3 December 2017
I deliver this report in the knowledge that The Far West Football League has once again delivered a successful season of football to the followers of the game throughout Ceduna and the surrounding areas.
On that basis I wish to congratulate all clubs and their officials on their support for the game and the efforts they have put in throughout the season. In saying that, it is also important to address some issues that unless dealt with will cause problems in the future.
As President of the league it is my job to identify and develop strategies along with the FWFL Executive to ensure the ongoing success of football in this area. It is also part of my role to bring to the attention of the clubs without fear or favour any problems both real and perceived.
I take no pleasure in pointing out some problem areas but it would be remiss in my role of President for “sweeping them under the carpet” and it would be a complete lack of courage on my part.
Social Media
- The League will take a stronger stance in this area, there have been some posts that have brought the game into disrepute, it is the responsibility of all clubs to inform their members of the penalties that can be imposed. These cowardly keyboard warriors must be held to account and realise it is important to think of the repercussions to comments they post in moments of frustration anger and in many cases total lack of respect for other people.
Abuse of League Officials/Umpires
- This has happened a several times throughout this year, in addition to any League imposed penalties clubs must also entertain the thought of imposing their own penalties on their members/supporters for poor behaviour. I have no argument with fair and reasonable discussion conducted in an acceptable manner but abuse of my fellow volunteers is totally unacceptable. There were also cases of the league delivering a decision but continuous harassment occurred with late night phone calls and continuous questions being asked.
Match Day Responsibilities
- In the interests of good relationships between the kindred clubs the importance of having volunteers, oval and clubroom presentation, Lap Top computers and printers for match day paperwork, Sporting Pulse information, club umpires, scoreboard attendants etc. cannot be underestimated. Match Day forms and media requirements must completed.
The Koonibba Football Club was fined in excess of $1500 during the 2017 season for continuous breaches of match day responsibilities, this not only caused it some serious financial difficulty, but also created frustration and anger with the opposition clubs. Other clubs also had problems with IT but FWFL officials should not be subjected to solving problems when arriving to watch a game
It is fair and reasonable to expect help and cooperation between the clubs on unforeseen problems but continuous breaches must stop. I am aware Koonibba officials tried hard to address the problems and expect season 2018 to show a marked improvement in this area.
Football League Delegates Feedback
- Lack of communication from League Meetings back to the clubs, it was obvious that much of what was asked to be taken back from League meetings to the clubs was not happening. This came about by some clubs not having regular delegates and information and requests not being passed along. As a suggestion it is probably a good idea for delegates to be the Club President and Secretary.
Football Budget Previews.
- Similar to the situation with Social Media posts, once the information is written and out there for all to see it is like the discharged arrow – you cannot bring it back.
The unfortunate criticism that appeared in a home game publication by the Western United Football Club did nothing to promote the game or enhance relationships with other clubs and in particular the Far West Netball Association.
I applaud the efforts of the clubs that produce a budget but it should be used as a means to inform, entertain, record information and above all promote your club and the game in general.
To avoid similar problems, in future club administrators should be across any information that is going into the marketplace, particularly if it is of a critical or derogatory nature.
Footyweb Online
- This system is here to stay, the sooner club officials accept and embrace the system the better. The Secretary Brad Bowman received far too many Friday night/game day calls with people panicking about registration /clearances. It is up to club officials to be up to speed with the system and only contact Brad when there is a serious problem.
League organised events.
- During the past couple of years the league has organised coaches seminars, meetings concerning umpires and IT information sessions (Sara Neil – SANFL). All clubs have not been represented, this can also create angst. We can only remain strong if we stand united, it is in the interests of all clubs to make sure they attend these functions because it is in the best interests of all concerned.
Due to club absences from these seminars I was asked a number of times by officials of other clubs whether the non- attendees were really supporting the FWFL.
The positives far outweigh the negatives.
- Western United Football Club staged the last of Grand Final rotations that were instituted in 2014. Although there was a fear of a smaller crowd attending Penong this in fact was only down by around 100 paying patrons. All clubs have now had the opportunity and we look forward to Thevenard staging Grand Final 2018
- We had 7,000 hits on the league Website on Grand Final Day
- The Website itself had an average of 28,000per month during the season.
