TRFM Gippsland League’s member clubs have unanimously voted to outsource governance of the competition to AFL Gippsland for the next two years.
The historic decision was taken at a special general meeting at Morwell Football Netball Club on Wednesday night, which was called via a letter signed by three member clubs, as per section 32 of the Gippsland League constitution.
A motion to outsource governance, administration and financial decision making for seasons 2017 and 2018 was moved by Drouin Football Club and seconded by Warragul Football Netball Club, with all 10 clubs voting in favour of the proposal.
AFL Gippsland, which has administered the TRFM Gippsland League since 2014, will now serve as the league’s governing body.
Under the new model, AFL Gippsland will appoint an advisory committee to provide guidance and support to the governing body and member clubs.
The Gippsland League constitution will remain unchanged and member clubs will retain their rights as outlined in the constitution.
The structure is similar to that of the newly-formed Alex Scott and Staff West Gippsland Football Netball Competition, as well as the Geelong and Ballarat football netball leagues.
Speaking on behalf of the outgoing board, former TRFM Gippsland League chair Greg Maidment said the move was “inevitable” and while he would have liked one more year at the helm, he respected the clubs’ decision.
“At the end of the day the league belongs to the clubs and they clearly felt like the time was right to make a change,” Maidment said.
“We had been struggling to attract people to join the board and maybe that showed it was time to try a different approach.
“We have been working with AFL Gippsland for quite a while to transition this way and we wish them and the clubs all the best moving forward.”
AFL Gippsland region general manager Travis Switzer thanked the outgoing board members for their service to the league.
“The board has done a fantastic job and some of them have been longstanding volunteers of this league,” Switzer said.
“This hasn’t been a snap decision and I would like to thank Greg and the board for supporting the transition to AFL Gippsland which has been an ongoing discussion.
“The TRFM Gippsland League is among the first leagues in the state to go down this path which shows how progressive thinking and invested its member clubs are in the future of the league.
“It’s our goal to ensure the clubs feel they have an opportunity to provide us with feedback on the key decisions of the league and this will be our approach with all leagues we govern and administer.”
Moe Football Netball Club president Manny Gelagotis said the move was not a reflection on the current board, but of the changing football and netball landscape.
“The league is growing really fast and for it to keep building and continue to brand itself as the number one league in Gippsland this transition is really important,” Gelagotis said.
“This is a great opportunity for clubs to have more input into the direction of the league. At Moe, we’re looking to set high standards and we expect the league to do the same.”
According to Leongatha Football Netball Club president Mal Mackie, greater opportunity for consultation was a key factor for the Parrots.
“It’s no disrespect to the current board but we’ve been asking for more meetings for a few years now and it hasn’t happened,” Mackie said.
“I would rather have to go to more meetings and learn and make sure the league is on the right track and ahead of other leagues than not have to go to meetings and not hear anything.”
Drouin Football Club president Chris Soumilas moved the motion on behalf of the member clubs and said he hoped the change would lead to better relationships between clubs.
“From our club’s point of view we’re just supporting a better way of managing our league and this is the best way to go at this stage,” Soumilas said.
“One of the things I would like to see is for meetings to start earlier and include half an hour to chat to other clubs and share ideas so we can help each other more.”
Switzer said the next steps were to appoint an advisory committee and get the member clubs together for a workshop to develop a strategic plan.
Last Modified on 07/03/2017 11:02