THE Northern Tasmanian Football Association board has moved to clarify the process undertaken in admitting Bridport and the East Coast Swans into the division 2 competition in 2017.
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“It is disappointing that there has been so much negative publicity regarding the decision,” they said.
“We must make it clear that the NTFA have, and always will, have the interest of football in Northern Tasmania at heart. Earlier this year, the NTFA board were approached by then NEFU president Peter Hall together with the respective club presidents for assistance as the NEFU board were unable to agree on matters and the competition was not sustainable.” The NTFA said Hall then requested that the NTFA accept all four NEFU clubs including Scottsdale Crows and Winnaleah.
An NTFA sub-committee was formed in response and an investigation into the clubs’ health and facilities undertaken. “To accept all four clubs into the NTFA competition was deemed not to be a viable option as the results of the investigation demonstrated that all four clubs could not sustain two senior sides and they were propping up teams with aged or very junior players,” the NTFA said.
“The NEFU board were fully briefed on the findings… (and) again asked the NTFA to reconsider absorbing the NEFU (all four teams). This course would have been irresponsible and damaging to existing NTFA clubs as the evidence was clear that the current four-team competition was not sustainable and alternative options were formulated and presented to the NEFU for consideration.”
The options were for the NEFU to remain as it was; to accept two teams from the North-East and one from the East Coast; or to accept a team from each region. The NEFU advised the NTFA that the clubs would not consider amalgamation.
Following Hall’s resignation, Kirk Wagner took on the NEFU presidency and clubs were given permission to apply to join the NTFA, which the Seagulls and Swans did. They were then given the chance to present to the NTFA council – 12 board members, 10 division 2 and nine division 1 clubs. Members voted 17-13 to accept two news clubs on October 25. The NTFA refute claims that not one division 2 club was supportive saying some clubs have said they supported the move. “The NTFA did not bring about, and was not responsible, for the demise of the NEFU as the applications were made with the full sanction of the NEFU board and all clubs were provided the same opportunities. The NTFA has acted responsibly to ensure the continuation of football in the North East, albeit in a lesser form, rather than do nothing and witness the demise of the NEFU in its entirety.”