Proposed VAFA revamp to bring clubs closer together
TRAVEL times will be cut for Victorian Amateur Football Association teams with the league considering divisions based on geography.
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TRAVEL times will be cut for Victorian Amateur Football Association teams with the league considering divisions based on geography.
The proposal, which would not be implemented until 2016, would see the current Division 1 to Division 4 system scrapped for four regionalised divisions — Division 1 South/Central, Division 1 North/Central, Division 2 South/Central, Division 2 North/Central.
In a document sent to club secretaries and presidents seen by Leader, VAFA general manager of football and umpiring Brian Goodman said the league’s proposal would give lower section clubs an enhanced opportunity to reach the premier sections at a faster rate.
“Results from mapping our Clubs over Melbourne found we have 28 Clubs in the South of Melbourne, 22 Clubs in the North of Melbourne (includes three West) and 23 Clubs in Central/East of Melbourne,” the memo said.
“Therefore the divisions should be divided into North and South regions combined with the nearest Central clubs.
“Central clubs could be considered ‘swing’ clubs that are placed in a pool who could change every year to allow different clubs to play each other.”
The document listed a number of positives for the proposal including minimising travel, assisting recruiting efforts, increasing local rivalries and better scheduling for finals.
Under the proposed set up, current Division 1 club NOBS/St Pats would be in the same grade as current Division 2 side Old Eltham.
Premier C could also undergo a facelift if the proposal is approved.
“Based on 72 teams, seven sections would result in one section having 12 teams.
“In the structure above we believe that Premier C would be the ideal section to host 12 teams,” the document said.
“In this proposal four teams would be relegated to allow clubs the opportunity to move quickly through sections with two clubs promoted from both South and North Sections.”
If Premier C became a 12-team division, the section would have a final-6 competition.
The proposal will be decided at the league’s February board meeting with a paper to be presented at the March members meeting.
The league is awaiting club feedback.
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