Hunter member zones plan to overthrow NNSWF board

[early_to_the_match]

Headline in Newcastle Herald. -
"Member zones move to take over Northern NSW Football board"
"A struggle for control of football in the region has started after member zones sent a letter to Northern NSW Football calling for a special meeting to sack five of their six directors and replace them with their own nominations."
"The Herald was told the letter called for NNSWF to convene a meeting to table the motion to remove chair Helene O'Neill, deputy Bill Moncrieff and directors Mansell Laidler, Peter Dimovski and Sarah Gray but not remaining director, Mark Trenter.
It is understood the zones believed the directors, who are unpaid volunteers, were not acting in the best interests of football."

Can Eland get the boot as well?

[Goatscheese]

Headline in Newcastle Herald. -
"Member zones move to take over Northern NSW Football board"
"A struggle for control of football in the region has started after member zones sent a letter to Northern NSW Football calling for a special meeting to sack five of their six directors and replace them with their own nominations."
"The Herald was told the letter called for NNSWF to convene a meeting to table the motion to remove chair Helene O'Neill, deputy Bill Moncrieff and directors Mansell Laidler, Peter Dimovski and Sarah Gray but not remaining director, Mark Trenter.
It is understood the zones believed the directors, who are unpaid volunteers, were not acting in the best interests of football."

Can Eland get the boot as well?

This is about the zone football associations trying to protect their own turf, nothing about the best interests of football but about keeping their own directors and employees in a job because Northern want to take control of the associations.

[Premy]

This is about the zone football associations trying to protect their own turf, nothing about the best interests of football but about keeping their own directors and employees in a job because Northern want to take control of the associations.

Or maybe it's about the Zone Associations trying to protect ALL of their member Clubs and not just a selected 12 Clubs.

[Zonal Marking]

This is about the zone football associations trying to protect their own turf, nothing about the best interests of football but about keeping their own directors and employees in a job because Northern want to take control of the associations.

Yeah smells like another cash grab by Northern to me. No way would I trust that lot running community football.

[Hunter403]

on the other hand...less administrators, only one office to run. Should result in lower costs. Has a lot going for it

[travellingman]

on the other hand...less administrators, only one office to run. Should result in lower costs. Has a lot going for it

How do you work out less administrators?
NNSW have already employed extra staff to cover the roles already performed by the associations in expectation of them just steamrolling the associations out.
It is solely a cash grab by NNSW to get the assets of the associations not for the betterment of the game or streamlining processes.

[KITZ]

How do you work out less administrators?
NNSW have already employed extra staff to cover the roles already performed by the associations in expectation of them just steamrolling the associations out.
It is solely a cash grab by NNSW to get the assets of the associations not for the betterment of the game or streamlining processes.

This is not a directive by Northern, it is a directive out of the FA that has been coming for a long time. Queensland has just finished going through this process.

I believe a lot of money from NI folding went directly back to the clubs.

[Zonal Marking]

This is not a directive by Northern, it is a directive out of the FA that has been coming for a long time. Queensland has just finished going through this process.

I believe a lot of money from NI folding went directly back to the clubs.

I believe the article said NI was insolvent so no money to clubs. Under the NSW Fair Trading Model Constitution any surplus property of the Association has to be transferred to another organisation with similar objects and cannot be given back to the member clubs.

So I call BS on the quotes about NI in the Heralds article.

[boz-monaut]

moved this to it's own thread

:popcorn:

[boz-monaut]

the email that has gone to all members


In response to media reports today, Northern NSW Football can confirm its three Hunter-based member zones have demanded a general meeting in an attempt to overthrow NNSWF’s board of directors.

Hunter Valley Football, Macquarie Football and Newcastle Football plan to seize power in response to the Future of Football Review Final Report and Recommendations developed by independent change consultant Sport Business Partners.

The recommendations, which were unanimously endorsed by NNSWF’s board, positions clubs as the agents of change by empowering local clubs to determine when they are ready for reform. Reform is not being imposed on the football community.

The plan to overthrow NNSWF’s independent board is unnecessary and robs clubs of the opportunity to guide reform which provides more tangible support to stakeholders throughout northern NSW.

The report was only released to member zones and standing committees on Monday 22 August. Members were given exclusive access for two weeks to provide a response. Instead, the Hunter member zones moved to demand a general meeting to overthrow five of NNSWF’s six directors the following day without clubs having seen the final report or its recommendations.

READ THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL REVIEW FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS (https://northernnswfootball.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SBP-NNSWF-Final-Report-and-Recommendations_Final-19.08.2022.pdf)

The report identifies the constraints on the game’s future growth in northern NSW and provides a clear roadmap to address the issues through governance and administration reform over the next five to 10 years.

NNSWF is committed to investing in a reform plan that respects the current governance structure and positions clubs as the primary agents of change who determine the speed at which reform is embraced.

The boards of Football Far North Coast, North Coast Football and NNSWF – Northern Inland are not involved in the attempt to remove NNSWF’s board of directors. Football Mid North Coast is not a signatory to the demand, however two members of its board have been named as potential replacement directors.

Northern NSW Football’s reform plan

The independent review confirmed stakeholders at every level of our game reported a lack of resources and support for game development. Volunteers feel undervalued, under resourced, overburdened and disempowered.

In response to this, NNSWF has listened and will kick start a reform plan across the remainder of 2022 and beyond.

Key reform plan actions include:


Proposed investment in 10 new staff located across northern NSW to support clubs, facilities, communication and coach and referee development
Establishing Community Football Advisory Groups across northern NSW to ensure clubs are consulted directly regarding decisions that impact community football
Establishing a Future of Football Working Group comprising of representatives from member zones, clubs and NNSWF’s board and executive
Review and clarify the Talented Player Pathway and competitions including the impact of JDL on community football in the Greater Hunter
Centralising the administration and appointments of referees in the Greater Hunter
Prioritising fit-for-purpose player registration and competition management systems via Football Australia


The Hunter-based member zones are determined to halt reform and the provision of dedicated resources which would provide clubs and volunteers with additional support.

Governance and administration reform

The review recommends implementing a hybrid administration structure in the Hunter region and regional northern NSW in the next 18 to 24 months. This will align to NNSWF’s staff structure and significantly increase boots on the ground resources dedicated to tangibly assisting clubs, volunteers, coaches and referees to deliver the best possible football experience.

A hybrid model is an evolution of the current structure and would retain independent local governance, offices and local knowledge but all staff would be employed by one organisation to increase accountability and efficiency.

The report acknowledges a fully aligned governance and administration model is realistically five to 10 years down the track, with NNSWF to work together with key football community partners to achieve the reform recommendations.

NNSWF’s board accepts the independent report and its recommendations. However, the current governance structure will be maintained until the affiliated clubs of the respective six independent zones determine that a fully aligned structure is more appropriate and better placed to serve the needs of stakeholders.

New Future of Football Working Group

To facilitate change in an inclusive way, the reform plan will be guided by a new Future of Football Working Group made up of representatives from clubs, member zones and NNSWF’s board and executive.


This working group will provide opportunities for voices from across the football community to be heard and their interests considered as we strive to transform the structures that serve our game.

We have a once in a generation chance to make football even better throughout all of northern NSW. Together we can evolve our game, empower club voices and provide more support for grassroots football.

If you have any questions, please contact my team on (02) 4941 7200 or review@northernnswfootball.com.au

Yours sincerely

David Eland
Cheif Executive Officer

[MonkeyKplunk]

The planned move to dissolve the associations and give NNSWF total control will not result in lower fees. By their own admission the fees currently going to associations now will be collected by Northern.

The change will also negatively effect all community only clubs, as they will lose any link they currently have to help with running the club, coaching, skill development and basically everything.

In over a year of this process Northern still have not come up with a solid plan on how to replace those services lost by the vast majority of clubs across the region, including a few NL1 clubs.

The board and Eland have gotten too comfortable after not being challenged in the role to increase the quality of football services for the entire region

[boz-monaut]

the Herald article

https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/7879676/member-zones-move-to-take-over-northern-nsw-football-board/?cs=305


A struggle for control of football in the region has started after member zones sent a letter to Northern NSW Football calling for a special meeting to sack five of their six directors and replace them with their own nominations.

