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| Report Appendices | |
| G - Other relevant issues |
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During the consultation process there were a number of issues brought to our attention that were not directly related to the terms of reference of this Review. These issues are identified here for the attention of the future Board and management of Soccer Australia to address at the appropriate time. It will be noted that a number of these issues are contradictory as a result of the differing views of the many participants
National body issues
Poor public perception of the game in Australia.
Should Oceania be granted automatic World Cup qualification then Soccer Australia should not rely on the potential of massive cash injections every four years.
Victorian Major Events Company and Soccer Australia have a Heads of Agreement, which concerns the staging of international games involving the national teams, with the primary goal to achieve the FIFA World Cup by 2014.
Contracting players to the national body.
Lack of value for national registration levy and capitation fees paid by players and clubs to state and national bodies.
Television Programming Pty Ltd’s (NSL marketing rights) agreement with Soccer Australia to market and package the NSL appears to overlap with the rights provided to International Events Corporation.
Soccer Australia should be able to claim a greater percentage of transfer monies for Australian players to contribute to game development.
Appointment of an international football ambassador to promote Australian soccer and establish international contacts.
Promotion of the women’s game will also help to drive growth in the men’s game.
Standardisation of player registration fees throughout the country.
Soccer bodies are disputing the collection of various levies, as delivery of services promised has not occurred.
To collect any future levies (imposed at either national or state levels), the stakeholders would demand implementation timetables for delivery of programs, etc.
The creation of a media strategy for the sport in terms of coverage and public relations.
Soccer Australia has issued 150 player agent licences — causing environmental problems at the lower levels as young players now have agents and are being exposed to the commercial aspects of the game at an early age.
Grass-roots issues
Significant reduction in participation rates from juniors to seniors.
Lack of facilities at the grass-roots level.
The national league to have rookie player contracts and commitments to grass roots.
Lack of integration between schools and clubs.
Cross-boarder policy regarding junior representative teams.
French-style soccer academy to be developed for Australian juniors.
Further promotion of the game to Indigenous people.
High costs of talent identification and coaching courses appear to be roadblocks to the development of game.
Club system to be fully integrated between juniors and seniors, and men and women.
A compensation scheme for clubs (that is, grass-roots clubs) who develop players that are then transferred.
Soccer Australia needs a long-term facilities plan for each state to harness the growth at grass-roots level.
Improved links with the Australian Institute of Sport and state institutes of sport, regarding high performance programs for the sport.
The commissioning of a development conference, say once a year, to investigate and discuss coaching, player pathways, high performance programs, junior programs, etc.
The accreditation programs for coaches in Australia are seen to be too onerous and prohibitive.
Ten per cent of transfer fees generated from the sale of NSL players should be returned to the game for further development.
National team
National team based in Europe.
Consideration of an academy to be established in Europe.
Australia to be part of Asian Nations Cup and Asian Champions League (club soccer).
National team to qualify for World Cup through Asia.
Lack of national team games in Australia.
National Soccer League
Many believe the NSL should operate independently of Soccer Australia.
NSL clubs conflicted between own interests and that of the game as a whole.
Unsustainable national competition.
Player leakage to overseas.
Consideration of the Australian Professional Footballers’ Association plan for an Australian Premier League to replace the NSL.
NSL needs more teams.
State of origin concept to be developed.
Exclusion practices of some NSL clubs.
NSL to be decommissioned, with a return to state premier leagues.
Poor links between Australia’s international ‘stars’, and the domestic game.
Allowances made for promotion and relegation at the national-league level.
Reinstatement of a national cup competition.
NSL to be 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 teams.
Consideration of equalisation policies for the national league such as a draft and salary cap.
Racial issues within the NSL are the cause of a lack of broader public appeal for the competition.
Encourage overseas teams to invest in NSL clubs and encourage Australian investment in English clubs, that is, Second and Third Division.
NSL should be played in Australian winter because it is affecting the development of players.
NSL should remain under the structure of Soccer Australia but the stakeholders should accept that the NSL will never be a successful flagship league. It should be used for the development of players, similar to Pura Cup for cricket.
General
Some believe that the Australian Professional Footballers’ Association is no longer independent and representing all players.
Ethnic elements remain prevalent in soccer in Australia.
The Australian Professional Footballers’ Association receives 5 per cent commission on all transfers, which deprives clubs of revenue.
Many are of the opinion that the name ‘soccer’ should be replaced by ‘football’.
Volunteer development, training and recruitment programs need to be introduced/enhanced.
Players at institutes of sport should return costs of training if they choose to play for another country.
Views that soccer’s administrators at all levels should be enrolled in administration courses to ensure adequate skilling.
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