Hi All,

I am writing to fill you in on current correspondence which is taking place between the VUHC and the AUF (the Australian Underwater Federation. I have attached all the correspondence to date as well as a copy of the AUF constitution, the current VUHC by-laws and a copy of the Model Rules for an Incorporated Association (1981) (which the VUHC adopted at its inception).

To provide a brief overview of the events that prompted this issue coming to a head, Mr Graham Henderson (the current AUF President) argues that his status as a honourary life member of AUF exempts him from having to join the VUHC to be eligible for selection to the Victorian state team. The VUHC rejected this assertion which prompted the letters from the AUF.

As you can see these letters contend that the VUHC is not a separate entity from the AUF and threaten the VUHC committee with disciplinary action. This has major ramifications for underwater hockey here in Victoria commissions:

• There is possibility that AUF endorsement will be removed from forthcoming nationals.
• There is possibility that individuals on the VUHC committee will be excluded by the AUF from international selection for protecting the interests of the members which they represent. An extraordinary general meeting was held in 2001 which voted on a proposal that AUF life members be entitled to VUHC membership. The proposal was rejected 27-9 (or something similar, I have the minutes at home. If anybody would like to see them let me know and I will forward them on).

However, the AUF’s claim that state commissions must recognise all grades of AUF membership has other more broad reaching ramifications:

• State commissions are unable to ensure minimum standards of behaviour their members.
• Since AUF membership does not incorporate an insurance component, it also gives rise to a host of liability issues.

Deepest apologies for involving you in this bureaucratic time waster but we are strong believers in transparency. All members need to be aware of what the VUHC committee are doing.

The VUHC seeks your support in a matter which has far reaching consequences for the future and prosperity of Underwater Hockey in Victoria and Australia.

If you require clarification on anything or wish to discuss the matter please feel free to call me or the VUHC president Dave BM.

Kind regards,
Rees Quilford
VUHC Treasurer