SENIOR FOOTBALL COMPETITION REVIEW June 2017 - Draft Recommendations
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO THE REVIEW AFL Victoria Review 2011 AFL SOUTH EAST CONSTITUTION General Purpose Strategic Purpose SENIOR COMPETITION REVIEW - TERMS OF REFERENCE Review Principles BACKGROUND TO THE REVIEW Observations OTHER AREAS OF FOCUS Netball Junior Football Women Football Umpires CONSULTATION PHASE Club Interviews A Summary of the findings from Club interviews RECOMMENDATION OPTIONS Two options to consider Assessment Criteria OPTION 1 - FULL DIVISIONAL STRUCTURE Minimum 3 divisions Points raised in favour of the model Points raised against the model OPTION 2 - PARTIAL DIVISIONAL STRUCTURE Top Division then below Division based on Geography Promotion and Relegation method Points raised in favour of the model Points raised against the model ACTIONS FROM STAKEHOLDERS PAGE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14
INTRODUCTION TO THE REVIEW AFL VICTORIA REVIEW 2011 Following a Review of Football in Country Victoria released in 2011, Region Commissions were established and charged with the responsibilities of: Enhancing competition structures to meet growth demands in the local area Promoting competition equalization Increasing pathway effectiveness, and Better considering geographic and economic factors currently restricting and burdening some country football clubs The Review also concluded: Sustainability of clubs is the critical issue, not necessarily the sustainability of leagues or governing bodies. For country Victoria to maintain its status, and indeed grow, the clubs must be vibrant and financially sustainable. It is incumbent on administrators of all governing bodies, including leagues and umpire associations, to consider this for the future well-being of the clubs and the game.
AFL SOUTH EAST COMMISSION CONSTITUTION The AFL South East Commission was established to govern football in the region. For the purposes of this Review, below are the relevant extracts from the Constitution of AFL South East. GENERAL PURPOSES The general purposes of the Commission are to encourage, promote, manage, arrange and develop the playing of Australian Football by and between its Members and their Registered Players, in particular, the Commission shall use its best endeavours to achieve the key development objectives of AFL Victoria, which at the date of this Constitution are: a. Participation to develop and support appropriate pathways for all segments from AFL Auskick to open age football that maximise participation; b. Community to support leagues, their clubs and schools to provide quality management and environments to motivate volunteers, umpires, coaches, teachers and sports trainers for all levels of Australian Football; c. Engagement to develop community engagement initiatives that add social value and support program accessibility, equality and inclusive environments, particularly in the indigenous and multi-cultural communities; d. Fan Development to build relationships with the community to develop fans for all levels of the game, including AFL clubs; e. Talent & Second Tier to establish best practice talent pathway and enhance the TAC Cup and VFL competitions to identify, attract and develop the best athletes as well as provide a career path for talented umpires and coaches; f. Facilities to advocate for and collaborate on facility development for the network of community football leagues, their clubs and schools; and g. People & Culture to attract, develop and retain quality people and develop a highperformance culture in line with the values of AFL Victoria. SENIOR FOOTBALL COMPETITION REVIEW - MAY 2017 DISCUSSION PAPER 00
AFL SOUTH EAST COMMISSION CONSTITUTION - CONTINUED STRATEGIC PURPOSES The strategic purposes of the Commission include, without limitation, the following: a. Building the capacity of the Region to contribute to the significant growth and sustainability of the code of Australian Football; b. Reducing and consolidating localised governance structures; c. Enhancing competition structures to: i. Meet the growth demands within the Region; ii. Promote competition equalisation; and iii. Increase talent pathway effectiveness; d. Considering geographic and economic factors that restrict and/or burden Club members; e. Consolidating the administration and management activities of League Members; f. Accepting responsibility for participation growth within the Region; and g. Driving facility development and infrastructure planning with local governments 3
SENIOR COMPETITION REVIEW - TERMS OF REFERENCE The Competition Review will be conducted under the framework of, and in accordance with, AFL Victorian Country Rule 4.7 (AFL Victoria Country Reviews Implementation and Appeals), managed and overseen by the South East Australian Football Commission (AFL South East). REVIEW PRINCIPLES To investigate and explore the senior football competition structures in the South East region that will promote the sustainability of Clubs To investigate and explore the senior football competition structures in the South East region that will promote participation growth To consider the competitive balance of the senior football competition structures for implementation in 2018 To consider the impact on netball in the South East region in any review findings In accordance with the timetable a draft Report with recommendations related to the Review Principles is scheduled for late May. The Terms of Reference for the Senior Football Competition Review is attached to this Report. 4