The Newcastle Herald understands the NNSWF board received the letter last week, around the same time the federation released reform recommendations to the zones and premier competition standing committees.

The Herald was told the letter called for NNSWF to convene a meeting to table the motion to remove chair Helene O'Neill, deputy Bill Moncrieff and directors Mansell Laidler, Peter Dimovski and Sarah Gray but not remaining director, Mark Trenter. The zones nominated five replacements.

It is understood the zones believed the directors, who are unpaid volunteers, were not acting in the best interests of football.

The letter was believed to be signed by representatives from some, if not all of the six zones - Macquarie, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Mid North Coast, North Coast and Far North Coast - that sit under NNSWF and administer grassroots competitions. Northern Inland is run by NNSWF after that zone body became insolvent last year.

...
the article continues but we can't just steal their content

[terry]

Lets state the facts.

What is NNSW not doing for local clubs?
We know NNSW are money grabbing leaches but what else?

[Aegon]

I’m all for it.

Remove a redundant layer of administration.

Dissolve the zones and massive waste of money in facilities and wages that delivers very very little.

This year has proven that the zones have too much power/control and too little ability.

[Goatscheese]

Yeah smells like another cash grab by Northern to me. No way would I trust that lot running community football.

They already get cash for it, we over pay because for some reason community football in Newcastle needs to have 3 CEOs, 3 Operations Coordinators, 3 Administrators, a board for each zone (where they get expenses paid for out of your rego), and then also an over arching interdistrict board (again expenses paid for).

No wonder the 3 zones are against it, to much of a cash cow for them.


We see in the Zone threads how terrible the decision making is to run the Zone leagues by all these people.

[Goatscheese]

In over a year of this process Northern still have not come up with a solid plan on how to replace those services lost by the vast majority of clubs across the region, including a few NL1 clubs.

The current plan is to consult with clubs and determine the best course of action as well as determine when and if clubs would like this to happen.

Seems that by wanting to consult with clubs and zones Northern have made a mistake. They should've just done what FQ did and forced it on everyone without consultation and without consulting with clubs on the best way forward.

As for your comment regarding Eland, he is supported by the Zones.

[travellingman]

The recommendations, which were unanimously endorsed by NNSWF’s board, positions clubs as the agents of change by empowering local clubs to determine when they are ready for reform. Reform is not being imposed on the football community.

My understanding is that NOT all directors voted for the recommendations.
The consultants provided NNSW with 3 options, and DE decided to apply option 3 of a full takeover.
Personally I hope the zones are successful and then sack DE.
The current model has been in place for over 50 years that I know of and has been a relatively successful model.

[travellingman]

The current plan is to consult with clubs and determine the best course of action as well as determine when and if clubs would like this to happen.

Seems that by wanting to consult with clubs and zones Northern have made a mistake. They should've just done what FQ did and forced it on everyone without consultation and without consulting with clubs on the best way forward.

As for your comment regarding Eland, he is supported by the Zones.

I don't know how you think the zones support DE.

[Goatscheese]

The recommendations, which were unanimously endorsed by NNSWF’s board, positions clubs as the agents of change by empowering local clubs to determine when they are ready for reform. Reform is not being imposed on the football community.

My understanding is that NOT all directors voted for the recommendations.
The consultants provided NNSW with 3 options, and DE decided to apply option 3 of a full takeover.
Personally I hope the zones are successful and then sack DE.
The current model has been in place for over 50 years that I know of and has been a relatively successful model.

How could it be unanimous and not all directors supported it?

The plan is to give the power over to the clubs for when they are ready for reform which is what you said. Maybe the zones are afraid that that clubs don't want to be under them

[KITZ]

Lets state the facts.

What is NNSW not doing for local clubs?
We know NNSW are money grabbing leaches but what else?

NNSW isn't responsible for local clubs at the moment, all those PAID employees in the zones are. If clubs are not getting service at the moment, then you have answered your own question about if they should exist.

[Jardelsimage]

The current plan is to consult with clubs and determine the best course of action as well as determine when and if clubs would like this to happen.

Seems that by wanting to consult with clubs and zones Northern have made a mistake. They should've just done what FQ did and forced it on everyone without consultation and without consulting with clubs on the best way forward.

As for your comment regarding Eland, he is supported by the Zones.

he was supported by the zones, DE only does what he wants to now, thinks he is above all.

ZL do not want to go under Northern again, you only have to look at the promotion/relegation scenario to start with.
DE has already started putting plans in place to put people in jobs that do not exist until they overtake the zones, zones run technically fine and could do with maybe 1 or 2 more but not 10.
Northern are over staffed, over staffing generally means wasted $$, who do you think pays for all that stuff, we do....

[KITZ]

I don't know how you think the zones support DE.

They got him put back in when he was removed last time. They did exactly this when things didn't go the way they wanted.

[Goatscheese]

he was supported by the zones, DE only does what he wants to now, thinks he is above all.

ZL do not want to go under Northern again, you only have to look at the promotion/relegation scenario to start with.
DE has already started putting plans in place to put people in jobs that do not exist until they overtake the zones, zones run technically fine and could do with maybe 1 or 2 more but not 10.
Northern are over staffed, over staffing generally means wasted $$, who do you think pays for all that stuff, we do....

Right now there are 9 people running the group and you're saying that they could do with 1 or 2 more which is what Northern proposes. Considering the full 10 was across all of Northern NSW and 7 current member zones. That's before you take into consideration all the boards each one of these zones have, why do we need all those positions as well? Who do you think pays for the expenses for those 21 board members? We do.

The way the ZL people complain about how the leagues are run and managed gives added weight as to why they wouldn't want to remain under three groups of people all doing the same job.

The zones are the reason why DE is in place and pushed to ensure he was put in his spot and retained there despite a previous board composition removed him. The zones did a take over and put him back in his role. If you don't support the decisions of DE and complain about all he has done to ruin football in the region, you can't support the zones who pushed to put him in place. Anything wrong with football because of DE is the fault of the zones.

[Zonal Marking]

They already get cash for it, we over pay because for some reason community football in Newcastle needs to have 3 CEOs, 3 Operations Coordinators, 3 Administrators, a board for each zone (where they get expenses paid for out of your rego), and then also an over arching interdistrict board (again expenses paid for).

No wonder the 3 zones are against it, to much of a cash cow for them.


We see in the Zone threads how terrible the decision making is to run the Zone leagues by all these people.

And Northern are the perfect decision makers for our game to move forward in your opinion? The zones do make mistakes yes as seen by the recent finals thread. However at the end of the day they are responsible for over 50 thousand players combined across NNSW. For the most part I believe they do a decent job. Northern are responsible for what? 2k players? And even with such a small number they have so little confidence amongst a large portion of the football community.

They have never had community footballs best interests at heart. Giving them full control would be a complete disaster.

[Zonal Marking]

They got him put back in when he was removed last time. They did exactly this when things didn't go the way they wanted.

Wasn’t that over 10 years ago?

[Jardelsimage]

And Northern are the perfect decision makers for our game to move forward in your opinion? The zones do make mistakes yes as seen by the recent finals thread. However at the end of the day they are responsible for over 50 thousand players combined across NNSW. For the most part I believe they do a decent job. Northern are responsible for what? 2k players? And even with such a small number they have so little confidence amongst a large portion of the football community.

They have never had community footballs best interests at heart. Giving them full control would be a complete disaster.

Now Zonal, don't fall over, but that's a great comment of yours, totally agree with you on this one.

[Zonal Marking]

Now Zonal, don't fall over, but that's a great comment of yours, totally agree with you on this one.

We were due to agree on something eventually haha

[Jardelsimage]

Right now there are 9 people running the group and you're saying that they could do with 1 or 2 more which is what Northern proposes. Considering the full 10 was across all of Northern NSW and 7 current member zones. That's before you take into consideration all the boards each one of these zones have, why do we need all those positions as well? Who do you think pays for the expenses for those 21 board members? We do.

The way the ZL people complain about how the leagues are run and managed gives added weight as to why they wouldn't want to remain under three groups of people all doing the same job.

