AFL Yarra Ranges - Regional Strategic Plan

Transcription

1 AFL Yarra Ranges - Regional Strategic Plan A Strategic plan and a collaborative approach with the aim of expanding club participation capacity, enhancement of facilities, and consolidation of resources with the promotion and game development within Australian Rules Football with a focus within AFL Yarra Ranges Region. Y a r r a V a l l e y F o o t b a l l C o m m i s s i o n L i m i t e d A B N A F L Y a r r a R a n g e s

2 AFL YARRA RANGES Our Vision & Principles Our Vision AFL Yarra Ranges Commission seeks to exclusively strengthen, develop and expand its existing football competitions, to a level where our game is the preferred sport of choice within our Region and Communities Our Principles Values statements that inform the Commissioners on what we should undertake and do:- o Work with our stakeholders to provide satisfactory outcomes and solutions in a timely and professional manner. o Provide strategic direction and processes for stakeholders. o Undertake fair, balanced and considered decision processes and be fully accountable for those processes. o Undertake to be honest and transparent in all our dealings with our stakeholders and communities. o Through our behaviours, uphold the integrity of the AFL Victoria Yarra Ranges Commission o Gain and establish mutual respect with stakeholders, display energy and passion in delivering the AFL Yarra Ranges values within our Region.

3 AFL YARRA RANGES Geography and Demographics AFL Yarra Ranges Region covers an expansive area inclusive of part of the following municipalities: - Shire of Yarra Ranges - Shire of Murrindindi - City of Knox - Cardinia Shire Council The Region encompasses significant diversity including areas of small population growth, areas of unemployment and social disadvantage and areas of high socio-economic restrictions. The Region encompasses rural, farming, small villages, and small metropolitan and regional townships of varying sizes. Strengths A strong football culture within the region backed by over 60 years of history. There is significant interest in the sport within the region and generally clubs have a strong supporter base. Participation numbers are constant. The region has nearly 8,000 participants in both senior and junior competitions and we are experiencing growth at the youngest age brackets. The majority of clubs have very strong community links, particularly in townships where they are a strong social conduit to those communities. The sport is well covered by media in the region and most articles are of a positive nature. Clubs in the region are well supported by volunteers, many of which are ex-players from those clubs. Councils are very supportive of the sport and clubs within the region. Concerns Many clubs in the region are vulnerable, with changing demographics, deteriorating finances and the absence of appropriate planning creating uncertainty. The attraction and retention of quality umpires remains a concern, as is youth development. Varying governance structures within both the junior and senior competitions creates inconsistencies, inefficiencies and structural conflicts at times. Player pathways are not always clear and conflicting structures within the region have added an element of confusion. Substandard facilities at Eastern Ranges have not helped development programs.

4 There is concern around player payments within our region, with some clubs investing heavily in player payments at the expense of infrastructure and junior development, which are key to the sustainability of our competitions and clubs. The ability to attract and retain quality administrators and volunteers within our clubs. Direction The following points provide direction on key priorities and requirements to address issues and concerns Direct resources provided to clubs in order to assist with strength and sustainability wherever possible. On line training for administration positions within each club at both junior and senior levels. Develop and support strong pathways from Auskick right through to open age football that encourage and support maximum participation. Provide a greater emphasis on coach education particularly at junior level, strengthening links to AFL clubs and providing more targeted seminars and development/education opportunities. Particular focus will be on establishing coaching coordinators and up-skilling junior coaches. Facilitate stronger relationships and integration between junior and senior clubs. Encourage a one club mentality to all facets of club operations and development programs. Provide operational efficiencies for competitions and clubs through RAC (regional administration centre) offerings reducing costs and providing a greater level of service and expertise. This includes the opportunity of utilising economies of scale to improve buying power and the attraction of partners / sponsors. Conduct a facility audit of clubs and instigate a Facility Development Plan for the region working with all levels of government (local, state and federal). Provide quality volunteer support including training opportunities, recognition programs and efficiency offerings designed to ease volunteer burden. Explore mentoring and special interest groups within the region to support volunteer roles (e.g. Trainers Association). Provide a regional approach to the recruitment, development and retention of umpires. Explore additional and innovative programs with youth development centres. The Commission is committed to bringing all football stakeholders in the region together including competitions, the Eastern Ranges, VFL clubs (Box Hill & Casey), AFL Clubs with interests in the region (Collingwood, Hawthorn and Richmond), local and state government, Netball Victoria, partners, volunteers and supporters. Review and assess competition structures to ensure they are conducive to growth, service the needs of all stakeholders and allow for maximum equality. Continue to invest in resources including Football Development Managers and Game Development Officers who are focused on both game development and club development priorities, particularly in junior age group levels.

