Beyond the Boundary #Issue 26

sammonaghan
Jun 25
3 min read

Why It’s Important to Play Sport Within the Rules

Playing sport within the rules is essential to ensure fairness, integrity, and most importantly the safety of all participants.

Adhering to competition rules and regulations, including player eligibility requirements, also ensures that individuals and clubs remain protected under the Australian Football National Risk Protection Program (Insurance Program).

Participation outside of these rules can have serious consequences. Insurance coverage under the Program is conditional on football activities being conducted in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures of the respective Leagues or Competitions.

If a player participates in a team or age group for which they are not eligible, both the player and the club may find themselves without insurance cover. This could result in:

No personal accident cover for the player in the event of injury, and
No liability cover for the club if a legal claim is made (e.g. a personal injury claim) where it is alleged the club breached its duty of care.

These risks highlight that compliance with eligibility and competition rules is not just about fairness, it’s about legal and financial protection for all involved.

It is the responsibility of clubs to be vigilant in ensuring that any player or official who participates in a game is eligible to do so. Clubs must not place themselves or participants at risk of being uninsured. This includes:

Ensuring players are age-eligible for the competition,
Ensuring the appropriate permit(s) have been sought and approved,
Ensuring players are properly registered, and
Not fielding players under assumed names.

For these reasons, Competition Managers and League Boards take instances of player ineligibility seriously and will apply the relevant sanctions as set out in the Rules.

Houston to Move On

KDL Operations Manager Michael Houston will soon be moving on from AFL Goulburn Murray to take up a new role with AFL Queensland, where he will contribute to the growth of the game in an emerging market.

On behalf of the AFL Goulburn Murray Commission and the KDL Executive, we thank Michael for his dedication and commitment during his time with us. We wish him and his family all the very best in his new role and future endeavours.

We have met with the KDL Executive, and a recruitment process to fill the position is underway. Further details will be communicated to clubs in the coming days.

Club Development Lead – Maternity Leave Contract Recruitment

As reported in previous editions, Sam Monaghan will commence maternity leave in mid-August. Recruitment is now underway to fill the Club Development Lead role during her absence.

The role has been advertised across various networks.

For more information or to apply, visit our advertisement on afl.com.au: Club Development Lead | AFL (Goulburn Murray)

TAC Club Rewards is back for 2025! - HAS YOUR CLUB REGISTERED!

This initiative encourages clubs to actively engage in the mission to make our roads safer for everyone. Participating clubs have the opportunity to be rewarded for their involvement.

For more information – [Click here]

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon Visits Goulburn Murray

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon spent time in the Goulburn Murray region last week, showing his support for grassroots football. On Saturday, he was a special guest at Longwood FNC, and on Tuesday, he made a surprise visit to Rumbalara FNC to say G’Day to the Auskickers.

It’s greatly appreciated that the game's CEO took time out of his schedule to connect with the local football community here in the Goulburn Murray.

What’s Coming Up in the Region?

📅 July 6-13 – NAIDOC Week

📅 July 1-31 – Women's Coaching Month

📅 July 25-27 – TAC Road Safety Round

📅 August 3 – Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Preliminary Finals

📅 August 10 – Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Grand Finals

Shaun Connell

AFL Victoria Regional Manager - Goulburn Murray

We’re Here to Help!

Our team is on hand to support you across all areas:

Governance, Strategy, Facilities, Partnerships & Governance – Shaun Connell

Participation Team – Kevin Monaghan & Mel Saunders

Club Development & Experience – Sam Monaghan

Operational Support – Jo Spencer, Brad Noonan (GVL), Michael Houston (KDL), Connor Noakes (GMJ), Sam Heron (GMW&G), Jo Backway, Michelle Adams and Dale Norman (MFL)