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We will not be unfairly evicted

Media Release from Sturt Baseball Club
Issued:14/09/07

Sturt Baseball Club intends to play senior baseball at Norman Reserve this season following legal advice that Mitcham Council's attempt to prevent baseball being played at the ground by players more than 13 years old was "unfair, discriminatory and entirely unenforceable".

The future of the club was threatened on August 28, just six weeks out from the 2007/08 season, when it was informed by Council that games would be restricted until the club erected nets and other safety measures at the ground. This was not an option for the club, due to the potential of an injunction being made-leaving it with a financial liability of $20,000-money the club simply doesn't have.

President Phil Robinson said a letter from the Senior Committee had been sent to the Mitcham Council this week outlining the club's intention to remain on its home ground of more than 45 years.

Mr Robinson indicated he had now been contacted by Council and would be having talks with the Mayor and Chief Executive next week.

"In the absence of a legally compelling justification to the contrary, the Sturt Baseball Club rejects the Council's unilateral imposition of this unlawful restriction of use," Mr Robinson said.

"With this in mind, I have advised the South Australian Baseball League to schedule senior games at Norman for this season.

Mr Robinson said Sturt was aware of its obligations and committed to being a responsible member of the local community.

"The club recognises that proper risk management is an important social and legal responsibility. As suggested by the VRA Risk Report dated 4 June 2007, the Club will undertake a detailed audit of the number of balls exiting Norman Reserve over the forthcoming summer season in the manner recommended in the Report. The findings of that audit will be shared with Council at the end of the season.

Mr Robinson said that the club considered the erection of nets at this time to be premature and that the consideration of additional nets or fences should be based on the objective data found from the audit.

Mr Robinson said that the club had been forced to seek legal advice to protect its members and its reason for existence-to play baseball-but was still hopeful of a positive relationship with Council in the future.

"For the last two years, the Sturt Baseball Club has worked tirelessly with the Mitcham Council in order to reach a satisfactory outcome for both parties."

"Securing the long-term future of our club is our top priority. We have stated all along that we are willing to consider relocating from Norman Reserve, but only if a viable option is put to us. Nobody is going to move out of their home if they don't have another one to go to".

Mr Robinson said that if an alternative ground could not be located, Sturt would negotiate with Council to extend its current lease, which expires in 2011. In addition, the club has advised Council it will no longer continue to agree to adjourn its application to build indoor batting tunnels in the Environment, Resources and Development Court, as the onus was on Council to defend its previous decision to approve the project.

"The message I have is that the Sturt Baseball Club will not be bullied by a small minority into accepting decisions that place our entire future in jeopardy. On behalf of the Senior Committee, I would like to thank our members, supporters and the wider community for their encouragement. We are excited about the upcoming season and the future of the Sturt Baseball Club, and we hope that common sense prevails and a satisfactory outcome for all parties is achieved."

..:: message posted on Thursday the 13th of September, 2007 23:55:19 ::..

We Just Want to Play Baseball

Media Release from Sturt Baseball Club
Issued:07/09/07

Sturt Baseball Club has been overwhelmed by community support in its fight to continue to play at Norman Reserve, Mitcham, its home ground of more than 45 years.

On August 28, with the season just six weeks away, the club was informed by Mitcham Council that only junior baseball games up to U/14 level could be played at the ground unless the club erected nets worth $20,000 to prevent baseballs leaving the field.

However, this is not viable for the small, community-based club as an injunction could be made against the club after six months, leaving it with a financial liability of $20,000: a loss which could potentially force the club to disband altogether.

President Phil Robinson said the decision had set a dangerous precedent for all sporting clubs in South Australia and that he had received hundreds of emails and phone calls from Sturt Baseball Club members and the general public who believe the club had been treated unfairly and should be able to continue playing at the ground.

"The Sturt Baseball Club sees itself as a positive entity in our local community and we feel that the support we have received demonstrates that the vast majority of the public sees us in the same way," Phil said.

"In the last week a large number of residents and users of Norman Reserve have contacted us, concerned that we would be leaving the ground. They are worried that the area may become a target for graffiti and other unsavoury activity. A number of them have offered us financial support to assist us to stay at the ground."

