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, as we near 2011, 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 World POPS Meets 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 and at Reggio Emilia Italy in June 2010. The 11th World POPS Meet and Championships will be held in Teuge Holland in June 2012.

AUSTRALIA 2011

In the last few years POPS Australia membership has risen relatively significantly, with Membership # 747 having recently been issued, up from about #430 something 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 will celebrate this milestone anniversary year with several participations and competition events at DZs in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Already locked in are:

Speed Star Competiton at Batchelor in July

3 Way Competition at Port Macquarie in September

POPS Australia support of Masters Category Teams at Nationals Competitions

POPS Australia support at Commando Skydivers 50th Anniversary at  Tooradin in February

POPS Australia will be considering options and expressions of interest from DZs over the next couple of months, with the aim of giving POPS Australia members the opportunity to celebrate the 30th Anniversary at an event or competition in 2011.

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.

A couple of important POPS World Meet insurance items:

1.       Travel insurance. It’s critical to ensure your travel insurance covers you for parachuting related injuries. Yes, Covermore’s policy does this. APF and Insuranet have a “partnership” going and we recommend CoverMore. You can see options, get quotations and actually buy cover on line, via Insuranet’s website:

http://www.insuranet.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=1668 

2.       Gear Insurance. Also important to remember that your skydiving gear is not covered whilst in use with any travel insurer. So cover your gear under the APF Gear Insurance program – and make sure you tick the international cover box. As well as all of the usual hazards, APF’s gear insurance program covers your main, handles and freebag for loss or damage following a malfunction and cutaway. Details and application form at: 

http://www.insuranet.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=1667 

Hope that all helps. Contact me with any more questions relating to your insurance needs for the POPS meet. 

Cheers, 

Fergs

POPS 1 (KSA)

Neil Fergie
General Manager

Insuranet Holding Company Pty Ltd
Authorised Representative of:
AMP GI Distribution Pty Ltd ABN 40 098 810
AFS Licence No. 232703 &
AFM Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd ABN 82 073 267 053
AFS Licence No. 239010

PO Box 196
Deakin West ACT 2600

Telephone: 02 6202 3000
Fax: 02 6202 3011
email: neil@insuranet.com.au

Any general advice in this email does not take account of your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (if applicable) before acquiring any product mentioned in this email. This email is confidential and is for the intended recipient only. If you are not the intended recipient do not use or rely on this information. Please contact us 02 6202 3000 and delete all copies of this email. If you do not want to receive any more emails from us please let us know by return mail. 

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 2011 — 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, or east of it in the case of NZ!).

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 also visit www.skydivenagambie.com