Duck, what is becoming apparent to me by the minute is that many people playing this sport are spending way too much time underwater…and it is beginning to effect brain function. Oxygen deprivation is distorting facts. Aqua challenge is a suggested name only!!!!….Everybody in the underwater hockey world has the opportunity to contribute something better and it will be thoughtfully considered…the name HAS to change for legal reasons. This is not a disadvantage; the title Underwater Hockey doesn’t exactly conjure up illusions of grandeur!


I have read most of what has been written on this forum and I have noticed that those who have been most critical and vocal have not put their hand up, in any capacity, in the arena that matters most. You have freely criticised, but have not offered any useful or worthwhile help. Duck, you are making heaps of noise about what you are prepared to do (quack, quack, quack!!!), don’t make noise give us facts, what are you prepared to do?…What are your suggestions?…I am fully aware that the problems with CMAS have been made public to all in the underwater hockey community, correct me if I am wrong but this is the first time I have heard any input from you!!! I’m sure your support would have been appreciated when it would have mattered most… some months earlier.

And to finish, you are right ‘Alexandra’, a good question, who does make up this temporary board? (Is it temporary? Do you want these people to leave now?) I’m sure you are aware, from your own previous attempts, that governing a sporting body is difficult business. You are loved by one group for a decision made and despised by another for the same decision. It is definitely no popularity contest and as a result lots of innuendo and gossip is freely exchanged by others with your name being dragged through the mud. Maybe we should start critically looking at information exchanged and its source! It is a position that requires a lot of responsibility, vision and organisational skills. The success of the past world championships would indicate that the current underwater hockey committee has worked hard to ensure the growth of the sport as this was reflected by the number of participants at the Worlds. The current committee members no longer play….so why do they care?? They have all deliberately and actively kept in touch with players in their own countries. They have worked hard to ensure that the best competitions are organized (I hear the worlds were great), that the game continues to grow world wide and that every-body's needs are considered (I’m sure players in Jersey are grateful). Success does not happen on its own; I think we would all agree the current state of underwater hockey in Victoria is testimony to that. It requires a lot of organisation, time and effort by a body of people prepared to do the hard work. Graham and his associates Carole, Neil, Margaret and Ulysse, despite what you think of them personally, see value in the sport, they work hard to create the best competitions and I think they believe they are making a difference to us all. I guess that becomes the hard bit – separating our personal feelings towards them and recognizing their strengths and efforts.

Are you personally prepared to do what they do? I know I’m not..I have a life! We can’t even get a head for Hockey in Australia because nobody wants to do the work involved and that is a far smaller stage then the world stage. Be honest with yourself…because you could put your hand up if you want it….but think wisely…if you are not prepared to commit yourself, don’t criticize what they do, offer suggestions, offer support, become actively involved or offer any help that you think may be needed. Work with them, not against them and then you truly may make a positive difference to the sport you all say you care most for.