Phil said Sturt wanted to work with Mitcham Council, the South Australian Baseball League and the Department of Recreation and Sport to find a new home ground as soon as possible.

"We want the best possible outcome for all parties and are willing to leave behind the tradition and memories of 46 years of playing baseball at Norman to find a new home ground as soon as possible. This would end this problem for all parties once and for all, and we ask for support and understanding from Council and local residents to help us achieve this.

"Evicting us just six weeks out from the season is a crushing blow to club members, supporters and the wider sporting community, and extremely unfair.

"The Sturt Baseball Club has worked cooperatively with the Mitcham Council over the past two years in trying to be a good neighbour and address concerns of the three residents that had been complaining.

"However, the fact is that financially it is vital for the future of the club that Sturt continues to play at Norman Reserve until we have a new home ground.

Phil estimated that Sturt would lose $20,000 if games were not played at Norman this season. As a small, community-based club, this would place its entire future in jeopardy.

Phil said Sturt was now in the process of obtaining legal advice on how they should respond to correspondence from the Council which had been received this week.

A key fact is that in more than forty five years of playing baseball at Norman, there has never been an insurance claim against the club, which has the full backing of its provider.

"We feel that we are being treated unfairly. I am sure if every sporting ground in South Australia was assessed professionally for risk there would be few grounds which would not have some issues that needed to be addressed.

"Given the facts, our positive presence in the community and our willingness to relocate if there is a viable alternative, we believe baseball should be played at Norman this season. Our livelihood is at stake here, and over one hundred years of history. Whilst we are prepared to compromise, we are also prepared to fight for that."

Phil also thanked Federal Member for Boothby Dr Andrew Southcott and ALP Candidate for Boothby Nicole Cornes who have both urged the Mitcham Council to reconsider their position.

..:: message posted on Friday the 7th of September, 2007 18:12:30 ::..

Council needs to reconsider

Media Release from Dr Andrew Southcott
Issued:06/09/07

The Member for Boothby, Dr Andrew Southcott MP has called on the Mitcham Council to reconsider their position on Norman Reserve and give the Sturt Baseball Club an opportunity to leave their home of 45 years in a dignified way.

Dr Southcott said he felt deeply concerned after meeting with the President of the Sturt Baseball Club, Mr Phil Robinson that the Mitcham Council had failed to consider the impact their decision would have on club members, supporters and the wider community in general.

“No sporting club, but particularly clubs with juniors, hundreds of members and a history dating back almost 100 years should be subject to the uncertainty the Sturt Baseball Club now faces,” Dr Southcott said.

“The decision by the Mitcham Council only six weeks out from the season to allow only junior baseball games up to Under 14 level be allowed to play at Norman Reserve unless the club erects nets worth $20,000 is foolish.

“Considering it is only six weeks out from the season and the fact that an injunction could be made against the club if it did erect the nets, leaving it with a financial liability of $20,000, the Mitcham Council needs to reconsider this decision.

“While the club has plans to leave their home within coming seasons, after 45 years, the club should be able to leave Norman Reserve in a dignified way.

“That is why I urge the Mitcham Council to allow the club to play the 2007/08 season at Norman Reserve and then work collaboratively to find a solution that accommodates everyone’s needs,” Dr Southcott said.

..:: message posted on Thursday the 6th of September, 2007 18:14:03 ::..

Mitcham Council Press Release on Norman Reserve

City of Mitcham's Position on the use of Norman Reserve as a Venue for Senior Basseball
Media Release from City of Mitcham
Issued: 05/09/07

The City of Mitcham has been working closely with the executive of the Sturt Baseball Club for the past year in an effort to reach a fair compromise between the club and nearby residents of the Norman Reserve with a view to addressing the needs and concerns of both parties.

The Sturt Baseball Club has agreed that their existing venue at the Norman Reserve is no longer suitable for their current and future needs due to the growth of the club in recent years. In an attempt to find a long-term solution to this problem Council and the club have been investigating the possibility of a move to a more suitable venue. In the interim, there is a need to address the issue of errant balls escaping from the Norman Reserve which have the potential to cause damage to nearby property, passers-by, and traffic.

