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With our focus of Healthy Clubs, Competitive Football and Strong Management, football and our Clubs grew and developed to be the Benchmark of Leagues in the State let alone the Country. Participation had never been higher, Clubs had never been healthier and there was a united desire of most of our clubs to work together in the best interests of football in the region.

AFLNSW in its wisdom determined that the BDAFL would not run football in the region and by denying any possibility of affiliation, and legal threats that gave our clubs no option but to align with its new League.

Our clubs have elected that the BDAFL remain in abeyance, its future to be determined by the success or failure of the AFL run league.

The BDAFL will continue to act in the best interests of its Clubs.

This website preserve both the rich history of the BDAFL as well as the promises of AFLNSW to our clubs.

AFL NSW/ACT seek to implement new structure into the region to grow football in the region which would require the following:

 

AFL Hunter Coast Board: This Board will be responsible for strategic direction of football in the region, essentially focussing on bigger picture issues – integration between senior and junior football, five year plans, securing sponsorship of all local football etc. Clubs within the respective competitions will be affiliated to this entity, however the AFL Hunter Coast Board will delegate responsibility to the respective League Committees to oversee their own leagues via the attached Charter of Operations.

 

BDAFL Board: This board will be dissolved as an incorporated entity to satisfy legal requirements. Effectively it’s autonomy and responsibilities will remain unchanged, as outlined in the Charter of Operations – it will now just operate as a League Committee.

Finances: Finances will be rolled into AFL Hunter Coast, and then be applied to respective cost centres for each of the leagues. Existing funds will effectively remain under the control of each of the leagues. As per is the case now, funds will remain to be used at the discretion of the relevant League Committees. There will be some financial reporting to AFL Hunter Coast as outlined in the Constitution.

 

The BDAFL ultimately refused to accept this proposal on the basis with such a compressed timeline involved, a complete lack of consultation with the BDAFL from AFL NSW/ACT, despite significant consultation with other stakeholders, and a number of back room deals taking place that were to the detriment of the BDAFL, it would not be in the interests of its affiliated clubs, at that time, to join with the AFL Hunter Coast.

 

After discussions throughout the previous year the boards position was: 

The Black Diamond AFL (BDAFL) has considered the latest model presented by AFL NSW/ACT and AFL Hunter Coast and confirm that the BDAFL is committed to a single Football Operations Department (consisting of 1 x full time and 1 x part time employee) reporting directly to the AFL Hunter Coast Board to oversee Football Operations across AFL Hunter Coast. This is not consistent with the model presented.

 

The BDAFL has no major issues, in principle, with the amount of funding as proposed by AFL NSW/ACT, nor the Corporate Structure of the Board as outlined in AFL Hunter Coast Chairman, Ross Hughes’ e-mail dated 13/10/2014, although we believe that there are some aspects that need agreement.

 

Should the BDAFL Football Operations model be agreed to, we would support it’s implementation for the 2015 season” 

This was not acceptable to AFL NSW/ACT

 

AFL NSW/ACT indicated their position had not changed. BDAFL President personally made contact with the President of Hunter Coast Juniors to attempt to strengthen a relationship between leagues. Both parties agreed on a number of initiatives including the exchanging of Board minutes and regular catch ups, neither of which were achieved. 

A submission was forwarded to Darren Simpson, AFL NSW/ACT State Football Operations Manager seeking funding to support the growth of senior football in the region which included “a 50 % increase in teams from 22 in 2013 to 33 in 2015, and we anticipate continued growth of 2+ teams annually over the next few years”.

At the beginning of the 2015 season, AFL NSW/ACT provided a grant of $1,500 to each of the inaugural 6 women’s teams. A $2,750 payment to administer the same competition was also made available albeit this was a one-off payment despite the women’s competition continuing to grow on an annual basis.

In request to our request for funding, Sam Graham the incoming AFL NSW/ACT CEO noted that

"Unfortunately, we were unable to accommodate your full request at this time, as it’s the last year of our current broadcast funding cycle".

Darren then provided the following response in November 2015:

"My plan is to conduct the consultation through the early period of 2016 so that a consolidated view can be presented in the lead-up to next year’s budget cycle. As you would appreciate, there are going to be a lot of hands out next year within the AFL looking for more money and the ones with the best chance of success will be those that are best prepared. If we go through a process throughout 2016 that looks at not only fees paid by clubs, but the entire administration model in each of our leagues, then I think there is scope to come up with a packaged proposal utilising increased AFL funding"

When we commence this process, we will share the information gathered so that everyone can have a say and make suggestions with all of the data on hand. I will aim to have something out to all leagues early in the New Year and for this to be a project which runs throughout the first half of 2016 finishing with some recommendations to take into budget discussions.”