BACKGROUND TO THE REVIEW OBSERVATIONS In early 2016, the South East Australian Football Commission (AFL South East) was ratified as the governing body for the South East Football Netball League (SEFNL) which followed a similar process for the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League (MPNFL) in late 2015. A review was commissioned in early 2016 into the senior competition structures in the region, which followed similar reviews at neighbouring regions, such as AFL Gippsland and AFL Barwon. At that time, the AFL South East Commission had concerns that isolating leagues into geographical concentration had the potential to impact on club sustainability, competitive balance and new club entry. It is incumbent on all stakeholders to put aside self-interest and make informed decisions on a competition structure based on the best interests of all clubs. Club sustainability, industry growth, player pathways and attracting participants of all ages is reliant on this mind set. To ensure existing club sustainability, a structure allowing clubs to realise cyclical success and provide for competitive balance must be explored. The AFL South East region is a sizeable geographical area, as are several other Commission regions. What sets this region apart however is the mix of outer metropolitan suburbs combined with genuine regional townships. There are areas of growing populations competing against areas of declining populations. The challenge for this review is to come up with a model which provides opportunities for clubs to compete in the region in the optimum competitive circumstances. Looking at the geographical picture, the region has quite a cluster of clubs in the City of Casey and the City of Frankston. On the southern peninsula, there is a smaller cluster which are quite isolated from the rest. Therefore, the challenge for this review is to look at a structure that takes into account the above complexities matched with a desire to have an even competition. 5
OTHER AREAS OF FOCUS NETBALL The terms of reference for the senior football competition review included a principle of consider the impact on netball of any review outcomes. There was some common ground among the clubs, who were each asked for their opinion in relation to the netball impact. There was an almost unanimous view that whatever happened with the football review, ie whether leagues remained separate or a divisional structure eventuated, netball should follow the football so that the home game experience combines football and netball at the same time. Despite the common ground there are some areas that were raised during the consultation phase that need to be addressed depending on the outcome of the football review. Examples of the issues raised are: Some Mornington Peninsula clubs currently do not have courts at the football venue (although this is being addressed and may only be a short term problem) Clubs currently in SEFNL have senior and junior teams play as part of the home and away experience The Mornington Peninsula clubs do not have the equivalent junior structure as SEFNL This is a major challenge for the review panel to make recommendations for the short and medium term for junior netball, particularly given the different structure between SEFNL clubs, and Mornington clubs Several clubs suggested that the time is right for the commencement of a salary cap and points system like football to even up the competition There were suggestions by clubs that a limit be placed on VNL players per club in order to promote playing for local clubs These are all matters that clubs are free to comment on in this feedback in the after Action from Stakeholders section, on page 14. Some of these matters will require further consultation with Netball Victoria. 6
OTHER AREAS OF FOCUS - CONTINUED JUNIOR FOOTBALL During the club consultations, there was a common theme of the need to address junior football. Junior football is not specifically the subject of this review; therefore, no recommendations are forthcoming at this stage. However, AFL South East absolutely recognises the need to conduct a serious review of junior football in the region as a matter of urgency. The junior leagues in the region (SEJ, FDJFL & MPJFL) are listed as Associate Stakeholders to the review and are quite welcome to make a submission to the senior competition review during the next phase of the consultation, however a more dedicated and targeted junior competition review will be recommended to commence in 2018. WOMEN S FOOTBALL 2017 is the first year that AFL South East has administered women s football. AFL South East is administering Division 1 & 2 of the South East Women s Football League (SEWF) and the South East Development League. There are 32 teams in these 3 competitions. Clearly this is a growth area for football in the region and must be resourced accordingly. The AFL South East Commission recognises there is a need for a women s football strategy which will be designed to continue to grow the game. Investing in resources to facilitate that growth is another challenge being faced by the Commission and will be the subject of a review independent of the senior football review. UMPIRES If we are to grow participation numbers and strengthen our competitions, there must be similar objectives with umpires. While umpire s growth in participation and quality is not a specific term of reference for this review, the AFL South East Commission is cognisant of aligning an umpire strategy with the final recommendations of the review. Emphasis should be placed on growing the number of umpires in junior competitions as well as developing young umpires. 7
