Tomorrow I'm going to the Gloucester motorcycle Expo with my 14 old son (isn't he hanging out for a ride) but what happened today is a bigger story.
The local boxing gym (Camden Haven Boxing team, I'm on the committee) had organized a fight night tonight at Laurieton and we were expecting 600+ to attend. We had 16 fights planned as well as Comp Spars for up and comers under 14 old. We had organised the necessary permits, Doctor, NSW Boxing officials, referee and accommodation for travelling competitors and coaches as well as their food. We had organised the ring and ring announcer, DJ, ring girl, security and after a lot of work getting prepared those of us on the committee were ready for a big night. We had meat trays, artwork and memorabilia to auction/raffle. We had already spent or committed to spend a few thousand dollars before the night had begun. It's paid for by the tickets sales and there's not much over at the end. The gym's run "not for profit" so any money raised goes to buying equipment.
Last night about 8pm we were told that NSW Boxing had failed to issue the necessary permits/licences even though we had done everything correctly. They had made an error and the night could not go ahead. Through no fault of ours the night had to be cancelled, it's an insurance issue at the least.
We then had to contact all we knew who were coming and tell them that it was off. A team had arrived from Gilgandra and another from Canberra and we sparred with those boxers this morning so all gained more experience. We then entertained the visitors (bbq, beach and fishing) so they return home with good memories.
It's embarrassing for us because it looks like it's our fault but to their credit Boxing NSW will reimburse us for costs incurred.
We hope to run another event later in the year and hopefully not be disadvantaged by somebody elses mistake.
It's very frustrating when something goes wrong and it appears to be your fault but in reality it was out of your hands.
Brad