Darren Resigned in May 2016.

The BDAFL provided the following update to the clubs:

Currently a number of similar Leagues in NSW receive funding from AFL NSW/ACT, The Black Diamond League after many requests and submissions receive effectively zero funding from AFL NSW/ACT despite doing all in its power to provide quality competitions and pathways for juniors and assist AFL NSW at all times.

 We have worked to improve relationships with AFL NSW/ACT and Hunter Coast in 2015 which we were lead to believe were barriers to AFL funding, it appears that this is not the case as no funding for operations and women’s football will be available to the BDAFL where they are funded in other leagues- I find this extremely disappointing given the hard work of the league but ultimately beyond our control.

Consistent with the BDAFL’s Strategic Plan it was identified the need for foundation club Gosford to return to the BDAFL from AFL Sydney - AFL NSW/ACT were asked to assist, however no support was forthcoming. 

 

As part of its Strategic Plan and following feedback from stakeholders the BDAFL Proposed a Forum of all AFL stakeholders in the region to look at:

Expanding Black Diamond Cup competition

• Competition Structures both BDAFL and Juniors;

• Pathways from junior football to senior football;

• Recruitment and Retention of Senior & Junior players

• Movement of Players between Clubs, both senior and junior

 

In addition to this, with the BDAFL Women’s competition going from strength to strength we need to look at ways of expanding Women’s involvement in our game from not just playing but into coaching, umpiring and filling committee/Board positions.

The forum was attended by representatives from 11 BDAFL clubs, 9 Junior clubs as well as AFL Hunter Coast Chairman and Newcastle Junior Regional Chairman. AFL NSW/ACT were invited to be participate in the forum but declined. There main concern was that we made contact with the junior clubs, inviting them to attend the forum.

Feedback received from the meeting provided an insight into the position of those clubs in attendance and what they believed need to happen for football to continue to thrive in this region.  

A meeting was held with all 13 clubs in October as a follow up from the forum whilst the feedback received from the junior clubs was on-forwarded to the AFL Hunter Coast Board (at their request) for their actioning.

 

Meeting held at BDAFL’s request with new AFL NSW/ACT State Football Operations Manager, Sam Chadwick.

We informed Sam of our competition plans for 2017 and continued our request for financial assistance. At the meeting Sam noted "I think we all agree that something needs to be done to stop City’s and Terrigal’s dominance, so it’s a great discussion to have"

 

A meeting was held at Adelaide St Oval involving the BDAFL and AFL NSW/ACT representatives, Sam Chadwick, Simon Smyth (AFL NSW/ACT Regional Manager – Hunter Coast) and Dean Connors (AFL NSW/ACT State Manager Regions) with Sam providing the following minutes from the meeting.

 

There is value in additional resourcing in both the Football Operations and Club Development functions for the BDAFL and its clubs.

 

Further, the following action items also arose from the meeting:

 

1. All parties to immediately commence discussions in relation to a second Newcastle club comprising junior and women's teams in the first instance. BDAFL to identify potential senior women's coach and AFL NSW/ ACT to identify potential figureheads for juniors teams.

 

2. AFL NSW/ ACT to identify the geographical spread of Newcastle City FC's player base (juniors and seniors).

 

3. AFL NSW/ ACT to liaise with the Newcastle City Council regarding the identification and development of a second AFL facility.

 

4. AFL NSW/ ACT and the BDAFL will analyse the potential implementation of a Player Points System in the BDAFL in the near future including a potential pilot process. AFL NSW/ ACT to outline a number of case examples across other leagues/ regions.

 

5. AFL NSW/ ACT to provide the BDAFL with marketing support to assist growth of the BDAFL Women's League, where requested and required.

 

6. Review the existing governance structure and funding arrangements across the BDAFL and AFL Hunter Coast.

7. AFL NSW/ ACT to facilitate regular meeting schedule between the BDAFL and AFL Hunter Coast to improve collaboration. Despite Sam sending an e-mail in December 2016 advising that “Simon will be in contact with both yourself and Ross to schedule monthly face to face meetings between the BDAFL and AFL Hunter Coast (Michael Gray, Ross Hughes, Garry and you)”- these meetings never occurred and no effort was made by AFL NSW/ACT to engage the BDAFL. 