CONSULTATION PHASE CLUB CONSULTATION Face to Face consultations were conducted with all 31 Senior football clubs in the AFL South East Region during the months of March, April and May. All clubs consulted were given the opportunity to put their case on a preferred competition structure. It was a timeconsuming exercise, yet rewarding for the members of the review panel to engage with the clubs in such a way. The feedback from all clubs has been recorded and considered when preparing the options as part of these draft recommendations. A summary of the findings from the club consultations A clear majority of clubs favour a divisional football structure in some form Clubs which did see the benefits of a divisional structure saw the benefits as being twofold: i. The opportunity for better performed clubs to compete against similar performed clubs more consistently ii. The opportunity for struggling clubs (say in the lower half of the ladder) to be more competitive and aspire to play finals A majority of Peninsula League clubs favoured a full divisional structure A majority of the Nepean clubs were strong on maintaining a geographical structure A majority of SEFNL Clubs favoured a full divisional structure A clear majority of clubs (virtually all) favour netball staying as a home game with the football, no matter what the football outcome There was no appetite for netball having its own divisional structure While a good number of Clubs were aspirational, in trying to play at the highest level possible, a number of other clubs wished to play in a league more suited to their competitiveness Several clubs agree that there is a need to provide a development option for struggling and new Clubs A desire to have competitive competitions outweighed the need for a geographical criterion. While many favoured competitive over geographic local derbies are still seen as important for financial sustainability There was a mix of views on the composition of U19 and junior football. There is a clear need for a subsequent junior review as referred to in the Other Areas of Focus section. It should be noted that any review of junior football will have limited impact on the senior competition structure in the medium term 8
RECOMMENDATION OPTIONS TWO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER Based on the feedback received from club interviews the review panel has presented two options to the AFL South East Commission to present to the stakeholders for their feedback during the next stage of the review process as outlined in the Terms of Reference. The two recommended competition structure options are provided below and incorporate the balance of views during the consultations. Please note that at this point in the review the options are structural rather than club specific. The two options are provided for stakeholders to consider as part of the next stage of consultation during the month of June 2017. i. Full Divisional structure Initially 3 divisions, for example a Premier Division with a minimum of 10 teams, then Divisions 1 and 2 below comprising the balance of teams. ii. Partial Divisional structure Still with 3 divisions, with a Premier Division then 2 Divisions below, geographically structured into Northern and Southern Divisions. More detail on each is provided below. Both the above options provide for a Premier Division (although not necessarily named as such), which satisfies a number of club s aspirations. The Full Divisional structure option satisfies the review panel s desire to have an entry level for new or existing clubs or teams to participate in our region. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The criteria for which clubs are to be assessed for inclusion in the top division in the initial year, include but are not limited to, are: On field club performance over the past 3 years. Both football and netball will be considered allowing a whole of club assessment to take place. Playing depth in both football and netball. Financial sustainability. Ability of the club to compete in the top league from a financial point of view. Club financials for past 2 years to be requested. Quality of boys and girl s juniors and junior pathway. Must have U19 s football. Facilities, including capacity for crowds, netball, all-ability access, females (including future development plans). Netball fill all senior grades. The review panel suggests the Commission consider a weighted score based on the criteria to determine the standing of a club and their capacity to compete. 9
