The Marinators Club - Notice of Inaugural Meeting

[DJ]

It's good that people are getting their opinions out there, and at the end of the day not everyone is going to share the same opinion.....thats life. (and that isnt a bad thing)

Not everyone will want to join and thats fine, continue exactly the way you have been going and not 1 person will think anything less. However if you want a sense of belonging to this GREAT supporters group...and you want to save a few dollars here and there and get priority at some events then JOIN! The Shed and the Barmy army are great examples of how this can work with the right leadership and teamwork from every member.........we can only grow and get better.

Nothing will change on match days (except better organisation), and I hope everyone continues to have fun...............we all share a common goal which is to support the Central Coast Mariners

[Adz]

kevrenor said:

I find the term breakaway insulting.

Sorry mate, did not intend it as an insult. By "breakaway" I meant - "having separated or advocating separation from another entity". Which is what it would look like if we have "The Marinators" and "Friends of The Marinators", or another name. The official club as a separate entity to the current group of people who are collectively called "The Marinators". That's what I thought you were suggesting, sorry if I stuffed that up!

[Jeff (LouMacari)]

Bloody hell Adz, lets face it....you're just a farkin trouble causer!

[Rowdy]

sjf said:

jazzman said:

Yes, I see your point kev but 'marinators' still does it for me! "anyone who wears yellow and claims to be..." aint cutttin it for me, sorry, but I think there is MUCH more to it than that.

I am happy to bow to the majority but as long as we don't get too 'finicky'(sp?) are we or aren't we 'The Marinators' ? and isn't that who we want to be?

The Marinators are now synonomous with the Mariners and to lesson the name or categorise it into all supporters is not right.People have stood in red hot sun pissing down rain and travelled the country all proud to be called marinators.

Sitting in other parts of the ground supporting is a mariners fan not a marinator, Bays 15,16,17 is where we are at if people like it they come if not others will do so.We are driving this to give us a sense of identity, there will always be differences of opinion but we have to all be on the same page sooner or later

I've highlighted the parts of your post that i strongly agree with.

In fact I discussed with Kev at the Lightning game the other nite how I disagreed with his opinion, though respected, the same argument that you're promoting here Sim.

I think the forum has 'blurred' what a Marinator is, and as i pointed out to Kev the majority of what i regard as Marinators are not on the forum. Therein problems arise, an example being, the the design of the scarves, 'MARINATOR SCARVES', being decided, voted on by people who 'just use the forum'. It had 'Marinator' on one side and ''Yellow Army' on the other, word's that 'originated' in a unisoned voice from Bay 16.

Fish said, as I also believe, that Bay's 15/16/17 is where it's at, when it comes to defining the Marinators. This is why I tried and was unsuccessful in trying to have the number '16' put onto the scarves, as way of showing our roots and where it all started. Lou said that was 'excluding' people'. It wasn't an attempt to say 16 is where it starts and ends, it will take another 2-3 seasons to even have 15 & 17 filled with 'full yellow' and 'all standing'.

The word 'Marinator' came from the forum user 'Greenpoint', and it was coined to identify the group of people who decided to support the Mariners at the World Club Challenge games in Bay 16. WCC Shirts were made and sold and it's grown from there, the forum has helped, but the forum is not the Marinators. In fact the Marinators are yet to grow out of Bay 16, but with-out doubt it will.

So even within the ranks of this 'new group' there's a great divide of opinions Lou and Fish are of differing opinions on the above issue and I've heard many others in conversation and in threads, too many to list. Taking this into consideration, why wasn't the 'meeting' held, as Kev pointed out, which was contrary to the decision 'to formalise'?

Why weren't meetings that have been held posted on here? as to dates and times to the formation of this new 'sub- club', so that others that may have been interested in participating could have the opportunity to do so or better still have the outcomes/details of those meetings at least posted so as to 'include' rather than 'exclude' ?

If this info had been posted perhaps some of the 'issues' like name, constitution, executive structure etc could of been clarified on the forum (I know I'm slightly contra-dicking myself) before the IGM. That way a larger group of people could have been included in deciding on the above issues instead of the 'small unknown group' who have. This way the first meeting could be devoid of 'what ifs' which could pre-occupy the evening.

Kev said to me, "but I sit in the stands..I'm a Marinator!", but Kev sits in the stand, and he may correct me if I'm wrong, primarily to get a better perspective of the game for writing his match reports for BOTN.

To me Kev is a Marinator, for 'multiple' reasons such as he 'associates' with those of the 'Bay 16 Area' i.e in the Kendall pre-match, with the same group of people post match,, away games, away trips. social stuff, volunteering etc. etc.

