By Phil Murton – EFL CEO
An important feature of the junior competition is that the teams are graded into teams most appropriate levels, generally with four divisions in each age group.
The teams are graded at the start of each season based on the previous year’s performances and the movement of players in and out.
After four weeks, where results demonstrate teams are not in the correct grade, they may be regraded up or down to find the most appropriate level. While there is always someone at the top and someone at the bottom of the ladder, statistics taken over a number of years across numerous competitions demonstrate this form of grading and regrading is the best way to provide the best environment for all participants.
In the senior competition we have promotion and relegation providing a form of grading with reserves teams mirroring their senior team.
One competition where no form of grading presently occurs is the under 19’s. Is this the best structure?
Consideration for change needs to be made based on research. In the words of famed U.S. engineer, academic and statistician, W. Edwards Deming, “without data you’re just another person with an opinion”. While wholesale changes and regrading like the junior competition might not be necessary, the movement of some teams may be in the interests of everyone, most notably clubs and players.
Recently we’ve done some research comparing our under 19 competitions with that of AFL Barwon, where they introduced grading into their under 18.5 colt’s competition a number of years ago. The results for division one and two are below. Using accepted measures of competition equality, average winning margin and the number of wins with a margin greater than 60 and 100 points, we found the following results over the last three years. Whilst the research continues into divisions three and four, the numbers here speak volume.
On all the measures listed we are significantly higher, particularly with regards to the number of games with one-sided results.
Clubs have repeatedly expressed they don’t want to change from the current historical schedule of three games in one day against the same opposition at the same venue. Revenue, logistics and strain on volunteers are some of the reasons. While acknowledging these are genuine concerns, if we found a system that better encourages competition and participation, would it be best not to start with this and then find ways to address any concerns?
It’s what they did down at AFL Barwon to make it work and their clubs, some of whom were initially sceptical, now see the benefit.
The transition age groups, under 17 and 19, are the hardest in keeping young men playing the game. Creating the best possible environment for them to play in is the responsibility for all of us. We’ll continue to do the research and talk to clubs about how we best structure our competitions to get the best result for all.
Last year we had Bayswater and Montrose have under 19 teams fold mid-season despite the huge work done by the clubs, players and coaches. Having been on the end of some heavy losses, it was hard to recruit new players knowing that they were likely fronting up to another heavy loss. I’ve got no doubt had those teams been in a lower division, playing more competitive games, they would have had a much greater chance of recruiting more players and playing out the year.
Wholesale grading might not be required, but if a club knows they are going to have a weaker team, or a strong one for that matter, we should encourage them to consider the best possible spot for them to play and we as a league will work with them with regards to fixturing to make it as seamless as possible.
As we continue to look at the best way to structure all of our competitions to create the best possible environment, it’s an area of huge significance worth considering.
Have your say below: