NNSW outlines state league changes

BY JOSH LEESON
08 Jun, 2012 04:00 AM

NORTHERN NSW Football has taken the first step on a potentially painful journey to restructure the state league in line with Football Federation Australia’s wishes.

Chief executive David Eland addressed state league and first-division clubs on Wednesday night at their Hexham headquarters to outline the FFA’s National Competitions Review.

This includes a player points system, the introduction of under-20s, 18s and 16s teams under first grade and A-licensed accreditation for coaches.

The implementation of FFA’s plan will undoubtedly place greater financial burdens on clubs.

Eland has already publicly stated the changes would not be enforced until 2014 at the earliest.

And he said it was important to keep clubs involved in the process.

‘‘What the FFA and Northern NSW Football are trying to achieve were appreciated and overall they were very well received,’’ Eland said yesterday.

‘‘What Northern has committed to is comprehensive consultation, and last night’s meeting was just the initial step.’’

Clubs have been given the opportunity to give written feedback of the review by August 1 and NNSWF will meet with individual clubs on request.

The first part of the review likely to be introduced will be the player points system (PPS), which aims to curb excessive match payments and force clubs to concentrate on youth development.

Eland said the NNSWF will apply the PPS to some clubs next season to test its appropriateness.

However, there would not be penalties for clubs who exceeded the PPS.

‘‘I think it will be very interesting to see where the clubs come out,’’ he said.

‘‘Those clubs that perhaps have secured players rather than developed players, I think the points systems will show that their approach will have to change.’’

Under the PPS, all clubs will be given 200 points to cover a 20-man first-grade squad.

All players will be initially worth 10 points, and their value will be either increased or reduced depending if they are purchased from another club or are local juniors.

Overseas players will be worth an extra 10 points, while a recruit signed from a rival club will increase by eight.

Players will be worth one point extra for every year they exceed 25.

For example a 29-year-old would be valued at 14 points. If that player was signed from another club then he would cost 24 points under the PPS.

Three points are deducted for an under-18 player promoted to first grade, and local juniors under 25 will be worth nine points.

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/nnsw-outlines-state-league-changes/2583898.aspx

Football restructure floated

ANDREW PARKINSON
11 Jun, 2012 04:00 AM

Northern NSW Football have outlined another future restructuring of the State League in accordance with Football Federation Australia’s National Competitions Review.

Chief executive David Eland spoke to state league and first division clubs last Wednesday night to discuss the potential changes that include the introducing under 20s, 18s and 16s teams along with first grade, A-licensed accreditation for coaches and a player points system.

Weston coach Darren Elkin says the plan has positive aspects that reward clubs for promoting and developing players internally.

“What I understand is that it’s like a salary cap style points system for players; basically they are trying to reward clubs for having a junior development program and bringing through their own players,” Elkin said. “It will stop some clubs that go out and take five or six players from opposing clubs, paying money to do so. It rewards a club for bringing through their own.”

The player points system gives each club 200 points to spend on a 20 man first grade squad.

Each player is worth 10 points which then fluctuates depending on factors such as whether the player is a local junior, if they have been bought from a rival club and their age.

Players aged 25 and over have a point added to their value for each year over 25.

Elkin does have some reservations about the plan and feels that some clubs may be unfairly hindered.

“I think they [NNSWF] have the right objectives, the idea is right but I think that more thought needs to go into the process,” Elkin said. “We want to encourage players to stay at a club and clubs need experienced players.

“You don’t want to handicap clubs who are loyal to players and players are loyal to clubs over a long period of time are going to be forced out.

“This means you’ll lose good players that get to 25 years old to first division or lower division clubs.”

The implications for each individual club will vary, but for Elkin’s Weston Bears they could be more significant.

Weston’s first grade team has eight players who have played 100 games for the club, with striker Jamie Subat the latest addition yesterday.

But only one of those players, 23-year-old defender Carl Thornton, is under 25 years.

With the new set up to include a jump from under 20s to first grade, Elkin says players will be penalised based on their age.

“They’re shooting themselves in the foot, players who aren’t ready for first grade when they finish under 20s will be forced into firsts, which I think will ultimately lower the standard of the league.

“If you’re good enough to be playing first grade at 18, you’ll get picked.

“Is there enough young talent for it? I can’t see it.

“It will penalise players on the basis of their age and will push younger players into first grade.

“Will they be ready? Probably not.

“It will force coaches to make decisions based on age, it’s happening in under 23s now.

“You’ll lose good club players to lower divisions when they could stay and provide experience and guidance to younger players.”

Elkin also believes clubs and players should be rewarded for loyalty.

“I think there should be compensation for a one club player,” Elkin said.

“What happens when you’ve got a guy who is over 25 but has player over 100 games for your club? You shouldn’t be penalised for it, it should be encouraged.”

http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/football-restructure-floated/2585844.aspx?storypage=0