Update from CEO Brett Connell

Brett Connell – VAFA CEO

On behalf of the VAFA Board and Administration we trust that all of your planning is coming together as we enter the last month before Round 1.

Here at VAFA HQ we have been focussed on making certain the run into Round 1 is as seamless as possible.

Umpiring numbers are strong and are a month ahead of the same time in 2021 which we are very pleased with. We look forward to the Club Incentive Program being taken up by our clubs to also assist in our recruitment drive.

The majority of fixtures are now well underway and the team registration cut-off date has now passed. Our aim is to have all fixtures completed by Monday March 21, 2022, appreciating that some clubs have been unable to confirm some U19 and Women’s teams as yet.

We have also revisited our Affiliation Fee structure, with final details to be included in the AGM pack to clubs.

Our AGM will be held on Monday March 21, 2022 (in person) at Elsternwick Park. Rule changes are with all members now, with other information pertaining to the meeting to come before the end of the week.

Leading into the AGM we sought nominations for the VAFA Board. Annually there are (3) positions on the VAFA Board open for nominees to fill. We are pleased to advise that we have had (9) applicants for the (3) positions, including a current Board Member seeking re-election. Further information will follow in regard to the Board Election and voting processes.

The Board also supported a Nominations Process which allowed for all nominees to meet with the Nominations Committee to understand more about the role of a Board Member and the business in general.

At the AGM, the election component will be managed by an independent organisation, different from the one that conducted the EGM ballot for (2) reasons i) we have a season to get underway and ii) to remove any perceived bias of the VAFA Board and Administration in the process.

While on the matter of Association Meetings, it is timely to report on the recent (February 14) EGM outcome and associated matters. The EGM outcome saw Board Member Michael Overman removed in line with one of the requistions. The second requisition to remove Dean Matthews as a Board Member was defeated. The removal of Michael Overman has left the Board with a casual vacancy. The Board has decided to hold over the casual vacancy until the Board Election has taken place. This is in the interests of clarity and sound governance practice, providing an opportunity to address any skill gaps that may become evident once the new Board is in place.

Requistions 3 & 4 could not proceed legally and the requisitioning group was advised of this in the lead up to the meeting. It should also be known that there were discussions leading into the EGM where both parties attempted to find common ground on a number of matters prior to the meeting, however these discussions unfortunately broke down.

I would like to take this opportunity to briefly explain some of the concerns from the night in relation to the registration process and other associated matters.

• the initial registration process was delayed by some 40 minutes because some of our members entered using different email addresses from what they had used when registering for the meeting; these registrations were still being checked during breaks in the meeting
• the requirement (requested by members) to have a scrutineer in place, in order to audit registrations and email addresses as members joined, added to the delays
• the company that ran the independent voting process was recommended by VicSport; other companies were considered but their voting systems were more complex eg. accessing emails during the meeting which was considered too cumbersome
• in terms of costs the VAFA estimate costs to be close to $8K, noting the EGM was requested by a group of Life Members and Clubs, with a breakdown as follows: postponed AGM ASIC request $3.5K, scrutineer $1.5K & independent organisation to conduct the election $3K
• further to the matter of costs, the Corporations Act provides for a mechanism whereby those bringing the requistions are required to cover any costs to conduct the meeting arrangements. The VAFA Board has decided not to invoke the mechanism on this occasion. In the interest of moving forward positively, the Board will not be seeking costs from the requisitioning group
• EGM minutes will be provided to all members by no later than Friday March 11, 2022
• disappointingly feedback from both of the independent parties involved in the voting process reported rude behaviour from a number of members during the registration process
• a report was provided to the Board at a meeting February 21, 2022.

Following is an update of others matters since we last communicated with you in early February.

AFL Victoria keep us informed about the most current Return To Play protocols for the 2022 season. Keep an eye out on the Club and Umpire portal as well as the VAFA website for the most current information. Other initiatives/programs from AFL Victoria to keep an eye out for are as follows:

• funding for Female Development opportunities
• investment in Volunteer Support Officers (VSOs)
• Sports Trainer courses and subsidies

A recent announcement in relation to an AFL Commercial deal called the Carlton Draft will not be available to VAFA clubs. The concept provides for clubs to go into a draw for a paid ex AFL player to play a one off match at a club. Ourselves and other Metropolitan Leagues have concerns as to the suitability of this concept/promotion at community level in terms of competition integrity. Further information will be forthcoming.

Our 130 Year Season Launch has been confirmed as Wednesday March 30, 2022 at Evergreen Room @ Crown Towers – invitations have been sent to clubs and members.

Our Annual Club Conference was held via virtual means across the week of February 14, with positive feedback on the new format.

There have been a number of Tackle Your Feelings sessions held as clubs gear up for the season, and our Education Workshops continue to be well supported and attended as we lead into the 2022 season. Add to that the launch of the Women’s Coaching Academy and our Coach Development Programs, we are full steam ahead in the club development space.

Our Strategic Plan consultation process is being developed. Club, umpire and community input are all imperative to achieve the best result.

I would also like to update you on the following matters in brief:

People

• We are pleased to announce our new GM – Commercial & Media Glen Towers. Glen joins the team after key commercial roles across national sporting organisations such as Basketball Australia, Cricket Australia, AFL and Melbourne Storm. Glen will begin with us on Monday March 28. Further information on Glen and his appointment will be found on the VAFA website in the coming days
• We are also close to finalising the appointment of a Broadcast/Digital manager (2) days per week being sourced to complement the Media Team
• We will be advertising for a Commercial/Media Officer to round out our Commercial/Media team
• Matt Collister (Football Operations Manager) and Sarah welcomed Hugo Collister into the world on February 14

Financial

• Application Fees were due by Monday January 31, please make these payments if you are yet to do so. Clubs will miss out on playing for points in Round 1 if Application Fees are outstanding
• 2021 Club Financial Reports were also due by January 31, please submit these if you are yet to do so
• 2022 COVID Financial Policy is being finlalised and will be distributed for clubs prior the season

Football

• The 2022 VAFA Conditions of Player in a COVID-19 Environment document is in its final draft form, has been noted and reviewed by the Board and will be presented to members for implementation for the 2022 season

As always the VAFA Administration Team are only a phone call or email away should clubs require direct assistance.

In closing out this update I would like to wish each and every club the very best in the next (5) weeks. As you can imagine this has been a very busy time for the administration and at club level, so please respect we are all doing our utmost to get our season underway.

Until next time, keep safe, well and bring on Round 1.