AFLNT has been working closely with St Mary’s Football Club to address the events that occurred on Saturday 14 November 2020 when the club’s Division 2 team forfeited their game against Waratah Football Club at three quarter time.
St Mary’s was issued with a Notice to Respond by AFLNT which has now been reviewed in line with the Clubs Licence Agreement. This review found St Mary’s has breached clause 4.3 of the agreement in relation to conduct.
St Mary’s have been issued with a $3000 fine, with a total of $1500 suspended until the end of the 2020/21 TIO NTFL season. Any further breach of the Clubs Licence Agreement, Code of Conduct or any NTFL rules by an official of the club this season may require the suspended fine amount to be paid.
St Mary’s Men’s Division 2 team will also have four premiership points deducted for the 2020/21 TIO NTFL season. Any further breach of the Clubs Licence Agreement, Code of Conduct or any NTFL rules by an official of the club this season may result in a loss of an additional four points to the team that committed the offence. For any offences that occur in finals, the premiership points penalty will be carried into the 2021/22 season.
“All clubs and their representatives need to show respect to the competition and its officials,” Community Football Manager NT Leigh Elder said.
“AFLNT takes this matter seriously, however we are pleased with the proactive way St Mary’s has managed this issue and the policies it is putting in place.”
“We are confident that with the right response and leadership St Mary’s will quickly reaffirm its reputation of being one of the Territory’s most professional football clubs.”
St Mary’s Football Club acting Vice President Carol Stanislaus explained the club is disappointed these events took place and is working towards responding and growing as a team unit.
“The St Mary’s Football Club understands and accepts this outcome and we thank AFLNT for working with us to resolve this issue,” Stanislaus said.
“We are a proud club with a long history of being a leader in the AFL community and it is unfortunate this incident occurred. We have worked hard to implement a strong governance structure to lead our club forward and this incident has highlighted an area that needs work.”
“Our leadership team has processes in place to provide clarity to our members of the expectations of behaviour from the club, AFLNT and the community. Sporting officials should be respected at all times and we look forward to working with AFLNT and other clubs to support the growth in numbers and qualify our officials which is crucial to the success of our game.”