The zones are the reason why DE is in place and pushed to ensure he was put in his spot and retained there despite a previous board composition removed him. The zones did a take over and put him back in his role. If you don't support the decisions of DE and complain about all he has done to ruin football in the region, you can't support the zones who pushed to put him in place. Anything wrong with football because of DE is the fault of the zones.

have you ever tried to have a conversation with DE, i have and if it doesn't go the way he wants, he ignores you or changes the subject and that was on a golf course so it was pretty casual.

The zones put him back there yes, more than likely the worst decision they made as he want to hang them out.

not sure which league involved in now days goatscheese, but how the this town is run is a shambles, unless your one of the chosen clubs, just look at the shithole they built at speers point.

you know what in the end i don't really care who runs football in this town, as long as they have all the football community in mind not just the elite ones, because from where i stand it looks a hell of a lot like that.

[BBscone]

I remember when the GM of Newcastle Football unveiled their million dollar office a few years ago and he said they had money in the bank for a rainy day and they need their own premises. A few rainy days later and the local Clubs would argue that $1m would have been better spent on an artificial pitch locally or 10 drainage upgrades around town. You don't need multiple layers of governance. All it does is create agendas. Some poor decisions are made at all levels, but at least the Northern version is governed by a national blueprint. Fold the zones, liquidate assets, caveat that all funds are invested to build artificial pitches or invest in local grounds. Pretty simple.

[Aegon]

I remember when the GM of Newcastle Football unveiled their million dollar office a few years ago and he said they had money in the bank for a rainy day and they need their own premises. A few rainy days later and the local Clubs would argue that $1m would have been better spent on an artificial pitch locally or 10 drainage upgrades around town. You don't need multiple layers of governance. All it does is create agendas. Some poor decisions are made at all levels, but at least the Northern version is governed by a national blueprint. Fold the zones, liquidate assets, caveat that all funds are invested to build artificial pitches or invest in local grounds. Pretty simple.

100%

The extra layer of governance here is the problem. Money is being wasted on bureaucracy.

There is literally nothing the zones do that couldn't be done by Northern if they bought in the staff to do so.

[Buddha]

The only difference between God & DE is that God doesn't think he is DE

[Zonal Marking]

100%

The extra layer of governance here is the problem. Money is being wasted on bureaucracy.

There is literally nothing the zones do that couldn't be done by Northern if they bought in the staff to do so.

Except if you and Scone had bothered to read the room you would see that a large portion of the common football folk have absolutely zero faith in Northern being trusted with the responsibility of community football. And why should they have confidence in them? The NNSW NPL competitions have major flaws. Giving the federation complete control with NO ONE in a position to hold them accountable would be completely irresponsible.

[terry]

Except if you and Scone had bothered to read the room you would see that a large portion of the common football folk have absolutely zero faith in Northern being trusted with the responsibility of community football. And why should they have confidence in them? The NNSW NPL competitions have major flaws. Giving the federation complete control with NO ONE in a position to hold them accountable would be completely irresponsible.

So if Zones are currently running their comps better than NNSW comps, we need DE because?

Lets just employ a dedicated government grants person instead and smash cash into fixing infrastructure.

[BBscone]

Except if you and Scone had bothered to read the room you would see that a large portion of the common football folk have absolutely zero faith in Northern being trusted with the responsibility of community football. And why should they have confidence in them? The NNSW NPL competitions have major flaws. Giving the federation complete control with NO ONE in a position to hold them accountable would be completely irresponsible.Perhaps if NF spent their cash amongst the community clubs they might have a more solid support base. Mayfield Juniors must drive past the $1m office and ask the question why........I am not saying Northern are perfect but the national model is being adopted around the country and it is held to account across varying levels of constraint. Local football at Community level gets nothing currently. Seemingly it is the same in the other zones and Northern Inland have shown that a change in governance is not a bad thing. Make it happen and get in with giving back to the Clubs.

[travellingman]

Except if you and Scone had bothered to read the room you would see that a large portion of the common football folk have absolutely zero faith in Northern being trusted with the responsibility of community football. And why should they have confidence in them? The NNSW NPL competitions have major flaws. Giving the federation complete control with NO ONE in a position to hold them accountable would be completely irresponsible.

When James Johnson and the FA came out and announced a review a few years ago.
He stated that there was no need for federations there functions are a duplication of the FA. He stated it was best to remove the federations.

From what I am reading it seems those supporting NNSW football are aligned with NPL clubs.
If it comes to a vote. The zones have the majority votes.

[northern_swan]

Except if you and Scone had bothered to read the room you would see that a large portion of the common football folk have absolutely zero faith in Northern being trusted with the responsibility of community football. And why should they have confidence in them? The NNSW NPL competitions have major flaws. Giving the federation complete control with NO ONE in a position to hold them accountable would be completely irresponsible.

For what it’s worth, I have zero faith in either the Zones, nor Northern, when it comes to the responsibly of running any level of football. From the NPL down to MiniRoos, the administration is self serving, deliberately secretive, riddled with irresponsible spending choices and completely out of touch with what is happening at clubs.

[Goatscheese]

you know what in the end i don't really care who runs football in this town, as long as they have all the football community in mind not just the elite ones, because from where i stand it looks a hell of a lot like that.

Right now it they have little responsibility and only some oversight because the zones have got the control and responsibility and it isn't the best and you've said it is a shambles. So the solution is to keep things as they are? If Northern are given the responsibility and accountability for it then they will have to look after it more and care more.

The argument made that Northern only look after their competitions and don't look after competitions ran by others so we don't want them to look after it, is similar to complaining about the state government only caring about spending infrastructure and they don't care about garbage collection when that is a council responsibility.

And just to answer the question, I play in a zone league but my fiancée plays in a Northern league

[Zonal Marking]

Perhaps if NF spent their cash amongst the community clubs they might have a more solid support base. Mayfield Juniors must drive past the $1m office and ask the question why........I am not saying Northern are perfect but the national model is being adopted around the country and it is held to account across varying levels of constraint. Local football at Community level gets nothing currently. Seemingly it is the same in the other zones and Northern Inland have shown that a change in governance is not a bad thing. Make it happen and get in with giving back to the Clubs.

I believe one of the reasons the clubs don’t get as much as they should is because the Zones have to pay 100s of thousands of dollars of fees back into Northern at the end of each season. So you ask why local football get nothing? Maybe you should direct that question towards Northern? If the zones kept that money maybe community football would get its fair share instead of most of it being spent on Northerns junior development programs.

[Aegon]

Except if you and Scone had bothered to read the room you would see that a large portion of the common football folk have absolutely zero faith in Northern being trusted with the responsibility of community football. And why should they have confidence in them? The NNSW NPL competitions have major flaws. Giving the federation complete control with NO ONE in a position to hold them accountable would be completely irresponsible.

Northern aren't perfect, never said that.

Removing the zones as a layer of bureaucracy is still a good thing and one I will wholeheartedly support.

[travellingman]

Northern aren't perfect, never said that.

Removing the zones as a layer of bureaucracy is still a good thing and one I will wholeheartedly support.

The FA's model was to remove the federations but DE is saw that he would lose his 240K a year job and decided it was best to get rid of the zones.
NNSW run 3 competitions, there is no elite program anymore.
Maybe we should ask why did Tennis NSW get rid of DE

[northern_swan]

The FA's model was to remove the federations but DE is saw that he would lose his 240K a year job and decided it was best to get rid of the zones.
NNSW run 3 competitions, there is no elite program anymore.
Maybe we should ask why did Tennis NSW get rid of DE

Why not get rid of DE and the zones?

New regime at Northern, fresh ideas, a few people might realise they are there to facilitate the delivery of the sport rather than push everything back on volunteers. One office not 3, one ceo not 3, one football operations team not 4…🤷*♂️

[Goatscheese]

I believe one of the reasons the clubs don’t get as much as they should is because the Zones have to pay 100s of thousands of dollars of fees back into Northern at the end of each season. So you ask why local football get nothing? Maybe you should direct that question towards Northern? If the zones kept that money maybe community football would get its fair share instead of most of it being spent on Northerns junior development programs.

Your beliefs are wrong, the money Northern currently get off Zone and ID players are paid for in the rego. Same with the money the FA get off those players as well.

All very well to be against the proposal (a proposal which at this stage is just to consult with clubs and leave it up to them when they want the change to be made if any), but at least ensure you argue with the correct information.