At the request of Council, Sturt Baseball Club commissioned an independent Safety Audit of the Norman Reserve's suitability as a venue for senior and junior baseball. The survey's findings, published on the 4 June 2007, concluded that the Norman Reserve did not meet the ideal safety requirements to host senior baseball, and that it would only be suitable to host junior baseball to a certain level. The Sturt Baseball Club's close proximately to houses and roads around the Norman Reserve means their activities pose a risk to persons residing adjacent to the club, and persons passing through the general vicinity of the club.

Sturt Baseball Club identified a number of safety measures that if implemented would counteract the risks identified in the Safety Audit. These include:

-Improvements to the backstops.
-Improvements to the western boundary fence.
-Installation of retractable net screening along a section of the eastern boundary.
-Installation of net/cage structure for batting practice in south western corner utilising the existing boundary fence.

At a Council meeting on 28 August 2007 Council endorsed a proposal which will allow senior baseball to be played at the Norman Reserve subject to the implementation of the safety recommendations put forward by Sturt Baseball Club. Council was mindful of the possible financial implications of implementing these safety measures and offered the club a loan of $19,882. Should the club wish to avail of Council's offer the terms and conditions could be structured to minimise the financial impact on the club.

At no stage has Council threatened to evict Sturt Baseball Club from the Norman Reserve. Contrary to this, Council has put in place a mechanism to assist the club in upgrading the Reserve to a standard which would be suitable for all forms of baseball. In this case as in all cases, concerned residents have the legal right to challenge Council planning decisions.

Commenting on the position of Council, the City of Mitcham CEO Ron Malcolm: "Council believes that there is a positive way forward for the club and nearby residents however, issues for both parties will only be resolved if Council can continue to act as an interface between both parties and I would urge the executive of the club to respond to the resolution of Council in order to move towards a satisfactory outcome for all."

..:: message posted on Thursday the 6th of September, 2007 08:04:27 ::..

Common Sense Must Prevail over Norman Reserve

Media Release from Nicole Cornes
Issued: 04/09/07

Labor candidate for Boothby, Nicole Cornes has called on the Mitcham Council to immediately overturn a decision preventing the Sturt Baseball Club from playing home games at Norman Reserve, Mitcham.

At a recent Mitcham Council meeting, a motion was passed preventing all Sturt Baseball teams from Under 16's up to seniors from playing home games for the rest of the season unless they erect expensive netting.

"I'd just like to say how disappointed I am in Mitcham Council,'' Ms Cornes said.

The Sturt Baseball Club is one of the South Australia's oldest baseball Clubs, having formed in 1908. It has called Norman Reserve its home ground since 1961.

"The Club should be able to continue to use Norman Reserve as its home until a viable solution is put forward by Council or a new, permanent home ground is found for the Sturt Baseball Club that satisfies all parties, particularly the Club itself." It is understood the motion was passed following concerns from local residents of balls escaping the park into nearby residential areas during games and practice.

"I have had discussions with the Club President, Phil Robinson and it appears the Club has worked in good faith with the Council to find ways of working this issue out."

"Originally the Council asked for nets worth $20,000 to be erected to prevent balls from exiting the grounds, with the council contributing $10,000. The Council has since reneged on this proposal and have asked that the Club foot the full bill of $20,000.

"Although the Council would provide them with a loan up front, the Club will still have to payback the $20,000. For a community club, which relies on the support of volunteers, to have this sort of financial strain put on them seems grossly unfair, Ms Cornes said."

"To make matters worse, even if the Club can find the $20,000 needed to repay the loan and erect the net, the Club's been advised that some local residents may take action to see the nets removed."

"In addition the Australian Masters Games Baseball competition, which was scheduled to be played at Norman Reserve in October, will now need to find an alternative venue. The Bridgewater Bulls Baseball Team which has played at Norman Reserve for many years will also have to find a new home."

"When I visited the Club on the weekend, it was packed with parents and young kids enjoying sport. It is ironic that it is becoming more difficult for sport to be played, when the numbers of overweight children in Australia continues to rise and we are encouraging our children to get more active."

