Perennial Problems
Collegians, in common with other clubs, has had at various times problems with player apathy, problems with payments of subs, balancing the club's books, getting people to do things, getting players to training.
But these are not difficulties that are unique only to the late 1990's and early 2000's. As you will see below these, plus some unique to those particular days, have been around for some time.
Attendances at training nights
From the Minutes of the meeting held at the AMP Building on the 6th of May 1954:
"The poor attendances at the training nights were discussed and (it was) decided that something must be done."
Comments about not turning up for training, arguing during the game, poor sartorial turn out.
From the "Old Collegians Rugby News" 6th February 1963
The 1963 President's Report, H.J. Rogers:
Lack of support for the Under 18 team:
The first Under 18 team lacked a team manager.
A dispute over what grade to play for
The Secretary, Old Collegians Rugby Club Inc.
I would like formally to inform the Committee of the non attendance of Mr. W.A. Bew with the 3rd. XV on Saturday last, 24 August 1974.
According to the latest ruling handed down by Committee, players must play in the team for which they are picked. In the case of Mr. Bew he rang me on Friday to inform me that he was not prepared to play in the Thirds as he did not wish to jeopardize his chances of playing with the Fourth XV in the final series.
During our discussion he stated that the Thirds had no chance of making the Four so he was embarking on a self imposed crusade to muster all the players he could for the Fourths. I was able to convince him that the 3rd XV could make the Semis if we were able to field our best available TEAM ???? ; the best available team on this occasion would include himself.
DESPITE MY PLEA THAT HE TURN OUT TO PLAY FOR OUR CLUB 3rds, he did not see fit to honour us with his talent which could have swung the balance our way in what was a very close encounter.
What action is the club prepared to take ??????
Yours SINCERELY
R.S. DINAN Coach 3rd xv.
Lack of Club support:
The "Old Collegians Rugby News" edition 9/76 of August 24th 1976 - with some understatement:
"It is evident that overall Club support has been slipping over the last few weeks at both playing and supporting levels. The fact that the 4th grade had a forfeit and yet the 2nd division side ran on against Army with 12 men, is not what we would call an ideal situation".
Newsletter going out to financial members only:
From edition 11/76 - and we've heard this before from some people:
"Malcolm McQueen has asked us to inform the readers that this will be the last Newsletter under the current mailing list. The next Newsletter will be sent out to those people who are current financial members. Anyone who is not, will not receive a Newsletter."
Not turning up to training:
12th May 1972, Old Collegians Rugby News: "Teams selected for the 4th grade side will not necessarily be the team that takes the field. Players will get preference if they have been to training, have the right gear to play in and who are FINANCIAL ....
This also applies to all other teams, so take heed and do the right thing ...." .. M.Goodwin
On the 4th May 1977, in Edition no. 6 76/77: "It is a pity to have to harp on the same subject again, but the involvement of some people leaves a lot to be desired. Not turning up to training will result in your losing your place in a team to somebody who is prepared to work, but there is very little we can do about getting people to give a hand in the clubhouse."
Not helping out, not running the line.
From edition 10 76/77, dated 10th August 1977, the President, then Syd Feldheim, had a few words to say about people whingeing and about not offering to run the line:
As I have stated previously, the success or failure of Old Collegians is in the hands of the members. Everyone in the Club is expected to contribute by personal effort, otherwise we fail.
The majority of members do help ..... however, there are about 20% who do nothing but (to put the matter directly) bludge off the effort of the 80% it is not enough to pay your fees and then turn up to play there is so much to he done, bar rosters, general assistance to the Committee and just generally helping to make the Club the best that there is. The same people flatly refuse to do anything, even to help pick up glasses on Saturdays, help the ladies with washing up, volunteering to help. We the Committee, have found that the same people are the greatest whingers regarding any small faults that do from time to time appear to happen in Club matters, never offer to help, but always to comment. Unless they themselves wish to assist in righting these problems it is suggested very strongly the people concerned either put up or shut up.
A touch judge is an important part of the game and it is vital the 1st grade side has a competent touch judge My comments above seem suited to this complaint despite them being written last week and nobody volunteering to man the line last Saturday. Spectators, Reserves and 3rd grades - the onus is on you!
There are only five major rounds to go and we have a very strong chance of having four teams in the finals, the first time in many years ... a most pleasing effort. Another pleasing matter is the amount of old members that are turning up at the Club every Saturday and filling the Heavies Bar. We hope they are out in force for the Annual Dinner on 14th October at the Feathers ..... We are starting bookings now and as we are restricted to 200 tickets, I suggest the oldies get in touch with Paul Butler or Jeremy Allport and get early table reservations.
Club Jumpers
In the first edition for 1979 there was the issue of club jumpers - "Each member will be required to buy their own jumper and be responsible for it .... to avoid the hassle of collecting, washing fees and repairing and losing jumpers". In issue 3 for 1979 (4/2/79) it was decided that it was "too impractical".
