BUB Fireside Chat with AFDA Secretary Mel

Welcome back to BUB Fireside Chats!

Once again, the Brisbane Ultimate Blog confirms its place in the absolute stratosphere of Ultimate Frisbee and Internet-related flam-flimmery by gaining an EXCLUSIVE interview with one of the shining, nay, let us say, BLAZING lights of the Australian Ultimate firmament, Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA - our national body) Secretary Mel Gangemi.

Brisbane Ultimate Blog: All praise to AFDA *genuflects* and kisses the Secretarial pinkie ring.

Mel: Settle down there.

BUB: Sorry, we’re just a bit overwhelmed.

Mel: You shouldn’t be! We’re very approachable in the AFDA.

BUB: Ok, we’ve contained ourselves again. But thanks for agreeing to the interview, especially with Mixed Nats coming up this weekend.

Mel: You’re welcome. It’s great to have someone interested in what we’re up to, and willing to spend some time finding out! Of course, we’ll have a few exciting bits of AFDA info to share at Mixed Nats this weekend!

BUB: Yes, we’re looking forward to seeing if Badman’s Birthday Bash scoops the pool again. Yeah Bads!

Anyway, we’d better ask you some questions, but first, perhaps for those who’s horizon’s don’t stretch far beyond Brisbane, you could tell us a little about yourself?

Mel: Well, where to start. While it’s hard to think of a life before Ultimate, I’ve been playing Ultimate now for about ten years. It all started at the University of Sydney, and has continued more recently in Melbourne, in particular with the wonderful women’s team Honey.

While some may be in shock that I have a life outside of Ultimate, I work as a lawyer for the Australian Government Solicitor. However, much of my non-work hours are spent playing, socialising and administrating Ultimate - nowadays in my role as the Secretary of the AFDA.

BUB: That sounds pretty important. Is it like those dudes who run the Unions and stuff? Are you the Jenny George or Greg Combet?

Mel: Not quite. Being AFDA Secretary doesn’t put you on the fast track to a plumb seat in Parliament with the Labor party.

However, there are a number of important things I do as AFDA Secretary. The Secretary is the AFDA Director charged with overseeing the organisation’s operations. Much of this is performed by the wonderful Mr Simon Wood, who I work closely with to ensure that we respond to correspondence, maintain our insurance, liaise with stakeholders like the ASC and so on.

The Secretary also oversees other core activities such as the AFDA AGM, preparation of the AFDA Annual Report, AFDA Awards, AFDA policies, codes of conduct, membership agreements and more.

BUB: So is “Director of Operations” code for “key paper pusher”?

Mel: I’d like to think that I do a pretty awesome job at pushing that paper BUB.

BUB: But – I don’t see that much paper on the Ultimate field?

Mel: That’s right BUB – we have eight directors on the AFDA Board and some directors focus more on Ultimate playing (e.g. Piers Truter as Director of High Performance, John Hempel as Director of Events and Luisa Fearnside as Director of Development). Other directors such as our Treasurer (Carlie Ryan) and Director of Marketing (Paul Keighley) focus more on the tools we need to promote and grow the playing side of things.

BUB: When you first joined the Board you were living in Sin City – but are now in Melbourne – how does it work with the Board and the AFDA’s employees spread so far across the country?

Mel: Surprisingly well! For a community of nerds, we are all pretty IT saavy and run most of our dealings by email. Important decisions are conducted by on-line poll, and teleconferences run through Skype or equivalent. Wander past a laneway cafe in Melbourne on the way to work, and you’re likely to find me enjoying the brew and dealing with AFDA Business.

BUB: Is it true what they say about Melbourne coffee?

Mel: Only positive things can be said about Melbourne.

BUB: Even Melbourne weather?

Mel: Did you say something?

BUB: So what’s on the immediate horizon for the AFDA at the moment? Say like between now and the end of the year?

Mel: Well, for our players, Mixed Nationals is this weekend of course, with approximately 400 of our members making the trek out to Bathurst this year. Apart from determining the best team in the country, the AFDA will also be announcing the recipients of the second round of grants from its grants program as well the recipients of the AFDA Awards for 2010.

Then, over the weekend of 13-14 November, the AFDA Administrators’ Conference is to be held in Melbourne – which is probably the highlight of the AFDA Calendar. The conference, which is held annually, brings together key administrators from each of the State Associations and the AFDA together in one place. We get to share ideas and discuss problems that face each association. We also get to work out how we can do things better. And sing some mean karaoke along the way.

BUB: Isn’t this just one big talk fest? Or do things happen?

Mel: Well, last year – our State Associations indicated that they wanted more help with administration. In response, the AFDA employed Anna Haynes as our Development Officer. Anna has been working with each of the states to improve their governance, as well as provide on the ground support.

BUB: And just back to Mixed Nats for a second (and totally off-topic from AFDA-stuff). Your team has landed top seed thanks to an outstanding effort at the NSW Championships. Does this say anything about the strength of having a restrictive selection policy?

Mel: There are certainly plenty of monkeys on the team. But I think most people will agree that the field at Mixed Nats this year is wide open. It’ll all come down to who plays well on the day – reputations won’t matter for much. The top NSW teams of course look strong – MCMLXXX and Jericho – and SA1 – Smurf – will be looking to build on their excellent performance at World Clubs. MegaPussi of NZ will be another team to look out for....both on and off the field.

BUB: Ok, now Mel, as you know you’re a bit of a celebrity in Ultimate circles … stop blushing, its true … so we should do a proper bit of quizzing so that your fans can know how they can best be like you.

Mel: Oh gosh.

BUB: Favourite throw?

Mel: Are you trying to exploit all my secrets? I’ve always liked a good I/O forehand.

BUB: Favourite person to receive your throw?

Mel: Any one of the lovely Honey ladies. There’s nothing like a good honey pass.

BUB: How do you like to score?

Mel: Enough with the innuendo. Surely Brisbane Ultimate has more exciting things to ponder....

BUB: No, we're all about the scoring here. But next, favourite annual tournament?

Mel: Halibut of course!

BUB: Woo – 10 points there Mel - what a pollie! And what’s your favourite pre-tournament breakfast?

Mel: I’m a weetbix kid. I took a stash with me to Prague this year.

BUB: Relationship status?

Mel: I’ve been married for the past four years to the ever-patient Tim. I’m not sure if I should read anything into the fact that Tim’s been living in the US on secondment for the past few months.....

BUB: All hail TIM! And what will you be wearing to the party at Mixed Nats?

Mel: I have the gold sequined cowboy hat lurking in my fancy dress box is firming as my likely attire.

BUB: Lucky Tim! ;) Who’s your tip to win this season of the Brisbane Premier League?

Mel: Looking at the leader-board, it’s a tight competition, and certainly very strong in the self-promotion if those websites are any indication. But, everyone in Melbourne is still talking about Collingwood’s flag, so perhaps it will be the season for Dojo Mojo.

BUB: Favourite Ultimate website?

Mel: Why, the Brisbane Ultimate Blog of course!

BUB: Right you are there! Well, I guess we’re nearly out of time, but have you got anything else you’d like to add?

Mel: Thanks for asking me to come onto the BUB. It’s been swell!

BUB: Thanks again Mel!

And with that, Mel returned to the gold-plated AFDA Force 2 hovercraft, and darted off …

Mel and others will no doubt be monitoring the comments section - so why not pose your own questions? And let us know who else you think we should be grilling next time!