AFLNT announces new appointments for the 2016-17 TIO NTFL Tribunal and Appeals Board
AFLNT has today announced further changes to the NTFL judicial process as part of the review that has taken place over the past 18 months.
AFLNT Football Operations Manager Joel Bowden said these changes ensure a clear separation of powers between AFLNT, the Match Review Committee, the Tribunal, and the Appeals Board.
“As part of changes to the judicial process, a three-person Match Review Committee will review all matches before offering set penalties in accordance with AFL State and Territory League Match Review Panel/Tribunal Guidelines.
“Individuals can still elect to take their case to the Tribunal and challenge the match review panel findings.
“Upon review of last season, we have discovered a reduction in cases at tribunal, an increase in reprimands of almost 300 per cent, and a significant decrease in matches served by players.
As part of the overhaul Bowden announced Trevor Riley QC has been appointed Chairman of the Appeals Board ahead of the upcoming TIO NTFL season.
“We are extremely pleased with this appointment, Trevor is the former Supreme Court Chief Justice and will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Appeals Board,” Bowden said.
Appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 1989 and sworn in as a judge in 1999, Riley will be joined by local barrister Duncan McConnel who has been appointed Deputy Chairman.
“Duncan is a very experienced barrister having practiced law for 24 years. A former AFLNT Board Member, Duncan also has strong playing experience in the Territory,” Bowden said.
McConnel enjoyed a seven-year career with the Law Council of Australia, serving as President in 2015. He currently works as a barrister in the Territory.
“In previous years the Appeals Board was made up of members of the Tribunal. From this season, there will be a three-person Appeals Board that will see Trevor Riley QC as Chairman and Duncan McConnel as Deputy Chair.
AFLNT also released new State and Territory Guidelines for the 2016-17 season that will see the Tribunal governed by similar guidelines to states around the country.
Bowden said the new process would bring further consistency.
“We have ensured the right people have been appointed to each role and we aim to provide all NTFL clubs with a consistent process in a clear and precise timeframe. This should ensure consistency in the decisions and decision making process.
“Our conversations with NTFL clubs indicate they welcome these changes and we look forward to the upcoming TIO NTFL season,” Bowden said.
AFLNT MRP PROCESS 2016-17
Monday:
5pm - Match Review Committee to consider cases
Tuesday:
By 10am - Clubs advised of MRP verdict and results released
By 5pm - Club advises AFLNT of acceptance or challenge at Tribunal
Wednesday:
6pm - Tribunal sits if required
Thursday:
Tribunal Secretary sends clubs formal Tribunal outcome documentation
Friday:
By 5pm - Appeal lodged with formal paperwork if required.