If you go to games and JUST sit in the stands AND also come on here, as Fish said (& IMO) your a 'Mariners Supporter', NOT a Marinator.

The forum is just a medium for 'fan's' of the the Mariners to get on-line and share their thoughts and opinions, communicate to each other about their intentions for game days and organize etc, basically just let 'everyone' know what everyone's up to..

I'm not at all against the creation of this new club/group or what ever it is that's decided upon. I, like others have been involved in football club's and other bodies and like others have experienced the good and the bad that can come from such things.

Transparency to some means 'crystal clear', to other's it's wearing 'rose coloured glasses'.

[northernspirit]

"theres gonna be a riot, theres gonna be a riot"

[Auburn Mariner]

I personally like "The Marinators'.

It has been fascinating to observe some of the posts in this thread. Some are on the money, some are rubbish, but that's what this forum is all about.

I won't sit on the fence here. I believe that being a sub-club of CCLC is absolutely essential. After two years, this step is vital for us to increase numbers, awareness and organisation.

I will be posting a Draft Constitution for you all in the next few hours to have a look at AND make comments on. PLEASE NOTE, it is a DRAFT, it is NOT, repeat NOT, signed, sealed and delivered.

Hope to see you all on May 19.

Regards,

Auburn

[dru]

Does it include "beer will be drunk in copious amounts at all events" ;D

[Jeff (LouMacari)]

dru said:

Does it include "beer will be drunk in copious amounts at all events" ;D

It doesn't need to say that Dru, because that is a 'given' at all times!

[Ursus]

rowdyroddy said:

sjf said:

The Marinators are now synonomous with the Mariners and to lesson the name or categorise it into all supporters is not right.People have stood in red hot sun pissing down rain and travelled the country all proud to be called marinators.

Sitting in other parts of the ground supporting is a mariners fan not a marinator, Bays 15,16,17 is where we are at if people like it they come if not others will do so.We are driving this to give us a sense of identity, there will always be differences of opinion but we have to all be on the same page sooner or later

I've highlighted the parts of your post that i strongly agree with.

In fact I discussed with Kev at the Lightning game the other nite how I disagreed with his opinion, though respected, the same argument that you're promoting here Sim.

I think the forum has 'blurred' what a Marinator is, and as i pointed out to Kev the majority of what i regard as Marinators are not on the forum. Therein problems arise, an example being, the the design of the scarves, 'MARINATOR SCARVES', being decided, voted on by people who 'just use the forum'. It had 'Marinator' on one side and ''Yellow Army' on the other, word's that 'originated' in a unisoned voice from Bay 16.

Fish said, as I also believe, that Bay's 15/16/17 is where it's at, when it comes to defining the Marinators. This is why I tried and was unsuccessful in trying to have the number '16' put onto the scarves, as way of showing our roots and where it all started. Lou said that was 'excluding' people'. It wasn't an attempt to say 16 is where it starts and ends, it will take another 2-3 seasons to even have 15 & 17 filled with 'full yellow' and 'all standing'.

The word 'Marinator' came from the forum user 'Greenpoint', and it was coined to identify the group of people who decided to support the Mariners at the World Club Challenge games in Bay 16. WCC Shirts were made and sold and it's grown from there, the forum has helped, but the forum is not the Marinators. In fact the Marinators are yet to grow out of Bay 16, but with-out doubt it will.

So even within the ranks of this 'new group' there's a great divide of opinions Lou and Fish are of differing opinions on the above issue and I've heard many others in conversation and in threads, too many to list. Taking this into consideration, why wasn't the 'meeting' held, as Kev pointed out, which was contrary to the decision 'to formalise'?

Why weren't meetings that have been held posted on here? as to dates and times to the formation of this new 'sub- club', so that others that may have been interested in participating could have the opportunity to do so or better still have the outcomes/details of those meetings at least posted so as to 'include' rather than 'exclude' ?

If this info had been posted perhaps some of the 'issues' like name, constitution, executive structure etc could of been clarified on the forum (I know I'm slightly contra-dicking myself) before the IGM. That way a larger group of people could have been included in deciding on the above issues instead of the 'small unknown group' who have. This way the first meeting could be devoid of 'what ifs' which could pre-occupy the evening.

Kev said to me, "but I sit in the stands..I'm a Marinator!", but Kev sits in the stand, and he may correct me if I'm wrong, primarily to get a better perspective of the game for writing his match reports for BOTN.

To me Kev is a Marinator, for 'multiple' reasons such as he 'associates' with those of the 'Bay 16 Area' i.e in the Kendall pre-match, with the same group of people post match,, away games, away trips. social stuff, volunteering etc. etc.

If you go to games and JUST sit in the stands AND also come on here, as Fish said (& IMO) your a 'Mariners Supporter', NOT a Marinator.