5 AFL YARRA RANGES & AFFILIATED MEMBERS:- Relationship, governance and responsibilities One of the common ambiguities emanating from the establishment of regional commissions and in particular AFL Yarra Ranges is the delineation and clarification of the relationship, governance and responsibilities of the Commission and affiliate members. To assist with clarification, we have provided the following statements of purpose based on the best interests of football governance. The AFL Yarra Ranges Commission is: An autonomous body responsible for strategic planning and development, its focus being the clear direction of the game within our region. Focused on improving engagement, participation, and facilitating growth, with a strong junior focus. Responsible for overseeing professional staff and assisting the umpiring group with their administration. Focused on engaging all stakeholders together for the betterment of football in the region. Responsible for creating and overseeing a long term strategic vision and plan for the game. Focused on improving the strength and vitality of football clubs within our region. This includes enhancing the experience and skill level of all volunteers as this is critical to the successful facilitation of matches. A consolidated approach is required by competitions and clubs to ensure success in this regard. Focused on improving the standard of coaching through education and development programs, especially at junior level. Focused on identifying key issues impacting on the football community within our region and applying strategies to assess and address these issues in a collaborative manner. Responsible for reviewing governance structures and providing the most effective systems and structures to promote the growth and vitality of our game within our region. Focused on assisting and developing programs for the recruitment, retention and welfare of umpires. Focused on developing strategic facility development plans for the region and providing advocacy for development requirements. Focused on working with competitions to provide clear pathways and strong junior competition. A consultative body keen to listen and understand the issues affecting stakeholders and engage with key personnel to assist with the development of strategic direction.

6 AFL YARRA RANGES & AFFILIATED MEMBERS:- Relationship, governance and responsibilities Individual Competitions: Govern and manage their competitions in a manner that is productive to football and netball in the region and conform to the AFL seven pillars. Manage all operational matters relating to the competitions inclusive of fixture, tribunal, finals, registrations, transfers and player point implementation. Assist Commission in preparing long term business plans for the competitions so as to ensure financial viability and growth. Assist Commission to maintain and ensure all risk management elements of governing football competitions are being met. Arrange inter league competitions to promote the game at a higher level and to provide players with development opportunities, via AFL Victoria approved programs. Manage events that continue to promote our sport and engage stakeholders effectively. With the Commission, continue to develop partnerships in the best interests of all affiliates, clubs, competitions and football public in general. With the Commission, work with governing bodies of other sports which interact with football (i.e. Netball) Ensure all participants; officials and spectators act within the codes of conduct established by AFL Victoria and each affiliate. Provide guidance to individual clubs and work with the Commission in providing assistance where required. Establish strong relationships with all stakeholders

7 AFL YARRA RANGES SENIOR COMPETITION (FORMERLY YARRA VALLEY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL COMPETITIONS INC -YVMDFNL) Structure The YVMDFNL comprises 19 senior clubs within a two division structure. The football component comprises a Senior, Reserve and U18 competition. The Netball component comprises A, B, C, & D and a newly established U17 grade competition played in conjunction with the football fixture. The following is a situational assessment by AFL Yarra Ranges of the competitions strengths and concerns affecting its potential. Listed are actions to be undertaken by AFL Yarra Ranges which also form part of the Strategic Plan. Strengths Traditionally strong, well renowned competition. Solid brand which is attractive to players, sponsors and the community. Most clubs are financially sound and trading within their means. Community/township based competition. Strong local rivalries along with holiday games and special events attracting significant interest.

