WELCOME to all players, officials and supporters to another season of NFL football.
The off season has been extremely busy for everyone involved at league and club level and I am sure everyone is excited about Round 1 to see how their team performs.
The hype and speculation over summer of who has recruited better than others will finally be revealed.
Although a long season lies ahead, every club will be filled with hope and expectations that it is their club who has made the most significant improvement.
After replacing Jeremy Bourke and commencing as the new CEO in early December last year, the time has flown and I am looking forward to visiting every club on match day during the year to see each club in full swing in their own environment.
So what’s new in 2014?
AFL Junior Football Match Guide
There has been some significant changes from season 2013, none greater than the changes to the U/9 and U/10 competitions. The U/9s match day rules will see all matches played on reduced size playing areas, the introduction of zones and reduced numbers per team to 12-15.
The U/10 competitions will see the removal of scoring, ladders and finals. In season 2015 the U/10s will adopt all of the recommended modified rules to bring them into line with the national model. This change will generate considerable discussion amongst parents but I encourage everyone to think of what is best for all of the kids and not for the minority. The theme “It’s our Game” is pointed to all parents to listen to the kids. There is a more detailed summary of these new rules in this edition of the record.
Evening Up Rule (U/9 – U/17 Competitions)
All matches played in the U/9 – U/17 age groups must apply the new evening up rule. To think that it is okay for junior matches to be played with uneven numbers is not what junior sport is about. Equal playing conditions, fun, development and fair play are the key objectives to ensure every child who wishes to play our great is able to play in a fair and safe environment.
23rd Player Rule – (Div 1 Seniors Only)
In rounds 4, 8, 12, & 16 this year of the Division 1 seniors, the league will trial a new 23rd player initiative to allow clubs to play an U/19 player to assist him with his development. This rule is not new to the VFL and TAC competitions, but is a first for community football. The rule will be reviewed during the season with a view to expand the rule into Division 2 and 3 in 2015.
Finally I would like to welcome on board our new partner Schweppes and also thank Delphi Bank for renewing their partnership for another two years as the NFL football partner.
Good luck to all teams for the upcoming season, I hope you all enjoy participating in the NFL.
See you at the footy.
Peter McDougall
Chief Executive Officer
