This list of FAQ’s will be added to as more information becomes available.
Why was it necessary to set up a new Club at Avalon Beach?
The administration of NBPA was becoming too complex and time-consuming having regard to ever increasing numbers of new members, requiring the introduction of new events and new venues. It is anticipated that NBPA will have well over 300 members by 30 June 2023. The NBPA Committee unanimously agreed that the establishment of a new club at Avalon Beach is in the interests of all members and the development of pickleball on the Northern Beaches. The new club will offer indoor and outdoor events at Avalon Beach and will be more convenient for people north of Mona Vale to join the Avalon Beach Pickleball Association, thus relieving administrative pressures on NBPA.
When will separation of the Clubs take place?
The administration separation of the Clubs will take place on 1 March 2023. The new NBPA Committee will take over the running of NBPA, including the organisation of playing sessions on Meetup and the maintenance of the existing website. ABPA will have their own Meetup site and website.
The final separation of the Clubs will take place on 28 July 2023, by which time members will have made an election as to whether they will join one Club or both Clubs.
Will I be able to play at both Clubs after the separation date?
Yes, all NBPA members who are members on 1 March 2023 will be able to play at both Clubs until they make an election between 1 July 2023 and 28 July 2023 as to whether they will join one or both Clubs.
Will I have to join both NBPA and ABPA when my membership is due for renewal on 1 July 2023?
Between 1 July 2023 and 28 July 2023, you will be able to elect the Club you wish to join, this being the membership renewal period in accordance with the terms of the Constitutions of both Clubs. You may wish to join both Clubs.
Will I be able to play at both Clubs if I am only a member of one?
If you wish to play at both Clubs, you will have to join both Clubs.
What will the annual membership fees be for NBPA and ABPA?
This has not been decided yet. The annual fees for both Clubs will be made known to members before 1 July 2023.
Who will be on the Establishment Committee of ABPA?
John Fuller, Rona Richmond, Robert Deane, Mar Lar Deane and Christine Beaumont.
Who will become the President of NBPA when John Fuller resigns from his position as President?
Chris Taylor, who is the current Vice President, will become the President.
Who will become President, Secretary and Treasurer of ABPA?
John Fuller will be the President. Rona Richmond will be the Public Officer and Secretary. Rose Clements will be the Treasurer.
Who will replace John and Rona on the NBPA Committee when they resign from the Committee at the administration separation date, on or about 1 March 2023?
This will be at the discretion of the remaining Committee members of NBPA under the Casual Vacancy provisions of its Constitution.
Will members vote as to who will become President and Secretary of NBPA?
Members will be able to vote on all Committee positions at NBPA’s next AGM.
If I join ABPA, will I be insured in the same way as I am currently insured with NBPA?
Yes, ABPA has similar insurance policies to NBPA.
Will members of ABPA be able to play indoors at the Avalon Recreation Centre?
ABPA will have discussions with Northern Beaches Council about permanent bookings at the centre. It is hoped that Council will be flexible about bookings in the event of rain preventing play on the outdoor courts. However, there are some issues with space at the back of the badminton courts and the slipperiness of the courts during the humid months.
Will Ian Hutchinson be able to coach at NBPA and ABPA?
Yes, Hutch will be able to coach at both Clubs.
Will there be reciprocal grading between NBPA and ABPA?
It is possible that members of ABPA will be allocated a different grade, one of the reasons being that outdoor play requires different skills/technique to indoor play. ABPA will be reviewing the grading of all its members. Some members due to injury and other health issues may have their grading downgraded.
Will there be any change in venues, venue hosts, fees and playing sessions before the administration separation date?
As far as practicable, these will not change before 1 March 2023.
Which Club will be responsible for the Beacon Hill venue?
NBPA will be responsible for this venue.
Will ABPA become affiliated with PANSW?
One of the Objects of the Constitution of ABPA will be a desire to become affiliated with the governing Pickleball body of NSW.
Will ABPA have the same sponsors as NBPA?
This is yet to be decided.
Will ABPA have the same policies and Constitution as NBPA?
Yes, ABPA has a similar Constitution and similar policies.
Will ABPA have control of the bookings at the Avalon Beach outdoor courts?
Yes.