8 AFL YARRA RANGES REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN Mature and traditional football community minimal diversity in comparison to other competitions/regions. Strong integration of football and netball groups. Clubs predominately draw on a large population base within the City of Maroondah, Shire of Nillumbik and Shire of Yarra Ranges. Connection to both metropolitan and country settings, unique to our region. Provide options for operating efficiencies in order to better utilise the resources available within RAC. A developed Facility Development Plan for the region and assistance to individual Clubs with their development needs. Supportive councils who have proactively invested in facilities. Concerns 6 senior clubs do not field stand-alone U18 teams (combined). Senior competition is running an U18 competition with other leagues (close by) offering U19 competition which may have an effect on Yarra Ranges clubs for numbers. Competition from other competitions presenting alternative offerings i.e. different age groups or layers of variations. Concerns over the number of players coming through from the junior competition to play senior football. Concern regarding the strength and ongoing viability of some clubs, player retention, payments and pathways for junior players. Junior / Senior club relationships not as strong or well-connected as they should be. Facilities at certain clubs require upgrading to cater for growth of netball, junior girls and social functions. Competitive balance and player payments / point system being under constant pressure. Junior / Senior club relationships not as strong or well-connected as they should be to provide a pathway within each club. Competitive balance, sign on fees and player payments are creating some imbalance. Financial stability of some clubs requires ongoing review and monitoring. Diminishing population growth within our region. Development of coach s ensuring they meet AFL Victoria s criteria. Lack of facility re-development or expansion for many decades, deficiencies of basic facilities at many clubs. The disparity of both on and off field components between clubs such as player payments, facilities, player numbers, volunteers.

9 Actions AFL YARRA RANGES REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FDM to work collaboratively with competitions on topical issues within clubs, junior growth and formation of further Auskick centres and junior clubs. Work with senior clubs to form strong and productive relationships and development programs. Provide resources and initiatives to support clubs viability both financially and structurally via club health checks. Provide options for operating efficiencies in order to better utilise the resources and training programs available. Work with the junior competitions within our region to develop strong pathways through competition structures and natural club progression. Complete development of Facility Development Plan for the region with regional Shires/Councils and assist individual clubs with their development needs, prior to submission to local councils. Develop a regional strategy for football in our region, inclusive of junior and senior bodies and neighbouring commissions, competitions and governing bodies. Work with Senior and junior clubs to form strong, productive relationships and pathways. Provide options for operating efficiencies in order to better utilise the resources available. Ensure competition structures are in the best interests of our region, not just certain segments. Further expand the level of quality people to the appointment as a commissioner. Seek funding programs and support networks for all affiliated clubs. Creation of suitably qualified working party for operational football requirements Actively being involved in proposed redevelopment processes, via AFL Victoria employees, local council / shire employees.

10 AFL YARRA RANGES JUNIOR COMPETITION (FORMERLY DANDENONG RANGES JUNIOR FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS INC DRJFL) Structure The DRJFL composed 13 clubs. It administered junior grades that now encompass U8, U9, U10, U12, U14 and U16. The league was governed and managed by an executive team who oversaw all governance and operational issues. The following is situational assessment by AFL Yarra Ranges of the competition s strengths and concerns affecting its potential. Listed are actions to be undertaken by AFL Yarra Ranges which also form part of the Strategic Plan. Strengths Traditionally strong junior football area. Competitions facilities adequate for meetings, small events and training/development programs. Strong connection to the AFL Yarra Ranges brand within the competition. Traditionally strong, well renowned competition. Most clubs are financially sound and trading within their means. Community/township based competition. Mature and traditional football community minimal diversity in comparison to other competitions/regions. Clubs predominately draw on a large population base within the Shire of Cardinia, City of Maroondah and Shire of Yarra Ranges.

