Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon

Sporting Apparel

Playing Uniform

All boys must be in the correct uniform to play. By and large, we get this right but there is the odd slip up. Our reputation and your image are on show on game day. Opposition, visitors and spectators are judging us all by our appearance.

This includes travelling to and from the venue. The new MCA tracksuit or jumper are able to be worn over the playing kit in colder or wet weather. No one should be seen in non-MCA gear on match days.

Boys must be always in covered footwear. We do not allow thongs, slides or Birkenstocks to be worn at any time.

If you are staying to watch the firsts after your match you must bring your school uniform and change after your match. No one is to be walking around the fields or courts in random gear.

First Teams - Marigold Jersey and Playing Jersey

Being selected in a first team is very special. It is the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, skill, insight, passion and commitment. It rightly should be celebrated and appreciated. The wearing of a firsts jersey should be reserved for the premier competition that teams play in- in most cases the AIC. All pre-season and non-AIC competition matches are to be played in the College jersey and playing shorts and socks.

The day a boy gets to pull on the marigold shirt, put on the baggy cap, et cetera, is special and it should be the first time he wears the item as a signifier that he has made it.

The marigold training shirt and singlet are unique to Marist Ashgrove and again has a significant position in our college culture. Similar to the jersey, it is easy to diminish its value. Therefore, the following conditions apply to wearing it:

Extended first squads are to wear the blue MCA training shirt for the pre-season phase. Once the final first team squad has been chosen boys will be able to purchase and wear the Marigold Firsts training shirt to training as directed by the coaches.

If you made the first team the year before or in another sport and already have a marigold shirt you are not to wear it to training until the final squad has been chosen and all players wear the marigold.

To sum this up: when you have earnt it you can wear it.

First Team Commemorative Items

A commemorative item will be given out each year to players from the first team based on players meeting the following criteria:

To be eligible to receive a commemorative item players must have started a match for the first team throughout the AIC season.
Only the number of players who have started one or more matches will be presented with a commemorative item.
Where the sport plays in positional numbered jerseys, the jersey number will be allocated to the player who played the most matches in that number. Players who started a match but did not play the greatest number of matches in any specific starting number will be presented a reserve number jersey.
Where a sport plays in squad numbers, the jersey number will be allocated to the player who played the most matches in that number. Players who started a match but did not play the greatest number of matches in any specific number will be presented with an alternative number jersey.
In the event of more players being eligible than number of items available, the College will order additional items.
In special circumstances, such as injury or illness, the criteria can be overridden by the College to include any additional participants at their discretion.
In Championship sports all opens athletes who are selected to participate on the day of competition at the AIC championship will be eligible to receive a commemorative item.
In special circumstances, such as injury or illness, the criteria can be overridden by the College to include any additional participants at their discretion.

Grievance Policy - Sport

Sports Selections

Sporting teams at Marist College Ashgrove will be selected using specific criteria for each sport. Detailed selection policies for each sport can be accessed on the College App or by contacting the relevant activity coordinator or director.

The selection of teams or individuals for events is taken very seriously by all staff, as is promotion and relegation of players considering the sport specific criteria in addition to ability and skill level, attitude and aptitude and attendance at training and competition.

In relation to player selection, the College has clear guidelines for students and parents to follow.

If a player or parent wishes to discuss any concerns relating to the selection criteria or process, they must contact the coordinator or director of that activity. Under no circumstances are students or parents to make direct contact with the coach of the team.
If the player or parent wishes to continue further discussion of selection matters a meeting is to be organised with the Head of Sport or Head of Sport Primary.
If after those discussions the student and or parent are still not satisfied, a meeting will be arranged with the Deputy Head of College.
If after those discussions the student and or parent are still not satisfied, a meeting will be arranged with the Head of College.

General Concerns/Grievances

If a student or parent wishes to provide feedback on any aspects of the sporting program, they are most welcome to do so. There are clear guidelines for students and parents to follow:

If a student or parent wishes to provide feedback on any other aspects of the sporting program in the first instance, they are to contact the activity coordinator or director.
Should the player or parent wish to continue the concern, feedback or grievance after this, a meeting will be organised with the Head of Sport or Head of Sport Primary.
If after those discussions the student and or parent are still not satisfied, a meeting will be arranged with the College Deputy Head of College.
If after those discussions the student and or parent are still not satisfied, a meeting will be arranged with the Head of College.
Formal complaints can be raised through the formal complaints process, as outlined on the College website, by emailing community@marash.qld.edu.au.

