http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/r ... 6895466977This 3-year no-poaching rule the SFL is going to implement for Aldinga juniors - any truth to this? Because I can think of several reasons why NOT to enforce such a rule, mainly that it's unfair to the kids. Seriously - if they don't want to play senior footy for Aldinga, they've got reasons, and it's not just due to lack of success at A grade level. I would say it depends predominantly on the coach (A grade coach, that is), and also on where their mates play, on the atmosphere at the club, a number of smaller factors.
Secondly, if the kids leave, it's not to other clubs in the SFL. Most go to the GSFL. I can't see that this rule is going to change anything in that regard - I think that the kids will see it as an imposement, as a restriction, and ultimately it will discourage them from playing footy. It's up to the club to give them the incentives to want to stay and play - it's
not up to the league to try and force them to stay. I presume that such a rule would have to be agreed upon by both league and club, and I can't comment on Aldinga's position in this - I simply don't know, to be honest - but if it were up to me, I'd scrap it. One, because it's pointless - it won't stop kids from leaving for the GSFL - and two, because I think that the kids will see it as an attempt to force their hand, basically telling them where they
have to play football. Our juniors had a great year in 2013 and are continuing on the same path this year - SFL,
please, don't muck it up for them.