11 AFL YARRA RANGES REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN Solid brand which is attractive to players, parents, volunteers and the community alike. Connection to both metropolitan and country settings unique within our region. Concerns Disparity between clubs with respect to team numbers within a relatively small competition. Junior / Senior club relationships not as strong and/or well-connected as they should be. Administrative support for the competitions executive, i.e. development programs and online initiatives to be fully explored, assist with development of club administrators. Facilities are under stress and many are at capacity with no potential of expansion. Disconnected with senior competitions board, mutual directive meetings would be beneficial and clear directive from AFL Yarra Ranges Commission moving forward. Public connection lagging behind other competitions (i.e. website, social media, general media as whole) with a more proactive development of media exposure to be incorporated into one website. Poaching from rival clubs. Lack of holiday programs/games and special events attracting significant interest. Win at all cost mentality needs to be softened within competitions. Finalisation of developed Facility Development Plan for the region and assist individual Clubs with their development needs. This will be undertaken upon completion of club health and facility checks (supportive councils who have proactively invested in facilities, what we can do better?) Strain on junior clubs with coach development programs and support, revised mechanism and coaching development programs are to be assessed each year. Actions Strategically placed development programs through the AFL Yarra Ranges Commission need to be assessed throughout our region (e.g. Shire Councils have expressed desire for contact with AFL Yarra Ranges Commission rather than individual clubs). FDM to work collaboratively with junior competition on topical issues within clubs, junior growth and formation of further Auskick centres and junior clubs. Develop a regional strategy for football in our region, inclusive of junior and senior bodies and neighbouring commission and governing bodies Work with Senior and Junior clubs to form strong and productive relationships Provide resources and initiatives to support clubs viability both financially and structurally Provide options for operating efficiencies in order to better utilise the resources available. Ensure competition structures are in the best interests of our region, not just certain segments. Provide options for operating efficiencies in order to better utilise the resources available. Ensure competition structures are in the best interests of all in the region, not just one segment. Finalise development of Facility Development Plan for the region and assist individual clubs with their development needs. Clubs need to submit proposal via AFL Yarra Ranges to ensure we meet local shire requirements and budgetary restrictions.

12 AFL YARRA RANGES REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN Creation of suitably qualified working party for operational football requirements. Structure The Yarra Ranges Umpires Association comprises two clearly defined structures. Senior and Junior Panels provide competition Field umpires for senior clubs within a two division structure i.e. minimum of two field umpires for all grades (U18 s, Reserves and Seniors) and provide both goal and boundary umpires for senior grade only. The junior component of the umpires association provides official Field umpires for all DRJFL grades with the exception of U8 & U9 s where field umpires are provided by individual clubs. Veteran grade field umpires are provided each alternative fortnight or as scheduled by AFL Yarra Ranges. Strengths Traditionally strong, with a good name within umpiring circles. Solid brand which continually attracts new and developed umpires, Proactive within our local region and communities. Financially sound and trading within their means. Community/township based focus with recruitment and development programs. Strong recruitment focus and source umpires from a vast area through-out our region and beyond. Mature and traditional football community minimal diversity in comparison to other Competitions/regions. Strong integration with both football levels i.e. Senior and Junior competitions. Proximity to large population bases where umpires predominately drawn from City of Maroondah, City of Knox, Shire of Nillumbik and Shire of Yarra Ranges. Connection to metropolitan, village and rural settings, unique to our region. Sound, stable and efficient board of umpires, work well with executive umpires. Shire of Yarra Ranges extremely supportive of further development at Mt Evelyn venue; this is to be further assessed by senior umpiring body. Senior / junior umpiring group s relationships are strong and well-connected.

