The beach that Balmoral Nippers use can safely accommodate 700 children, yet we have twice as many applications. To manage this challenge as fairly as possible, we have developed a process and the enrolment window is a key part of that.
When the window is 'open' prior participants confirm that they will be returning to the program, and new applicants confirm they would like to join. Once we close it we then know how many places we have available to offer to the new applicants (these places are offered in a ballot)
What we do to try and ensure people don't miss the window
Some are disappointed to miss the window yet we place a lot of effort in being as helpful as possible to ensure people know about the enrolment window being open.
In 2019-20 we :
- Announced it at the end of the previous season
- Direct emailed everyone registered that the window would soon open
- Direct emailed everyone registered that the window was open
- Direct emailed everyone registered who hadn’t enrolled that they hadn’t yet enrolled
- Placed announcements on our website, our Facebook and ‘Mosman Living’
During the course of the above we sent around 12,000 emails.
Can I still enrol if I have missed the window?
We are afraid not. Managing the enrolment and ballot process takes up a considerable amount of time and if we were to accept applications after the cut off, we would be dealing with a moving target and it would be even more difficult and time consuming. (Balmoral Nippers is run wholly by volunteers).
In the month following the enrolment window closing the 2019-20 season we received 268 emails asking this.
As much as we don’t wish to disappoint anyone, we have already processed the ballots, have bulk-ordered the clothing and have around 500 children who made the enrolment window but were not fortunate in securing a place.
For those that are unsuccessful in joining this season; we are truly sorry, and hope this explanation helps you understand the challenge faced.