The forum is just a medium for 'fan's' of the the Mariners to get on-line and share their thoughts and opinions, communicate to each other about their intentions for game days and organize etc, basically just let 'everyone' know what everyone's up to..

I'm not at all against the creation of this new club/group or what ever it is that's decided upon. I, like others have been involved in football club's and other bodies and like others have experienced the good and the bad that can come from such things.

Transparency to some means 'crystal clear', to other's it's wearing 'rose coloured glasses'.

What if you join the club and then not sit in Bay 16. Are you a Marinator or a Mariners' supporter.

I thought the idea of marinators was to be as inclusive as possible, without rules.

I am happy to call the organisation the Marinators Club or anything else but never Club Marinators. (sounds like a wanky name thought up by an advertising agency ).

Celery I have been burnt in similar circumstances in the past and not just in football, I agree fully with your sentiments. However I will go along with hope and keep my fingers crossed for the future. I respect and have faith in the blokes who are currently organising. My support is the least I can give.

If it works who knows how big and successful it can be.

[Jeff (LouMacari)]

Ursus, 'club Marinators' has the same effect on me too mate.

on joining 'the club' and not sitting in bay 16, I'm interested to know what YOU think that would make them?

I think we're in danger here of reading WAAAYY TOO MUCH into all of this.
Someone either joins the marinators 'club' and takes advantage of all the benefits that brings, or they don't. And they sit where they sat last year and support like they did last year and have as much fun as they did last year....Where's the problem?

What a true 'Marinator' is will always be a debatable topic as there are obviously different views on it. Unless the meaning of a marinator is set down in print for the record (and that would be way too exlusive I reckon, and who the hell has the right to say what it is and what it isn't?)
The way it is at the moment means that the family coming to support the mariners who sit in bay 5 or 35 can call themselves marinators because they wear yellow and go to the games.
Who can say whether that makes them 'true' marinators? As far as I'm concerned, I'm proud that I've helped (along with hundreds of other mad mariners supporters) to build that name to such a level that we have families wanting to be part of it and take on the name!

No one is saying here "you have to join the marinators club to be a true marinator!" We're simply saying that there's power in numbers and all mariners supporters who join this 'club' will benefit from this movement.

Onward & upward!

[pipray]

At the risk of adding fuel to the fire

I thought a Marinator was a Mariners fan committed to support the team by
*attending as many home matches as possible and travelling support as often as possible

*showing support by chanting as loud as possible and helping to get them over the line

*talking about the Mariners every chance you have and encouraging others to get along to watch fantastic football

I have never sat in Bay 16 but I have been to every home game bar 2 since season 1 began and have traveled to support the team. I sit in the stands but have made every effort to learn bay 16 chants so that I can encourage others in the stands to be involved in cheering our team on. I have been both a member and season ticket holder since season 1 as well and will continue to do so. I would like to be a member of the Marinators (or whatever it gets named) club

I don't tell people that I'm a Marinator but I am a passionate Mariners fan which goes back to my original point.


Tooo many grey areas to argue

Anyway just my 2cents worth carry on........

[Jesus]

I have switched direction on my thoughts on this matter. Though I agree with the need for legalities etc. There are a few things after thought i have decided i do not support.

On another note i do not think the official club should be called "The Marinators". Sure have marinators in the name. But not as the name IMO

[brett]

This is why we f***ed ourselves by calling ourselves Marinators in the first place.

Every other group, even the squadron, have it right. Name your group by the area you sit, not as a collective of individuals.

Take for example the Cove.

The people are Sydney FC fans. They sit in the Cove.
On forming a club it could be called The Cove Club. It would define those who want to help organise that support area. It doesn't exclude anyone who still sits there. You are a Sydney FC fan who either sits in the Cove/joins the Cove club or none, both or either.

Much better way to define things!

[brett]

The other thing is not everyone reads the forum and will fully grasp all this. In the heat of the moment in Bay 16 things can get said.

If we call ourselves The Marinators this could happen:

Marinator Club member: "Hey dude, get out of the way, I was sitting there"
Marinator non-member: "Sorry, it was empty when I got here, find somewhere else"
Member: "f*** off mate, are you even a real Marinator? Show me your keyring?"
Non-member: "I haven't signed up but I have sat here every game and I sing my guts out"
Member: "You aren't a Marinator. You can't call yourself a Marinator. You have no right to be here"
etc

Something we must avoid.