"The Council should be encouraging community clubs like this to thrive not making things hard for them."

"The Council should not turn their back on this Club, which has over 300 members - common sense really should prevail."

..:: message posted on Thursday the 6th of September, 2007 07:40:34 ::..

Struck Out: Club Faces Eviction

MEDIA RELEASE: Sturt Baseball Club

Friday 31 August 2007

STRUCK OUT: STURT BASEBALL CLUB FACES EVICTION

Sturt Baseball Club's six senior teams and four Junior Teams face eviction from Norman Reserve, it's home ground of more than 45 years, less than six weeks before the 2007/08 season.

In a move that has shocked players, members and supporters, on Tuesday night the Mitcham Council, the landlord of the playing field, announced that until the club erected nets and other safety measures, only junior baseball up to the U/14 level could be played at the ground.

The Council believed the risk of flying baseballs was too much of a safety risk to residents and the general public. This is despite the clubs insurer, Sportscover Australia, in response to an Audit conducted by Venue Rating Agency (VRA), advising that "VRA did not come to any conclusion that the ground is not safe for baseball to be played- they merely suggested that there are some risk exposures that needed addressing and needed to be confirmed".

Sturt was also informed that despite a previous offer of financial assistance by the Council, the club would have to pay the full cost of the nets, approximately $20,000: money the club simply doesn't have.

Sturt President Phil Robinson said the club was working with the South Australian Baseball League to reschedule all senior games, but the decision had not only put the upcoming season, but also the future of the club in jeopardy.

"This is a crushing blow to the Sturt Baseball Club," Phil said. "We estimate there would be a loss of revenue to the club in excess of $15,000 if no senior games were played at Norman Reserve this season. We are a family-based, community organisation and we just don't have the finances to wear that kind of loss".

Phil said Sturt was proud of its place in the local community and it was very unfortunate that a small number of residents were threatening to cause the club and its hundreds of players and supporters such hardship. Sturt has always tried to promote junior sport and in fact has been the South Australian Baseball League Junior Club of the Year, three years in a row.

"To be hit with something like this just six weeks out from the start of the season is truly disappointing. In more than 45 years of playing baseball at Norman, there has never..not once.. been an insurance claim against the club.

"We are working with the South Australian Baseball League, the Mitcham Council and the Department of Recreation and Sport to find a new home ground in time for the 2008/09 season, when we hope to be celebrating our centenary.

"We are willing to compromise with Council and work with them to find a new home ground as soon as possible, ending this problem for both parties once and for all, and we ask for support and understanding from local residents to help us achieve this."

The Sturt Baseball Club has produced many state and national representatives at both junior and senior levels including a number of Olympians. Six players have brought great honour to the Club, State and the Mitcham Council District by signing US professional contracts.

Tony Catt, Sturt's Divison 1 Coach, said the decision, if it was not resolved, would set a dangerous precedent for amateur sport in South Australia.

"I am sure if every sporting ground in South Australia was assessed professionally for risk there would be few grounds which would not have some issues that needed to be addressed," Tony said.

"Clubs are already struggling like never before, and decisions like this potentially open the floodgates to a whole range of claims which would have a disastrous impact on the sports-loving South Australian public."

The decision also adversely affects the Bridgewater Bulls, which plays at Norman Reserve during the SABL winter season and who are now forced to find a new home, and competitors at the Australian Masters Games, who were scheduled to play at the ground in October at great financial loss to the Sturt Baseball Club.

For more information please contact Phil Robinson on 0417 806 765 or Tony Catt on 0412 244 327

..:: message posted on Wednesday the 5th of September, 2007 23:49:23 ::..

Sturt Junior Try out Times

Junior tryouts will commence on the 19th August 2007 at Sturt Baseball Club, Norman Reserve, Mitcham.

Under 16's 12.30 -2pm

Little League 2.00 - 3.30pm

Under 14's 3.30-5pm

If unavailable please contact David Lightbody on 83702394 or via email lightbody19@aapt.net.au

A barbeque will run all day.