[Alton]

The FA's model was to remove the federations but DE is saw that he would lose his 240K a year job and decided it was best to get rid of the zones.
NNSW run 3 competitions, there is no elite program anymore.
Maybe we should ask why did Tennis NSW get rid of DE

Federation to run the 6 divisions with help from a couple of redundant Zone staff, oh and promotion and relegation all the way through

[Goatscheese]

Federation to run the 6 divisions with help from a couple of redundant Zone staff, oh and promotion and relegation all the way through

Would be ideal

[Jardelsimage]

Right now it they have little responsibility and only some oversight because the zones have got the control and responsibility and it isn't the best and you've said it is a shambles. So the solution is to keep things as they are? If Northern are given the responsibility and accountability for it then they will have to look after it more and care more.

The argument made that Northern only look after their competitions and don't look after competitions ran by others so we don't want them to look after it, is similar to complaining about the state government only caring about spending infrastructure and they don't care about garbage collection when that is a council responsibility.

And just to answer the question, I play in a zone league but my fiancée plays in a Northern league

Dont get me wrong, we need change and need it now and remember Northern had control years ago, to much work for them and handed all but the elite grades back, they struggle to run a promotion/relegation between two comps, NPL and NPL1.
they are at times as bad as each other, but zones are far more easier to deal with at most things then northern and i have to deal with both over the years.

Or we could get rid of them all and start again.....this in the end could be the shake up Northern and the zones need , if they listen to the ones that matter the most, all of us.

[Aegon]

Dont get me wrong, we need change and need it now and remember Northern had control years ago, to much work for them and handed all but the elite grades back, they struggle to run a promotion/relegation between two comps, NPL and NPL1.
they are at times as bad as each other, but zones are far more easier to deal with at most things then northern and i have to deal with both over the years.

Or we could get rid of them all and start again.....this in the end could be the shake up Northern and the zones need , if they listen to the ones that matter the most, all of us.

This is where individual experiences come into play. Who have you had worse dealings with, etc.

To be honest I would be almost as happy if northern were dissolved and the zones took everything over. However the anti bureaucrat in me would prefer to see less CEO's, boards, etc.

Consolidating zone & federation responsibilities into one structure would reduce duplications in senior management and technical roles. It would also reduce physical footprint and allow for staff budgets to be allocated toward more competition administration and club support where it should be.

[Zonal Marking]

Federation to run the 6 divisions with help from a couple of redundant Zone staff, oh and promotion and relegation all the way through

And don’t forget about every other football competition from MiniRoos to O/35s between Swansea & Lismore. I don’t think you appreciate just how big a task and how much responsibility it actually would be.

[terry]

Be better to remove DE rather than the Zones. Saving 240K is one worth doing

[Villians]

Things need to change, but having a staff of maybe 20 tops administering every competition from Miniroos to O35s between here and the Queensland border isn't the answer. Sorry. There are layers and layers of bureaucracy in the governance of football, purely because there is a lot of governing that needs to be done.

However, having the three local zones acting in silos and then 'coordinating' as a federation to administer the majority of football in this area is a clear duplication of duties. I trust they inherently know this, and considering most employees are lifers, they're happy with the status quo as is. A lot of the secretive stuff they do is done under the cover of theses silos. Hunter, Newcastle and Macquarie need to be merged in order to give it more financial clout, and in the formation of a new entity it will allow all member clubs the opportunity for a new charter to be set that will be relevant for the times and the ambition of local football.

[Premy]

NNSW isn't responsible for local clubs at the moment, all those PAID employees in the zones are. If clubs are not getting service at the moment, then you have answered your own question about if they should exist.
Yes they are, as are FA. That's why a portion of our registration goes to both NNSWFA and FA if they aren't responsible for local clubs then why have they been collecting administrative fees?

[KITZ]

Yes they are, as are FA. That's why a portion of our registration goes to both NNSWFA and FA if they aren't responsible for local clubs then why have they been collecting administrative fees?

They are responsible for a general oversight, not running the competitions and looking after the clubs in the zones.... I think you'd find the zone takes double the amount that FA and NNSW take together.

https://northernnswfootball.com.au/the-cost-of-football/

[2ndclasscitizen]

Things need to change, but having a staff of maybe 20 tops administering every competition from Miniroos to O35s between here and the Queensland border isn't the answer. Sorry. There are layers and layers of bureaucracy in the governance of football, purely because there is a lot of governing that needs to be done.

However, having the three local zones acting in silos and then 'coordinating' as a federation to administer the majority of football in this area is a clear duplication of duties. I trust they inherently know this, and considering most employees are lifers, they're happy with the status quo as is. A lot of the secretive stuff they do is done under the cover of theses silos. Hunter, Newcastle and Macquarie need to be merged in order to give it more financial clout, and in the formation of a new entity it will allow all member clubs the opportunity for a new charter to be set that will be relevant for the times and the ambition of local football.

I'm with you, this seems the most realistic middle ground which would probably best achieve the actual goals of the review and get some efficiencies in the system.

[terry]

They are responsible for a general oversight, not running the competitions and looking after the clubs in the zones.... I think you'd find the zone takes double the amount that FA and NNSW take together.

https://northernnswfootball.com.au/the-cost-of-football/

I dont think we should justify FA, NNSW stealing fees any longer. As Villian mentioned, we need reduce duplication of roles starting with centralizing admin on all levels.

[AVB]

They are responsible for a general oversight, not running the competitions and looking after the clubs in the zones.... I think you'd find the zone takes double the amount that FA and NNSW take together.

https://northernnswfootball.com.au/the-cost-of-football/

The link you shared doesn't paint a good picture of NNSW....

Using Newcastle Community Football as an example:

Total Average Rego Cost:


Entry level (u5-u7): $164.75

Junior (u8-u11): $200.22

Youth level (u12-u18): $254.56

Senior (19+): $359.71

Of that, the Fees charged by the various governing bodies is:


Entry level (u5-u7): FFA $14 NNSW: $19.80 Newcastle $39.80
Total: $73.60

Junior (u8-u11): FFA $14 NNSW: $36.41 Newcastle $39.79
Total: $90.20

Youth level (u12-u18): FFA $14 NNSW: $49.50 Newcastle $45.30
Total: $108.80

Senior (19+): FFA $33 NNSW: $132.9 Newcastle $52.21
Total: $218.20

NNSW charge pretty much the same as Newcastle Football for Entry level, Youth and Junior
NNSW charge 2.5x Newcastle football for Senior

Newcastle does all the comp management, referee allocations, discipline etc etc
What does NNSW do for their money?...well 20% of their fees went to "Promoting and growing the game"....geez could they be any more vague...yes they could.... 17% went to "Leading and delivering the game"....

Then lets compare gov fees to club fees

For each grade,


Entry level (u5-u7): Total Avg Cost: $164.75
Gov Body Fees: $73.60
Therefore Avg club taking is $91.15


Junior (u8-u11): Total Avg Cost: $200.22
Gov Body Fees: $90.20
Therefore Avg club taking is $110.02


Youth level (u12-u18): Total Avg Cost: $254.56
Gov Body Fees: $108.80
Therefore Avg club taking is $145.76


Senior (19+): Total Avg Cost: $359.71
Gov Body Fees: $218.20
Therefore Avg club taking is $141.51

For that clubs need to pay for:
Referees fees
Ground Hire
Ground maintenance - line marking, mowing
Equipment (Balls, Bigs, goals, nets, flags, playing strips etc)
and I'm sure a thousand other things!

To put that in perspective, in the Senior community NNSW takes $132.9 per player to "promote and grow the game" while the clubs take $141.51 to literally run the bloody game. Newcastle Football taking $52.21 to manage all comp stuff seems like pretty good value...

[Zonal Marking]

Be better to remove DE rather than the Zones. Saving 240K is one worth doing

Well to start with lets hope they actually do get rid of the board who have given him that multi year 240k contract. That should be a sackable offence in itself.

[Jardelsimage]

Well to start with lets hope they actually do get rid of the board who have given him that multi year 240k contract. That should be a sackable offence in itself.

that 2 now zonal, we are getting on

[The Hacker]

that 2 now zonal, we are getting on

Dear me next thing you pair will be having beers at Evan’s park this Saturday

[boz-monaut]

more inflammatory text messages coming out of NNSW just now

that's where your rego fees are being spent on

[Goatscheese]

What does NNSW do for their money?

