The last area is in relation to UPC funding. In the past the NZFDA has paid
entry fees (and in some cases for uniforms) for teams competing overseas. The
NZFDA has handed this responsibility over to the UPC.

Given that the UPC has a limited amount of funds it is important that any money
which is allocated towards international representation is used in the most
effective way. The amount of funding which is likely to be available is not
going to be a significant amount, and over a whole team it would be unlikely to
make a big difference to any one individuals ability to travel to a tournament.

I realise that anyone who makes a commitment to travelling to an overseas
tournament is making a big outlay of their personal cash, and while I would
love the upc to be able to donate significant funding, this is never going to
be a realistic option in the near future. I think that the money which is
available would be better off targeted at areas where it would make a real
difference – whether it is setting up a fund where individuals can apply for
money due to their stretched financial circumstances or some other way. There
are a lot of students who play sport and it is very disappointing when
promising players have to say no to international experience because of lack of
funds, perhaps a grant system could help this situation??

If anyone has thoughts on:
1. whether the upc should be giving money to international competitors, if
so, which ones – only those who are competing in an individually selected team?
Or only particular tournaments?
2. how money should be used (paying team fees / grants to individuals etc
etc)
3. What amount of money is appropriate for use? (either as a percentage of
UPC funds or $ figures)
then please post to the list. (or any other thoughts relating to money &
international competition) Once again I have more thoughts on this coming soon.

Rachel