- The club was widely praised for its efforts in presenting FWFL biggest occasion and I as President thank them for their excellent efforts
- The League income from the finals series was marginally down
($1509.30) as compared with 2016.
- Although we were soundly defeated in the Inter Association game against Great Flinders it did set the scene for the future.
- Our Mortlock Shield performance was outstanding, with a touch of luck we could have easily won the competition. We now need to repeat the performance next year.
- Player representation in the Team of the Carnival, EP training squad representation, EP selection in all grades and David Wright’s State Country selection were all highlights.
- On behalf of the League our thanks go to League Coach Charlie Coleman, U/17’s coach Darren Bennett and U/15’s Tony (Fan) Dunn, all trainers, volunteers and supporters for their assistance in our inter- association games. Sincere thanks to Ceduna Bulk Hauliers for the $300 voucher and medal awarded to FWFL player of the carnival (David Wright) and also to Tony Baj (McDonalds Port Lincoln sponsorship)
- Glenn Dunn as team manager as per usual did an outstanding job in organising all aspects of a travelling league.
- The Kinlough Cup was held in Ceduna and hosted by “The Blues”, we received enormously positive feedback from the other leagues – a huge thank you to Bradley Bowman, Paul Warmington, Glenn Dunn and all others that helped to make it so successful
- Auskick was once again very successful under the guidance of Glenn Dunn and our thanks to all coaches and volunteers who assisted. Sponsors National Bank, Foodland, FWFL all provided product for the children
- A huge individual highlight was Glenn Dunn be chosen as one of the finalists in the Statewide Superannuation Volunteer of the year Awards. Glenn consistently features in outstanding volunteer work for the FWFL and on behalf of all football followers I extend sincere thanks.
- Thevenard staged the Best and Fairest awards for both seniors and juniors, as usual organised an excellent night of individual football excellence. Congratulations to all best and Fairest Winners and premiership teams. Huge thanks to Annette Plane for outstanding work on the video presentations.
- Umpires coordinator Paul Warmington has done a wonderful job for his work in ensuring all umpiring jobs are filled on Game Day, we very much appreciate his work in this area.
- The Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel became the FWFL major sponsor along with individually sponsoring the clubs – we thank them for their support and look forward to a long and mutually fruitful relationship.
- Bradley Bowman (Secretary) and Judith Ronan (Treasurer) both in their first year as FWFL Executives have done a tremendous job and I look forward to both have long careers supporting Far West Football. My thanks to past Secretary and Treasurer Mike Lowe and Richard Wilkinson for their work and assistance behind the scenes. Glenn Dunn as has been the case in my ten years involvement with Far West a huge source of support and expertise.
- SANFL’s Andrew Taheny has also been a source of tremendous support to the FWFL, his knowledge , counsel and general all round commitment to football on Eyre Peninsula is second to none.
- Our thanks also go to the media outlets, West Coast Sentinel Radio ABC and Flow FM, they play a huge role in supporting the game.
- The support that is provided by SANFL, the Community Football League and the Norwood Football Club is also to be applauded.
- SAPOL were also most cooperative throughout the season, particularly on Grand Final Day
The future is ours to make successful, I urge all clubs to become better, utilise all the support services that are available through SANFL, AFL, OnLine information etc. for advice for coaching and committees.
All clubs have made improvements to their amenities and I congratulate them for that, there are some serious grants available in this area, if you do not know how to access speak to Casey tonight for advice.
Koonibba have installed a brilliant new lighting system which may allow twilight football in the future, they are now in the process of completing their underground watering system which will put them on the same footing as Thevenard and “The Blues” in accessing the waste water supplied by council. We congratulate them on their efforts and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour in season 2018
I urge you all to embrace any changes that are being proposed and support the concept of a Football Coordinator on Eyre Peninsula which we will hear more about tonight from SANFL’s Casey Grice.
We will continue to thrive if we all support the very old adage
“United we stand – Divided we fall”
It is not enough just to put teams on the oval, all clubs must do all the off ground stuff correctly, accurately, and on time, we must continue to build relationships with each other, forget about the past and get on with the future.
This can only happen if all four clubs genuinely strive for excellence and continuous improvement.
Thank you all for your support
Ron Redford.
Last Modified on 13/12/2017 13:01