by Pinarello » Mon Aug 18, 2014 12:18 pm
This whole promotion/relegation thing is a joke. The way the HFL handled it last season was baffling, and one can only assume it won't get any better going forward. It puzzles me why there is one set of criteria for promotion from country to central (A Grade success), however a different set of criteria for relegation to country from central (overall club success). While that clause is in place it's hard to see anything more than a sh!t fight developing. Yes I know its the rules, and the clubs voted it in.... does not make it right!
I can only assume the HFL see's the central comp as being the pinnacle of football in the district.... and that's fair enough, so they don't want byes etc in junior football.... but somehow that's ok for the country comp?!? If the HFL truly see the central comp as the pinnacle, then surely they would want the best A grade teams competing. Sorry if that is inconvenient HFL..... but Echunga will play finals in A Grade this season, and have been a more than competitive unit. But on the strength (or in this case, lack of it) the B Grade, and colts teams, Echunga will be told to pi55 back to country!!
So what's the answer..... For mine there are only 3 plausible scenarios.... none of which I think the HFL will find palatable, but there you go guys, your in charge, make the hard call.
1. Promotion/Relegation is based ONLY on A Grade - so taking this season as an example - Hahndorf to country & Lofty back to central.... love to see it, but it won't happen.
2. Go to the 3 division system that has been moved on here before - I think its the best way, continue with Promotion/Relegation, I also think this will make the gaps between the standards a lot smaller. Div 3 for those clubs that regularly struggle to fill junior teams, with the incentive for them to fill sides in juniors to push back up through the grades.
3. Central becomes a 12 team comp - bring in Lofty & Nairne..... and basically kill Country altogether!