SWALF COMMITEE MEETING MINUTES

Transcription

1 SWALF COMMITEE MEETING MINUTES Sunday 12 th December, 5pm: Newington Inn Hotel, 292 Stanmore Rd, Petersham In Attendance: Ros McMahon-Bostik (President) Sarah Court (Vice President Karen James-Lawson (Treasurer) Olivia Hall (Secretary) Libby Sadler (Syd Uni) Simone Faulkner (UTS Kim Woldhuis (Macquarie Uni) Lance Yu (Website Manager) Lisa Roper (SWAFL Development) Tracey Kick (Sponsorship Manager) Tina Zetatants (West) John Vandenham (Umpires coordinator) Jemma Still (Footy Operations/Easts) Sandra Ryan (Shamrocks) Alan Paton (Macarthur) Leah Childs (Macarthur) Kylie Maxwell (Balmain Dockers) Lynda Rowan (balmain Dockers) Kath Kobzan (Balmain Dockers) Lauren Hodgson (Southern Power) Kathryn Hill (Southern Power) Cheyne Anderson (Southern Power) Lisa Rose (Southern Power) Penny Wilmot (Newtwon) Natasha Devlin (Newtown) Brianna Crawley (Wollongong) Auburn Rep was present at the commencement of the meeting. AGENDA ITEM Discussion ACTION Apologies None Minutes of Previous Meeting Moved by Lanced Seconded by Simone Matters Arising for the Minutes Carried There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.

2 Correspondence President s Report Player enquiries Referred to AFL website. AFL: JLT details requirements followed up with SWAFL reps. Dolly Magazine wanting information for a women in non traditional sport article. Fit Health is running a program similar to the NAB referral program with rebates to clubs. Will come to the February meeting to chat to Club reps. AFL (NSW/ACT) By-Laws have been distributed to clubs. SWAFL will be looking at our own rules prior to the 2011 seasons. Need to take Code of Conduct seriously. Ros was embarrassed at the SWAFL Presentation Night this year when she learned that players were scoring B&F votes for matches they didn t play and that coaches had forged player signatures on team sheets. Mac Uni Rep said in the men s comp they deal with this by handing the team sheet to the opposition team for them to approve the players as in the men s comps they usually know the opposition players. Ros would like the issue of Code of Conduct (Respect for the Game) on the next meeting Agenda. Attended the AFL s Affiliates Conference. Recommends all clubs investigate the AFL s Quality Clubs Program and at least achieve Bronze status. If Clubs don t have details please request from Olivia Hall. Criteria are apparently on the AFL s website. ACTION Jemma to update the Information for New Clubs document and send it to all new clubs. Treasurer s Report Budget modelling for 2011 commenced and given that the new structure has been approved, it will not be necessary to increase the registration fees in With the National Championships in 2011 it would be interesting to hear the feeling of the meeting on the extent to which SWAFL should fund the State Team. Ros advised that the AFL would pay for the uniforms and provide a cash donation. Libby Sadler suggested that if SWAFL contributed $5000 towards the State Team then they should also contribute $5000 towards development for the lower level players. Kiwi noted that the TPP players have already paid to be involved in the program and showed commitment to development and promotion of women s football. Linda mentioned that it cost $15,000 for travel & accommodation to take a team to Perth. Tash Devlin spoke in favour of SWAFL supporting the State Team. She suggested that a fundraiser should be held to raise some of that money and a token payment of $100 might be required from each player, but that SWAFL should cover the rest.

3 Ros felt that representative players should not have to pay their own way. Ros also noted that this might be the last time that SWAFL runs the NSW team. Karen noted that the Affiliation Agreement with the AFL gave SWAFL the right to select the NSW team. Ros advised that this agreement is out of date and a new one is being negotiated. Libby suggested a performance bonus if the state team performed well enough to move from Division 2 to Division 1. Ros disagreed. It was agreed that the raffle will be run at the start of the season to capitalise on enthusiasm levels. Football Operations a) Teams: Nomination for Team in 2011 Season: Sydney University Wests UNSW Easts Newtown Balmain Shamrocks Macquarie Uni St George/Southern Power Wollongong UTS (New Team) Macarthur (New Team) Auburn (New Team) Possible 12 teams. Players aged under 15: A reminder to all teams with players under 15, they need to be assessed as per SWAFL rules. Use of Mahoney: Warned by AFL that Marrickville Council will have a new ground manager. Mahoney park will be more protected & will be more prone to closing in wet weather. PROPOSALS FOR COMPETITION STRUCTURE 2010 PROPOSAL 1: Appendix A Proposed by: Jemma Still, Sarah Court, Olivia Hall & Tracey Kick. Comments For: Great for developing & new team for promoting it to players. Playing everyone once means all teams still get exposure to all levels of footy. Gives all teams an opportunity to get into DIV A.. Comments Against: No comments against. Suggestion: DIV B should have final 3vs4. Resolution was that it would depend on how many teams.

