CAFL Committee Motion Passed
Development League, Bench Size Limit and Player Age Restrictions Introduced.
A robust discussion was held at the monthly CAFL Committee on Monday, 2 September 2019. Key items discussed include:
The introduction of a CAFL Development League,
- Limiting bench numbers,
- Player welfare and the minimum age of players for the Senior Premiership.
Development League & Bench Size Limit
With AFL becoming a more popular sport in Christchurch it is time AFL Canterbury looked at introducing a Development League to allow new players or underage players to develop their skills and learn the Law of the Game in a controlled learning environment that is less competitive. Not only will this prepare players to progress into the Senior Premiership, it will also ensure players get game maximum game time compared to being on a large bench. With touch rules and a focus on skills the games will be played on the rugby field next to our AFL ground.
To help promote the Development League the CAFL committee have decided to limit the game day squads in the CAFL Senior Premiership to 24 players, effectively immediately.
“By limiting the game day bench to 24 players in the Senior Premiership, clubs can now recruit without worrying about having to manage bench sizes on game day and getting players game time” say Steve Langridge, League President of AFL Canterbury.
From Round Three in the 2019 Season (7th September 2019), players not named in the 24 will be eligible to play in the Development League. However, should serious injuries occur during a Senior game, up to two players may be brought into the Senior side from the Development League for the remainder of the game, i.e. 24 players with up to two emergency players.
In addition, caps gained in the Development League will count towards eligibility for the Finals Series. If the Development League does not run, i.e. there is no game, and a player who would be playing in the Development League turns up to the Senior games, they can still earn a cap towards eligibility for the Final Series.
Furthermore, Development League players remain signed to their original club. If the Development Player does not yet have a club, i.e. they are new to AFL Canterbury, signing preference will be given to the club or clubs that are low on regular players.
Finally, players who are not named in a Senior squad of 24, may play for another club if that club has less than 18 players. This game will count as a cap and towards eligibility for the Final Series for the players original club. For example, if Player is signed to club “Y”, but fills in for club “Z”, the player will earn a Final Series eligibility cap for club “Y”.
Player Age Restrictions – Senior Premiership
With the development and growth of AFL in Canterbury, players now have an option to train and play with others who are of a similar age and/or skill level. In the past, players, especially younger players, have not had this choice.
As a result of the introduction of the AFL Canterbury Development, Youth and Junior Leagues and the establishment of the AFLNZ Youth League and Academy, AFL Canterbury have decided now is the time to establish an initial age restriction for the Senior Premiership competition.
With ongoing concerns around player welfare of younger players in the Senior Premiership, the CAFL Committee has agreed that the AFL Canterbury Senior Premiership competition is restricted to players over the age of 17 years*, effective immediately (3 September 2019).
*Players are to be 17 years of age or older by 1st August.
However, players who are 16 years of age, as at 1st August, can apply for dispensation. The AFL Canterbury Underage Player Dispensation Process is as follows;
- Clubs to apply to the CAFL Committee for Underage Player Dispensation using the AFL Canterbury Underage Player Dispensation Form. This includes written permission from the players legal guardian.
- Play at least one Development League game (or physical training session if no Development League game is available) where an AFL Canterbury panel will observe the player. The panel will consist of one representative per AFL Canterbury club and one umpire representative.
- Panel to vote on dispensation with their decision being final. Majority vote will constitute an outcome.
- AFLNZ to be consulted on the decision.
Underage players who are known to AFL Canterbury and have previously played in the Senior Premiership may not need to play a Development League if the Dispensation Panel reviewing their application is satisfied they have observed and have knowledge of the player.
About AFL Canterbury
AFL Canterbury is the home of Australian Rules Football in Canterbury. With a Senior Premiership League, Development, Youth and Junior Leagues, AFL Canterbury accommodates for all ages and skill levels.
Contact AFL Canterbury
For questions or clarification, please contact the AFL Canterbury League President Steve Langridge for further discussion.
On Behalf of the CAFL committee,
Steve Langridge
League President,
AFL Canterbury
Last Modified on 04/09/2019 12:33