The FFV have introduced a raft of changes in the rules for the NPL for the 2016 season. Some of these changes relate to on-field activities in junior matches, whilst others govern team rosters, age-limits and the match-day experience. One of the most noticeable of these is a 25% increase in admission prices for NPL matches.
A review of the 2015 Rules of Competition shows adult admission prices to the NPL and NPL1 Seniors as being capped at $12 and $7 respectively, including GST. It therefore came as a surprise to many during the season when some clubs were charging above the cap. More surprising was it only being done by some clubs for certain matches. It appeared as though the controversial AFL practice of variable pricing had arrived in the NPL.
Inquiries with the FFV quickly identified the clubs were not doing anything wrong. The FFV had in fact issued clubs with an exemption to the publicly published NPL Competition Rules capping admission prices. Liam Bentley, the FFV’s Head of NPL, issued a memo to the NPL clubs on 20th February stating the FFV would vary the rule indicating the capped admission price in the rules were now be referred to as ‘recommended prices only’. This policy shift did not result in a change to the rules or the public disclosure of a shift in how prices would managed.
This extemption to the rules wasn’t a blanket ‘charge what you want’ approach. Bentley went to lengths in the memo to articulate the focus was about developing an overall match day experience for fans. Decisions needed to be balanced between gate takings and canteen takings and income from current members versus attracting long term fans for the club. Specifically, Bentley made it clear by saying, “We also remind clubs to be reasonable in their pricing structure and to not price the average NPL fan out of attending matches at your club.”
At the end of January, the FFV published the 2016 Rules of Competition for the NPL. Among other changes, there was yet again an update to Rule 12.1.2 and the admission prices. The wording has been made very clear and has one again returned to a maximum admission price. The maximum price for the NPL have jumped 25% from $12 to $15 for adults whilst leaving it at $8 for students, pensioners and concession holders. In the NPL2 admission prices have increased by 43% from $7 to $10 for adults and $4 to $5 for students, pensioners and concession holders. For both leagues, entry remains free for Under 14s.
The Corner Flag spoke to two NPL clubs and one NPL2 club to understand what approach they would be taking in relation to admission prices. Each of these clubs indicated there was no doubt they would increase their price to the maximum available. While it can be counter-productive to increase prices at the risk of negatively impacting crowd numbers, clubs explained such measures had to be considered when factoring some other rule changes for the NPL in 2016.
For the first time, the FFV will provide a fourth official at each NPL Senior match. Additionally, assistant match officials will be assigned to junior matches to run the line. Thus, whilst the $40,000 NPL participation licence has not changed, in 2016 clubs will need to absorb an extra $50 per NPL Senior match and $75 per junior match with linesmen. Assuming just the Under 18s now have two linesmen, clubs are looking at an additional $1,600+ this season to factor into their budget. If the expansion in referee assignments and opportunities contributes to improving referee retention, then as a strategic decision you can see the logic. The challenge is balancing this against the growing cost burden met by the clubs.
The following is a summary of some of the other changes to the NPL in 2016:
- Admission prices for NPL and NPL2 have increased;
- Match time for Under 13s has increased from 2 x 25 min halves to 2 x 30 min halves. The aim is to provide additional match time at this age group to player development in match conditions;
- Fourth official will be assigned to NPL senior matches;
- Assistant match officials may now be appointed to junior matches;
- NPL clubs are now required to fill all 20 places in the Under 20s roster by Wednesday 17th February (end of first registration window). Previously not all places had to be filled in the first half of the season, only by the end of the mid-season transfer window;
- Provision introduced to allow players under the age of 15 to play in Under 20s or seniors if an application is lodged by the technical director and approved by the FFV. Previously there was no consideration of allowing a player under 15 to play at that level;
- The number of player interchanges at Under 18 level is now unlimited. The limit of 5 from last year has been removed and the aim is to provide additional match time at this age group to player development in match conditions.
- A new rule for player interchanges for Under 12s to 18s has been introduced: 2-3 interchange ‘windows’ will be allowed for each coach in each half to make their unlimited number of player changes. This is designed to increase the flow and pace of the game, reducing the number of stoppages. This rule does not inhibit the replacement of a player if injured and the referee can still refuse any interchanges in the last 5 minutes if in his/her opinion the change is being made to deliberately delay play;
- Junior matches can now be scheduled to start at 8:45am rather than 9:00am in order to assist one pitch clubs with ‘fixture management’, provide additional time between matches and also cater for the additional 10 minutes of match play with the Under 13s.
One change that was expected to be made which has not surfaced is closing of the loophole that allows NPL clubs to potentially access player transfers outside of the transfer window. Eyes will be on the playing squads in the second half of the year to see if any clubs makes use of this.
The 2016 Rules of Competition for the inaugural NPL Womens are yet to be published by the FFV.