FOR STAKEHOLDER COMMENT

Transcription

1 North West Structural Review PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATION REPORT FOR STAKEHOLDER COMMENT By 30 th May 2015 Prepared by: AFL Central Victoria AFL Central Murray AFL Wimmera Mallee Created: April 2015 Version: A

2 Table of Contents Project Glossary... 3 Introduction 4 Overview 6 Key General Findings. 6 Preliminary Recommendations Immediate General. 11 Future Season.. 13 Other.. 13 Appendices 1. Football Development Manager Contacts Response Template Overage Policy Equalisation Policy AFL Junior Football Match Guide Club Minimum Standards Criteria NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

3 Project Glossary AFL Central Victoria AFL Central Murray AFL Wimmera Mallee AFL Victoria Mallee Football League Horsham District Football & Netball League Golden Rivers Football League Central Murray Football & Netball League Wimmera Football League North Central Football League Sunraysia Football & Netball league Millewa FL - AFL CV - AFL CM - AFL WM - AFLV - MFL - HDF&NL - GRFL - CMF&NL - WFL - NCFL - SF&NL - MillFL Umpiring Associations as appropriate Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 3

4 Introduction The North West Structural Review Panel (the Panel) advises that it has concluded the interview process stage with all stakeholders as part of the 2014/15 North West Structural Review. Consultation with the Clubs and Leagues was extensive with open and honest discussions forming the basis of the preliminary recommendations presented in this document. The Panel has now established preliminary recommendations that follow later in this document. All stakeholders are asked to carefully read the following report and reply by 5pm Friday the 29 th of May 2015 with your thoughts on the recommendations contained within this document. All feedback submissions to the Preliminary Recommendations should be: 1. Directed to your Football Development Manager in your region,(see Appendix 1 for contact details) 2. Must contain a cover letter on organisation letterhead 3. Must be on the supplied response template (Appendix 2), and 4. Must be signed off by the President as well as the Vice President and/or Secretary The Panel will then meet and develop a final set of recommendations that will be released on the 30 th of June No submissions will be considered outside the above guidelines, after the closing date or by people not involved in the formal consultation process PROJECT SCOPE STATEMENT: The NWSR is commissioned to establish qualitative and quantitative data to form the basis on which recommendations for the optimal structure of football competitions in North Western Victoria for season 2016 and beyond. A Review Panel, appointed by AFL Central Victoria, AFL Central Murray & AFL Wimmera Mallee Management, will manage the review with scope that shall extend to interviews, consultation and subsequent recommendations with all stakeholders referred to within this document. AFL Sunraysia will be consulted and approval sought for any recommendations concerning their region. Following the completion of the consultations and analysis of the data obtained, preliminary recommendations will be established and presented to the various stakeholders for feedback. Final recommendations will then be established for the consideration by each Governing body s board/commission. Recommendations approved by each Board/Commission shall be expected to be implemented for season 2016 with adherence to each body s Rules and Regulations. Time Line Draft Report 30 th April 2015 Stakeholder feedback 29 th May 2015 Final Report 30 th June NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

5 PROJECT BACKGROUND and RATIONALE: The structure of community football competitions in the North West of Victoria has been the subject of general discussion for a number of years. The short term viability of clubs is at risk under the current structure. At present there is a great deal of perceived uncertainty within the footballing community in the North West of Victoria, with the majority of this centered on the Mallee Football League. Additional to this uncertainty is the current environment of clubs wishing to move Leagues for the 2015 season in an unmanaged random manner. The three named Commissions therefore have identified the review process to best manage short to longer term structures to achieve the objectives. PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND DELIVERABLES: To provide a coordinated approach in reviewing all competition structures of Community Football in the North West of Victoria to ascertain the best longer term competition structures that best serve football and the sustainability of clubs and leagues into the future. This project shall provide the three Commissions with qualitative and quantitative statistical data, informed local knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing football in this area to guide the establishment of appropriate recommendations. The following areas will be discussed with each organisation: Database Statistics (football and communities) Competition Structure League Structure/Management Financial (organisations will asked to bring a copy of their audited financials for both 2013 and 2014) Junior Structure Umpires Facilities Volunteers Travel Other General Comments or Suggestions to achieve the optimal structure The Panel initially conducted an online survey to gain preliminary data from clubs which, in turn, directed the consultation process. 82% of clubs completed this survey. The Panel has conducted 67 interviews with clubs, groups and associations involved throughout February and March across the review catchment region within the North West of Victoria. The review covers approximately 30% of the state of Victoria plus 9 affiliated clubs in NSW. The Panel wish to state that opportunity from key personnel from all stakeholders has been offered and in the main taken up by the vast majority. This included every club within the review catchment area. Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 5

