The way forward

With the Cook Islands still in the international arena following last year’s successful hosting of the World Youth Netball Champs, CINA president PJ Hockin says it’s important to keep the forward momentum and focus energies on developing the code here.
The first step towards that has been five clubs agreeing to hold this season’s games at the Telecom Sports Arena (TSA). Hockin explains that centralising all games in a purpose-built arena will help promote netball as a whole giving players & umpires the experience of competing in an international standard facility. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our players and technical officials, especially our young ones and an opportunity that the clubs have recognised and taken.”
She also says allowing all teams to play four-quarter games, as is now standard all over the world provides further progress in individual and team development.
“CINA’s aim is to develop and lift the profile and standard of netball here in the Cook Islands and we encourage support from all sectors. Our focus is development of all divisions with importance placed on our youngsters as well as elite players. “
Umpiring and Team Management Workshops will be held during the Pacific Series. All clubs and coaches are encouraged to participate. Bench Official workshops will continue this year while Governance and club management help is also on the cards in preparation for 2011.
Meanwhile, CINA is looking forward to a highly successful domestic season and would like to see full support in the build up towards the exciting Pacific Series in June and the Commonwealth Games in October.
Cook Islands National Team
It is a busy time at present with a new president and focussed committee working hard towards achieving the goals they have set for 2010-2011. Securing the critical positions of head coach and manager in such a short time frame has been a major task along with motivating our local elite players back into training. Nevertheless, things are now well underway and the ball is rolling in preparation for the Pacific Series in June 2010. Edgewater Resort and Spa is once again behind netball and we are proud to have them on board as our accommodation sponsors.
Head Coach Ngatokoa Gifford-Kara (NZ) and Manager Catherine Kaumoana were on hand last weekend for our open local trials. Gifford has commendable credentials including assistant coach in the early stages for our 6th placed U21’s team. Team Manger, Catherine Kaumoana has been manager to our senior ranking for seven years. With Coach Ana Noovao, the pair took the Cooks seniors from 11th to 7th placing. Noovao would have loved to continue this role however we have respected and supported her decision to put family first in their time of need.
The weekend’s trial will took place at the Telecom Sports Arena. Selected players will need travel to Auckland for the final trials and selection alongside our New Zealand and Australian Cook Island based players. This will take on Friday and Saturday 16th&17th April. CINA wishes all players the very best of luck and encourages them to give it their all.
Domestic Season
The Rarotonga Domestic Season is planned to start on Friday 9th April & Saturday 10th April 2010 here in Rarotonga. CINA has undertaken “road shows” to those clubs who have requested more information on the new proposal using the Telecom Sports Arena. Most clubs have been very positive to move forward once they have understood how using the TSA will step up our games to stronger competition and therefore immediate improvement through all grades. Naturally some have had their reservations and losing the “Village feel” has been the most prominent set back. However CINA believes this does not need to be lost as the atmosphere of the TSA provides an opportunity for villages to keep this strength of pride in their teams. “…yes, it will be different” admits President Patsy Hockin, “but pride is certainly not lost unless you want to lose it.”
Sponsorship
An entirely new approach to sponsorship is being taken by CINA. In the past sponsorship has been more philanthropic, a ‘free handout’ with no major returns to those who have supported quite happily. With a ‘business’ headed marketing/sponsorship team (MST) the new focus is returning sponsors value for their support. The MST believes the days of expecting free handouts are well and truly a thing of the past – the new approach being, definite returns for support. Potential corporate sponsors are being approached with well planned proposals detailing what benefits they can expect to reap and CINA’s obligation to deliver.
CINA’s Major events this year:
1. Cook Islands Domestic Season – 9/10 April 2010
2. Pacific Series 3rd-5th June 2010 – Cook Islands
3. Commonwealth Games – October 2010 – India
4. Upon qualifying World Fastnet Series – November 2010 – Manchester
5. Midweek competitions
CINA’s National Team Goals:
1. Cooks Islands must be either 1st or 2nd in the Pacific Series to qualify for the World Champs in Singapore July 2011.
Cook Islands must beat South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in October to improve ranking to 6th placing and qualify for the World Fastnet Series in Manchester – November 2011
For information please do not hesitate to contact PJ on 55226, President of Cook Islands Netball Association.

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