4 Football Operations Cont PROPOSAL 2: Appendix B Proposed by: Lance Yu Questions about the format was clarified by Lance. Comments For: May be better for teams not located in the inner west (less travel) Against: Random splitting of teams - it was clarified that the teams listed in proposal was an example only. PROPOSAL 3: Appendix C Proposed by: John Van Der Ham John suggested that we used the ladder standings from 2010 season to set the 2 divisions. Comments For: John spoke to the advantages as outlined in his proposal. Against: Several people commented that this proposal puts SWAFL at risk if less than 12 teams due to teams dropping out and lack of variety in the teams in the competition. It was considered that this structure is premature fro SWAFL. Reps were concerned that with this structure their players will not get exposed to higher level of football if only playing in Division 2. Common comments in discussions of all proposals was the issue of teams defeated by large margins. It was suggested to introduce a mercy rule in This is to be revisited in the rules review. Ros commented that SWAFL needs to look forward and pick a structure that will take SWAFL into 2011, 2012 and beyond. A focus has to be on development as news teams will continue to join. Results of Vote: 1. Option 1: Keep structure the same as Play everyone twice (1 vote: Wollongong) 2. Option B Proposal 1: (14 Votes: Karen, Sarah, Wests, Easts, UTS, Bondi, Ros, Auburn, Macarthur, Balmain, Newtown, Syd Uni, Mac Uni, Liv) 3. Option C Proposal 2: (0 Votes) 4. Option D Proposal 3: (1 vote: Southern Power) Resolved: 2011 league structure to reflect Option B (Appendix A). Note: Only General Committee (Club Reps) and Executive Committee are entitled to vote.

5 Football Operations Cont b) AFL Sevens Competition: This is to be held on International Women s Day (5 th and 6 th March). All teams that want to play need to watch the SWAFL website for more information. Further discussions and information to follow. c) Season Start Date Possible Start Date: 30 th April Karen believes we loose access to Mahoney in September and competition needs to be end of August. Access to Mahoney Park (Jemma): AFL is open to making the ground available for a longer season. Grand Final may be played at Blacktown Olympic park discussions followed with regards to loss of canteen revenue for SWAFL and concerns about fans paying entry fees. Some clubs advised that the location of Blacktown would suit their supporters & that the atmosphere at the Men s Grand Final was fantastic. d) Deadline for Confirmation of Teams for Deadline is 1 st March All fees to SWAFL will be due on that day, there will be no extensions. Sponsorship Warren View: Confirmed $2k Australian Defence Force is due to submit a proposal for a sponsorship for each team : Game gear (approx 5 balls per team) NAB: Looking to continue this relationship. Sponsorship finishes in Feb. Each team is encouraged to invite NAB to their registration day/first training. Umpires Required 2011 Indications are that only four current umpires and one player umpire will be available next year. This will not be enough with six matches per round and ideally ten umpires are required. John Van Den Ham requested that all clubs speak to ex-players and supporters to find new umpires for the League. Umpire pre-season training will commence on the 1 st March and a monthly training session will be conducted during the season. It was agreed that a Briefing would be held for potential umpire candidates and that all Clubs are required to send at least one person to that briefing. John VDH will set up the briefing and all clubs with the details. Karen noted that if SWAFL cannot find umpires for the pool then Club Umpires (where each club is required to find their own umpire for each of their games) is the only alternative. ACTION: John to confirm umpire training day.

6 Alan Paton noted that Club appointed Goal Umpires also require training. Karen noted that she could see whether paid goal umpires will fit in the budget. Libby noted that Liam would be willing to become qualified as a goal umpire. ACTION: Decision to be made at next meeting as to whether SWAFL starts paying goal umpires. Filling Vacant Positions Medical & Equipment Officer Linda Rowan. It was noted that if all clubs provide a qualified medic as specified in the rules then St Johns Ambulance volunteers are not required. Marketing & Events Libby Sadler Canteen Tina Zekants tinazekants@gmail.com (Liv please add Tina to the mailing list) State Team Manager to be advertised. Ros to draft criteria. Note that SWAFL will pay for airfare & accommodation. Wests Tina Zekants UTS Simone Faulkner Bondi Sandra Ryan Macarthur Alan Patton Auburn Amna Karra-Hassan amna.karrahassan@afp.gov.au Mac Uni Kim Woldhuis Wollongong Rianna Crawley Power Lauren Hodgson Newtown Penny Wilmot Football Development On holidays to mid Feb. GNC Nutrition wil be doing lecture on supplements and nutrition and will write a monthly newsletter on nutrition for the website. Kiwi has a physio contact who uses biopuncture and is interested in working with the TPP and the State Team. There are two fitness tests to go. So far session have been run with Nick Davis (kicking) and Troy Luff (tackling) and Jude Bolton has expressed interest in helping out in A trial match will be held in March and the squad will be culled to 30 players. In April the TPP players will participate in the Easter football camp with the men s rep squad. Shellharbour have expressed interest in joining SWAFL in 2012 and the TPP will run some promotional invents including junior clinics in the area. Tash congratulated Kiwi on the TPP and for all her hard work.