6 Overview The preliminary recommendations have taken into consideration the following factors 1. All suggestions/options put forward during the initial survey or interview process a. Including widespread acknowledgement of a i. Need for change for the longer term benefit of football across the region ii. Need to address the inequitable current environment iii. Need to protect the value of Clubs to Communities 2. Demographic statistics of the area, both at club and league level and of the communities within the review area. 3. Participation numbers, trends and penetration for AFL in the region 4. Need for a longer term solution to provide optimal and sustainable junior and senior participation and development in our sport. 5. The need to maintain optimal number of clubs within the region to ensure travel & distance does not become a bigger obstacle on participation 6. Need for an area wide structure to deliver a fluent pathway from Auskick to Senior Football that:: a. Provides a high level local premier football league option within reach of all communities b. Provides a range of competitions to cater for players of a range of talent c. Allows netball to continue to flourish alongside our sport Key General Findings STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION Overall clubs constantly need to increase resources to either be competitive or just field teams each week. Club feedback indicates such an increase is unsustainable in the short to medium term. Individual resource areas are: 1. Junior Player Number Shortages: under the current Leagues Junior structures, up to 50% of clubs are unable to adequately field the required players within the 2 and/or 3 year age groupings. This shortage results in the requirement of junior players to fill in at a higher age group therefore playing multiple games on the one day or playing out of their age expectation as depicted by the AFL s Junior Football, This is our game Match Guide. Many clubs across the region no longer field teams within certain age levels, this trend is increasing which further places the entire club at risk. 2. Senior Player Number Shortages: similar issues to junior, however clubs have the capacity (in most cases) to recruit senior players into their clubs to fill this void. This recruitment has changed over time with clubs continually seeking players from increased distance to maintain their club senior numbers. Some more remote clubs recruitment is stalling regardless of wages & conditions offered, they are simply unable to spend their budgeted player payment allocation. We are still seeing many men aged in the 40 s and in some cases 50 s making up the numbers in reserves. 6 NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

7 3. Increased Player Payments: in business terms it is a sellers market. Clubs are telling us that this escalation in player payments is unsustainable. 4. Increased cost of doing business: Clubs are continually seeking to raise additional income to combat increased costs, which places an ever increasing financial burden on clubs. 5. Inequitable Playing Field: a. Distribution of players both Senior & Junior b. No or poorly designed equalisation measures (apart from CMFNL & SFL Points System) c. Distance from opponents incurring additional travel d. Distance from major recruiting grounds e. Ability to raise finances f. Ability and/or willingness to pay players g. Facilities 6. Volunteer Burnout: many club representatives said it is all getting too hard and we re getting tired. 7. Generally netball numbers are strong and participation numbers fit the current structure, many leagues have included additional competitions within their structure over the past few years. DATA ANALYSIS: 8. Demographic data, trends and forecasts all point to the same scenario that population across the review catchment will remain in decline. This decline will vary from region to region, however will decline similar to current trends that the more rurally remote the centre the larger the trend. 9. Mildura, Swan Hill & Horsham are the three centres within the review catchment that are experiencing population growth, albeit relatively small (0.2% to 1.2%) and heavily skewed towards retiree s. Because of these numbers the three Rural Cities form the most heavily targeted recruiting zones within the region. 10. The Sunraysia region and Mildura more generally is the exception within the region. The larger population base, less transient player population and the lowest penetration rates across the region, all suggest the region can maintain the current structures and with targeted development could increase participation. 11. Therefore all data suggests a continued decline in the player availability pool and a continued increase in inequitable distribution. 12. Department of Education forecasts concur, that enrolment figures outside of the 3 major Rural Cities will continue to decline. AVAILABLE SOLUTIONS All stakeholders and The Panel agree that given the overall issues football is facing, the simple fact is that we no longer have the available players to fill all positions in the current structure and format. Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 7

