The AFL Goulburn Murray Commission has informed the Longwood Football Netball Club of its penalty for breaching the AFL Victoria Total Player Points Policy.
The penalty was handed down following a hearing conducted by the Commission in conjunction with members of the Kyabram District Football Netball League (KDFNL) Executive and representatives from the Longwood Football Netball Club last night.
The breaches relate to two separate incidences which occurred in Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2017 KDFNL season. The first breach related to Longwood playing above its Total Player Points Cap of 50 points, while the second related to Longwood fielding less than the maximum allowed 21 players without approval.
In determining the above sanctions and their severity, the Commission has taken into account the Club’s efforts over the past three years, their current on field performance and the Club’s longer term sustainability.
As such, Longwood FC has been fined $15,000 of which $12,500 will be held in suspension until 31 October 2019 pending any further breaches of the Policy, with the remaining $2,500 to be paid in regular instalments by 31 October 2018.
In addition, Longwood FNC Coach Nick Brown has been suspended from coaching on match day for 10 matches, five of which will commence immediately as of June 3, and five to be held in suspension until the end of the 2019 season.
Brown will also receive a $2,500 fine which will be held in suspension until 31 October 2019 pending any further breaches of the Policy as well as an immediate citation under the AFL Victoria Coach’s Code of Conduct.
AFL Goulburn Murray Region General Manager Martin Gleeson said the penalty was consistent with upholding the integrity of the statewide policy.
“The Commission takes its role in protecting the integrity of the Community Club Sustainability Program with the upmost importance, and any breaches of the statewide Player Points System is considered extremely serious,” Gleeson said.
“Following this breach, the Commission will reassess the Club’s current playing list to ensure it is in line with the Player Points Policy to assist the Club in complying with the Policy in the future.”
Longwood FNC President Mark Goodall accepted the Commission’s decision on behalf of the Club.
“Whilst disappointed the Longwood Football Netball Club accept the sanctions put in place by AFL Goulburn Murray and the governing bodies” he said.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to explain our club’s on going circumstances that contributed to the breaches and intend to now get on with our season.”
Last Modified on 31/05/2017 21:15