The formulation of the idea that POPS Australia somehow facilitate the entry of a team of POPS Australia members of Masters qualifying age (50 years) and comprising 4 reasonably (or better) experienced skydivers came together during 2011, and in March 2012 a team was formed and started jumping at Elderslie DZ.

In April 2012 the team will enter in the Australian National Championships at Toogoolawah, Queensland, and aim to be competitive, and with the aim of generating interest from mature skydivers (not necessarily POPS Australia members) in competing at local, state and national competition events as teams or individuals, rather than at events targetted at POPS members.

In this way, the further development of the POPS fraternity in mainstream skydiving in Australia through participation, learning, safety, competition and enjoyment will be enhanced.

POPS had already been operating 15 years in the USA, where it was founded in 1966 at a time when 40 was considered ‘old’ – well, it was! Now  POPS has spread around the world with tens of thousands of members in about  24 nations; regular POPS events are held in Europe and the USA in particular, with a World POPS Meet and Championships conducted about every two years in a different country.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

The first World event was the brainchild of our own Bernie Shaw, who with a little help from his friends organised the 1st World POPS Meet at the Ettamogah Pub near Albury in New South Wales in April 1990. It was a resounding success and since then, these events have been held in Umatilla Florida USA, Empuriabrava Spain, Wadi Rum Jordan, Chilliwack Canada, Matamata New Zealand, Gruyere Switzerland,  Eloy Arizona USA, Toogoolawah Queensland Australia, Reggio Emilia Italy, and in June 2012 at Teuge, Holland.

AUSTRALIA 2011

In the last few years POPS Australia membership has risen relatively significantly, with Membership # 780 having recently been issued, up from about #430 in 2005/6. POPS participation at its own events and at major Boogies such as Equinox and Batchelor has contributed to this growth, as did the 2008 World Champs at Toogoolawah.

In 2011, POPS Australia celebrated their 30 year milestone anniversary year with several participations and competition events at DZs in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and in the Northern Territory. Major events were:

Inaugural POPS Australia Speed Star Competiton at Batchelor

Tony’s 50th and 3 Way Competition at Port Macquarie

POPS Australia support at Commando Skydivers 50th Anniversary at  Tooradin

Preparations for POPS Australia inaugural support of Masters Category Teams at Nationals Competitions planned for 2012

POPS Australia wishes to recognise the support of the late Fiona McEachern in our efforts to bring the POPS fraternity into the mainstream in the Australian skydiving community through participation, learning, safety, competition and enjoyment of our wonderful sport.

WON BY NEW SOUTH WALES

• 4 way teams [3 rounds] 1st NSW 2nd NSW 3rd Vic.
• 8 way speed stars [3 rounds] 1st NSW 2nd Vic
• sport accuracy [1 round] too damn hot!
• hit n rock [1 round] too damn hot too!

Rematch in ??? — Dates and location TBA

Competition Rules -– as used at the 9^th World POPS Championships Toogoolawah 2008.

Eligibility for competition –- must be 40 years minimum, have a current APF Sporting Licence, Minimum B Licence, and be a Member of POPS Australia.

Non-residents of either NSW or Victoria will be eligible for placement in a team as determined by POPS Australia (usually on the basis of residency north or south of the Murray River).

Draws –- for the 4 Way Teams will be made available after 7pm on the evening before competition begins.

Judging –- in accordance with Competition Rules above and Judge’s decision is final.

Medals –- awarded to teams/individuals placed 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd, plus cameraflyer for FS competitions.

Registration –- closes at the completion of the first round of competition – early pre-registration by email to info@popsaustralia.com is preferred.

Email: POPS Australia info@popsaustralia.com