8 Therefore it was also generally agreed that some changes are needed. When put to stakeholders the following list was generally agreed to contain all available solutions to the above general statement. 1. Amalgamations 2. Reduction in competition structures 3. Reduce on field player numbers 4. Construct better distribution networks (including capping junior numbers) 5. Increase participation rates (Sunraysia Region) 6. AFL Victoria Equalisation Policy BEING MINDFUL OF All DECISIONS NEED TO BE: 1. In the best interest of football 2. Have little or no negative impact on participation 3. Understand the Social importance of Clubs to Communities 4. Consider the welfare of players (especially juniors) Special Considerations 1. After the announcement of the North West Structural Review AFL Victoria announced following a club survey on player payments the Player Points System/Salary Cap working party, since being renamed the Equalisation working party. This body is engaged in establishing a Victoria wide community policy surrounding a points system with an embedded salary cap with the express desire to equalise the footballing environment and reduce the upper limits being currently paid to individuals. Given that the policy is due for implementation in season 2016 and the subsequent effects will only be witnessed over an implementation period (2 years) the panel deem it wise to allow time for this implementation to take effect. Therefore major restructuring is seen as pre-empting a policy shift that could have a positive effect on equalisation. Although criteria based minimum adherence policy for continuation within a league is part of these preliminary recommendations. 2. It is also generally acknowledged that due to distance & location of clubs, within the catchment area, maintenance of sufficient numbers of clubs is required: otherwise travel will become a more prevalent issue and an increased defection driver. 3. There will be a cultural shift requirement for the above point (2) to be realised. Although clubs are generally concerned with the strength of their opponents the opposite is reflected in reality. Unless a culture that allows for equalisation methods to be implemented arises, strong clubs will continue to get stronger and weaker clubs weaker, resulting in further increased uncompetitive environments. 8 NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

9 4. The panel has available data on the major defection drivers within junior football having access to two junior reviews conducted (Wimmera/Horsham District 2012 and Mornington Peninsula 2014). The major cause of defection was attributed to players not enjoying the game and having fun. The root cause of this is the uncompetitive inequitable nature of junior football. Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 9

10 Preliminary Recommendations Immediate Mallee based: 1. That the Mallee FL be wound up at the end of season Ouyen United & Walpeup Underbool amalgamate and compete in the Sunraysia FL in The Panel consider given all available options for the individual clubs, their current registrations that the SFNL structure would best suit and provide the ultimate development opportunities. There may still need to be compensations from the SFNL in terms of fielding all grades of juniors. 3. Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers & Woomelang Lascelles: Preferred option - SLNT & W/L Amalgamate and compete in the Central Murray FNL in The Panel considers the current strength of the individual senior/reserves grades in an amalgamated format would be better suited within the Premier local Competition, as well with the proposed alterations to the CMFNL Junior structure the combined teams would be able to field competitive junior teams. This would also be evident within the netball structure. AFL Wimmera Mallee to directly oversee process and individual club outcome fairness. Alternative option - SLNT and W/L remain separate entities and move to either North Central FL or Golden Rivers FL. However the panel considers either of these options to be only short term or less than satisfactory in competition strengths and/or distance. Also given point 3 in the future recommendations, the Nth Central FL may undergo separate changes with an increased focus and competition base towards the south east. 4. Southern Mallee Giants move to the Horsham District FNL. The panel consider the geographical location, player drift and recruiting opportunities of the SMG will become more focused southward. The Panel acknowledges Club feedback and concern regarding the overall strength and recruiting capacity of the SMG s: however the AFL Victoria Equalisation Policy will become a local mechanism to ensure limited imbalance. Additionally a 12 team HDFNL competition will allow for selective draws that mitigate additional travel. 5. A proposal for the Mallee FL or the creation of a new football league containing a structure of 1 senior team, 1 junior team & 2 netball teams was discussed and circulated across the review catchment area. There has been no positive feedback from any clubs wishing to be part of the proposed league based system. Clubs that did comment listed a major negative factor is their current strength in numbers of their netball. Also clubs that may fit this bracket in future years are scattered across a large area which again raises travel concerns. The panel therefore has not recommended this option. 10 NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

