Another twelve months has passed, in which time I believe that members of the PAA should be experiencing benefits from changes that have been made in almost every area of the association.
The most significant improvement for members involves the on-line administration for the association. For many years Carolyn, our Administrator was contracted for only a limited amount of hours (that the association could afford) to look after all the administrative responsibilities. The role has doubled and trebled in the last decade (with our growing membership), and therefore the introduction of an on-line capacity to register, re-register, upgrade, submit evidence of PDP’s and access information became a necessity. Luckily for the association, committee member Malcolm Boulter has a history in creating on-line administrative tools and has been the architect of the system the PAA implemented in March 2013. The system is evolving to the point where members will not only receive automated information and receipts, but have a very interactive member’s portal that will graphically display current PDP status and other features. Carolyn will still be the personal point of contact; however the efficiency of the system should serve to shorten waiting times for members in the future.
Also, the website that was introduced on power-point at the 2012 AGM was launched early 2013 to offer a modern and interactive face for the Pilates industry in Australia to the public, and as the gateway for members and potential members to immediately contact the administration. Vice President Olga Tamara headed the subcommittee for the website, with a great deal of support and input from committee member Suzanne Newby. The entire main committee worked together intensely for most of 2012 to ensure the content was correct, current and fulfilled the needs of members and the general public. Our goal is to use the website to promote the Pilates industry in Australia to the general public as well as offering a functional and interactive gateway to the administration of the PAA for members.
The changes in requirements for both Level 1 membership education standards and professional development points are also major areas where members will be affected. These changes have been evolving for many years, but in 2012 meetings of invested groups and rolling discussions took place to eventuate in some significant changes to these two primary areas.
From 2013, Level 1 membership of the PAA requires a vocational education Diploma standard from a Pilates specialist provider that also meets the PAA Course Competency Criteria for comprehensive Pilates training. This ensures all graduates of courses pass an Australian government standard of delivery and assessment in Pilates education that also parallels the standards that have been set down by the PAA (with a few minor adjustments) since inception. Members should appreciate that these standards place Australia at the fore-front of international Pilates Instruction requirements. In doing so, we hope to preserve and continue to evolve the standards of Australian Pilates instructors and the international recognition our members have as highly educated professionals.
The new requirements for professional development point accrual from 11 to 16 points in Pilates education is another key change for members. That members can only accrue 4 points in more advanced physiology and anatomy means that the primary focus of any continuing education in the Pilates Method must be of a standard in repertoire, complexity of knowledge and application that is beyond the certification level. The goal of this requirement is obvious; we wish that members explore the vast, increasingly supported and documented work of the repertoire and methodology of Joe Pilates and the elders, with application that uses anatomical and psychological understanding of our clients and current scientific guidelines.
The importance in increasing the profile of scientific analysis and research in all aspects of the Pilates methodology is vital for the acceptance of the Pilates Method by governments and bodies that interact with the government, both in Australia and around the world. The Australian Federal government released an ultimatum late 2012 to selected associations of all modalities that currently sit outside those currently covered under the Medicare Levy, to provide a “scientific basis” to substantiate their continued cover by Private Health Funds. In April this year, the Vice President Olga Tamara and I met with the President and Vice President of the APMA just prior to a presentation of scientific evidence Pilates before the selected committee for the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Committee (AHMAC) in Canberra. The results of the presentations will be made public towards mid 2014 and could result in many modalities (possibly including Pilates) that sit outside the accepted medical framework model losing rebates for clients. The PAA also has actively sought to position PAA members in the future against such possibilities by aligning with the formation of the Natural Medicines Registry (NMR). This organisation draws from the other associations that represent occupations that sit outside the current Australian Medical Framework, and seeks to create a registry of all practitioners (for Pilates will be members of the PAA) to act as one voice to bodies like the Private Health Funds, State and Federal Governments ensuring quality standards of education and protection of the public from people working without such recognition.
It has been in order to safeguard the future of members and of the industry, that the PAA made such a significant commitment of time and money into bringing Pilates up to these standards. It is the future of our members and industry that has driven our commitment to changes in professional development, certification standards and now looking into scientific studies. In addition, the PAA has created a sub-committee for scientific research to facilitate interaction and communication with PAA members and those conducting scientific studies around Australia. Stay tuned for more information.
We have now lodged the updated PAA Constitution with the Department of Fair Trading, which was a significant undertaking led by a subcommittee who worked under the wing of committee member Mary McArthur with legal advice from solicitor Ross McGlynn. The updated Constitution reflects the current standards of not for profit associations and sets out clearly the standards and requirements of the Association, so (although one may need a glass of wine and a comfy chair) I would advise that every PAA member takes the time to work their way through the newly lodged Constitution to fully understand the structure of the PAA association.
I hope that members take some time out from their busy lives to attend at least one day of the PAA Conference this September at Technology Park in Sydney. Vice President Olga Tamara very ably led the 2011 MYB Conference at the same venue, and this year has managed to produce what promises to be an incredible event for all participants. Because of the scope of the project, the PAA has renamed the biennial event ‘The Pilates Alliance Australasia Conference’ and now believe that we not only have a great venue, but a solid structure for future events. We have a larger number of exhibitors and a more stream lined structure to help delegates receive more bang for their buck. The entire committee looks forward to seeing you there.
The PAA main committee is made up of members from around Australia and therefore is very aware of the difficult financial position that Pilates Instructors are facing. The PAA committee will do all they can to assist every member to survive and prosper. We ask that you communicate via e-mail to make sure your request or question is not missed and if you feel you are able to contribute your time and intellect to evolve the industry, please volunteer to participate on a subcommittee or for the main committee.
The next twelve months will see further progression and greater efficiencies in the organisation that will positively affect the members of the association. Enjoy the benefits, but also communicate and participate in the PAA community so that the main committee continues to move in positive directions.
The PAA was founded by a forward thinking and active bunch of Australian Pilates professionals who are recognised around the world as taking Australia to the forefront of educational standards and general structures enabling the industry to grow and evolve to where it is now. I am very proud of the current committee’s participation and co-operation that has worked to actualise the changes mentioned that recognise the decade of the PAA’s existence and has evolved structures to ensure the next decade of progression.
I therefore am satisfied to be able to step down from the committee knowing that the PAA has the structures and individuals in place to continue to move the Pilates Industry forward. The main committee of the PAA needs new blood and your involvement to continue, and I ask that you reflect on your current position and if there is room for you to contribute to progress the industry that you put up your hand.
Thank you for your support and I hope to see you at the conference and workshops.
Kind regards,
Lanette Gavran
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