Senior Football

Senior Football Graham McNaney & Peter Bevan ARL Development February 2007 Topics 1. 2. Background Research (PB) (GM) 3. 4. 5. Findings Senior Football Masters Football (GM) (GM) (PB) Background • Senior player registrations have been declining on a national basis since 1993, however a couple of states, led by Queensland, have in fact arrested the decline and shown a small, but encouraging, increase in numbers over the past couple of seasons. The Numbers • 1993 ……………….. 52,082 senior players • 2004 ……………….. 30,022 senior players • 2005 ……………….. 30,377 senior players • 2006 ……………….. 31,419 senior players Background Continued • As a result of the numbers, the ARL Development Council commissioned an enquiry. • The main aim was to survey grassroots administrators to establish their thoughts on the reasons behind the decline as well as possible remedial strategies. Research • It was decided that open forums would be the most effective way to discuss this issue. • Three were held – Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sydney (combined NSWRL and CRL). • In attendance were club administrators (paid and volunteer), competition managers (paid and volunteer), and staff from both existing & defunct senior clubs. Research Continued • Some of the topics discussed included: – Geography – Player payments – Serious versus social – Recruiting and retention – Volunteers – Rules – Pathways Findings • The following issues received support across the majority of the forums: – – – – – – – – Insurance Super League ‘hangover’ Junior transition Paid versus unpaid football Multicultural issues Junior and senior club culture Employment Emergence of other lifestyle choices Two Major Outcomes 1. Social Football 2. Masters Football Social Football • There is a need to develop a ‘social’ level of football as an alternative for players who do not have the time, or ability, to play serious (paid) football. Social Football Continued • Important note – –This model will not be at the expense of existing First Division football competitions Social Football Continued • Social Football will probably have four unique characteristics: –Unpaid –Rule modifications (5m, scrum, time) –Age restrictions (18 plus) –Separate name Masters Football • There is a need to develop the Masters model on two levels: • A national ‘showcase’ event • State based competitions Masters Football Continued • The ARL Board approved a national over35’s event, now called the Schweppes ARL Masters. • A 3 year agreement has been reached with the Runaway Bay Junior League Club to host the event. • At present, 47 teams have entered. Masters Football Continued • The event will be held over three days 22nd to 24th March 2007. • The ‘competitive’ aspect of the event has been de-emphasized; no points tally, no finals. • A full social program will be incorporated into the event • A women’s section is being considered for future years Questions?