You will find that quite a large part covers the insurance for players.

Regardless though, our fees could be lower if we didn't need to pay for 3 CEO's, 3 Competition Administrators, 3 Ops Managers. And cover the expenses of 3 boards comprising of 21 members. Do we really need 21 board members to cover Zone and ID comps in Greater Newcastle?

[Goatscheese]

Well to start with lets hope they actually do get rid of the board who have given him that multi year 240k contract. That should be a sackable offence in itself.

The board tried to sack him and the Zones came in replaced the board and had him reinstated. Perhaps the Zones should be abolished for that act

[FlatScreen]

why not get rid of de and the zones?

New regime at northern, fresh ideas, a few people might realise they are there to facilitate the delivery of the sport rather than push everything back on volunteers. One office not 3, one ceo not 3, one football operations team not 4…🤷*♂️

this!

[boz-monaut]

Northern are constantly plugging away at this angle that the Future of Football review carried out that said this was the best approach

A review which they commissioned and paid for

which funnily enough recommends consolidation of power (to them coincidentally)

darndest thing...

[Zonal Marking]

The board tried to sack him and the Zones came in replaced the board and had him reinstated. Perhaps the Zones should be abolished for that act

Like I said earlier in the thread didn’t this happen 10 years ago? If the zones are abolished suddenly the current NNSW football board have NO-ONE to answer to and that 240k could very easily double in the next few years. Especially with an even larger injection of funds from community football. NNSWF would have complete control over our local game and I can’t believe anyone who has the best interests of football in this region at heart can possibly think that is a good thing.

[Villians]

You will find that quite a large part covers the insurance for players.

Regardless though, our fees could be lower if we didn't need to pay for 3 CEO's, 3 Competition Administrators, 3 Ops Managers. And cover the expenses of 3 boards comprising of 21 members. Do we really need 21 board members to cover Zone and ID comps in Greater Newcastle?

I agree, there is way way too much fat that needs to be trimmed. I do think the best approach forward is to leave the governance of all football between here and the Queensland border to an overarching body like NNSW, yet is fit for purpose and lean -- no management, just governance.

Then comes the actual management of competitions and players. In this area, all three zone bodies should be merged and every single competition should come under their remit to ensure all levels of football are moving in the same direction. Clubs' ambition levels wax and wane over time and there should be pathways up and down to accommodate this... like... erm.. every other football body around the world, sans USA.

I don't know anything about the zones further north, but given their smaller player catchments, I would assume their player development goals would centre around the best players playing against as good as competition as possible. Perhaps, some consolidation of zones up there would increase the player catchment areas for their premier competitions and also make them financially stronger to then drive more funds back into said development.

[Villians]

Check out Football South Coast ( https://footballsouthcoast.com/ ) which operates within Football NSW. They are a gold standard when it comes to managing local competitions and players. They have been incredibly successful at delivering all-weather pitches and helping clubs with their overall development. We need a Football Hunter.. or whatever.

[Goatscheese]

Like I said earlier in the thread didn’t this happen 10 years ago? If the zones are abolished suddenly the current NNSW football board have NO-ONE to answer to and that 240k could very easily double in the next few years. Especially with an even larger injection of funds from community football. NNSWF would have complete control over our local game and I can’t believe anyone who has the best interests of football in this region at heart can possibly think that is a good thing.

They are answerable to the clubs and FA. And yes it did happen 10 years ago (the same people running the zones 10 years ago are running them now), anyone who thinks DE being in his role is bad for football can't also support the zones and say they are best thing for football.

[Goatscheese]

I agree, there is way way too much fat that needs to be trimmed. I do think the best approach forward is to leave the governance of all football between here and the Queensland border to an overarching body like NNSW, yet is fit for purpose and lean -- no management, just governance.

Then comes the actual management of competitions and players. In this area, all three zone bodies should be merged and every single competition should come under their remit to ensure all levels of football are moving in the same direction. Clubs' ambition levels wax and wane over time and there should be pathways up and down to accommodate this... like... erm.. every other football body around the world, sans USA.

I don't know anything about the zones further north, but given their smaller player catchments, I would assume their player development goals would centre around the best players playing against as good as competition as possible. Perhaps, some consolidation of zones up there would increase the player catchment areas for their premier competitions and also make them financially stronger to then drive more funds back into said development.

Well yes indeed at the very minimum reduce the three zones in Newcastle down to 1

[travellingman]

You will find that quite a large part covers the insurance for players.

Regardless though, our fees could be lower if we didn't need to pay for 3 CEO's, 3 Competition Administrators, 3 Ops Managers. And cover the expenses of 3 boards comprising of 21 members. Do we really need 21 board members to cover Zone and ID comps in Greater Newcastle?

Check your facts before making statements.
HV have a president, board members and 1 office person, Newcastle and Macquarie may be different but none of them have 9 staff plus a board as you state

[Hunter403]

Like I said earlier in the thread didn’t this happen 10 years ago? If the zones are abolished suddenly the current NNSW football board have NO-ONE to answer to and that 240k could very easily double in the next few years. Especially with an even larger injection of funds from community football. NNSWF would have complete control over our local game and I can’t believe anyone who has the best interests of football in this region at heart can possibly think that is a good thing.

The board of NNSW football is answerable to FA. Unfortunately, at the moment, they are answerable to David Eland as well. He runs the show. The board should meet, hear his report, dismiss him from the meeting and get on with business. At the end of that process they give the CEO his brief and he and his staff carries it out. At the moment, the board does not seem strong enough to keep him in his place.

Regardless, I hold to the view that the game is over governed in NNSW and changes are needed. Three zones running football in the Hunter is stupid. The fact that we run zone/interdistrict leagues is testament to that.

NNSW can run the lot with the right structure, governance and reporting lines and with the right CEO in charge. I just don't think that is David Eland.

[travellingman]

The board of NNSW football is answerable to FA. Unfortunately, at the moment, they are answerable to David Eland as well. He runs the show. The board should meet, hear his report, dismiss him from the meeting and get on with business. At the end of that process they give the CEO his brief and he and his staff carries it out. At the moment, the board does not seem strong enough to keep him in his place.

Regardless, I hold to the view that the game is over governed in NNSW and changes are needed. Three zones running football in the Hunter is stupid. The fact that we run zone/interdistrict leagues is testament to that.

NNSW can run the lot with the right structure, governance and reporting lines and with the right CEO in charge. I just don't think that is David Eland.

After he was sacked last time, DE took on the role of secretary of the company.
So the directors are unable to have a meeting without DE present

[Zonal Marking]

After he was sacked last time, DE took on the role of secretary of the company.
So the directors are unable to have a meeting without DE present

So basically Northern are being operated under a dictatorship and if the Zones are dissolved this will only get worse.

[Goatscheese]

Check your facts before making statements.
HV have a president, board members and 1 office person, Newcastle and Macquarie may be different but none of them have 9 staff plus a board as you state

I didn't state they all have 9 staff and a board, but let's go over the facts

Macquarie Football: 1 CEO, 2 Admin Staff, 1 Match Official Appointment Officer, 7 board members

Newcastle Football: 1 CEO, 2 Admin Staff, 6 board members

Hunter Valley Football: 1 Admin Staff, 7 board members

So the question is do we need to pay for 2 CEOs, 5 Admin Staff and cover the expenses of 20 board members to run Zone/ID comps?

[ranger]

We need people to hold Northern accountable, who holds Northern accountable if we get rid of the zones?

[Hunter403]

After he was sacked last time, DE took on the role of secretary of the company.
So the directors are unable to have a meeting without DE present

What a dumbass thing to allow!

[Jardelsimage]

and the battle begins.


