Regional bodies to think local

INTRODUCING regional advisory commissions is aimed at stopping the flow of talented TSL players to lower leagues for extra cash and less training.

The commissions will introduce a points system for players transferring between clubs and leagues to stop teams becoming too strong or too weak, or diluting the strength of higher level leagues.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the commissions — one in the South, North and North-West — would follow the set up in regional Victoria.

“The regional advisory commissions will be made up of local representatives, [with] representatives from local leagues, umpiring bodies and others,” Mr McLachlan said.

“They will be responsible for the local issues.

“If you look to Victoria, there are 12 regional advisory commissions and that works well working with all the local issues, whether that be salary caps and point systems to league rules and others.”

Administration hubs will be introduced to alleviate the burden on community football leagues and volunteers.

But what that means for the existing Tasmanian Football Council is yet to be decided.

The football administration hubs would be funded by the AFL and look after the daily running of local leagues such as fixtures and tribunals.

But all leagues will have to come under AFL Tasmania’s umbrella to receive the support.

AFL Tasmania chief executive Trisha Squires said this would be a major benefit for overworked club volunteers.

“The formation of the football administration hubs, I think that is going to help those volunteers who are working so hard in community football,” Ms Squires said.

“I think that is a real win for us.”

Mr McLachlan said the future of the TFC, representing the SFL, NTFA and the NWFL, was still being discussed.

“These are passionate people that have a role to play in the three senior leagues and these are committed football people,” he said.