13 Concerns Administrative support for the umpires executive and board is heavily reliant on AFL Yarra Ranges administration (RAC). Lack of opportunities to further develop umpires into development programs via on-line initiatives to be fully explored, inclusive of administration processes with AFL Victoria. Facilities are under stress (Knox) due to age of the facility (has this facility reached its used-by date?) Disconnected with senior / junior competitions executives, mutual agreed meetings would be beneficial with clear directives from AFL Yarra Ranges Commission moving forward. Public awareness perhaps lagging behind other umpiring associations (i.e. website, social media, general media as whole) with a more proactive development of media exposure to be incorporated into one website. We are now using Schedule to Pay Umpires via Fox Sports Pulse Product with some initial set up issues. Actions Formulation of school development programs solely focused on junior development and recruitment, with the assistance of regional FDM. Strengthen relationships between the Umpires, Senior Board and Junior Executive which is an ongoing process to benefit the game as a whole. Develop a potential one facility development plan for the association. This will be undertaken upon completion of health check. Further enhancement with holiday programs/games and special events attracting significant interest for new umpires. This potential program is to be placed strategically within our region and venues suitable for participation growth. Provide options for operating efficiencies in order to better utilise the resources available within RAC. FDM to work collaboratively with Umpires Association and Board on topical issues with junior growth focus and formation of further development centres. Consolidation of both senior / junior board of directors into one body, senior director to manage and supervise total structure, employ and mentor all involved. Potential to further expand into holiday/ special development programs during off season and scheduled holiday periods. Develop a regional strategy for football development processes within our region, inclusive of junior, senior and umpiring bodies. Overview best practices with neighbouring commission, competitions and governing bodies. Work with Senior and Junior clubs to form strong and productive relationships. Provide resources and initiatives and support to the umpires association to ensure ongoing in both financial and structural viability. Ensure umpire structures are in the best interests of all in the region, not just one segment. Provide options for operating efficiencies in order to better utilise the resources available.

14 AFL YARRA RANGES REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN Creation of suitably qualified working party for umpiring requirements in conjunction with football operations. Develop a Facility Development Plan for the region and assist individual affiliates with their development needs. All affiliates need to submit proposals via AFL Yarra Ranges to ensure we meet local shire requirements and budgetary restrictions.

15 KEY STRATEGIC PILLARS The following form the 7 key strategic pillars for AFL Yarra Ranges. The objectives and key strategies identified within each will provide the focus and direction of the Commission through the planning period. PARTICIPATION Initiate and support programs to increase player and umpire participation rates at all levels of football and netball in order to facilitate growth of the games. COMMUNITY Support leagues, their clubs and schools to provide quality management and environments to motivate volunteers, coaches, teachers and sports trainers for all levels of football and netball. ENGAGEMENT Develop stakeholder and community engagement initiatives that support the vision, values and mission statement of AFL Yarra Ranges while enhancing social value and equal opportunity for all. DEVELOPMENT Provide and promote development programs including pathways for players, umpires, coaches and administrators. FACILITIES Develop region wide plans to advocate for and collaborate on facility development for leagues, their clubs, umpires and schools. PARTNERSHIPS Develop strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses, government, other sports and community organisations PEOPLE & CULTURE Attract, develop and retain quality people and develop a culture of excellence in line with AFL Yarra Ranges key objectives and values.

16 Participation Strategic Objective: Develop and support pathways to build participation and promote retention at all levels of the game. Key Strategies: Auskick Constant review of Auskick Centres to population ratios to identify potential new centres. Survey parents to ensure Auskick delivery is at a desired level. Ensure all Auskick centres have a junior club alignment. Ensure appropriate training and appointment of District Managers in order to further develop the program. Junior Football Assist competitions in providing competitively balanced matches through grading and divisional structures. Assist with the adoption of the Junior Match Guide in 2016 and beyond. Reinforce a focus on the development of skills, fun and enjoyment for participants, not just winning. Promote our coaching ambassador group to junior clubs with the aim to further develop and train our junior coaches. Junior to Senior Transition Make recommendations for the appropriate structure of football through the year old age bracket within the region, through a future forum and undertake an official review Work to strengthen junior and senior club relationships Constantly review initiatives and analysis to build retention through the transition age group, via our junior age group working party. Permits provided to over age kids to ensure team representation and participation at all age group levels. Senior Football Assess Regional competitive balance, with implementation of Community Club Sustainability Program Discuss and review the regional outcomes in line with AFL Victoria s review into player payments, club and competition submissions. Assess alternative competition structures including social, AFL 9 s and veteran competitions.