7 General Business Next Meeting It was queried whether the State Team could be sponsored. Tracey to report to the next meeting on whether she is able to search for a State Team sponsor. (a) Friday night games Sarah sought feedback on the popularity of Friday night games. Wollongong said they find them difficult. Ros noted the Lighting issues in It was noted that with six matches per weekend, Friday night games might be required, it gives you the rest of the weekend off and that it is good for the umpires. Noted that Auburn prefer Saturday games for religious reasons. (b) 2010 Ladder & Scores on the Website it was requested that for the purposes of preserving SWAFL s history, the 2010 ladder should be updated on the website. Sarah advised until she and Jemma receive the SWAFL Laptop from Rich & Cyn they won t know what they can and can t do. She agreed that they would try to get it up to date if that is possible. Lance will add the final standings to the website. The Committee agreed that it is important to have the data recorded on the website. (c) SWAFL Meeting Locations Power would like to host one of the monthly meetings at their clubhouse. It was noted that Auburn have also volunteered to host a meeting or two. (d) Michelle Daley Match It was requested that the 2011 Michelle Daley match be held at the same location as other games that round as it increases fundraising possibilities. Ros noted that SWAFL will probably hold Pink Sock Day again. Karen suggested that with six games per week it will probably be necessary to hold at least one match per week away from Mahoney Park. Sarah requested that teams with home grounds investigate whether they can host more than one game at their home ground as this will assist with the umpire shortage. (e) Registration Fee Due Date Newtown noted that it would be impossible to raise $3250 by the 1 st March as they do not commence training until the second week in March. Meeting closed at 7:30pm. Sunday 27 th 5pm. Location TBA Action Liv to investigate whether it is possible for committee members from Wollongong to attend via teleconference or skype. ACTION: The Executive will discuss the requirements for registration fee payment and advise clubs by .

8 Appendix A PROPOSAL 1 10 TEAM COMPETITION OPTION A: Remain as the same structure as the 2010 season, with all teams playing each other twice. This equates to 18 games + final series. Note: two long weekends over Easter/Anzac Day and June long weekend (also Nationals in Adelaide). No byes or split weekends in this format. Regular season runs from 9 April 20 Aug with three week finals series running on Aug 27, Sep 3 and Grand Final on Sep APR 16 APR 23 APR 30 APR 7 MAY 14 MAY 21 MAY 28 MAY 4 JUN 11 JUN 18 JUN 25 JUN 2 JUL 9 JUL 16 JUL 23 JUL 30 JUL 6 AUG 13 AUG 20 AUG Rd 1 Rd 2 L/W Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7 Rd 8 L/W Rd 9 Rd 10 Rd 11 Rd 12 Rd 13 Rd 14 Rd 15 Rd 16 Rd 17 Rd 18 OPTION B: All teams play each other once and then split into two sections based on ladder position. A section consists of 6 teams, B section of 4 teams. Note: one long weekend June (also Nationals in Adelaide), one full league bye and one extra bye for Section B. Regular season runs from 30 April until 2 July, then split into 2 sections. Section A to play each other once and then move to a top 4 finals series. Section B to play each other twice and then play a 1 v 2 Grand Final. 30 APR 7 MAY 14 MAY 21 MAY 28 MAY 4 JUN 11 JUN 18 JUN 25 JUN 2 JUL 9 JUL 16 JUL 23 JUL 30 JUL 6 AUG 13 AUG 20 AUG 27 AUG 03 SEP Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 L/W Rd 7 Rd 8 Rd 9 Split into A and B BYE for all teams Rd 10 Rd 11 Rd 12 Rd 13 Rd 14 FINALS FINALS GF Rd 10 Rd 11 Rd 12 BYE Rd 13 Rd 14 Rd 15 GF

