Northern Inland Football: Armidale clubs speak out on departure decision

South Armidale, Norths United, East Armidale, Armidale City Westside and Demon Knights released similar statements on Monday outlining their desire to part ways with the governing body and join forces with UNE Life.

All five clubs cited administrative issues with NIF as part of their reasoning to leave.

Demon Knights president Luke Birmingham said: "Over the previous few years, the support for our club from NIF has left much to be desired and we were happy to look at alternate options for our members. To date, the proposed competition structure will continue to provide our players with a competitive competition in all age groups, as well as ensuring that all players and members have the appropriate insurance coverage.

"At a club meeting on Saturday, the pro's and con's of making such a decision were discussed and a unanimous decision to support the proposed UNE competition was met."

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Norths president Ash Clee, who is also the deputy director of UNE Life, said:

"For several years many clubs, including Norths, have had a number of issues with the administration of NIF. This came to a head last season for our club when 3 counts of sexual assault occurred in the one senior game last year. The outcome of this by NIF & NNSW has been unacceptable and we continue to pursue the matter.

"We joined with Souths when hearing the region draw would have forced Souths Yasidi refugees teams to play in the lower 3rd and 4th grade competitions. This issue was raised several times with NIF who simply choose to ignore the feedback.

"These are just two of the matters that led to look at an alternative competition."

South Armidale president Joe Campbell said:

"For several years many clubs including Souths have had a number of issues with the administration of NIF. This came to a head this season when a new senior competition structure was set for our region which would have forced our Yasidi refugees teams to play in the lower 3rd and 4th grade competitions. This issue was raised several times with NIF who simply chose to ignore us forcing our hand to look at an alternative competition.

"After a meeting last Thursday we unanimously decided to support the new UNE model."

Armidale City Westside president Stephen Gray said:

"ACWFC has wanted for some time now to progress as a club as everyone can attest to over the past few years. A new competition structure was put forward by NIF which included a Northern conference. ACWFC saw this as an ideal time to take the step forward into the competition however were informed our entry was unlikely. Several other concerns were also raised however we feel they have not been resolved."

East Armidale said:

"Over the past few years the Armidale clubs have been becoming more dissatisfied with how the competition has been run, particularly in regards to the senior competition.

"This has prompted conversations between all Armidale clubs and UNE Life, regarding an alternate football competition.

"UNE Life came up with a very strong proposal, and as such it was decided by the Easts committee for our club to take part new competition."

Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland responded to the statements on Tuesday.

"Unfortunately the Facebook posts by the clubs yesterday is pretty clear is there is next to zero consultation with their members about this very serious decision," he said.

"Certainly it would be my expectation that such an important decision should go to members.

"Our response yesterday was what the clubs were after.

"There's no need for them to engage in Tamworth anymore, there's no need for travel, not even crossover games for finals anymore.

"Northern NSW Football has taken oversight responsibility for the competition. A new competition administrator has been appointed. They will be reporting through to my team. We will have checkpoints. There is a new communications protocol. There are new disciplinary regulations.

"I think you are getting a picture of why we were so discouraged when they just walked away and didn't event consider our response.

"I am not sure where that pressure was applied from but it was unnecessary.

"They have got what they want.

"They have got personal assurance from me that their competition, I am accountable for making it work but that unfortunately wasn't good enough for some parties within those Armidale clubs."