Chris Febvre • July 14, 2020
UMFNL Study Completed
UMFNL Study Completed
The UMFNL Feasibility Study final report which was adopted by the AFLNEB Commission on Wednesday June 17th, 2020 has been completed.
In conjunction with UMFNL clubs, a Working Party has been established to develop an Amalgamated Club model for presentation to the UMFNL Clubs which is scheduled to be completed by August 15th and can be considered against the current UMFNL model.
Introduction
The AFLNEB 2020 Upper Murray Feasibility Study explored options for the continuation of Football and Netball in the communities of the Upper Murray beyond 2020.
The Study Team was compromised due to the COVID-19 situation with the Independent Facilitator terminated and the process undertaken in 8 Stages whilst remaining within the requirements of the projects Terms of Reference.
The Study considered the capacity of the Upper Murray Communities to:
- Sustain the Upper Murray Football Netball League as an ongoing concern
- Sustain a pathway for football and netball participants in the Upper Murray
- Establish sustainable alternate models for football and netball in the Upper Murray including but not limited to the formation of new entities
On adoption, the Final Report shall be delivered to the UMFNL Clubs within 7 days being Stages 7 & 8 which incorporates the presentation of the Final Report to the UMFNL Clubs and other Football bodies as maybe necessary and the implementation of the Upper Murray Football Netball Sustainability Action Plan.
The Feasibility Study established the following Guiding Principles which have influenced the Report’s conclusions.
Guiding Principles
- Maintain participation and pathway opportunities for sport in the Upper Murray
- Maximise participation opportunities for junior participants and their families
- Maintain the rich history of football and netball in the Upper Murray region
- Maximise the potential of developed community facilities
- By June 30th, 2020 establish a clear direction for the UMFNL for a period of at least 3 years
The outcomes for football and netball in the Upper Murray must to be owned by the clubs through constitutional processes and/or AFL Victoria Regulations and therefore information is to be made available to best inform the decision-making process.
As the outcomes may have unforeseen consequences, both positive and negative, seeking sustainable immediate and longer-term outcomes may have collateral damage as a result, however, as the highest priority, decisions are required in the interests of the future of football and netball in the Upper Murray despite the adversity presented by Bushfire and COVID-19.
2020 UMFNL Feasibility Study - Conclusions
1. That the future direction for football and Netball in the Upper Murray must be the responsibility of the UMFNL clubs and they must have options and access to information to make informed decisions
Rationale:
That all football and netball directions must be owned, planned and delivered by the communities of the Upper Murray and that they cannot be pushed in any direction which cannot be sustained by the local influences.
2. The immediate viability of the UMFNL is dependent on a commitment of a minimum of 4 clubs which currently cannot be guaranteed; a 4-club league would remain vulnerable to collapse
Rationale:
That any league with less than 4 clubs is vulnerable therefore other options need to be explored. Should the league collapse at any stage, no alternate options would be available and participation opportunities will not exist in the Upper Murray.
3. A model for an amalgamated club must be formally developed for football and netball in the Upper Murray by the Upper Murray Communities where the risks can be assessed by the UMFNL Clubs against the existing UMFNL proposition
Rationale:
Varying UMFNL club opinion on the future has prevented open and constructive discussion on any alternate modelling for football and netball despite growing challenges therefore threatening sustainable participation opportunities for football and netball. An alternative model must now be explored, considered and debated.
4. The Upper Murray cannot support an UMFNL (minimum 4 clubs) and a new entity under any guise participating in the TDFL
Rationale:
Insufficient resources available to support current club needs nor an additional football and netball club which would be competing in a higher level.
5. No clubs will be forced to join the UMFNL from neighbouring Leagues
Rationale:
Rules provide a process for club transfers and no club has expressed interest in the UMFNL. Forcing a club out of an existing league into the UMFNL is not considered a solution to UMFNL challenges.
6. That not acting now to secure future participation in the Upper Murray for football and netball will limit localised opportunities as capacity to rebuild will be further diminished
Rationale:
That the UMFNL is not expected to experience growth; the consequences of prolonging action to a later date will further diminish the area and leagues capacity and ability to revisit, therefore participation opportunities will not exist in the Upper Murray.
SUMMARY
The immediate future of the UMFNL is vulnerable and must ultimately be decided prior to August 30th, 2020. A Working Party will be established under a Terms of Reference to develop a model for an amalgamated club which would potentially seek application to enter the Tallangatta DFL. This is scheduled to be completed by August 15th and must include consultation with the TDFL. With the UMFNL clubs taking ownership of the direction, they will assess an amalgamated club model against the current UMFNL proposition and therefore make informed decisions. Any subsequent actions would follow the processes available under AFL Victoria Country Rules and Regulations.
This pre season Nines is coming to the OKFNL. A great opportunity for OKFNL clubs to connect with local junior footballers and introduce them to their club ahead of the 2026 season. Local OKFNL clubs can enter teams of 9-12 players, with prizes and giveaways for clubs who attract the most junior footballers, most registrations across teams and team spirit on the day! When - Sunday 16th of November Where - Wareena Park, Wangaratta Time - 10am to 4pm Cost - $350 per team (approx $35 per player) Ages - 16+ For more information on Nines you can check out all the details here - https://play.afl/play/afl-nines To enter a team or find out more please contact Daniel Saville (OKFNL Ops Manager) - okfnloperations@gmail.com
The 2025 North East Border V Line Cup teams have been selected, with Division One and Two boys teams and the girls teams preparing to compete in Ballarat. AFL North East Border would like to thank all the coaches and support staff who have been working tirelessly over the past two months preparing the squads to compete at the carnival in Ballarat on the 23rd and 24th of September. The NEB teams will compete against the Goulburn Murray teams on Tuesday the 23rd at Mars Stadium, before taking on the Greater Western Victoria teams on Wednesday 24th at City Oval. Please check out the AFLNEB Facebook and Instagram pages to follow the action!
Ben has been involved with the local Wangaratta Auskick centre for five years and the coordinator for four of those, the exciting announcement was announced at the allocation night for Auskickers graduating to the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League in front of local Auskickers, parents and local WDJFL Clubs. The prize for the award is a grand final weekend experience including three nights' accommodation in Melbourne, a ticket to the Welcome to Melbourne function, attendance at the grand final parade, and a reserve seat ticket to the 27 September grand final. Over his time, Ben has secured significant sponsorship for the program; has initiated the all-girls' group; provides a support network for smaller centres across Wangaratta and surrounding regions; contributes to community events like allocation night and puts in a heap of extra work with the allocation process; organises half-time Auskick games at local football league matches; and, of course, the countless hours spent organising jumpers, certificates, equipment and everything in between, year after year. Wangaratta is regularly one of the biggest centres in the state, if not the nation, and this year was the biggest in Victoria. That, as you can imagine, makes it almost a full-time commitment, year-round. A huge congratulations to Ben from everyone at AFLNEB!