OPTION 1 - FULL DIVISIONAL STRUCTURE MINIMUM 3 DIVISIONS Under this model, the current 3 league structure would be replaced by a one league, 3 division model, comprising in the first instance the 31 senior football clubs currently affiliated. Provision should also be made potentially for a fourth division, which would facilitate a very important objective of the review, allowing a point of entry for new, existing or expansion clubs to plan to enter the AFL South East competition. There will be criteria established (see page 9) to determine in which divisions clubs would commence in 2018. Promotion and relegation would take place for all divisions, with either a one up one down philosophy or alternatively 2 up 2 down as currently applies in the VAFA for example. This point would be subject to further consultation. It may be an option to have a model where it is automatic for one to go up and one to go down, then the second promotion/relegation position is discretionary or by application. Under this option, the likely composition would be a Premier Division, Division 1 and Division 2. A minimum of 2 (maximum of 5) from each of the current leagues to be included in the initial Premier Division. This is without considering any additional clubs which might apply to be part of the new structure. Depending on the circumstances of a new club s application, any new club would either be incorporated into the 3-divisional structure or, if there are sufficient additional clubs, consideration will be given to a 4th division. A variation to this option could be that the Premier Division comprises 12 teams, with the remaining divisions comprising 10 & 9 teams respectively. This would provide space for new teams to enter the competition at the lower level. Ultimately the teams in each division will be based upon ensuring each division is as competitive as possible and meets the needs of each club. Ideally, under this option, the review panel would ultimately like to see 4 divisions with the addition of more clubs. This model gives the Commission the flexibility to generate growth and potentially make the competitiveness of the divisions even greater. This is an important aspect for the growth of football in the region. All three divisions to be branded under the AFL South East name: EXAMPLE OF OPTION 1 PREMIER DIVISION DIVISION 1 DIVISION 2 DEVELOPMENT (PROPOSED) PROMOTE PREMIERS FROM EACH COMPETITION RELEGATE BOTTOM TEAM TO RESPECTIVE LOWER DIVISION 10
OPTION 1 - FULL DIVISIONAL STRUCTURE - CONTINUED Points raised in favour of this model Increased likelihood of competitive divisions Allows players, clubs and umpires to aspire to compete in a high-quality league Allows players to compete at a level suitable to their standard Allows for an entry level competition for new clubs to participate Clubs can regenerate if performing poorly at higher level Maintains interest at top of the table and bottom of the table Many more games have relevance (for either finals or relegation) Region has a strong top level competition Top clubs not spread across 3 leagues Struggling clubs can strive to make finals in lower division Certainty over promotion/relegation Proven structure for leagues such as Eastern, Southern, Northern, VAFA etc Clubs will still have a minimum of 9 home games Improved gate revenue for less competitive clubs Creates new rivalries, born out of competition Allows a quality umpire pathway Consistency of rules across the region Points raised against this model Potential increased travel time to away games for players and umpires Travel times may not be suitable for early starters e.g. U19 s Potential loss of local derbies or traditional rivalries, impacting match day supporter and volunteer numbers Potential loss of local community aspect Pressure (including financial) on elevated Clubs to perform should they be promoted to higher level Members of the review panel were mindful of the strategic intent to grow football in the region. Whatever model is adopted the opportunity must be available for new and existing clubs to enter a competition within AFL South East. Review panel members discussed anecdotal evidence each had received of clubs within our region interested in joining a competition in this region if there was a relevant entry point. Similarly, there are suggestions of new clubs forming, or junior clubs expressing interest in forming senior clubs. A model such as suggested here under Option 1 would be the most accommodating if the suggestions are accurate. The panel also discussed the option of a 16 round season for the lowest division, reducing the impact on players, volunteers etc and could be managed through a later start or earlier finish to the season. The question for stakeholders responding to this paper will be, is this option best for the growth of football in the region, compared to a club s specific view, which may centre around more travel time or the loss of a local derby? 11
OPTION 2 - PARTIAL DIVISIONAL STRUCTURE PREMIER DIVISION THEN BELOW DIVISIONS BASED ON GEOGRAPHY Under this model, we see some of the benefits of the fully divisional model, such as more even competitions and a strong top division, yet the model is mindful of the feedback on the geographic benefits of teams playing against others from a close geographic region. Based on this, a single top division is recommended with geographic divisions below. All three divisions to be branded under the AFL South East name: Premier Division Northern Division Southern Division The Review Panel is not suggesting these are necessarily the names of each division, but for the purpose of the review the names provide some context. Over the years there has been a variety of names for leagues in the region. 