11 Other individual direct to club/s recommendations: 6. Wakool FC amalgamate with Barham Koondrook and compete in the CMFNL During the club consultation phase the Wakool FC representatives expressed that the time is current to explore amalgamation with their immediate closest neighboring club in Barham Koondrook. Barham Koondrook representatives were receptive to the proposal during consultation. AFL Central Murray to directly oversee process and individual club outcome fairness. General 7. Under 17 s be the highest underage group allowable (except for Sunraysia due to higher level of population vs clubs and participation trends) a. General overage policy implemented as per attached policy (Appendix 3) 8. Table 1. Recommended junior grades by age levels for season SFNL CMFNL GRFL Mill FL Nth WFL HDFNL Central nil * * * * 12 10# 10 # Optional grade to be considered * Leagues in conjunction with their Commissions may need to explore options to provide some sort of competition or game structure for participants that have outlived Auskick and are too young to be included in the lowest age group. 9. Above age groups initiated with a player equalisation rule be firmly introduced (Appendix 4) with consideration of the AFL Junior Football Match Guide (Appendix 5). 10. For the welfare of all junior participants the maximum allowable age range be: Age Group Allowable range Under 18 3 years Under 17 4 years Under 16 4 years Under 14 4 years Under 13 4 years Under 12 4 years Under 10 4 years NOTE: The maximum number of games any individual junior player be allowed to participate in one season (includes all grades) be 25 games total. Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 11

12 11. Table 2. Recommended on field Players Numbers per grade in season 2016 (on field/interchange). CMFL GRFL Mill FL Nth WFL HDFNL Central Seniors 18/3 16/3 16/3 18/3 18/3 16/3 Reserves 18/3 16/3 18/3 18/3 16/3 U/17 18/3 16/3 U/16 18/3 16/3 18/4 U/14 18/5 16/3 18/3 16/3 U/12 16/4 Sunraysia playing numbers remain at current levels Table 3. Evidentiary data for reduction in team on field player numbers Average current junior player registrations per grade per league. SFNL CMFNL GRFL Nth Central WFL HDFNL Mallee The above age groups and player participation numbers have been recommended with the aim of a more effective distribution of players. This will also require: a. An overall culture shift of club mentality to ensure a greater evenness of spread leading to increased longevity of clubs. b. AFL Regional Commissions to create the communication network that enables players to locate a club and clubs deficient in numbers to locate available/excess players. 13. A broad-based cap of 25 (SFL, CMFNL & WFL) and 23(GRFL, HDFNL) junior registrations per age group (Age specific- U/17 to include 17/16/15 year old players only, U/14 to include 14/13/12 year old players only)within an individual club across all leagues. Allowances to be considered on merit include clubs: a. That their nearest neighbor is further than 40kms away and or clubs within that perimeter have reached the cap ceiling. b. That can show that player registrations across two adjoining age groups do not exceed the combined total of 50 or 46 depending on their participation league. 14. That all clubs that have separate Junior & Senior Incorporated Clubs set in place a management process to formally amalgamate into the one entity by the end of the 2015/16 financial year. This is seen as vital to ensure a smoother pathway from junior to senior competition, which will become increasingly important under the AFL Victoria Equalisation Policy. 12 NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

13 Future Recommendations (implemented on or before the 2018 season) This time frame is provided to allow for the AFL Victoria Equalisation Policy implementation and any effects to become established. 15. A criteria based formula (Appendix 6) be created that sets minimum standards that an individual club must achieve to remain in their chosen league structure, based on: a. Senior/Reserves participation numbers b. Junior participation numbers c. Substantiated future numbers d. Netball participation numbers e. Financial position f. Adherence to AFL Victoria Equalisation Policy Before they must investigate in conjunction with their AFL Victoria Country Commission their options to sustain those minimum standards through amalgamation or other options. 16. Divisional Structure criteria to be investigated and implemented to include promotion & relegation across the leagues of CMFNL/GRFL and the WFL/HDFNL to allow for clubs to find their appropriate competition level. 17. AFL Central Victoria to conduct review into viability of the current league structures. 18. AFL Sunraysia to conduct investigation into creating an Alignment Structure between the SFNL league clubs and the Millewa League Clubs. Other Recommendations The following are areas seen as priority to assist in alleviating current club issues: 19. Revamp of Auskick locally to become focused on fun and learning the game and the importance of transitioning into junior competitive football 20. Investigate competitive age specific games for children that have outlived Auskick and are currently out of the lowest age competition structure of the league 21. Education focus on the purpose of junior coaches and the importance of retaining a greater percentage of players through to open age football 22. Presidents Accreditation Program be a Mandatory aspect of club affiliation Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 13

14 APPENDIX 1: Football Development Managers contacts: AFL Central Murray Jamie Macri AFL Central Victoria Tony McNamara AFL Sunraysia Trevor Ryan AFL Wimmera Mallee Jason Muldoon 14 NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

