AFL Riverina will meet next week to discuss an implementation plan for the future of the sport in the region.
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It comes as 14 key recommendations of the AFL Riverina Competitions Review were approved by the AFL Riverina board and released to clubs and the wider football community.
There were no major changes to the recommendations released last August with the board throwing their full support behind the review, that was led by independent consultant David Burgess.
AFL Riverina chairman Michael Irons said it was a positive step forward for the future of the sport.
"Following the release of the proposed key recommendations in August, valuable feedback was received from many of our clubs and valued stakeholders and I would like to recognise and thank the AFL Riverina community for their contributions to the process," Irons said.
"The AFL Riverina Board has considered each response and the recommendations have now been approved."
The most significant alteration to the proposed recommendations was to put on hold the plan to move the junior exit age group from under 15 to under 16, and change the entry point to seniors from under 17.5 to under 18.
That move is still on the table but will be implemented at 'the appropriate time' after taking on board feedback from clubs.
Wagga and District junior age groups will still revert back two-year structures from next year.
The change in senior competition structures to a club-based tiered model will go ahead. The AFL Riverina board will review Burgess' implementation plan next week, which includes minimum standards and a criteria.
AFL Riverina will seek feedback from clubs on both documents before opening up the application process for the Premier, Platinum and Community competitions.
The implementation plan includes an April checkpoint to confirm readiness for the 2021 season.
"This implementation process represents the next exciting step for AFL Riverina as we move forward towards a sustainable and exciting future," Irons said.
AFL Riverina Competitions Review
FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Retain current junior exit at Under 15, and senior entry point at Under 17.5s, and at the appropriate time implement Under 16s junior competition and change Senior Club entry Point to Under 18s
2. Reduce on-field player numbers across all junior and youth football competitions to generate scale and enhance player experience
3. Revise Wagga & District Junior FNL football competitions age group structure to manage differences in club participation numbers and to ensure stability
4. Initially, South West Junior FNL football competition to retain current junior exit at Under 15s, and senior entry point at Under 17.5s
5. Revise senior football competition structures into a club based tiered model to ensure club growth and sustainability, and enhance competitive balance and player retention
6. Develop criteria for club participation and club minimum standards to provide a framework for aspiring clubs, enhance standards and drive club development and improvement
7. Facilitate club Joint Ventures to manage the impacts of changing population and demographic trends and to enhance retention and club sustainability
8. Establish new clubs in areas of increasing population growth and low penetration rates
9. Encourage same day competition through enhanced game day experience where possible
10. Reduce game timings to facilitate same day competition opportunities and new competition structures
11. Increase focus on equalisation measures to enhance club sustainability and competitive balance
12. Fully integrate Female Football Competitions within AFL Riverina and its clubs
13. Enhance the recruitment & retention of umpires through the creation of a regional training base in MIA
14. Ensure Netball remains integrated in the AFL Riverina football competition structures to safeguard community club culture
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