1st and 2nd Division applied until the mid-1990 s. Premier has been used, up until 2004. Since then Peninsula, Nepean, and Casey Cardinia (now SEFNL) have existed. During that time, the emphasis has been on Leagues not Divisions. There is already a Northern Football League and a Southern Football Netball League in existence, therefore there may be more appropriate names to reflect the geographical nature of those 2 divisions. Premier Division Number of teams is flexible (between 10 & 12) Criteria applied to determine composition of the division A minimum of 2 (maximum of 5) from each of the current leagues Northern Division Balance of clubs from the northern section of the region Depending on the number of teams in Premier division, there may be a likelihood of creating new clubs in coming years to balance out their draw given the prevalence of growth area boundaries. With a further addition of teams this division could, in the future, be split into northern 1 and northern 2 Southern Division Balance of clubs from the southern section of the region Promotion and Relegation method Under this partial divisional structure option, the promotion and relegation system is proposed as per below: Default position: Clubs will be initially categorised as either Northern or Southern clubs. Teams in the inaugural Premier Division will still be classified notionally as Northern or Southern. The premiers in the Northern and Southern Divisions will be promoted. The bottom two teams in the Premier Division will be relegated. AFL South East Commission discretion: The Commission has the discretion to determine the optimum composition of the two lower divisions, based on the circumstances of the 2 relegated teams. The Commission may consider applications from promoted or relegated teams to remain where they are. 12
EXAMPLE OF OPTION 2 PREMIER DIVISION NORTHERN DIVISION SOUTHERN DIVISION DEVELOPMENT (PROPOSED) PROMOTE PREMIERS FROM NORTHERN AND PREMIERS FROM SOUTHERN TO PREMIER DIVISION RELEGATE BOTTOM 2 PREMIER DIVISION TEAMS TO RESPECTIVE DIVISIONS Points raised in favour of this model Region has a strong top level division Increased likelihood of more competitive divisions Allows players, clubs and umpires to strive to play in a high-quality league Combines the aspiration of playing at the highest level with the need for a geographical benefit Allows low to mid-tier clubs to compete at a standard more suited to their ability Opportunity for elevation to top division remains in place Maintains interest at the top of each division and at the bottom of the top division More opportunity for clubs with no recent finals history to play in finals Higher likelihood of local derbies being maintained Seen as a more favourable outcome for netball where geographical impact is more relevant Points raised against this model Don t initially have a bottom division for clubs wanting a point of entry Some competition rivalries could be affected Potentially more travel for Premier Division clubs Some complexity into which division a relegated team goes into Struggling clubs may remain on the bottom of the ladder with little chance of rebuilding No relegation to a lower level division for those clubs in the situation above Under this model, the Commission would also like to provide for a Development Division whereby, should there be sufficient interest from new clubs, an entry level division is created. This may not be possible for 2018, however in planning for the future, clubs could express an interest at any time to assist in planning for entry into AFL South East divisions. 13
ACTION FROM STAKEHOLDERS Two models have been provided in this paper which reflect in some form the feedback given by clubs during the initial consultation phase. In accordance with the Terms of Reference process, the AFL South East Commission is now seeking feedback from stakeholders (both principal or associate as listed in the Terms of Reference) on which is the preferred option. While the one on one consultation conducted by the review panel centred around the clubs executive, stakeholders are encouraged to involve coaches and players in the preparation of their feedback. Further, the final response should reflect the view of the club s committee following a formal discussion and minuted outcome. The Commission will allow 4 weeks from the date this paper is issued, for stakeholders to lodge feedback in writing with the review panel (as per below), Stakeholders are to address which of the models they prefer and why. The review panel will consider stakeholder feedback on each of the options. The review panel will then provide a final report to the Commission for its approval, scheduled for late July after which final recommendations will be issued by the Commission. Feedback must be lodged with the review panel by Monday 3rd July 2017 by completing the questionnaire via the following jot form link for feedback submissions: AFL SOUTH EAST SENIOR FOOTBALL COMPETITION REVIEW FEEDBACK SUBMISSIONS - GENERAL PUBLIC SENIOR FOOTBALL COMPETITION REVIEW - MAY 2017 DISCUSSION PAPER 00
ATTACHED SCHEDULES 1. Comparison of average point margins with other leagues 2. Travel distance comparisons within the AFL South East Region 3. Terms of Reference 15
