Evening all,
Over the past couple of months we have been meeting with the Competition Integrity Officer of the WAAFL in regards to allegations made against our football club.
After an investigation carried out by the WAAFL Competition Integrity Officer, the WAAFL confirm that we have admitted to offering inducements and payment of players throughout the 2017 season. Let us be clear that at no time cash payments were given to players. The punishment is being given as players were permitted to play without paying fees. The committee pushed for all fees to be paid but were advised by senior figures within the club that fees for certain players were not required. This was a mistake on the clubs behalf. We are aware that the WAAFL has gathered information from many sources at many different clubs and believe players were approached and offered money to play at our club for the 2017 season. We can categorically say that this was individuals acting on their own accord and without the clubs blessing. The individuals involved are no longer involved with the Noranda Football Club
We have been open and honest throughout the investigation, and admit to certain conduct, the WAAFL Board authorised discretionary powers to the Competition Integrity Officer on penalties which may be applied under WAAFL By-law Part1, 35.10(d)
Accordingly, the WAAFL determined, and the Noranda Senior Football Club agreed, that the club;
1. Be relegated from C1 to C2 for the 2018 season; and
2. Receive a $500 fine.
The club was further field $500 for poor behaviour displayed by some of it spectators at the E-Grade Grand Final on Saturday 9th September 2017.
To the members of our great football club this may be a shock but also is the best resolution for the club and it could have been much worse had we not cooperated. Let’s ensure we all stick together. We have been a successful club and the future starts now. Please don’t let this affect your love for the football club as at the end of the day our club will still be represented in 2018 on a Saturday afternoon which is why the club is here. We have been making big plans and movements in the last couple of months which are also soon to be announced.
Moving forward we need to understand and become familiar with the By laws of the WAAFL and that will be a big focus for the beginning of the season. We need to make sure the committee, players, coaches, members and supporters understand the rules to ensure we are doing the right thing to fellow members, opposition and the WAAFL association.
Here is a link to everything we need to know
www.waafl.com.au/resources/downloads/56/...es-and-constitutions
Last but not least to the rest of the clubs within the WAAFL we sincerely apologise and can honestly say that we had no idea this was a breach in the rules and look forward to putting this behind us.
Regards,
Jason Sharp
Noranda Senior Football Club