         

The BDAFL position “was that in regard’s to the player points system we believe after the development, implementation and presentation of our player restrictions we would be prudent to keep them in place for the 2017 season. We are happy to explore a points system that the AFL could provide which would achieve a similar result to the current restrictions that could be introduced in 2018. We are happy to provide any information required but would leave the design of such a system to you to keep it in line with your vision.”  

                  

 AFL NSW/ACT (Sam Chadwick) requested 

"For the purposes of the review of the governance, resourcing and financial framework of all AFL NSW/ ACT leagues, are you able to send me the BDAFL’s full year profit & loss for the 12 months ended 2016?"

The BDAFL provided this information, yet the results from such review have never been received despite our the BDAFL’s continual request.

Following the BDAFL announcing that they would be introducing the Equalisation Policy and proposed competition restructures, Newcastle City objected to its implementation and instead of following the AFL NSW/ACT Appeals process threatened the BDAFL with legal action.

Despite 93% of the BDAFL clubs supporting the introduction of the policy, and without obtaining the views of the club’s AFL NSW/ACT supported Newcastle City’s position and following on from significant communication both written and verbal provided the following ultimatum in March 2018:

 

 

“However, AFL NSW/ ACT provides the BDAFL with notice that affiliation will only continue after 31 October 2017 on the basis that the BDAFL:

a) has formally withdrawn By-Law 17.12 (and does not subsequently introduce a similar By-Law);

b) actively works with AFL NSW/ ACT to implement a tailored CCSP for 2018;

c) has confirmed that it will not cap the number of teams per BDAFL club in 2018 onwards; and

d) otherwise complies with terms of the Affiliation Agreement.

AFL NSW/ ACT notes that there will be no additional investment into the BDAFL as a result of the State Leagues Review or otherwise until these matters are addressed to the satisfaction of AFL NSW/ ACT.

Also, AFL NSW/ ACT reserves its right to consult with BDAFL clubs regarding these matters as required. 

Further, if necessary, AFL NSW/ ACT is prepared to directly assume operations of the BDAFL competitions in the best interests of clubs, players and football in the region.”

 

In hindsight this paragraph would show AFL NSW/ACT real interests in our league after a decade of ignoring it. – On the basis of one club’s complaints they were happy to ignore the growth, health and achievements of the league and run football here.

 

The BDAFL Club Delegates invited Sam Graham and Sam Chadwick to discuss the ultimatum and the lack of funding provided to football in this region. This offer was not accepted. 

They did however employ Richard Griffiths (independent Football Administrator) to undertake an independent review of football in the region. The Terms of Reference of the review was to speak to representatives of all junior and senior clubs in the region and provide a report on the state of football in the region and make recommendations moving forward. He was not requested to speak to the BDAFL Board, however took it upon himself to speak to one Board Member and the Football Operations Manager. Following this meeting Mr Griffiths made the comment “it appears to me that it is AFL NSW/ACT that needs to come and speak to you not me”. A number of club President’s indicated that Mr Griffiths had not made contact with them.

Mr Griffiths report has never been made available to the BDAFL or the clubs. On numerous occasions AFL NSW/ACT have quoted alleged parts from the review with a number of clubs stating that what has been quoted was not what they had said to Mr Griffiths. 

One can only assume that the contents of the review was not what AFL NSW/ACT either expected or wanted to hear.

 

AFL NSW/ACT meet the BDAFL Board to flag a proposal which includes:

• Independent governance structure incorporating both senior and junior to bring in alignment with National Strategy

• Both the BDAFL and AFL Hunter Coast to merge with a new entity to be established

 

The October 31, 2017 deadline bought an AFL NSW/ACT edict that all affiliation agreements would be cancelled come the 31 October 2018 and new ones would be offered to those who meet AFL NSW/ACT requirements.

BDAFL advises AFL NSW/ACT that it:

• has withdrawn the existing Equalisation Policy

• has submitted a tailored CCSP, as recommended by the Equalisation Strategy Working Group and accepted by the BDAFL Board, to AFL NSW/ACT.  

• will not cap the number of teams per BDAFL club in 2018 onwards

• comply with terms of the Affiliation Agreement.

