The squad is designed for more experienced judoka and those who wish to reach their maximum potential. Being a squad member should is an honour as you represent Shodan Judo and places in the squad are limited. Squad members are selected by Shodan Coaches with the final decision being the current Head Coach.

Being a squad member means additional Monthly training sessions, Club visits and of course entering more Competitions. The Squad will be affiliated to the BJA once Jason has completed the affiliation process involving BJA courses and qualifications. The Shodan Trust and its Committee is one such requirement that is already in place.

The BJA is the National Governing body for Judo and affiliation means access to national competitions and events. For squad members meeting the required standard, there will also be the opportunity, to compete as part of the Wiltshire County, Western regional area and even national level squads.

The main advantage to squad membership is the ability to train independently at other BJA & BJC clubs. SJA members are currently covered by insurance when there is a group visit, but with a squad membership, players can train individually knowing that they have the insurance cover in place and the Club coaches will welcome them on to the mat. - Although perhaps a courtesy call would be a good idea!

Squad members can also select which other events including camps, kata courses and coaching courses that they wish to do and again take part independent of what the club has organised. So if there is a gap in the SJA calendar and you wish to compete then you are free to go off and do so. Basically, squad membership means you can train until your heart is content.

 

Additional Benefits of Squad membership and BJA License

Four annual Judo Magazines - Normal subscription is £20

BJA record book, e-news & forum access

Discounts and Promotions only available to squad members

Access to the UKCC Qualifications needed for coaching in schools - For those mad enough!

 

Competition Squad Fees

Being part of the competition squad does involve an extra annual fee. All Judoka who's clubs or association is BJA affiliated is required to pay the additional fee although it is only applicable to SJA competition squad members. The SJA is to significantly subsidise the additional fee and with squad having a non-profit status it means the more funds that we raise the less the fee will be. Obviously the more fundraising and squad training that takes place the more funds available and hopefully there will be enough funding to extend to subsidies for tournament and travel costs.

 

Squad fees for 2012 are as follows:

 

Juniors and Intermediates- £18 for first year & £16 for each year of renewal.

There is a £5 discount for every second and subsequent member from the same family.

 

Seniors- £28 for the first year & £24 for each year of renewal.

Seniors aged 16 and 17 and in full time education have the same fees as Juniors and Intermediates.

 

(renewal fees determined by the level of funds in the SJA Trust account and level of subsidy from the SJA. This will be determined by the committee at the AGM)

 

Limited Licence fee/ BJA Pay as you Throw: Junior & Intermediate = £4 and Senior = £6

Also subsidized by the SJA, the limited license is valid for four Months & provides an opportunity to participate in squad activities on a trial basis. Suitable for those who are not sure whether being in the squad really offers what they are looking to get out of Judo. i.e. Recreational or Competitive players. I would hope that all squad members would be sure of their commitment but this does provide the opportunity to try before committing in full.

It was an extremely difficult process to decide nominations for the squad as all our players can be excellent on their day and has plenty to offer. We feel it is important to remind everyone that Shodan Judo is ONE Club and all members are equally important to us whether squad members or not. We expect everyone to continue to support each other as has always been the case.

 

 

Squad Training News     Next Squad Training is Friday January 27th at Calne Judo Club, 6.30 - 8.30pm If you are part of the squad then please try to be there. Subs £3 which go to trust funds.