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Zed
Good points so let me try and answer them as best I can.
1. Never have RWA insisted on any clubs having grades 1 -3. Those that showed intent were then subject to some pretty strict due diligence which has led to the Coastal Cavaliers being put in place to accommodate the ambitions of players in Mandurah and Rocky. Curtin sadly withdrew from this Division 1 competition because they did lack the numbers, Southern lions and ARKS the only other 2 clubs have provided evidence they can field sufficient players for 3 teams. Competitive is another aspect and from our evaluation, it would be a bit premature to believe every Premierclub will inflict heavy losses on every newby club. Personally I do believe many of the old Premier clubs will in fact suffer a loss here and there. However, all newby clubs have made it clear they do expect some big losses and as such are prepared. I suspect there may even be a few of the old Premier clubs struggling to put 3 competitive teams on the paddock throughout 2018.
2. Not sure how you can make your second point as Contracted players have not even been assigned clubs yet. So, pray tell how you have come to this conclusion?
3. I love this question about Promotion/Relegation. Say there were 1 or 2 clubs to be promoted/relegated each year. On which team is the decision made? is it fair to "Third Grade" in a club where Premiergrade finish last, yet 3rd grade win their respective flag, for 3rd garde to be relegated? Our belief was that if 1 or 2 entire clubs were relegated from one season to the next, it would decimate the club. Our belief was that if clubs get to play each season for their destiny in the finals, a better outcome would be achieved.
4.Allowing clubs to have multiple teams in the same grade - again, since I have only seen fixtures for Div 1, you must be way ahead of me and therefore, would appreciate which clubs and which teams for 2018 do you refer to?
5.Hmmm, again, please enlighten me which teams and grades loaded their teams for finals in 2017? And perhaps tell me who will do that in 2018?
6.Not sure about your statement regarding Wanneroo juniors. Very happy to take you point on board and suggest you PM me with your details and I will try and find answers for you.
7.Sadly Poaching Players is a terrible blight on our competition and an area where we wish we had the answer. I have personally spoken to club presidents when factual evidence has been provided and we have a code of conduct in place. However, we are unable to create a policy with teeth. Should all clubs sign up to a charter ( you need to understand we are only put in place to run the competition by the clubs) I doubt we'll ever be able to cleanse our comp of poaching. Clubs are entities unto themselves, they raise money, they have their own constitutions and policies, they select their own players, coaches and build their own culture. RWA cannot go to any club and enforce a sanction that has not been agreed by all clubs. So, if you are able to get all clubs to agree to an anti-poaching policy just as all clubs have agreed to zero tolerance on alcohol brought to home clubs, you will be a hero.
8.Once again, with respect to older players, we will do whatever the community clubs instruct us to do. I am not sure we as the Union can encourage older players to stay in the game, but if you have any suggestions, ideas, please, please let's have them.
9.Regarding player payments - we have repeatedly requested at forums and in writing that clubs DO NOT PAY PLAYERS OR COACHES. Like the Poaching answer above, we cannot legally stop clubs paying players.