FOUR years of discussions will reach a conclusion next week, with the Golden Rivers Football League and Golden Rivers Netball League to vote on merging.
The GRNL’s nine clubs will be asked to vote on the Becoming One Golden Rivers Football Netball League proposal at Monday night’s annual meeting, with the GRFL’s clubs to also consider the move at Wednesday’s annual meeting.
Both leagues will seek approval of a new name, the adoption of corporate documents and electing a new board of management.
“A successful outcome of amalgamation for both leagues lies in the form of building strong, diverse governance,” GRFL board member and long-time netballer, Angela Hird said.
“A board composed of people who have a willingness to look at the short and long-term needs of the league as a whole community, as well having the skills, judgement and background to fulfil the duties of a board member, will ensure the benefits of becoming a football netball league come to fruition.”
Both leagues initially looked at amalgamating in 2013, but a variety of issues – ranging from the re-entry into the AFL Victoria Community Championships, junior football numbers, implementation of the player points system for footballers and the formation of AFL Central Rivers Umpires – meant the proposal was delayed.
A forum earlier this year enabled football and netball clubs to identify what they value the most about their respective competitions, what opportunities to improve exist and what they want the competition to look like in the future.
All feedback – as well as consultation with regional sports assemblies, Netball Victoria, AFL Victoria and leagues that have already amalgamated their football and netball competitions – helped develop a statement of purpose that will provide a foundation for the new league’s operations.
“Participants at the workshop identified other benefits for Golden Rivers by way of shared administration resources, sponsorship, results administration, increased promotion and cross governance,” Hird said.
Although the GRFL relies on a board – which has incorporated netball representatives since its restructure in 2016 – to oversee its management, the GRNL has rotated its executive positions around the clubs for the past three years.
“The benefit of rotation of office is ownership and engagement in GRNL operations by the clubs, however the cost is constantly changing leadership and lack of strategic direction,” Hird said.
“Formally becoming the Golden Rivers Football Netball League by way of amalgamation will provide a sustainable structure to enable Golden Rivers to be a viable football and netball community that provides opportunities for safe, inclusive sporting activities for many years to come.”