Multi-Sport Participation

Boys are encouraged throughout the year to participate in a range of sports and activities to build character, resilience and discipline while enjoying representing the College and participating with their mates.

Unfortunately with 12 major sports and a range of minor sports in the calendar, it is not always possible to participate in all the chosen sports for everyone. The AIC sets the calendar and allocates which sports are played in which terms. This is based on a combination of AIC history and tradition, sport-specific norms, balance across the calendar and operational requirements such as venue availability.

As a College, we operate on two key parameters, participation and success. Both are equally important to us. We want boys to play a range of sports as much as possible and do as well as they can in that sport.

We understand that the current calendar of sports is not ideal for everyone, but it is never going to suit everyone as we fit sports in to the term calendar. Boys can only participate in one premiership sport (week to week fixtures) and one championship sport (one day event) in a term. In term one that means boys must choose between volleyball, cricket and AFL. They can also participate in swimming. In term 2 boys must choose between rugby and football and they can also participate in cross country. In term 3 boys must choose between rugby league, basketball and tennis, and they can also participate in athletics.

There are a number of reasons for this:

We want to maximise every boy’s potential participation. Where a boy is playing in 2 sports he is potentially stopping another boy from playing any sport that term.

Where the by-laws state that fixture times for the two teams involved (ie a rugby and a football team) do not clash does not mean that will not always be the case as the by-law times are a recommendation not compulsory so schools are free to adjust to suit.

With upwards of 1200 boys playing sport in Term 1 and another 1200 in Term 2, it is impossible to manage the training schedules to avoid clashes for boys in multiple teams in the same term.

Marist Cricket

Thank you once again to all boys for their approach to cricket this term. Most age groups have embraced the high standards we have set in relation to our expectations around Punctuality, Communication, Uniform and Respect.

Week 7 is the final week of training for all age groups for 2024 (excluding the First XI). Specialist sessions will finish at the end of next week.

All boys are encouraged to approach the final week of training for this term with the same level of rigour and enthusiasm that they have thus far.

Trial Games v Iona

On Friday 24 January we will be playing Trial Games against Iona College in the following teams:

7A
8A
9A
10A
2nd XI
1st XI

Teams for these matches will be announced early December. The teams selected for these games will not be final for the AIC season. If a boy is unavailable for these fixtures, it will not impact selection for Round 1 of the AIC season.

Any boys who are selected for these games and are unavailable should notify their year group coordinator.

Year 10 AIC T20

The Year 10 AIC T20 Competition will be played on January 22 and January 24. Any Year 10 boys unavailable on these dates should contact Mr Catton.

Cricket Week

Cricket will recommence in the final week of the January holidays.

Please see the schedule below. Please note sign-on for the Specialist Sessions and Cricket Camp has not been opened yet. All players will be advised when this takes place.

Expectations / Non-Negotiables

This week all boys at training have been aware of some expectations that will be within place in the cricket program this season.

Punctuality

Boys are expected to be at training on time and be dressed and ready to start at 3:30pm.

Communication

Boys are expected to communicate to me or their relevant coordinator (not their coach) if they have any issues in relation to attendance at training or games.

Uniform

All cricketers will be expected to wear the correct uniform to training. This includes Marist Training shirt, Training Shorts and blue or white Marist socks. Boys who are not wearing the correct uniform will not be permitted to participate.

Respect

All boys are expected to demonstrate high levels of respect for their coaches and their peers at all times

Term 1 Cricket Schedule

The Term 1 Training Schedule has now been finalised. We will be adding on some additional specialist sessions.

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Congratulations – National Schools Challenge Opportunity

Congratulations to both our Junior and Intermediate Teams for their selection in the National Schools Challenge! Over the past two years, we've sent our Intermediate and Senior squads to the Nationals Schools Challenge in Adelaide and Perth, where they brought home medals.

Well done to all the students involved for their hard work and dedication, and best of luck as you prepare for this incredible opportunity!

