Thursday, October 8, 2009

Sydney Masters Game Registration

Athletes be warned! If you have just arrived in Sydney, better head to the ANZ stadium ASAP to register for your game. There's a very very very long queue ahead to get your registration processed (that is if you want your game pass and a blue backpack full of goodies!)

I was there to register today, unfortunately was told that it will take me at least 3 1/2 hours of STANDING in the queue before I see any sports officials to process my registration. Pretty poor organisation if you ask me. I don't think standing for such long hours, without food nor water - and in a cold, windy weather does anyone any good. Any excitement quickly turns into frustration.

Anyway, to my fellow athletes, be warned and be ready. I will be back for my second try to register early tomorrow morning (and no, I'm not camping out at the stadium).

Suggestion for the Sydney Masters game organizers - should have more staff / volunteers on board, and perhaps have several registration station spread out across Sydney, rather than only at the ANZ stadium?

Hills Stadium will host the game!


HILLS Sports Stadium will be one of six venues for the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney from October 10 to 18.
At Hills Sports Stadium competitions will be held for age categories 55+, 60+, 65+ and 70+.
Other basketball venues will be Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, Cambridge Park - men and women 30+ and 35+ and possibly a wheelchair division.
Sutherland Leisure Centre - men and momen 40+, 45+ and 50+; Menai Indoor Sports Centre -, men and women 40+, 45+ and 50+.
Bankstown Basketball Stadium, Condell Park - men and women 40+, 45+ and 50+.
Thornleigh Indoor Sports Centre The Brickpit, Thornleigh - men and women 55+, 60+, 65+ and 70+
The competitions will also be split into grades.
A Grade - Premier: This elite grade will be for teams consisting of players with international or national experience. At least two players should have played for their country. The other team members are expected to be at a state, province or elite club level.
B Grade - Competitive: This grade is for those players who compete in a high standard of domestic level basketball, such as A Grade in their local competition, and athletes who have represented their club or town in state or province competition.
C Grade - Recreational: This grade is for those players who participate in non-competitive and/or lower leagues and for social and casual players. There will be only one grade for the 70+ category.
About 250 basketball teams will compete in the World Masters Games.