SCHEDULE 1 COMPETITIVE LEAGUES One of the arguments raised about divisional football is that it generates a more even competition. One indicator of competitiveness is seen to be average winning margins across a season. During this review an analysis has been prepared comparing the average winning margins within our 3 leagues, with other leagues where a divisional structure exists: The statistics below show the average winning margins for our leagues, other leagues and Commission regions. LEAGUE 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Average inc 2017 Nepean FNL 54 49 59 45 59 53.2 Peninsula FNL 43 45 54 40 46 45.6 SEFNL 59 67 49 49 61 57 OTHER LEAGUE AVERAGES 2015 LEAGUE DIV 1 DIV 2 DIV 3 DIV 4 EFL 49 45 44 42 NFL 34 31 34 N/A VAFA 32 49 45 N/A OTHER COMMISSION AVERAGES 2015 COMMISSION LEAGUES AVERAGE POINTS Geelong 3 72 Gippsland 5 54 16
SCHEDULE 2 TRAVEL DISTANCES One of the arguments put forward by those against competitive leagues is the travel factor associated with a divisional structure. Below is an analysis of the travel distances from club to club within our region. The first column is the club s current average travel distance within its existing league. The second column is the average travel distance if they played every one of the other 30 clubs in the region (which is the worst case scenario). TRAVEL DISTANCE IN KILOMETRES Club Current League Region Competition Beaconsfield 12 35 Berwick 12 34 Bonbeach 10 27 Chelsea 11 28 Cranbourne 16 24 Crib Point 25 32 Devon Meadows 34 25 Doveton 18 32 Dromana 25 36 Edithvale-Aspendale 13 28 Frankston Bombers 28 21 Frankston YCW 8 21 Hampton Park 14 28 Hastings 23 27 Karingal 11 21 Langwarrin 12 21 Mornington 19 27 Mt Eliza 11 24 Narre Warren 13 32 Officer 14 37 Pakenham 21 46 Pearcedale 27 23 Pines 9 23 Red Hill 26 36 Rosebud 28 39 Rye 32 47 Seaford 8 24 Somerville 22 22 Sorrento 40 56 Tooradin-Dalmore 25 30 Tyabb 22 24 17
SCHEDULE 3 TERMS OF REFERENCE INTRODUCTION The 2018 Competition Review will be conducted under the framework of, and in accordance with, AFL Victorian Country Rule 4.7 (AFL Victoria Country Reviews Implementation and Appeals), managed and overseen by the South East Australian Football Commission (AFL South East). Further to Rule 4.7, and by way of background, the AFL South East Commission is mindful of an extract from the Review of Football in Country Victoria undertaken by AFL Victoria in 2011: Sustainability of Clubs is the critical issue, not necessarily the sustainability of leagues or governing bodies. For country Victoria to maintain its status, and indeed grow, the Clubs must be vibrant and financially sustainable. It is incumbent on administrators of all governing bodies, including leagues and umpire associations, to consider this for the future wellbeing of the Clubs and the game. REVIEW PRINCIPLES To investigate and explore the senior football competition structures in the South East region that will promote the sustainability of Clubs To investigate and explore the senior football competition structures in the South East region that will promote participation growth To consider the competitive balance of the senior football competition structures for implementation in 2018. To consider the impact on netball in the South East region in any review findings 18
REVIEW FRAMEWORK STAKEHOLDERS PRINCIPAL STAKEHOLDERS - AFL SOUTH EAST CLUBS BEACONSFIELD DOVETON KARINGAL PEARCEDALE SORRENTO BERWICK DROMANA LANGWARRIN PINES BONBEACH CHELSEA CRANBOURNE EDITHVALE- ASPENDALE FRANKSTON BOMBERS FRANKSTON YCW TOORADIN- DALMORE MORNINGTON RED HILL TYABB MT ELIZA NARRE WARREN ROSEBUD RYE CRIB POINT HAMPTON PARK OFFICER/ROC SEAFORD DEVON MEADOWS HASTINGS PAKENHAM SOMERVILLE ASSOCIATE STAKEHOLDERS SEJ EASTERN FL AFL YARRA RANGES CARDINIA SHIRE MPJFL SOUTHERN FNL VAFA FDJFL SOUTHERN UMPIRES ASSOCIATION AFL GIPPSLAND CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG DANDENONG SOUTHERN STINGRAYS CITY OF CASEY FRANKSTON CITY COUNCIL MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE CITY OF KINGSTON REVIEW PANEL John Anderson AFL South East Region General Manager Jack Henty & Cam Roberts - AFL South East Football Development Managers Paul Milo Independent appointed by Commission Jen Camilleri Netball Victoria Representative 19
REVIEW FRAMEWORK As mentioned earlier, the framework for the 2018 Competition Review will be conducted in accordance with AFL Victorian Country Rule 4.7. The framework, together with a projected timetable, approved by the AFL South East Commission, is provided below. Feb 17 Document Terms of Reference (as above) March/April 17 Consultation with Stakeholders listed above. One on One meetings with Principal Stakeholders on key points of the Review to take place over a two month period. Associate Stakeholders will be invited to contribute to the Review. May 17 The Review Panel will then prepare draft recommendations for submission to the AFL South East Commission. Late May 17 Once the draft recommendations from the Review Panel have been considered and are agreed by the AFL South East Commission, those draft recommendations relating to the Review of the competition structure will be provided to Principal and Associate Stakeholders. Late June 17 Principal and Associate Stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide a written response to the recommendations to the Review Panel. A period of 4 weeks has been allowed between the issuing of the draft recommendations and the closing date for written submissions. July 17 Final recommendations, following consideration of the written submissions, will be presented by the Review Panel to the AFL South East Commission. Subject to its final approval, the AFL South East Commission announces the Senior Competition structure for 2018. 20