The VBSA Board, all Members and Players, are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Denis Coghlan earlier today from pneumonia (not the coronavirus).

Denis has been a magnificent stalwart for our sports, and especially our Juniors, for many years. As the host of National, International and World Billiards Championships, the VBSA has been blessed to have Denis involved, with his unbounded enthusiasm and unstinting support.

Denis has been the first person to make himself available for any Refereeing or Official responsibilities to support the VBSA. As the President, and often Tournament Director, for VBSA Events, I have always been delighted to have Denis attending at Tournaments.

Denis also attended as many events for the Juniors as possible, and his keen eye was able to identify talent, and potential, for all our Australian Juniors.

Camberwell Cuesports (ex-St Mary’s) and Burwood RSL have been extremely fortunate to have Denis acting as “the heart and soul” of both those Clubs. Denis displayed magnificent professionalism in Office Bearer positions for both Clubs, as well as the Over 55's Association, and he will be sorely missed.

All of us who have had Denis in our lives as a fellow Team-Member, Club-Member, Association Supporter, Referee and great Friend, will sorely miss his presence in our lives, and his professionalism, cheerfulness and enthusiastic cooperation.

Paul Cosgriff, VBSA President

UPDATE 8/7/2020.  All Indoor Sport banned from midnight 8th July for at least 6 weeks in ALL Melbourne Metropolitan & Mitchell Local Government Areas.  VBSA Board to update as information comes to hand.

Following today's announcement by the Victorian Premier that Stage 3 Restrictions are to be reinstated from midnight on 8th July 2020, the VBSA Board, in conjunction with Sports & Recreation Victoria (SRV) and the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), has decided to cancel ALL Pennant competition for the remainder of 2020. Apologies to those teams & players who submitted entries for Season 2; your efforts are appreciated.  Team captains will be contacted directly to advise this decision.

Further, it is very unlikely that ANY form of tournament competition will be possible for the remainder of 2020. 

Pending further advice from SRV & DHHS, it is also likely that local club play, either competition or social, may also be affected.  The VBSA will attempt to keep clubs informed of the extent & impact of restrictions as they are announced but Clubs are urged to make their own enquiries & practise due diligence in this regard.

Whilst this is a regrettable situation, the Board believes the health of our members & our communities is paramount and that we all should play our parts in responding to the challenges ahead.

Please see attached for news about the North Brighton Club

Please read the attached directive from the VBSA Board regarding the Return to Play as COVID-19 restrictions are eased in Victoria.  Note that the VBSA requirements are in addition to the ABSC requirements, not in place of.

All enquiries can be directed to VBSA Secretary David Chigwidden

A copy of the ABSC Guideline and Quick Reference Guide/Poster is also attached for your convenience.

Please view this Youtube clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG_arEa3BKU&t=1s

Chris Christofi is about to participate in his third Vinnies CEO SleepOut and has committed to raising $80,000.00 to help those in need. Reventon will also show support by donating 75 cents for every dollar that he raises.

This year Vinnie's asked for all the CEO's to participate virtually by sleeping in their backyard, in their car or on their couch. 

Chris has decided to sleep out on the streets of Melbourne for two nights at the end of June with his wife Billie.

Times are tough at the moment but together we can make a difference and change the lives of many.

$20 will help feed 1 person while $55 will help feed a family for a day. 

No donation is too small, if our whole network were able to give up one coffee a week and donate the money instead, we would be able to hit our target and help those who need it most. 

To make a donation please click on the link below.

https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/chrischristofi/melbourne

If you would like to see Chris' experience sleeping out on the coldest nights of the year, please follow him on social media @ChrisChristofi

There are many ways you can help - by making a donation, sharing this post with your network or by doing both. Chris appreciates everyone’s help in spreading the message.

The Championship League is being shown live on U.K. TV (ITV), and also on Foxsports here in Australia.

Please see below the dates and times for the upcoming UK Snooker.

Dear Members,

As many of you would be aware the Federal Government through our Prime Minister The Honourable Mr Scott Morrison announced steps to reinstate community structure and ease COVID-19 restrictions.   This is to be done in three stages to be administered by the States via their own administration at dates to be advised.   The first step involves sports to a limited degree permitting small groups up to 10 only maintaining social distancing all the while.   Instructions handed down do not refer specifically to any particular sport.

This being in vogue represents to us a positive move to returning to normality in community functioning albeit specifics of our position is still undecided while we await our State Parliament advice.   This fortunately commences this coming Monday 11th May 2020 but its timing on the day in unknown.    Should any actionable advice arise from this delivery I will add an appropriate addendum.

The VBSA Board wishes you continued safety and good health, looking forward to cueing again.

Kind regards
 

David Chigwidden
Secretary

The VBSA Privacy Policy has been updated and is now available from the Policy & Procedures page.