Legs Man wrote:It is a fact that the smaller towns have limited numbers with respect to their junior grades - and the larger towns have an abundance.
Unfortunately propping up the small towns with an overflow scheme just won't work if the larger towns get to pick where their overflow kids play.
Introducing a feeder system where a Div 1 club is geographically aligned to a Div 2 club also has it's flaws due to some of the Div 1 clubs also struggling for junior players.
I do feel though that the larger clubs - by junior registrations - must be made to derive an A list to a certain number for both junior grades then allow dual registration for the overflow players to the club of their choice.
This option must be provided though as a rule to ensure it is implemented and enforced.
Parents then also have a say in where the overflow player dual registers and are more likely to support the scheme.
We have a problem currently with the larger junior clubs guarding their players which is in turn affecting the smaller clubs.
Once a junior player enters senior football the dual registration is annulled and the player must register with one of the 2 clubs.
Making the entry point for junior players looks like another logical solution with a lower bracket of u/ 14 introduced.
If clubs have junior sides below this eg u/12, u/10 then this is made into a separate junior program with only 1 registration allowed.
Unless the clubs as a whole and HFL make some smart moves and action change to the junior competition we will be in a situation where the spread of juniors across the hills is totally depleted and only a few large clubs will be fielding sides.
There are so many options now for kids playing sport or being active in other ways so positioning footy as the number 1 option is vital to keep hills footy flourishing.
It's easy to say - but hard to do - and to make this happen clubs have to be unselfish and willing to give a little to gain a lot.
Dual registrations have been around for at least 4 years. Its the kids who dont want to play for another club.