ABANDONED INTERCITY FIXTURES – WEEK 3 SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY

The cancellation of all games on Saturday 28th February due to condensation problems at both Host Stadiums has created an
administrative nightmare!

In this regard I have examined the possibility of re-scheduling these unplayed fixtures in conjunction with those scheduled for this
Saturday 7th March being played at Massey Leisure Centre and Manurewa Recreation Centre.

After looking at this scenario until I am blue in the face I have reluctantly decided that this is not feasible due to the following:
• Manurewa Recreation Centre is a one-court facility and could not cope with to many additional games and would need to
commence at 9.00am and go late into the evening.
• All teams would need to play “double headers” and in some instances three games. This would of course result in each
player paying double or treble door fees.
• While North Shore Event Centre was available, hosting the day and finding referees at such short notice was near on
impossible.

I also investigated the possibility of using other dates such as 28th March and 4th April but ruled both these dates out due to the Zone 1 & 2
U17 and U19 Premeirships and the Western Heights Tournament.

Friday’s and Sunday’s were not an option due to a majority of stadiums only available throughout the day, religious convictions and Tai
Tokerau having to travel twice to Auckland or stay over night.

As a consequence of the above and obstacles at every turn I regret to advise that the outstanding Week 3 fixtures will not be played.
You will know doubt be cognisant that this may well result in further problems down the track relative to placings for the “ Finals Day.”
While I would think we would cross that bridge when it occurs the truth is there is nothing that can be done, therefore everyone will have to
accept it as it stands.

While I share with you in your disappointment, it was not from a lack of trying by the host to get the floors back up to an acceptable
standard so that we were comfortable in the knowledge of knowing that we put your childs health and safety before all else. Unfortunately
all our efforts went un-rewarded and the cancellation was inevitable.

I have received a number of phone calls and emails from disgruntled Coaches and Managers who had a need to express their
disappointment not only over the cancellation but the cost to individuals who travelled, arriving at the stadium to find the games had been
called off, no contact of the cancellation or late notice of the cancellation etc. I can assure you all that once the final decision was made to
cancel the day every effort was made by the host to contact teams. Phone calls were made to those people nominated on Team Rosters,
however in some instances there was no number given or incorrect numbers recorded. Even those teams & spectators already at the
venues were asked to advise Coaches/Managers/Players from the same Association, however through all good intentions everyone was
inconvenienced in one way or another. We have 3 more weeks of Intercity left to enjoy, I suggest we go ahead and do just that.

To those Athletes that paid for their games last weekend and were not reimbursed, these funds have been carried over to this weekend’s
fixtures. Host will advise those individuals on their arrival at the respective venues.

A reminder that U11s, U19s and three (3) U17 Games will be played at Massey Leisure Centre while the remaining U17s will play at
Manurewa Recreation Centre.

In closing, many thanks to the Associations for their in-put, in particular Ross Williams who has kept me sane over these past few days.

Regards Philomena
Intercity Co ordinator