GRIDIRON OFFICIALS TOUCH DOWN

QUEENSLAND gridiron officials have met in Cairns at the weekend to discuss how to best grow the sport in regional communities across the state.

Cairns Gridiron Association (CGA) hosted officials from Gridiron Queensland along with representatives from the Townsville and Mackay associations at a summit aimed at developing partnerships and increasing participation rates.

Cairns gridiron coach David Tibbetts said the meeting was a “historic moment for gridiron in Queensland”.

“Without that competition and development between us we can’t grow,” Tibbetts said.

“That was the impetus for the meeting. If we don’t have our three (regional) teams working closely together we can’t grow. It’s imperative.”

In addition to the summit, CGA hosted a training combine at Ivanhoes Rugby League Club with about 30 people taking part in skills, drills and games.

Regular training for Cairns’ men’s and women’s teams will start next month with an emphasis on the mental side of the game, Tibbetts said.

“Gridiron’s not like other footy codes. We need people to learn what our game is about,” he said. “It’s about getting your technique (right). That flows onto understanding your assignments and your teammates’ assignments.

“You really have to work for each other more so than in any other sport. That starts with proper technique. Then you develop trust for each other.”

Cairns women’s quarterback Zoe Bartolo said learning the intricacies was exciting.

“I just saw an ad on Facebook promoting a tryout this year,” Bartolo said.

“I had watched the sport on TV and not really understood it, even though it looked fun.

“It’s an incredible sport because there’s so much strategy involved. I love coming to training and learning every week.

“I have a long way to go but we’re getting more women training. We’d love more women involved.”

CGA hope to host Brisbanebased gridiron teams later in the year.