i agree with rick and shane (such illustrious company!). allcomers to
aussie events (run by clubs or individuals, with pickup as need be).
selected teams for world events.

on the role of the upc in relation to events in aussie, seems to me
to be sensible that clubs/organisers inform the upc what they are
doing and who is going and how selection worked (it is useful if the
upc knows what is going on). but i agree that the upc shouldn't have
a decision-making role.

from other conversations with rachel, the selection process for turku
will start this season. i will be making a (very brief) announcement
on her behalf this weekend that says 'yes there will be at least one
mixed team at turku (other teams depend on numbers). yes there will
be selection. yes it will start this season. yes, be interested, but
just hold off till we have some selectors chosen. yes, you will have
to pay for yourself, get there for a week beforehand to train, and
you will not get much change from $5-6,000 (although if yuong
continues the appreciation of the kiwi dollar...)'.

or words to that effect.