b'VALUABLE INPUT RECEIVEDAT INAUGURAL WORKSHOPT he inaugural FIT Member Workshop held in ParisIn combination, our delegates made our inaugural FIT in late October proved a resounding success withMember Workshop an overwhelming success, and it the 50 delegates from 20 countries demonstratingwas a great pleasure to see so many of our members their commitment to growing the sport of Touchthere.globally.STANDOUT PRESENTATIONSThe inaugural workshop provided the Board with members views on many issues including FITsErick was delighted by the calibre of the presentations ongoing operations, the strategic direction of Touch,from several member nations at the workshop. I want events, sport development, player eligibility, inclusivity,to thank several speakers at the workshop including governance, rules and refereeing, marketing, andTouch NZ CEO Joe Spranger who presented a communications. paper: FIT Membership Structureexisting and future The possibility of international rule changes wasmodels, and of course TFAs CEO Jamie OConnor, discussed after a thought-provoking presentationwhose presentation created significant discussion by Touch Football Australias CEO, Jamieamong delegates. OConnor. Australia will implement new rules onSouth Africa Touch Association (SATA) 1 January 2020 and several of the games leadingPresident Thabo Motsumi also presented a experts were engaged for their advice and expertisethought-provoking paper about how his association is regarding the playing rule amendments. addressing transgender participation in South Africa. The entire Board is committed to using the goodErick said, Thabos presentation captivated us all, ideas gathered at the workshop to help us implementand Im incredibly excited that several member nations a new strategy for the Federation for the next fourare committed to joining South Africa in developing a years, said Erick Acker, President of FIT. Weworking paper on this issue.were delighted that so many of the leaders of our gameErick concluded, Im delighted by the member from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Pacific region gavefeedback, and already we have received several their time and resources to attend and contribute to theexpressions of interest from members who would like to workshop.host next years workshop."10|Keeping In Touch 2019 77195_NSWTA-KeepingInTouchMagazine-2019.indd 10 2/12/19 3:21 pm'