17 Female Football Look to establish new senior female clubs within the region and assess the viability of a regional competition Support new youth and junior female competitions, in the aim to expand into additional age groups and expand existing competition in under12 s. Develop female only Auskick centres which will promote players through to junior age brackets. Schools Continue to promote AFL Victoria s Schools Program through the creation of more AFL School Ambassadors Strengthen connections between senior clubs, school ambassadors and junior clubs Promote our coaching ambassador group to local schools. Multicultural and Indigenous Support and promote AFL Victoria s Multicultural Programs Continue to support and develop multicultural and indigenous focused rounds within local competitions Establish ambassadors within multicultural communities Community Strategic Objective: Support competitions, their clubs and schools to provide quality management and environments to motivate volunteers, coaches, teachers and sports trainers for all levels of the game. Key Strategies: Club Development Implementation of club health check during June / July 2015 and provide overview to competitions and clubs. Ensure all clubs are provided assistance with sustainable financial modelling, i.e. budgeting and financial management structures. Provide all clubs with templates for strategic planning, club policies, position descriptions and financial management, inclusive of online training modules. Provide training and educational seminars based on development needs identifies by clubs.

18 Competitions Support Provide assistance and advice to competitions as required and requested, being proactive. Provide competitions with information regarding industry initiatives from other regions, competitions and clubs. Support operating efficiencies through regional administration centre offering and other support mechanisms such as club health check, facility review, etc. Ensure a collaborative approach is maintained with competitions to promote interaction. Volunteers Provide yearly development seminars for volunteers and officials covering topics including (but not exclusive too) financial management, marketing and sponsorship, sports medicine, operational planning, stakeholder engagement and club culture/environment Build on existing volunteer recognition programs in consultation with AFL Victoria, competitions and clubs. Provide for additional recognition programs at a local level as or when required. Assist clubs with volunteer recruitment, retention and management Encourage online development programs for all volunteers. Use media to elevate volunteer activity in community thereby promoting attractiveness of volunteer engagement. Schools Develop stronger links between local schools and clubs Continue to develop the AFL School Ambassador Program locally Work with AFL Clubs (Collingwood, Hawthorn and Richmond) to strengthen engagement at primary and secondary school levels. Engagement Strategic Objective: Develop stakeholder and community engagement initiatives that support the vision, values, and mission statement of AFL Yarra Ranges whilst enhancing social values and equal opportunity for all. Key Strategies: Stakeholder Engagement Implement a social responsibility program across all clubs within the region, with targeted curriculum for junior and senior clubs Deliver AFL programs to clubs including Respect and Responsibility, Racial and Religious Vilification and Multicultural Programs. Provide refresher training on a yearly basis to all clubs and coaches.

19 AFL YARRA RANGES REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN Ensure all club coaches are accredited. Provide regular information and briefings to clubs on shifting trends with regards to demographics, ethnicity, community issues and female team development. Community Engagement Utilise the resources and expertise of partner organisations such as Beehive, Keep Your Cool and local government departments in the delivery of social responsibility programs. Look at options in the development of a Local Government Reference Group to identify key community engagement activities. Utilise media outlets and social media for the promotion of community engagement initiatives from clubs and competitions. Through the support of interest groups, develop a Cultural Awareness Program for clubs within the region, particularly those within areas of high diversity. Development Strategic Objective: Provide and promote development programs including pathways for players, umpires, coaches and administrators. Key Strategies: Player Development Manage and oversee the V/Line Cup U15 Program, creating another boys and a new Youth Girls team for the championships under the banner of Eastern Ranges. Manage and oversee the Junior Inter league Carnival and continue to review its scheduling, composition and age classifications. Consolidate and integrate talent programs in the region with competitions and clubs. Assist in the promotion and management of inter league at all levels, both senior and junior. Increase skill development opportunities for players through clinics and holiday programs. Coach Development Release a coaching strategy for the region in consultation with AFL Victoria and FDM. Explore options to develop and enhance the Level 1 Coaching Course, providing a diverse range of information for coaches at all levels senior and junior. Provide up to 4 additional yearly seminars for coaches at no cost for AFCA members. These seminars shall, where possible, include AFL, VFL and TAC Cup Coach Presentations. Provide coaching development opportunities to AFL Yarra Ranges member clubs. Promote coaching pathway opportunities for region coaches with the representative and talent pathways, via Eastern Ranges programs.