As per the Affiliation Agreement the BDAFL attempted to determine what exact parameters any competition structure and equalisation policy boundaries were – and after no clear response AFL NSW/ACT decided to introduce a state-wide by-law to “it must meet the approval of AFL NSW/ACT”- a bar we could never reach, given AFL NSW/ACT quest for control in the region.

 

It was very clear that AFL NSW/ACT would offer some financial assistance and support to our league on the proviso we meet certain criteria. After much consultation involving governance model, constitution etc an in-principle agreement was reached whereby a proposal would be put to a Special General Meeting of both Senior and Junior Clubs.

It must be noted that no clubs called for a Special meeting, this was offered by the BDAFL Board with the Board prepared to sign their votes in agreement to the model to allow the clubs alone to determine their future.

 

In preparation to the vote AFL NSW/ACT failed to provide the clubs and the BDAFL with a clear proposal and financial model prior to the Vote.

 

Special Meeting held to vote on the merger of AFL Hunter Coast and BDAFL.

AFL Hunter Coast clubs voted against the proposal which meant the merger could not proceed and as such the BDAFL Special meeting was cancelled.

 

 AFL NSW/ACT agreed that the BDAFL would be affiliated for 2017 using an AFL NSW/ACT approved Player Points system.

 

The BDAFL clubs met soon after the cancelled Special General Meeting and recommended to AFL NSW/ACT the following to achieve a positive vote:

 

• Commitment that clubs will drive and vote on any changes to competition structures

• Assurance that fees will not rise for 3 years, Budget Forecasts for next 2 years

• Goals and Outcomes clearly set- an example may be " every club to have u/13 15 17 sides within 3 years",or " no club to have more than one side until all other local clubs have a full side" . Any Growth or other Goals the AFL have to be made clear

• Assurity of communication and synergy between development staff and their goals and club’s input to ensure development work is assisting clubs.

• Staffing to be addressed immediately to work with existing operations staff to be able to hit the ground running, and ensure marketing and sponsorship is retained or improved.

 

AFL NSW/ACT advised that they “we will address our position in due course” and disagreed with our assessment of the club’s positions and will seek feedback in due course.

The BDAFL also provided AFL NSW/ACT the opportunity to provide a suitable nominee to fill the BDAFL Board vacancy. They declined, however requested the BDAFL amend our constitution to have 3 AFL Appointed members. The BDAFL subsequently approached Mt Brett Farrell and Mr Michael Stone (Proposed AFL NSW/ACT Appointees to Hunter Central Coast Board to see if they would be interested in filling the casual vacancy). Both declined.

AFL NSW/ACT advise clubs that they will be setting up a senior competition in opposition to the BDAFL next year if the BDAFL did not merge with the AFL Hunter Coast. That competition would be the only competition that would receive AFL NSW/ACT affiliation in 2019 i.e. the BDAFL would be unaffiliated.

Following this the BDAFL have had no formal input to any further proposals from AFL NSW/ACT, who chose to deal with clubs directly and establish a working party to Develop a new entity to run Football in the region.

 

AFL NSW/ACT Legal issue notice that from 1 November the BDAFL would not be able to use the terms “AFL’ or “Australian Football League” in any identifiers which would include “BDAFL or Black Diamond AFL” or they would reserve their right to legal recourse- they also requested the destruction of all properties making un authorised use of AFL Intellectual properties. 

It is apparent from this AFL NSW/ACT have one goal, remove the BDAFL and be the face of football in the region 

 

Ultimately this whole process has been about control. I have no doubt that the performance of the BDAFL who became self-funded, grew club health, encouraged new teams, grew community connections and became the face of football in the region did not suit the AFL who believe they are the only one who can run football.

 

Their actions have driven many long-time volunteers from the game and have devoted many hours that could have been spent developing football into protecting the success that has been achieved.

 

There is no doubt that senior football has never been healthier in the region whilst from many people’s observations junior football (currently run by AFL NSW/ACT) is struggling.

 

AFL NSW/ACT have never been open to the BDAFL running both senior and junior football, despite many clubs expressing a desire for this to happen, and by their actions over the last 2 years and their “meet the approval of AFL NSW/ACT” policy, I have serious concerns for football in the region and hope that our clubs and stakeholders hold AFL NSW/ACT to account for both their promises and actions in the future. I only hope that any new board has the same respect and dedication to its clubs over and above the AFL NSW/ACT kpi’s, and displays the same transparency as the BDAFL Board has through its annual report and media in the future.

Only then will the AFL have shown their actions have been “in the best interest of clubs, players and football in the region”