15 APPENDIX 2: NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW FEEDBACK TEMPLATE NOTE: This template should be attached behind a cover letter signed by the President as well as the Vice President and / or Secretary of your organisation and submitted by close of business Friday the 29 th May Organisation Name: Date: Please indicate in space provided below whether your organisation supports or does not support each draft recommendation. There is also an opportunity to indicate that a particular draft recommendation is not applicable to it, or that it has no firm view (neutral). Draft Recommendation Support Do not Support MALLEE Football League N/A Neutral Comments from your organisation That the Mallee FL be wound up at the end of season Ouyen United & Walpeup Underbool amalgamate and compete in the Sunraysia FL in a. Sea Lake Nandaley Tigers and Woomelang Lascelles amalgamate and compete in the Central Murray FNL in 2016 Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 15

16 Draft Recommendation Support Do not Support N/A Neutral Comments from your organisation... b. SLNT and W/L remain separate entities and move to either North Central FL or Golden Rivers FL. 4. The Southern Mallee Giants move to the Horsham District FL in The proposal for the Mallee FL or the creation of a new football league containing a structure of 1 senior team, 1 junior team & 2 netball teams NOT be recommended OTHER Individual Club Recommendations 6. The Wakool FC amalgamate with Barham Koondrook and compete in the CMFNL in NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

17 Draft Recommendation Support Do not Support N/A Neutral Comments from your organisation... GENERAL 7. Under 17 s be the highest underage group allowable (except for Sunraysia due to higher level of population vs clubs and participation trends) 8. Recommended junior grades by age levels for season Age groups initiated with a player equalisation rule be firmly 10. a. Welfare of all junior participants the allowable age range Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 17

18 Draft Recommendation Support Do not Support N/A Neutral Comments from your organisation... b. The maximum number of games any individual junior player be allowed to participate in one season (includes all grades) be 25 games total. 11. Recommended on field Players Numbers per grade in season 12. a. An overall culture shift of club mentality to ensure a greater evenness of spread leading to increased longevity of clubs. b. AFL Regional Commissions to create the communication network that enables players to locate a club and clubs deficient in numbers to locate available/excess players. 13. A broad-based cap of 25 (SFL, CMFNL & WFL) and 23(GRFL, HDFL) junior registrations per age group (Age specific- U/17 to include 17/16/15 year old players only, U/14 to include 14/13/12 year old players only)within an individual club across all leagues. Allowances to be considered on merit include clubs; a. That their nearest neighbor is further than 40kms away and or 18 NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

19 Draft Recommendation Support Do not Support N/A Neutral Comments from your organisation... clubs within that perimeter have reached the cap ceiling. b. That can show that player registrations across two adjoining age groups do not exceed the combined total of 50 or 46 depending on their participation league. 14. That all clubs that have separate Junior & Senior Incorporated Clubs set in place a management process to formally amalgamate into the one entity by the end of the 2015/16 financial year. This is seen as vital to ensure a smother pathway from junior to senior competition, which will become increasingly important under the AFL Vic Equalisation Policy. FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS 15. A criteria based formula be created that depicts minimum standards an individual club must achieve to remain in their chosen league structure 16. Divisional Structure criteria to be investigated and implemented to include promotion & relegation across the leagues of CMFNL/GRFL and the WFL/HDFL to allow for clubs to find their appropriate competition level. Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 19

20 Draft Recommendation Support Do not Support N/A Neutral Comments from your organisation AFL Central Victoria to conduct review into viability of the current league structure s 18. AFL Sunraysia to conduct investigation into creating an Alignment Structure between the SFNL league clubs and the Millewa League Clubs. OTHER RECOMENDATIONS 19. Revamp of Auskick locally to become focused on fun and learning the game and the importance of transitioning into junior competitive football 20. Investigate competitive age specific games for children that have outlived Auskick and are currently out of the lowest age competition structure of the league 20 NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

21 Draft Recommendation Support Do not Support N/A Neutral Comments from your organisation Education focus on the purpose of junior coaches and the importance of retaining a greater percentage of players through to open age football 22. Presidents Accreditation Program be a Mandatory aspect of club affiliation (As per pilot program completed in AFL Central Murray and AFL Wimmera Mallee) Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 21