20 AFL YARRA RANGES REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN Develop and build the coaching co-ordinator program through all levels of football in consultation with both junior and senior competitions in the region. Develop a coaching mentor program through AFCA and level 2 coaches Umpire Development Work with regional umpiring associations to promote umpiring through the community including junior and senior clubs, schools and multicultural communities. Promote AFL Victoria Country academy programs and umpiring pathways. Support and develop umpire coach education programs (AFL Vic). Support and promote a more defined player to umpire program within the region. Facilities Strategic Objective: Develop region wide plans to advocate for and collaborate on facility development for competitions, their clubs, umpires and schools. Key Strategies: Government Relations Create a local government reference group with representatives from all municipalities from across the region to discuss facility and topical club/competitions issues. Update councils on the latest information regarding football s economic and social impact, via Deakin University Report. Maintain a political position working with the government of the day whilst continuing to build relationships with the opposition party of the day. Arrange a minimum of half yearly meeting with all related council and shire sport and recreation departments. Facility Development Conduct a facility audit of all club facilities in reference to the AFL National Facility Standards, in conjunction with local shires and councils. Produce a report on all current and prospective facility developments in the region Consult with clubs, competitions and local government to ensure all facilities are being maximised and multi use facility focus moving forward on all upgraded facilities. Assist with facility design and expansion to current AFL Victoria recommended standards, refer AFL Victoria website for guidance.

21 Partnerships Strategic Objective: Develop strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses, government, other sports and community organisations Key Strategies: Commercial Partnerships Develop strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with small, medium and large scale businesses within our region and beyond. Develop a partnership profile which has the capacity to reduce operational costs for clubs and competitions. Ensure there are strong business to business networking opportunities for all competitions and Commission partners, value add where possible to strengthen relationships. Survey competitions and Commission partners to ensure there are high levels of satisfaction with partnership outcomes and/or objectives, minimum of twice yearly. Community Partnerships Develop a strong and diverse network of community partners which provide support for community engagement and responsibility objectives on a Win-Win basis. Provide support for one charity partner per year, with a partnership not to exceed a two year period. This will ensure the Commission will, over time, have the ability to support a number of charities in a meaningful and significant manner (Pride programs awareness is our focus for 2016/17). Sports and Government Partnerships Continue to build relationships with partner sports (i.e. Netball) and seek new opportunities with other sports as they present. Joint development programs for volunteers and game development opportunities. Build a consultative relationship with government at all levels in order to expand relationship and better facility management processes of competitions and affiliates. Ensure all candidates from all sides of politics are familiar with AFL Yarra Ranges, our vision and direction, the needs of our clubs and competitions within the region.

22 People and Culture Strategic Objective: Attract, develop and retain quality people and develop a culture of excellence in line with AFL Yarra Ranges key objectives and values Key Strategies: Staff Provide additional resources to our region including the procurement of Game Development Officers (GDO) via Football Development Manager (FDM). Ensure all staff has access to strong professional development opportunities including conferences, seminars and training courses suited to our regions needs and development processes, such as AFL Victoria approved programs. Support competitions and RAC staff through regular briefings, meetings and information sharing and ensure interaction between all commissioners is forthright. Develop a pathway for staff progression within the industry, including support for staff development from the AFL and AFL Victoria. Commission Ensure the skill sets within the Commission provide a diverse range of support for competitions and clubs, as highlighted in AFL Yarra Ranges constitute document. Ensure Commissioners have the necessary support and are equipped to provide such support, to all affiliates RAC staff and AFL Victoria. Ensure the Vision and Principles of the Commission are adhered too throughout the organisation including staff, competitions, Clubs, volunteers and commissioners.

23 Regions Statistics Teams Dandenong Ranges Junior Football Competitions Inc DRJFL Team Numbers U U U U U U U Total Participation Stats 2015 Club Participation (Boys) Club Participation (Girls) Primary School Participation Eastern -Yarra Ranges 2, ,305 Secondary School Participation Veterans Participation AFL 9's Eastern -Yarra Ranges School Holiday Program Auskick School Promotional Community Promotional Eastern -Yarra Ranges ,495 1,770