The WorkSafe VCFL has released its Preliminary Recommendations Report on the Castlemaine Kyneton Maryborough Junior Review.

A WorkSafe VCFL panel conducted 25 interviews with the clubs and leagues involved in junior football in this area of the state. This included the Castlemaine and District Junior Football League, the Kyneton and District Junior Football League, the Maryborough Castlemaine Football Netball League, the Central Victorian Football administration hub, AFL Victoria, the Bendigo Junior Football League and Maryborough, Castlemaine and Kyneton Senior Football Netball Clubs.

Statistical data on participation trends and numbers along with a comprehensive demographic assessment of the areas also assisted the development of draft recommendations.

CEO of the WorkSafe VCFL, Steven Reaper, said that all feedback from clubs and leagues were taken into consideration in the drafting of these preliminary recommendations,

"There was a strong majority view during the interview period that change in some form was necessary to maintain effective and sustainable junior football structures in the region. This review takes a long term view into growing junior football in the Castlemaine, Kyneton and Maryborough regions." said Reaper,

"The recommendations point to some significant changes to the way junior football is structured in the region.

"This includes a move to an area wide age and league structure that we believe can better deliver a fluent pathway from Auskick to senior football that limits barriers to growth and junior development that currently hinders existing competitions.

"We were also fully aware that our recommendations should follow the guidelines of the Next Generation Australian Football Match Policy as to the best way to balance the different purposes of the game at different age levels between 5 - 18.", Reaper said.

"I thank all participants for their contributions to this stage, and encourage all these stakeholders to carefully read the report and provide feedback to the VCFL before the due date."

Clubs and leagues have until August 8th to provide feedback to the recommendations in the document.

The final report will be developed after consideration of all feedback received, with a view to implementing changes in time for the 2012 season.

Article first appeared www.vcfl.com.au July 20, 2011