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AFL Playoff Costs

May 7, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

Motion: I, Justin DeMerchant, in my capacity as a Representative of the UNBF Red Bombers propose that for the 2011 playoffs the league bear the cost of officials and transport of the visiting team. All other revenues will belong to the host team, and all other costs will be their responsibility.

Reasoning: This approach gives teams incentive to efficiently promote and run their playoff games, and will avoid debates over excessive security costs. For example teams can profit from operation of “beer tents”, but will also be required to cover the extra security costs such a venture requires. This will also allow teams to set their own gate prices.

The league should still cover the cost of transportation of the visiting team and directly pay officials to ensure that no undue hardship is imposed on teams.

AFL Running Dates

May 7, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

Passed Unanimously

Motion: I, Justin DeMerchant, in my capacity as a representative of the UNBF Red Bombers motion that the following bylaws be added to the AFL:

  • 3.15 – Teams cannot commence practices in any form (inside, outside, classroom, with or without coaches) until 21 days prior to the first scheduled AFL regular season game. [For 2011 that would be 21 days prior to Sept. 17, ie August 27.]
  • 3.16 – All spring practices in any form (inside, outside, classroom, with or without coaches) AND all spring games or scrimmages must be completed by May 31.

These By-Laws would be effective June 1, 2011.

Reasoning : A number of teams in the AFL are affiliated with “destination” institutions of high learning. A significant proportion of their teams are composed of students from cities other than those where the schools are located. These students depart for home once their exams are done (mid April) and do not return until early September. This limits when these teams can practice or play games.  All teams in the league should be provided with an “equal” opportunity to practice and play games.  The AUS has rules and regulations to deal with this.  The AFL also needs something in place.

From the AUS regulations:
“c. Playing Rules & Regulations
The following rules are applicable to all exhibition, league or playoff competition unless otherwise indicated.

The playing rules and regulations for Atlantic University Sport football competition shall be identical to those contained in the CIS Operations Manual, unless specified in the following rules:
1.START DATE:

    • Fourteen (14) days prior to a team’s first scheduled league game. (Note: rule is specific to a team’s first game).
    • If athletes are on campus before the start date, coaches may not be on the field with the athletes in that voluntary time. Institutions may not pay for room and/or board before the start date. Prior to that date, all costs must be the responsibility of the athlete.
    • Definition of a practice:
      • A practice is defined as a sport session organized by a members’ head coach, one of his/her assistants, or a designate(s) of the head or assistant coach.
      • Note: The traditional preseason dry land training sessions for winter sports would not be in violation.
    • If a member university violates the start date, that university shall forfeit the right to participate in the Atlantic University Sport playoffs in that sport. (May 1999)
    • Football schools are allowed five (5) days immediately following the last day of exams on each respective campus for organized spring football practices.”

Gear Manager

May 7, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

Passed Unanimously

Motion 1: I, Justin DeMerchant, motion that we create a position of “Equipment Manger” to serve at the pleasure of the Red Bombers executive. Duties to include:
Maintaining records of gear released
Working with the treasurer to ensure gear is dispersed according to policies of the Executive
Keeping the gear shed in good order
Recommending gear purchase quantities to the Executive
Ordering gear as approved by the Executive

Reasoning: Proper gear maintenance is vital to the viability of the Red Bombers going forward and we need someone to be the primary person responsible for keeping track of it. Having one person in charge will add accountability for the gear to our organization.

Motion 2: I, _____________, motion that _____________ be appointed to the position of Equipment Manager to serve at the pleasure of the executive.

Motion 3: I, _____________, in my capacity as Equipment Manager recommend that the Executive authorize me to purchase the following to supplement our existing gear:
Pants: 10 pairs (5xM – 5xL) $300
Practice Jerseys: 40 (20xRed – 20xBlack) $600
Helmets: 6 (1xM – 5xL) $1200

Reason: Current gear levels can be viewed here: http://redbombersexecutive.pbworks.com/w/page/33980974/Gear-Count

Gladiators Gear Loan 2011

May 7, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

Passed Unanimously

Motion: I, Justin DeMerchant, motion that we allow the Fredericton Gladiators Football Team to use our shoulder pads between April 3, 2011 and August 20, 2001 subject to the following restrictions:
– A full list of names and shoulder pad sizes will be kept of individuals who are issued shoulder pads. Terry McIntyre (Head coach of the Gladiators, Defensive Backs coach of the Bombers) is to ensure good records are kept.
– CAMFA agrees to guarantee the return of all shoulder pads in good working condition
– Any shoulder pads not returned by August 20, 2011 will be replaced by the Red Bombers and invoiced to CAMFA
– The CAMFA executive shall make an official motion accepting this proposal before it shall become effective

Reasoning: The Red Bombers have a strong and positive relationship with CAMFA (they donated 20+ used helmets this past year; when we have gear shortfalls they have lent us gear that they have, as examples). Since they serve primarily children their shoulder pads are not appropriate for the use of their adult mens team. Since their season does not conflict with ours we can provide them with shoulder pads at no cost to us.

That being said gear management needs to become a priority in 2011 to ensure the ongoing viability of the organization. We need to carefully track gear lent not just to outside organizations, but within our own as well.

It should also be clear that this arrangement is not to continue indefinitely into the future, although the Red Bombers should remain open to mutually beneficial arrangements.

Fee Structure

May 7, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

Passed Unamiously

Motion: I, Justin DeMerchant, motion that in 2011 season we structure the player fee as follows:
- $100 at time of gear fitting (with a $50 refund if you quit or are cut AND return your gear before the first game)
- $150 before the second game (extensions granted by written request to executive only)

Reasoning: An initial fee to players who wish to try out will benefit the team for several reasons. It will dissuade people who aren’t really interested in playing for the team in just coming and picking up gear for the heck of it, while not acting as a significant barrier to trying out for the team for those who are serious. It will incentivize a quick return of gear from players who quit soon on and are the biggest offenders of tardy gear returns. Finally it will act as another source of revenue for the team.

Setting a hard deadline with the possibility of written extension gives the treasurer a deadline to point to with the flexibility so as not to exclude players with financial concerns. Getting a written request for an extension will force players to commit to a timeline of payment with a record to point to if they fail to meet a self imposed timeline.

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