If you have any unwanted equipment or uniforms please bring along to tryouts so that it is available for swap meet on Registration Day on September 2 2007.

You can register online by going to the Sturt Baseball Club website and clicking on members-registration.

If you don't want to register online you can attend the Registration Day on the 2nd September 2007. A swap meet will be available to buy secondhand equipment and uniforms.

David Lightbody
Junior Co-ordinator

..:: message posted on Monday the 30th of July, 2007 22:58:53 ::..

David Hutton becomes Life Member of the SABL

It is with much pleasure I write to inform you that our Patron David Hutton last night was inducted as a Life Member of the SABL. David is only the second person from our Club to ever have achieved this honour.

Dave started playing baseball at 9 years of age, following in his father Harvey Hutton’s footsteps who also played for Sturt.

Dave represented the State on a number of occasions and was chosen as the No 1 Pitcher for Australia in Under 16, 17 & 18.

Dave was the A Grade pitcher at Goodwood when he was just 16 years of age.

After developing a shoulder problem Dave switched to the infield and fortunately for us changed clubs to come and play at Sturt, whilst we were still playing in the South Parklands.

Dave was the only Sturt player to be appointed to the Sturt Grounds Committee in 1959 under the chairmanship of Ron Mann. This committee planned the move from the South Parklands to our current base at Norman Reserve.

Dave played Division 1 for Sturt for many years in addition to being our captain and/or coach at various times during this period. Dave also coached many junior teams at our club.

Dave also has been heavily involved in the SABL being on their Executive in 1980-1982. Dave was appointed by other club presidents on to the Board of the Giants for three years in the latter half of the 1990s.

Dave is currently the chair of our Centenary Celebrations Committee.

Dave was the President of our club for 10 years, has been our Patron for the last 10 years and is a Life Member of the Sturt Baseball Club.

I am sure you will join with me in congratulating Dave on this well deserved honour.

Phil Robinson
President

..:: message posted on Thursday the 26th of July, 2007 08:08:02 ::..

Senior Committee for 2007-08 Season

Just a brief note to members to let you know the outcome of our Annual General Meeting which was held on Monday night at the Sturt Baseball Club.

The meeting was well attended by players, coaches and club members.

Our Committee for the 2007/08 baseball season is as follows:

Phil Robinson, President
Sue Holmes, Secretary
Bruce Packer, Baseball Operations
David Lightbody, Junior Coordinator
Ben Seekamp, Treasurer

Our Patron again this year will be David Hutton

Dave Hodson will continue to look after the bar and Jodie Brown has agreed to be our Social Coordinator.

There are still some positions that require filling including:

Vice President
Grounds Supervisor
Sponsorship Manager

The strength of our club is measured by all of our members being willing to contribute and not leave all the tasks to a few people. I would greatly appreciate any interested members contacting me if they are interested in any of the vacant positions.

I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Tony Catt who has been our President for the last five years. Tony has done an outstanding job and I am sure we all wish him every success in his new role as A Grade Coach.

Our Senior Squad met on Sunday night and Tony had an excellent session with the players where they defined the values against which they will be judged in the forthcoming season.

I would also like to welcome David Lightbody as the Junior Coordinator and wish him well with his work.

I will write to you again soon updating you on Pre-season training and registration details.

Phil Robinson
President

..:: message posted on Tuesday the 19th of June, 2007 16:28:54 ::..

Specific Coaching Positions still available

The Sturt Baseball Club has recently advertised for coaching positions within the club. Thank you to those who have made applications. The Sturt Baseball Club will be in contact with those who have submitted applications within the next few weeks.
Following the recent appointment of Tony Catt to the Senior Coaching position, Tony has reviewed the applications and has noted that there remains a number of positions for which we are yet to receive applications. In particular Tony would be interested in hearing from interested individuals for the following positions:

Division 2 Coach
Division 3 Coach
Under18 Coach
Assistant Coach - Hitting
Assistant Coach - Pitching
Assistant Coach - Outfield
Assistant Coach - Infield

All enquiries about these roles should be directed to Tony Catt on 0412244327

..:: message posted on Friday the 4th of May, 2007 16:27:55 ::..

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