2022 has seen two significant changes in the NNSWF Premier competition structure. Firstly, in line with the NNSWF
Board’s position on the optimum number of clubs for our regions top men’s senior division, NPL Mens Northern NSW,
New Lambton FC were recently promoted from Northern League One into NPL Mens for season 2023.
Secondly, NNSWF also recently announced the formation of the Premier Youth League, which will see youth and
senior competitions decoupled from season 2023. As part of the confirmation of Premier Youth League, the NNSWF
Board directed management to commence consultation regarding the size and structure of senior competitions.
NNSWF Management will now be implementing a significant consultation process which will involve all relevant
stakeholders, including, but not limited to current premier clubs, Member Zones and current Zone Football League and
relevant regional clubs.
As the governing body for all football in Northern NSW and notwithstanding the consultation process on the complete
structure of NNSWF top leagues, management is currently considering options in relation to the current make-up and
season structure of HIT Northern League One for season 2023. These considerations include:
• The number of rounds / matches in HIT Northern League One
• The potential to expand the number of clubs competing in the HIT Northern League One through the addition
of one or more teams currently competing in the Zone Premier League, as well regional clubs who have
previously signalled their desire for progression, to HIT Northern League One.
As such, NNSWF is calling for expressions of interest from clubs who would be interested in competing in Northern
League One in season 2023 or 2024 and beyond. Any interested will be required to currently meet, or have an
appropriate plan to meet, the following criteria as a minimum:
P a g e 2 | 3
PREMIER CLUB LINKS
Club Resources | Rules & Regulations | NPL Men’s & Women’s Fixtures & Results | NL1 Fixtures & Results | JDL Fixtures
Criteria Minimum Standards
Required Teams The club must field and maintain both a 1st Grade &
Reserves team for the 2023 season, with a minimum of
32 players across both squads.
Coaching Standards Head Coaches of both 1st Grade and reserves currently
hold, or are registered to attend, a C -Licence or above.
Facility Standards The club must have access to a venue that meets the
required minimum standards, including but not limited
to:
• Fully enclosed venue
• Pitch perimeter fence at least 3m from the
touchline
• Adequate home, away and match official
change rooms
• Scoreboard (permanent or temporary)
• PA System
• Adequate spectator viewing areas
Finance The club must maintain financial records as required by
relevant Australian and New South Wales law.
The club must prepare annual financial statements
including balance sheet, profit & loss and statement of
cashflow.
Member Protection The club must adhere to the Football Australia Member
Protection Policy.
Medical / First Aid The must have a physiotherapist attending senior
fixtures.
Clubs interested in joining HIT Northern League in season 2023 are required to complete the short expression of
interest form by no later than Tuesday 13th September. The expression of interest form can be found here.
P a g e 3 | 3
PREMIER CLUB LINKS
Club Resources | Rules & Regulations | NPL Men’s & Women’s Fixtures & Results | NL1 Fixtures & Results | JDL Fixtures
In the interests of clarity, clubs seeking to enter HIT Northern League One in 2023 are not required to enter teams
outside of the required 1st grade and reserve grade.
NNSWF will consider the EOIs and confirm if we will proceed with a formal application and assessment process for any
applicants for the 2023 season. A decision on the direction will be made and communicated by no later than 16th
September 2022, with a view to any formal process being completed by late October / early November.
For the avoidance of doubt, this EOI process does not signal confirmation
Please note, any club with men streams already competing in Northern NSW Football Premier competitions is not
eligible for this process.
Kind Regards,
David Eland
CEO
Northern NSW Football

[travellingman]

I didn't state they all have 9 staff and a board, but let's go over the facts

Macquarie Football: 1 CEO, 2 Admin Staff, 1 Match Official Appointment Officer, 7 board members

Newcastle Football: 1 CEO, 2 Admin Staff, 6 board members

Hunter Valley Football: 1 Admin Staff, 7 board members

So the question is do we need to pay for 2 CEOs, 5 Admin Staff and cover the expenses of 20 board members to run Zone/ID comps?

Maybe the question should be do we need to cover the expenses of 33 NNSW staff to run football across 3 competitions.

[The Hacker]

and the battle begins.


2022 has seen two significant changes in the NNSWF Premier competition structure. Firstly, in line with the NNSWF
Board’s position on the optimum number of clubs for our regions top men’s senior division, NPL Mens Northern NSW,
New Lambton FC were recently promoted from Northern League One into NPL Mens for season 2023.
Secondly, NNSWF also recently announced the formation of the Premier Youth League, which will see youth and
senior competitions decoupled from season 2023. As part of the confirmation of Premier Youth League, the NNSWF
Board directed management to commence consultation regarding the size and structure of senior competitions.
NNSWF Management will now be implementing a significant consultation process which will involve all relevant
stakeholders, including, but not limited to current premier clubs, Member Zones and current Zone Football League and
relevant regional clubs.
As the governing body for all football in Northern NSW and notwithstanding the consultation process on the complete
structure of NNSWF top leagues, management is currently considering options in relation to the current make-up and
season structure of HIT Northern League One for season 2023. These considerations include:
• The number of rounds / matches in HIT Northern League One
• The potential to expand the number of clubs competing in the HIT Northern League One through the addition
of one or more teams currently competing in the Zone Premier League, as well regional clubs who have
previously signalled their desire for progression, to HIT Northern League One.
As such, NNSWF is calling for expressions of interest from clubs who would be interested in competing in Northern
League One in season 2023 or 2024 and beyond. Any interested will be required to currently meet, or have an
appropriate plan to meet, the following criteria as a minimum:
P a g e 2 | 3
PREMIER CLUB LINKS
Club Resources | Rules & Regulations | NPL Men’s & Women’s Fixtures & Results | NL1 Fixtures & Results | JDL Fixtures
Criteria Minimum Standards
Required Teams The club must field and maintain both a 1st Grade &
Reserves team for the 2023 season, with a minimum of
32 players across both squads.
Coaching Standards Head Coaches of both 1st Grade and reserves currently
hold, or are registered to attend, a C -Licence or above.
Facility Standards The club must have access to a venue that meets the
required minimum standards, including but not limited
to:
• Fully enclosed venue
• Pitch perimeter fence at least 3m from the
touchline
• Adequate home, away and match official
change rooms
• Scoreboard (permanent or temporary)
• PA System
• Adequate spectator viewing areas
Finance The club must maintain financial records as required by
relevant Australian and New South Wales law.
The club must prepare annual financial statements
including balance sheet, profit & loss and statement of
cashflow.
Member Protection The club must adhere to the Football Australia Member
Protection Policy.
Medical / First Aid The must have a physiotherapist attending senior
fixtures.
Clubs interested in joining HIT Northern League in season 2023 are required to complete the short expression of
interest form by no later than Tuesday 13th September. The expression of interest form can be found here.
P a g e 3 | 3
PREMIER CLUB LINKS
Club Resources | Rules & Regulations | NPL Men’s & Women’s Fixtures & Results | NL1 Fixtures & Results | JDL Fixtures
In the interests of clarity, clubs seeking to enter HIT Northern League One in 2023 are not required to enter teams
outside of the required 1st grade and reserve grade.
NNSWF will consider the EOIs and confirm if we will proceed with a formal application and assessment process for any
applicants for the 2023 season. A decision on the direction will be made and communicated by no later than 16th
September 2022, with a view to any formal process being completed by late October / early November.
For the avoidance of doubt, this EOI process does not signal confirmation
Please note, any club with men streams already competing in Northern NSW Football Premier competitions is not
eligible for this process.
Kind Regards,
David Eland
CEO
Northern NSW Football

Would any ZPL club see this as appealing

[travellingman]

Would any ZPL club see this as appealing

I doubt if any clubs will meet the criteria.
Suns, Cooks Hill and Azzurri all have men's streams.
Cardiff, Swansea, Kotara and Westlakes do not have 3m perimeter fences.
That leaves Dudley, Warners Bay and I'm not sure how Mayfield sit with their facilities as I haven't been there.

[travellingman]

I agree, there is way way too much fat that needs to be trimmed. I do think the best approach forward is to leave the governance of all football between here and the Queensland border to an overarching body like NNSW, yet is fit for purpose and lean -- no management, just governance.

Then comes the actual management of competitions and players. In this area, all three zone bodies should be merged and every single competition should come under their remit to ensure all levels of football are moving in the same direction. Clubs' ambition levels wax and wane over time and there should be pathways up and down to accommodate this... like... erm.. every other football body around the world, sans USA.

