points over Dutchman Laura Smulders, and will now be hard to catch ahead of a highly anticipated final round in Chula Vista.

In the elite men Australian young gun Anthony Dean looked every bit a series contender as he cemented his spot in the final on the back of near flawless racing. Unfortunately Dean didn’t start as sprightly as he would have liked, before losing control of his bike over the first jump to fall out of race contention. Duel Olympic champion Maris Strombergs went on to claim victory ahead of series leader Liam Phillips.

Dean now trails Phillips by 130 points going into the final round, having jumped into second spot in the series at the expense of Frenchman Joris Daudet.

The Australian contingent will now focus their attention on preparation for the final World Cup event in Chula Vista, USA on September 26-27, where Buchanan and Dean in particular will have everything to ride for.

Buchanan success recognised with award nominations BMX star Caroline Buchanan is set to face off against five other talented Australian women for the ‘Women’s Health Sports Woman of the Year award’ as apart of the ‘I Support Women in Sport’ awards.

Buchanan will be up against some extremely successful women including Olympic gold medallist Torah Bright (snowboarding), world champion Cate Campbell (swimming), Summer and Winter Paralympian Jessica Gallagher, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lauren Mitchell (gymnastics), and Commonwealth and Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson (Athletics).

A humbled Buchanan spoke of the importance of the award and the impact it will have on her goals moving forward.

“Being nominated for this award is huge honour and very humbling,” Buchanan said.

“To be recognised nationally for not only my effort on the bike, but off it as well are all very positive steps towards my main goals of growing the sport of BMX. “My aim is to help bring the sport mainstream, whilst supporting women’s involvement in the sport, being a role model and giving back to the next generation.”

Further to this Buchanan has also been nominated in the sports category for the ‘Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Female Award,’ and is up against seven other inspirational female sports stars, who each demonstrate the strength of women’s sport in Australia, a fact Buchanan passionately acknowledges.

“Australia is a nation of sporting excellence, that prides itself on having a winning edge over the rest of the world and setting the standard,” she said.

“They say there is a reason why the boxing kangaroo has punching gloves on, because as a nation we continuously punch well above our weight.

“And as Australian women we pack a mighty punch, showcased at the past Olympic Games in London when the Australian women came home with more medals than the men.”

On a personal level it has been an extremely successful year for Buchanan who was crowned Australian national champion and National Series champion in April, followed by wins at both the Manchester and Berlin UCI Supercross World Cup events.

A resounding second in the time-trial at the world championships in Rotterdam was followed by the devastation of a crash that ended her quest for back-to-back BMX world titles.

However in a true test of character Buchanan has bounced back with style to be leading the world cup series by a significant margin heading into the final round in Chula Vista, USA next weekend.

A fantastic advocate for all women in sport, her tireless work with young girls within BMX, as part of her Buchanan Next Gen program, is testament to the active role she plays in the betterment and exposure of women in sport. Although Buchanan is doing her best she does stress the importance of continued exposure to help overcome the challenges women in sport face.

“Women in sport need to be supported and recognised for the amazing talent that we have in Australia,” Buchanan said.

“Many people are still unaware of the talented women that we have, with many Olympians and World Champions still reliant on day jobs, family income support and living on minimal money with no assets.

“Without awareness and exposure there is minimal support and without support there will be limited opportunities for women to excel and give back to upcoming women in sport.”

To vote for Caroline in the ‘Women’s Health Sports Woman of the Year award’ visit: https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/womens-health/women-in-sport/

Geelong BMX Club set to reap the rewards of track redevelopment After 25 years without any major works, the Geelong BMX club in Victoria is undergoing a major redevelopment to bring the track up to today’s standards.

Club members can expect a modern and updated track layout that will cater for riders of all abilities and include a new five-metre start hill equipped with a Madill Barrel Gate. The track will be the work of Ash McCutcheon, with the month and a half project scheduled to commence at the beginning of November.

Club president Rod Turner highlighted what the new track would mean to not only the riders, but also the numerous opportunities it would provide the club.

“The upgraded track will help improve our rider’s abilities, and I’m sure they will see the benefits of the new track on their racing,” he said.

“From a club perspective it should help to give us a greater profile within the Geelong community, helping to increase our membership base and enhance our ability to secure more sponsorship.

“The development will also help strengthen the clubs position as being the preferred venue for the State Team’s Western Region training facility.”

The new redevelopment has been possible thanks to some generous local and state government funding, secured thanks to the tireless work of club Vice President Adam Connor.

DAD & KIDS SINCE 1979

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ENTRIES OPENING SOON

a ride around the country

QLD

With the school holidays only a week away, the focus for the BMX Community in Queensland is well and truly on the State Titles sponsored

by LKI and DK Bicycles to be held The Sleeman Sports Centre in Brisbane.

This year’s event promises to be huge, with well over one thousand entries across all classes. The action starts on Saturday with the Sleeman Centre hosting its own Race Night, followed on Sunday by the Sleeman Super Sunday event hosted by BMXQ. Pre Titles kick off on Wednesday and with the main Challenge and Championship class action on Friday and Saturday. The week raps up with the Cruisers on Sunday.

BMX Queensland were also successful in receiving a grant from the State Government to help fund initiatives that promote women in sport. The project was announced by Steve Dickson, the State Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing at a function in Brisbane.

As a result BMX Queensland will be turning pink for the month of October and partnering with The McGrath Foundation in the quest to raise funds for breast cancer research. Each of the four zones will be hosting a training camp for 12-17 year old girls in the month of October. Any money raised in October will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

This is a great opportunity for Queensland clubs to get involved and celebrate the great work done by all females in our sport, whether they are a rider, an official or a much valued volunteer.

For further details visit our website at www.bmxq.org.au.

TAS

Preparations are well under way for the Tasmanian state tiles with the

first lead up events suggesting that this year will be hotly contested.

Launceston BMX club recently held the first ‘under lights’ event in Tasmania for many years, and was a huge hit with spectators and

competitors. The Launceston club is now hoping to schedule more night events next season.

The Wynyard Open was held last weekend, and provided local riders are great opportunity to gauge their opposition’s preparations before the upcoming state titles.

A special mention goes out to Tasmania’s oldest pro rider Graham Rogers who at 50 plus showed age is no limitation.

This years state titles will be held from 15 to 16 November and are expected to be bigger and better than recent years, with the date being changed to coincide with the Victorian State Titles where riders can compete in two state titles in two weekends, a $2000 price pool also provides great incentive.

There has been huge interest from riders all over the country, with nominations now open.

WA

The Western Australian State Championships will be held at Southside BMX Club in Bullcreek, where a record number of 780+ entries are expected, adding to what will be a fantastic event.

Sunday will see the parade of riders from every club vying for the Annual “Best Presented Club” award, which is always a crowd favourite, last year’s winning club even created their own war cry for the parade.

Congratulations to Petra Brown and Matt Brown who will be recognised for competing in the State Championships for 20 consecutive years in a row.

Months of preparation for the event have taken place; it’s a mammoth job, from booking venues to hiring equipment, ordering trophies and everything in between. The State would like to thank all of its fantastic volunteer officials, club volunteers and record number of commissaries that have put their hands up to volunteer this year.

They would like to wish everyone the best of luck in the BMX Sports Western Australia, Smarter than Smoking 2014 State Championships.

速

BMX Australia e: info@bmxaustralia.com.au p: (02) 9008 1300 f: (02) 8338 1500 a: PO Box 6402, Alexandria, NSW 2015