AFL Goldfields has announced the structure for its player points system for its four leagues, including the Ballarat and Riddell District football leagues.
As previously reported by Star Weekly, AFL Victoria has approved a state wide player points system in 2016 and the introduction of player salary cap a year later.
Under the new regulations, every player will be awarded between one and six points, based on his playing history.
The total number of allotted points each is up to the discretion of individual leagues
AFL Goldfields has allocated each team in the Ballarat Football League 45 points for next season. This will decrease to 44 points in 2017 and 43 points in 2018.
Teams in the Riddell District, Central Highlands and Maryborough Castlemaine District football leagues will all be allocated 42 points in 2016, 41 in 2017 and 40 points in 2018.
Any player who has played at least one match at AFL level in the previous three seasons will command the maximum six points, while players who have played 40 junior matches for a club or been a one club player will only cost one point.
Points decrease one point per year of being at a club until down to one point.
AFL Goldfields regional general manager Rod Ward said the points allocation for the Ballarat league was in line with the recommended points allocation for AFL Victoria Country premier leagues, while the other three leagues were in line or slightly higher than neighbouring district competitions.
“With the large emphasis on junior development by Ballarat FNL Clubs, the AFL Goldfields Commission believes that such a level of points is sustainable and will ensure a healthy and vibrant competition for these clubs into the future, whilst also allowing clubs the capacity to recruit one or two marquee players should they so desire,” Ward said.
“The [district leagues] points have been determined to ensure that clubs can retain current lists, whilst also allowing a clear distinction between premier/district league clubs.”
As previously indicated by Ward, AFL Goldfields has the ability to allocate additional points to some clubs.
Clubs have to apply for extra points, which may be allocated due to geographic location, hardship or a club’s junior program structure.
He also said clubs which win multiple premierships or have sustained success over several seasons could have their points allocation reduced.
On top of the points system being introduced next year, AFL Goldfields will be one of the regions to trial some aspects of the player salary cap.
AFL Barwon and AFL Central Victoria are expected to be part of this trial as well.
“The PSC framework is still being finalised but is being drafted to ensure that the aspects used as part of pilot in 2016 will mirror the state-wide PSC implemented in 2017,” Ward said.
“The pilot introduced for 2016 will focus on training and education programs, reporting and other details.”
No audits will be carried out by AFL Victoria /AFL Goldfields Integrity Officers, nor will sanctions be imposed for any PSC breaches during 2016.
The pilot salary caps for the leagues are set to be released by AFL Goldfields next week, with an eye to reduce the salary caps in 2017-18.