I don't know anything about the zones further north, but given their smaller player catchments, I would assume their player development goals would centre around the best players playing against as good as competition as possible. Perhaps, some consolidation of zones up there would increase the player catchment areas for their premier competitions and also make them financially stronger to then drive more funds back into said development.

When you say fat to be trimmed, if you have a look at NNSW who employ 33 staff at an annual wage bill of approximately 1.8 - 2.3million a year, compared to 3 associations running community football in the Hunter for around 500-600K, I know where the fat needs to be trimmed

[Villians]

I agree traveller. Hence it would probably be best for NNSW to become purely a lean governance body, with no management duties. This would eliminate next to all roles

[Goatscheese]

Maybe the question should be do we need to cover the expenses of 33 NNSW staff to run football across 3 competitions.

Unfortunately 33 people don't run 3 competitions

[travellingman]

Unfortunately 33 people don't run 3 competitions

NPL, NL1 and NPLW = 3 competitions add JDL and Sap/youth which are all basket cases.
NNSW only added JDL/SAL/youth to place them into a better position for this takeover.

[Goatscheese]

NPL, NL1 and NPLW = 3 competitions add JDL and Sap/youth which are all basket cases.
NNSW only added JDL/SAL/youth to place them into a better position for this takeover.

You are aware that quite a lot of the staff cover other areas and not the competitions.

They certainly didn't need JDL/SAP/Youth to place them in a better position. However, it does follow how other federations do things, football in the region is just behind the rest of the country. Part of the reason is that people don't want things to change include the zone boards who are comfortable with the way things are.

The current proposal by Northern (which you are so against), wants to consult with clubs to see what changes can be made to JDL to address the concerns raised by community clubs but the zones who are only looking after their own hides aren't interested in that. Which begs the question are they really representing their member clubs? Seems the answer is no

[Zonal Marking]

You are aware that quite a lot of the staff cover other areas and not the competitions.

They certainly didn't need JDL/SAP/Youth to place them in a better position. However, it does follow how other federations do things, football in the region is just behind the rest of the country. Part of the reason is that people don't want things to change include the zone boards who are comfortable with the way things are.

The current proposal by Northern (which you are so against), wants to consult with clubs to see what changes can be made to JDL to address the concerns raised by community clubs but the zones who are only looking after their own hides aren't interested in that. Which begs the question are they really representing their member clubs? Seems the answer is no

So let’s see if I have this right . .
Northern want credit for promising to consult in the future about the mess they have themselves created with JDL?

I don’t think the zone boards are at all comfortable with the way things are.

[Hunter403]

So let?s see if I have this right . .
Northern want credit for promising to consult in the future about the mess they have themselves created with JDL?

I don?t think the zone boards are at all comfortable with the way things are.

I think NNSWF are promising to consult about all levels.
Why do you think JDL is a mess? Not stirring, just interested in you opinion as to why.

[Zonal Marking]

I think NNSWF are promising to consult about all levels.
Why do you think JDL is a mess? Not stirring, just interested in you opinion as to why.

Massively overpriced registration fees, scoreline blowouts (it?s simply not an elite competition) and the effect on community competitions. And that?s just for starters.

[Aegon]

Massively overpriced registration fees, scoreline blowouts (it?s simply not an elite competition) and the effect on community competitions. And that?s just for starters.

As someone who has a child who completes his 4th year of JDL this week I couldn't disagree more.

It's not supposed to be an elite competition, it is a development league.
Many more young players are getting an increased amount of training sessions per week over a longer season than community.
Fees for the amount of training sessions and games they play are very reasonable - I have 2 daughters who extra curricular costs are significantly higher than JDL.

[Zonal Marking]

As someone who has a child who completes his 4th year of JDL this week I couldn't disagree more.

It's not supposed to be an elite competition, it is a development league.
Many more young players are getting an increased amount of training sessions per week over a longer season than community.
Fees for the amount of training sessions and games they play are very reasonable - I have 2 daughters who extra curricular costs are significantly higher than JDL.

It may be a development league however if teams conceding or even scoring 10 goals in a match is considered the norm then I fail to see how that is good for development? Maybe the training isn’t up to the required standard?

You’re entitled to your opinion on fees. I believe it is far too expensive but perhaps you’re in a better financial position than myself or maybe I’m a just tight bastard. Simply comes down to personal opinion. All I know is that graded interdistrict football is much more affordable.

[Aegon]

It may be a development league however if teams conceding or even scoring 10 goals in a match is considered the norm then I fail to see how that is good for development? Maybe the training isn?t up to the required standard?

You?re entitled to your opinion on fees. I believe it is far too expensive but perhaps you?re in a better financial position than myself or maybe I?m a just tight bastard. Simply comes down to personal opinion. All I know is that graded interdistrict football is much more affordable.

The goals per game definitely decreases as the kids progress through from 9?s-12?s as all the kids improve. My sons team scored 10 goals or more 2-3 times in the last 3 years and are a very strong team. A good coach manages a game and his players to prevent them running away with games by playing kids out of their comfort roles, offering the opposition to play extra player/s, etc, etc.

I?ve also seen clubs that really struggled improve immensely over the course of a season or two with the right coach.

The program might not be perfect, but I think it is doing a very good job at providing a good foundation of skills for a greater quantity of players.

[northern_swan]

Massively overpriced registration fees, scoreline blowouts (it’s simply not an elite competition) and the effect on community competitions. And that’s just for starters.

I'm ok with the registration fees given what you get for your money. My older son's team trained once a week at Speers Point which was included in his rego fee. In a year like we have just had, obviously this was a sound investment by the club. I can see it being a barrier to some families though.

Scoreline blowouts happen in every level of the game - Celtic & Liverpool both scored 9-0 wins over the weekend for example. My younger son's MiniRoos team regularly scored 10+ goals a game this season (No, not the U7 version without a keeper). The team is not graded in any way, it is a group of schoolmates playing in a team together. Back to JDL, in 2021 the competition was geared towards the "stronger" teams playing each other more. The "smaller" teams revolted against this. I'm no fan of NNSWF, but they are damned if they do, damned if they dont it seems with regard to fixturing.

The effect on community competitions is the removal of the more talented players from those competitions, agreed. What is not looked at is the flip side of this. Our kids were bored in some MiniRoos games. This isn't an issue that is easily fixed though. MiniRoos by design is non-competition & teams are placed at random into groups. If community football tried to address this, I believe some players would be less inclined to take the JDL pathway. A simple change could be made in the U8-11 age groups of MiniRoos. Instead of clubs nominating the number of teams that they have, differentiate the number of teams that a club nominates into "competitive" and "social" (e.g. a club has 4x U10 teams. Club nominates that 1 team wants to play "competitive" and the other 3 social). Group the competitive teams together & the social teams on different groups. This may alleviate the problem of non-competitive matches. At worst, try it and see if it works. It can't hurt.

[terry]

The JDL is a fairly overhyped concept that makes kids and parents feel a bit special which is ok but the fees are a joke. $600 would be a fairer price or a bit more if training 3 nights.
You can easily attain above average levels up until 12s that ive seen over the past 5 years in jdl level with daily school yard play and a some added YTube coaching. Seen it done. The top players will rise regardless.
I feel we also need some added competitive comps from 11 onwards as the current play can be quite slow and passive.

[sapdad]

The JDL is a fairly overhyped concept that makes kids and parents feel a bit special which is ok but the fees are a joke. $600 would be a fairer price or a bit more if training 3 nights.
You can easily attain above average levels up until 12s that ive seen over the past 5 years in jdl level with daily school yard play and a some added YTube coaching. Seen it done. The top players will rise regardless.
I feel we also need some added competitive comps from 11 onwards as the current play can be quite slow and passive.

Im not sure you could be any more condescending but well done regardless.I swear its the new Godwins law of this forum.Somehow,eventually,it all comes back to grown ups shitting on kids who just want to enjoy their football.Its a weird obsession you and your miserable friends have but well done on getting yet another shot in while others are discussing football governance in this region.

[travellingman]

WOW, this deteriorated quickly from a discussion about the governance of the game to bashing JDL.
Isn't that why the JDL forum got canned.

[sapdad]

WOW, this deteriorated quickly from a discussion about the governance of the game to bashing JDL.
Isn't that why the JDL forum got canned.

