As a season that has gone very quickly approaches finals time, there is a natural focus on the competitive aspirations of our football netball clubs that are still very much in the running for August/September success. Then we have the clubs that are playing out the season for pride or clubs that just simply wish the season would finish due to a disappointing 2010.
Irrespective of where your club, league or umpiring group is at, at this point of the season it is vitally important that planning has commenced for 2011 (or is about to commence). A couple of old sayings come to mind:
“It’s what you do while things are going well that keep you going well.”
“When growth stops decay starts.”
And “If you fail to plan; you plan to fail.”
At the WorkSafe VCFL we clearly accept that not all affiliates are resourced equally with volunteers, expertise and structure; however the VCFL are available to assist all affiliates in planning for 2011 and the future.
Planning can be on and off the field. Either way a key starting point is to know where you are at and what is working and what’s not working. From this point you are better placed to commence planning.
On the field /court may include looking at coaching appointments and coaching structure, along with how to improve your playing list and the necessary recruiting you need to embark on before suitable and available recruits are snapped up. Similarly you need to secure all on your playing list you wish to remain around your club.
The WorkSafe VCFL strongly recommends all clubs revisit the “Player Remuneration Guide,” published and launched in March, prior to committing to your coaching and playing lists for 2011 – we think there is something in it for everyone.
Off the field the planning exercise can get a little more complex and may include:
· Governance and possible changes to executive positions, committees or boards.
· Budgets and financial planning.
· Marketing and sponsorship.
· Ground, courts and facilities.
· An overall strategic plan.
The WorkSafe VCFL and in particular our Area Managers are well equipped to assist with most aspects of planning and you are encouraged to make contact with your local Area Manager for assistance.
From a VCFL point of view we are seriously entering our planning phase for 2011 in the coming weeks. We will be looking at all programs and deciding what is of continued value and what new initiatives are required.
Accurate budgeting is important to enable all programs, events and concepts to be funded with confidence.
Marketing and sponsorship needs to be addressed now and in the coming months. We are currently in discussions with our Naming Rights Sponsor of the past nine years in WorkSafe for a new three year term.
A new initiative that some may have noticed in last Saturday’s Herald Sun, is the addition of a Sales Representative position to assist in the growth of our FootyMart business and related WorkSafe VCFL Programs. The role will include the provision of a specially fitted van to travel across the State. Leagues that conduct their own Central Ordering System need not be concerned as this role is not intended to cut across their domestic business. The growth of FootyMart ensures more profits go back into football.
In summary it’s important all affiliates have an eye on planning for 2011, even though we haven’t completed the season we are currently in, and should you require some directional assistance then please ask.
Enjoy your football and netball this weekend.
Best Regards,
Glenn Scott
Chief Executive Officer
WorkSafe Victorian Country Football League
Last Modified on 09/08/2010 13:37