[dibo (pron. "DIB-OH")]

The Marinators started out as a group of likeminded people wearing yellow, making noise etc. We're still that group, but we've grown a lot and there are other things we do that are largely handled behind the scenes on the basis of
(a) A hell of a lot of volunteered time and effort (not to mention risk, when we consider pre-purchasing merchandise or booking transport and hoping it will sell), and;
(b) a hell of a lot of trust - in that the Marinators as a whole have to really trust the people doing the behind the scenes stuff that they're making decisions in the interests of the broader group and that they're being 100% honest and accountable in their dealings both internally and externally.

Forming a club actually gives people an opportunity to enter into the hitherto unofficial structure and take up some of the load. In particular, the ability of the Committee to delegate work is great, because we have a way to:
• Put it to the Committee that we want to do something
• Delegate the task to the people keen to do the work
• Put available resources into getting the work done

This might be the derby tifo sub-committee, the fanzine sub-committee or the away trip sub-committee, but whatever purpose it's for it's a group who can get together and actually do stuff with backing of the rest of us.

We also have a way of reaching people who aren’t on the forum this way. At the moment, this forum and a few friendships outside of it are the primary points of contact. When a decision is made to do something new, we have very little way of communicating it to people aside from through these channels. A membership structure allows us to establish a line of communication to everyone, not just the (I’m assuming here) minority on this forum. A little bit more open, a little less 'echo chamber'.

This can even be as simple as an email newsletter that gives out new songs for the week, or it might be a big callout to get as many people as possible bussing up to the scum to blow them away. Think 2 buses is cool? We could be able to do 5, if we get really well organised and reach everyone who might be interested. At the moment I don’t think we even touch the sides. I think there's a vast number of people out there who are interested in what we do, but have no idea how to get into it.

On the Bay 16 thing – this line of communication is also the way that we can get more of the stadium in tune with what we’re doing in Bay 16, and with any luck at all joining in as well. Being able to tell them what we’re singing is the step before them joining in and then we’re cooking. All of a sudden it’s not just Bay 16 anymore, and the club's getting noise complaints from Ettalong…





So for the short version – it’s not about politics or whatever, it’s about giving us a better way to organise and improve what we do.

EDIT - I just read Brett's posts, and I get where he's coming from. Maybe Mariners Supporters Club (like the Glory's club) would be the best name. I realise the application to form a club was made in the name of the Marinators, but even if we form as that, we can rename the club I'm sure.

And the issue with Marinators and Bay 16 is a difficult one - I think we're skirting the ground that the Socceroos home end is at. We need to find a way of making sure everyone understands that club member or no, you're welcome in any part of CCBTS and nobody can say otherwise. Communication with all club members to ensure everyone understands this will have to be part of the solution.

[brett]

For the record, I think we should be called Marinators Club

Marinator #1: "Hey mate, who's your favourite player?"
Marinator #2: "Vukovic. What I would give to meet him"
Marinator #1: "I met him at the Marinators Club picnic."
Marinator #2: "Oh so you signed up to the club? It's not really for me"
Marinator #1: "I just like having a bit of influence, and the benefits are cool."
Marinator #2: "I just like to show up and Marinate without worrying about that stuff. We're all here for the same reason."
Both: "YELLOW ARMY, YELLOW ARMY"

[~Floss~]

I think it could be helpful for some of those involved to consider the perspective of someone outside the marinarors.
Mariners fans in general see things like tifo's, buses to away games, fans' team tournaments, etc. and say to each other "those marinators organised that," or "i'll be going to newcastle on the marinators bus."
If the name of the organising group doesn't contain marinators, a lot of the work may not be attributed to the right group, in the eyes of a general "mariners fan".
Featuring marinators in the name could make it easier for outsiders trying to get involved with such activities, offer financial assistance, interview a spokesperson, etc.
An opinion

[Foriegnmariner]

Ok official club name: Club Marinators
General name to public: Marinators
Place where EVERYONE sings: refered to as BAY 16 (or whatever we decide to call "our" end of the stadium ;D).

[mariners4ever]

in regarding the name, i would much rather have name like "club marinators", "the marinators" or the "marinators" than something like "friends of the marinators", because if we had something like "friends of the marinators" wouldnt that be refering to non-members??? so if we had something like that it should be "friends of the mariners " .

[mariners4ever]

floss said:

jesus said:

What will be the name of the official Marinators club? I personally think if it is something like "Marinators" then it can be confusing to people. Alot of people who are marinators do not read the forum, and will have no idea what it is about. And may feel excluded as a result.

Personally I would think it more suitable to have the name something like the before mentioned "friends of the marinators", just to make it easily clarifiable. My thoughts

Maybe for now people could just be clearer as to whether they are referring to an Official Marinators Club Member or a Marinator (passionate vocal supporter of the Mariners - as that word has always meant).

Perhaps this is what confused Mariners4ever

no floss, what confused me was if under 18's got the membership, what would be the benefits for them???