Sunday Sessions

For all students wanting to continue with their Track and Field training, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. Please see below details -

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15pm-4:45pm

DRESS: Marist sport shirt, Marist sports shorts, white or blue socks.

Marist Track and Field – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist College has continued to showcase incredible moments in Track and Field again this year, from Year 5 victories to exceptional feats by our Year 12 students, all vividly captured on our social media pages.

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Term 4 – Preseason Training Completed

We’ve successfully completed our optional five-week preseason rugby union training block for Years 9-11 students. Throughout this block, the players have been consistently challenged by the coaching staff, and their dedication, hard work, and desire to improve have been outstanding.

Our final session on Friday morning was a fitting end to the program. The group completed a "Bronco" fitness test and then joined the Marist U12 Armidale squad for a memorable training session. The morning concluded with a BBQ, emphasizing the importance of connection and community, which are core values of the Marist Rugby Program.

A special thanks to 2024 1st XV players, Lachie McCall and Nate Roberts, for returning to cook the BBQ and join in, even as they prepare to graduate next week. Their involvement embodies the spirit of our rugby program and continues to inspire our youngest Bumblebees.

A huge thank you to Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Charlie Taylor, Mr Paddy Conn, and Mr James Trebbin for their exceptional on-field coaching and mentorship, and to Mr Adam Earnshaw for overseeing strength and conditioning. Their expertise and support have greatly contributed to the players’ development.

Thanks also to Mr John Lambourne and Mr Anthony Graham for their exceptional work with the U12 Armidale squad. Their dedication, time, and genuine care for the students contributes to the enjoyment and success of the program.

A training program for all students will be available via the College app and email for students who wish to continue training. Be sure to check the College gym opening times throughout the rest of the term and the holiday period.

NOTE: Training will recommence on Day 1 of Term 1 next year for any interested Year 10-12 students. Further information will be shared through the Marist app and email.

Congratulations to all students for a fantastic preseason block!

Scrum Ready Program - Years 5-10

In Week 5 of our six-week Scrum Ready training block, it’s been impressive to witness the significant progress our group of around 20 students from Years 5-10 has made in developing scrum strength and technique. This work now will set the students up well leading into the holidays and the Term 1 Rugby Ready Program.

Mr Doug Perrers, Mr James Trebbin and Mr John Milne have led the students through a structured and sensible progression. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by all participants are promising signs for our future front-row depth and safety.

The aim of the training sessions is to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position.

WHEN: Wednesday 16/23/30 October, 6/13 November

TIME: 3:30pm-4:45pm

WHERE: Des Connor Park, Field 5

DRESS: MCA sports shirt, Marist sports shorts, blue / white / or Marist rugby socks.

OTHER GEAR: Rugby boots and a drink bottle

The five weeks will consist of:

Core and body strengthening exercises
Solo with no opposition – on knees
Solo with no opposition – on feet
Solo against a machine/tackle bag
1 v 1 / 3 v 3 body shape.

Join us for our final session tomorrow!

On scrum safety, thanks to 1st XV Coach, Mr Chris Daykin and the interested students who are attending the Scrum Progression Program on a Saturday morning. Mr Daykin has a passion for forward play and importantly for the development of safe and strong technical progression.

It is wonderful to see so many boys on a Saturday morning turning up to continue their development as a front row forward. Well done!

Rugby Tour Information 2025

For planning purposes, the following tours/camps are proposed for 2025 –

1st XV Camp (Currimundi) – CONFIRMED

35 players

Saturday 8 – Sunday 9, March

1st XV / 2nd XV Tour (Northern NSW) – PROPOSED

40 players

Friday 4 – Sunday 13, April

U12 The Armidale School Rugby Carnival – CONFIRMED

20 players (squad has been selected)

Friday 11 – Sunday 13, April

NOTE: More information will be made available to the relevant groups as we get closer to the time.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2024, the College continues to deliver some wonderful rugby memories through our social media pages. From the smallest bumblebees in Year 5 through to the biggest bumblebees in Year 12, all of it is captured in wonderful colour.

To stay connected with Marist Rugby and with all the program’s achievements, please follow our Instagram page @marist_ashgrove_rugby.