Correct,and hopefully the moderators realise its not the subject matter,its the same few clowns that are the problem.Anyway back on topic (hopefully).

[KITZ]

It may be a development league however if teams conceding or even scoring 10 goals in a match is considered the norm then I fail to see how that is good for development? Maybe the training isn’t up to the required standard?

You’re entitled to your opinion on fees. I believe it is far too expensive but perhaps you’re in a better financial position than myself or maybe I’m a just tight bastard. Simply comes down to personal opinion. All I know is that graded interdistrict football is much more affordable.

How many times do people need to be told? This isn't the forum for this.

[Goatscheese]

Massively overpriced registration fees, scoreline blowouts (it?s simply not an elite competition) and the effect on community competitions. And that?s just for starters.

And your proposal is that this shouldn't be fixed but the status quo should remain.

You seem to complain about everything wrong, but don't want the structure or governance to change.

[Hunter403]

I wonder who the NL1 teams would back. Got to wonder if they are happy with the way NNSWF run their comp.

[Macca]

Lets amalgamate the zones, everyone works in the same building, do secondments or redundancies as required.
We could call it NSW Northern or something similar.

[northern_swan]

Lets amalgamate the zones, everyone works in the same building, do secondments or redundancies as required.
We could call it NSW Northern or something similar.

Amalgamating the 3 Hunter Region Zones definitely has merit, if only from a cost saving perspective. Less offices, 1 CEO, can keep the same total headcount & reclassify roles etc.

A question to ZL clubs - what is the cost to players for playing? Is it the same as an all age player in the sense that they pay
- FFA fee
- NNSWF fee
- Macquarie/Newcastle/HV fee
- Club fee

or is the structure different? looking at the NNSWF rules it appears the payment structure is different, hence my question.

[Aegon]

JDL discussions posts removed. As several people mentioned this isn't the correct thread for it.

[Macca]

Amalgamating the 3 Hunter Region Zones definitely has merit, if only from a cost saving perspective. Less offices, 1 CEO, can keep the same total headcount & reclassify roles etc.

A question to ZL clubs - what is the cost to players for playing? Is it the same as an all age player in the sense that they pay
- FFA fee
- NNSWF fee
- Macquarie/Newcastle/HV fee
- Club fee

or is the structure different? looking at the NNSWF rules it appears the payment structure is different, hence my question.

I can only answer from a player side, not the club side.
I believe the ZL fees are slightly higher than All Age, as I think there may be a comp entry fee.
But I think at least at our club the final rego cost to players ends up being pretty similar.

I rego'd for Zone league this year, total $410 which had
FA - $33
NNSW - $133
Macquarie - $50
Club - $194

I don't know what the all age rego total is for sure but I would estimate $350-$400

[Aegon]

Lets amalgamate the zones, everyone works in the same building, do secondments or redundancies as required.
We could call it NSW Northern or something similar.

:rof:

[Aegon]

I can only answer from a player side, not the club side.
I believe the ZL fees are slightly higher than All Age, as I think there may be a comp entry fee.
But I think at least at our club the final rego cost to players ends up being pretty similar.

I rego'd for Zone league this year, total $410 which had
FA - $33
NNSW - $133
Macquarie - $50
Club - $194

I don't know what the all age rego total is for sure but I would estimate $350-$400

Yikes, my rego for O35's was $440.

The breakdown of governing costs is exactly the same between ZL / AA / O35 then.

[northern_swan]

Northern's information zoom session for tonight has been cancelled :popcorn:

[Mr.beautiful]

In zone league who looks after the competition? A fee is paid for rego to nnsw and Newcastle football so I’m not sure.

Regardless who’ve mostly looks after zone league has done a horrendous job this year. If they put their hand up to manage any league you play in… run away … and run as fast as you can!

In most companies if you pay for a service you get a cost breakdown of what you pay for.. maybe this would help with deciding better football options

[Jardelsimage]

In zone league who looks after the competition? A fee is paid for rego to nnsw and Newcastle football so I’m not sure.

Regardless who’ve mostly looks after zone league has done a horrendous job this year. If they put their hand up to manage any league you play in… run away … and run as fast as you can!

In most companies if you pay for a service you get a cost breakdown of what you pay for.. maybe this would help with deciding better football options

Zone league is run by RH on behalf of the Zones, Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter.

There is a breakdown, which does exactly that, shows who gets what.

There were some ordinary decisions made this year in regard to Zone Football, with Mondays the cream on top of a big shit pile complicated by the weather and not so straight thinking, previous years the comps have been run fairly well.

If you want to look at the other side, Northern there have been some very ordinary decisions made there also, but that's been going on for over 20 years, if not more, so maybe this will help in deciding better football options also.

[Mr.beautiful]

Thanks for insight

[BBscone]

The season has been affected by weather which was exasherbated by shit grounds dished up by Councils. In Newcastle the pathetic decision of the local Zone 3 yrs ago to build an office for 3 staff that cost $1m is never questioned. $1m could have been spent on a full sized artificial pitch and training spaces at nearby Stevenson Park or elsewhere in Newcastle. Newcastle Council wanted to build a facility but they needed a Club or Clubs to contribute. Ineptitude of the highest order. If that facility existed we would not be having these discussions and washouts would be reduced drastically. Their Letter to all hiding behind the weather is a farce. Sell the building. Work from home have your meetings at a local bowlo and build the facility. Community football numbers will dwindle and Basketball or AFL will thrive at junior level.

[Zonal Marking]

In zone league who looks after the competition? A fee is paid for rego to nnsw and Newcastle football so I’m not sure.

Regardless who’ve mostly looks after zone league has done a horrendous job this year. If they put their hand up to manage any league you play in… run away … and run as fast as you can!

In most companies if you pay for a service you get a cost breakdown of what you pay for.. maybe this would help with deciding better football options

There is no hiding from the fact that some very questionable decisions have been made by NF in recent weeks none more so than pushing the GFs back another week at late notice.

However let’s give a little bit of credit to NF. Their members were unanimously in disagreement of their decision, voiced their concern and the association has then gone on to reverse their decision. This is an example of where i think locally centralised governing of the game does work. If a scenario like this played out up in Lismore or Port Mac do you think they would be satisfied having an organisation down in Speers Point sorting it out for them? Would we want a bunch of suits down in Sydney making all our decisions? No chance.

Anyway well done on this one NF you made the right call eventually.

[FlatScreen]

There is no hiding from the fact that some very questionable decisions have been made by NF in recent weeks none more so than pushing the GFs back another week at late notice.

However let’s give a little bit of credit to NF. Their members were unanimously in disagreement of their decision, voiced their concern and the association has then gone on to reverse their decision. This is an example of where i think locally centralised governing of the game does work. If a scenario like this played out up in Lismore or Port Mac do you think they would be satisfied having an organisation down in Speers Point sorting it out for them? Would we want a bunch of suits down in Sydney making all our decisions? No chance.

Anyway well done on this one NF you made the right call eventually.

Was that before or after they made their decision? Sounds like having someone "local" played no part in it at all....

[Zonal Marking]

Was that before or after they made their decision? Sounds like having someone "local" played no part in it at all....

I’m sorry I’m not sure what you’re implying?

[FlatScreen]

I’m sorry I’m not sure what you’re implying?

I'm implying;

It wasn't "someone local" that saved the day, it was the clubs. "The someone local" actually f%^ed it up.

[Goatscheese]

I'm implying;

It wasn't "someone local" that saved the day, it was the clubs. "The someone local" actually f%^ed it up.

Indeed yet we have the same people wanting these local people to keep running things

[Zonal Marking]

I'm implying;

It wasn't "someone local" that saved the day, it was the clubs. "The someone local" actually f%^ed it up.

I never said they saved the day however in the end they actually listened to their stakeholders concerns and changed their decision. The wrong decision was originally made yes but it was also corrected because they listened to the people they represent. In the end isn’t this what we want? Our governing bodies to actually listen to us?

[FlatScreen]

I never said they saved the day however in the end they actually listened to their stakeholders concerns and changed their decision. The wrong decision was originally made yes but it was also corrected because they listened to the people they represent. In the end isn’t this what we want? Our governing bodies to actually listen to us?

Yes, it's good that they listened. BUT.... their approach of asking for forgiveness rather than permission is my major concern.