22 APPENDIX 3 Over Age Policy In Season clubs have the provision to apply to. League for players to be considered as overage player in Under.. and... Only 5 players can be named on the team sheet per team per match. Clubs can apply to the.. Junior Representatives on the Thursday before match day for the use of 5 overage players. It is the discretion of the.. League to reject nominations and/or exceptions. Any player accepted for overage status will be assessed in the areas outlined below and on their ability to influence the result on any given day. Factors to be taken into account include: 1. Ability to influence a game: General Motor Skills Coordination Speed and Agility 2. General Football Skills Marking Kicking Ball Handling 3. Ability to influence others: Conduct -Plays in accordance with AFL Victoria Country, League & Club Codes of Conduct Behaviour - Does not display an aggressive nature towards other players. There will be a strict nil tolerance of aggressive behaviour. Players must not exceed one full year above the desired age group on January 1, 20.. Nominated players must have played with the club in the previous season. For players who do not fit this criteria, special application must be made to the.league for consideration to play. Nominated Players must be advised prior to the start of the season, and all overage players must be highlighted on the team sheet with an (*). All overage players names will be forwarded to all other clubs prior to the season s commencement and are ineligible for any league awards or representative opportunities. All Overage players will be assessed by an independent person as to their ability and if there is any doubt as to their ability being of an adequate standard they will be told to play in the higher standard of football. Any overage player may and are encouraged to play a maximum of three games in the appropriate higher grade. Club secretary, the player and the player s parent/guardian must sign the application form to acknowledge the requirements of an overage player and the fact a player may be told to play in a higher grade. 22 NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

23 Under no circumstances are opposition clubs or members to approach any player or official of another club with complains in any capacity in relation to overage players. Any complaints or requests for a player standard review are to be made in writing to the General Manager League. All reviews will be conducted by an independent assessment person/people appointed by the.. Football League. Clubs will not be made aware of any review until after the review has been completed. The outcome of any review will be completed and all parties notified of any outcome in writing through the club secretary. The club making the complaint will be notified of the outcome only but no correspondence will be forwarded relating to the process or recommendations made by the investigating assessment person/people. No review request will be considered after 30 th June 20. and any review finding must be completed and reported to clubs concerned by 31 st July The league will not be held responsible for any decision and any complaints (made by parents or others). A fine of $250 will be applied by the.league for any frivolous nomination found by the independent assessment person/people. Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 23

24 APPENDIX 4 Equalisation Policy Aim: To provide football for grades, other than the Senior grade, where insufficient numbers exist prior to a match commencing Spirit of the Policy To have a game played To maximise player involvement Procedures Even playing numbers on the field at the commencement of the match and at all times afterwards. If one team has less than the desired number of players then both teams must have the same number of players on the ground In the above scenario the team with less than 18 players cannot have players on the interchange, unless by agreement between both clubs Field umpires in control of the match to be made aware of the agreement Excess players (above the agreed starting number) will form an extended interchange bench Clubs are encouraged to liaise with each other with respect to team numbers should (1) or both teams have trouble fielding 18 players on the field On loan players must appear on the teamsheet of the team they represent on the day and be indicated as on loan players Loaned players are unable to change teams mid match Players may be loaned to even up the numbers and give more players game time with less players on the bench 24 NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report

25 APPENDIX 5 AFL Junior Football Match Guide Link below: Preliminary Recommendation Report NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW 25

26 APPENDIX 6 Club minimum standards criteria Criteria Sub Criteria Minimum Requirement Purpose Statement A clear statement on why the club exists and what purpose it serves. Governance Law Is an Incorporated Association including football, netball and juniors managed by a board of management. Management President and or V/Pres attend President Accreditation Education Program within the last 3 years. Planning Documented Club forward planning and risk management strategy. Compliance Ability to demonstrate compliance with all Licensing and Legislative requirements, including reporting. Codes of Conduct Demonstrated adoption and compliance with AFL Victoria & Regional AFL Commissions codes of conduct. Finance Budgeting Documented comprehensive budget of all income & expenditure available to the Commission Reporting Provide detailed audited annual financial report including all creditors on request to the Commission Solvency Ability to pay all creditors when and as they fall due Football Seniors Adequate registered players to fill both Senior & Reserves grades teams each week (not including junior players) Juniors Provide a minimum of 75% of required players within the age specific range of individual junior competitions continuously over the previous season, or demonstrate future increases in age specific registrations. Auskick Provide a club aligned Auskick Center or joint project with a neighboring club. Coaches All coaches accredited as per AFL Victoria policy Netball Seniors Adequate registered players to fill all Senior grades each week (not including junior players) Juniors Adequate registered players to fill all junior grades (special consideration with multiple grades within the same age group) Coaches All coaches accredited as per Netball Victoria policy Facilities Adequate facilities to conduct football & netball safely in line with minimum standards. 26 NORTH WEST STRUCTURAL REVIEW Preliminary Recommendation Report