9 PROPOSAL 1 Continued 11 or 12 TEAM COMPETITION If there is to be a 11 or 12 team competition in 2011, the option of playing each team twice would result in a 21 week season which is not feasible for the league, clubs, resources, access to playing fields or umpires. Therefore, we only present one option for your consideration. OPTION: All teams play each other once and then split into two sections based on ladder position. A section consists of 6 teams, B section of 5/6 teams. Note: one long weekend June (also Nationals in Adelaide), one full league bye and one extra bye for Section B if only 11 teams. Regular season runs from 30 April until 9 July, then split into 2 sections. Section A to play each other once and then move to a top 4 finals series. Section B to play each other once and then play a 1 v 2 Grand Final. 30 APR 7 MAY 14 MAY 21 MAY 28 MAY 4 JUN 11 JUN 18 JUN 25 JUN 2 JUL 9 JUL 16 JUL 23 JUL 30 JUL 6 AUG Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 L/W Rd 7 Rd 8 Rd 9 Rd 10 Split into A and B 13 AUG 20 AUG 27 AUG 3 SEP 10 SEP Rd 11 Rd 12 Rd 13 Rd 14 Rd 15 FINALS FINALS GF BYE for all teams Rd 11 Rd 12 split Rd 12 split Rd 13 Rd 14 Rd 15 rest week? GF Traditional league fixtures also need to be considered: Compass Cup, Michelle Daley Shield and Pink Sock Day.

10 Appendix B Set up two formal conferences within the league like the proposed NEAFL or the National Football League which the teams in each conference play each other twice (intraconference play) and once against the teams in the other conference. (inter-conference play) The end result is a 15 wk home and away season and a 2 week final series (each team naturally gets 2 byes). You can add in byes as required for nationals etc. So for hypothetical sake (assuming a 10 team conference), you can mix and match the teams around but it's basically a fairness balanced option. Conference East - Easts (6th) - Bondi (5th) - Sydney Uni (3rd) - Macquarie (9th) - Balmain (2nd) Conference West - Auburn (n/a) - Western Wolves (4th) - Newtown (1st) - Southern Power (7th) - Wollongong (8th) So in Conference East, all teams would play each other in the Conference East in a home and away series, and once against the Conference West teams. The reverse would apply for Conference West. The top team in each conference is guaranteed a playoff spot and two wild cards for the finals are given to the 2 next best overall teams based on their win-loss record. This is in case the best two teams after conference champions come from the same conference. Hypothetically this could be Sydney Uni and Bondi with Balmain as the conference champions. As there are only 4 spots in the finals, it would be a simple: winners goes to the Grand Final immediately.

11 Or you can make it 6 spots in the finals, 2 Conference Champions and 4 wildcard spots with the wildcards playing each other in the first week who then meet the conference champions, with the winners meeting in the grand final. The only reason I raise this issue is that Option B is similar to what the AFL Canberra Womens League (9 teams) used in 2008 lasted only one year and was abandoned after that reverting to a traditional final 8 system in 2009/2010. Advantages of my option (a) Less games than a traditional home and away system, I felt the 2010 season with 18 rounds was a just bit too long for all the participants especially the clubs that struggled to field a full team towards the end of the season. (b) Develop inter-conference rivalry (c) Maintains historic competitions such as the Compass Cup (d) maximum of 4 matches a round except for inter-conference play (5 matches for 5 weeks). As there is a predicted umpiring shortage in 2011, there will be less of a workload for the remaining umpires (e) still rewards at the very worst, the top 3 performing teams through the wildcard system (f) two byes for each team during intraconference play + additional breaks for nationals / long weekends. (g) prevents ideas of a second class competition in Option B. Disadvantages of my option (a) One conference could be comparatively weaker than the other, realignment can always happen at the end of each season so teams 1,3,5,7,9 can go in one pool and teams 2,4,6,8,10 go in the other pool based on their win/loss record. (b) Strong teams in the other conference don't have the opportunity to dominate the weaker teams in the other pool twice. (c) Not as easy to conceptualise as Options A and B. 11 teams - hard - prefer SWAFL option 12 teams - two conferences of 6.

12 Appendix C 2 Divisions: First Division Teams ( Top teams from this years comp ) Newtown, Balmain, Wests, Syd Uni, Shamrocks & East's Second division Teams ( Remaining teams from this year plus new teams ) St George, Mac Uni, Wollongong, ( Possibly Aruban UTS Macarthur ) Bye if required in Second division. Dates stay the same as indicated in Draw 12 rd season then finals. 3 final rounds 2012 Bottom team from Division one is relegated to division two and winner of second div moves up to first Div. Second division maybe reduce number of players to constitutes a game maybe down to in stead of the 15 players now.this gives new teams a chance to field a side. If promoted to Div 1 then the 15 players apply.