Wollondilly Shire Council’s policy on closing playing fields following rain has come under scrutiny by Group Six Rugby League.
In its latest newsletter – sent by executive officer Stephen Hazelton – Group 6 put the spotlight on council policy.
“Wollondilly Shire Council’s policy of closing all their sporting grounds Friday morning, if some of their grounds are in doubt for the weekend, has again shut down most of Group 6 Rugby League over the weekend,’’ says Group 6 in the newsletter.
“Coincidently two times this season wet weather on Friday morning has shut down most of the Group 6 competitions, when the draw has most of the league’s games played in the Wollondilly area.
“This has resulted in games being called off that could have been played under winter sunshine and again has raised the question, is the council prematurely closing their sporting grounds especially when the weather has cleared early Friday afternoon, long after council staff have gone home.’’
The newsletter report is preceded by a photo of Picton’s footy ground, Victoria Park, bathed in sunshine on the day it could have hosted a Group 6 match but was closed by the council.
“Wollondilly Council covers a large section for the Group 6 region from Warragamba showground in the North West, around to Dudley Chesham Oval at the Oaks, Thirlmere Sports Ground, Victoria Park Picton, Bargo Sports Ground, and Appin Park, with other sporting grounds hosting soccer, union and other winter sports,’’ the newsletter went on to say.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The area is so big the council claims it takes a person the whole day to drive around the sporting grounds to inspect them before they determine if the grounds are open or closed.[/social_quote]
“This makes no sense when that same staff member can close the sports grounds before lunch time on Friday, when we consider before the news has spread around the Wollondilly Shire the weather has cleared, leaving the grounds wet but with the 24 hours break between the closure decision and scheduled kick off times, normally the grounds are dry with a suitable and safe playing surface for sports to be played on.’’
Group 6 says other councils in the Macarthur area have a different approach from Wollondilly.
“Camden and Campbelltown Council’s policy is more user friendly, by having a Conditional Status that allows the clubs, their governing association, and their ground committees that maintain the facilities the final call if sports can be played over the weekend, if there has been some wet weather.
“These councils understand that the organisations that use the grounds have a vested interest in the quality of the playing surface and are in a better position and more qualified to make a decision relating to the safety of their participants.
“This system works well and allows the hard working volunteers to be responsible in the management of the public asset that is the centre of their sporting and social communities.
“Thirlmere Sports Ground, Victoria Park and Bargo Sports Ground all have good ground committees that work hard to manage these venues on behalf of the Shire, and they should be given respect for their hard work and understanding of their facilities and be given the ability to use the ground if the conditions are suitable.’’
In its website, Wollondilly Shire Council says:
“Council decides to close grounds based on:-
· The potential for injury to players.
· The sport played and the potential for damage to the playing surface.
· The weather forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology.
· The condition of the ground when inspected.
Grounds closures can occur at short notice.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]”Neither Sporting Clubs nor 355 Management Committees have authority to approve the use of sporting grounds when council has closed the grounds. Clubs or schools using closed fields will be liable for the full cost of repairs and may jeopardise their season booking with council.[/social_quote]
“In instances where council information has deemed all grounds open, clubs or umpires and referees may choose to close specific grounds to prevent injury to players. When this occurs, club representatives should erect the grounds closed sign and contact the affected visiting clubs and teams.’’
