AFL Commission

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The AFL Commission is the official governing body of the Australian Football League (AFL), the elite national Australian rules football competition in Australia.

The AFL Commission is responsible for the administration of the AFL competition and is the "keeper of the code". There are eight members that comprise the AFL Commission, including a Chairman and Chief executive officer. Commissioners are elected by the 16 AFL clubs, who each are entitled to make nominations. Should an election be necessary, then the membership is decided by a vote of the AFL clubs.

The AFL Commission has set policy and has directed the AFL (known then as the VFL) since December 1985. In 1993 it assumed national governance of the sport (see Principle 2 below) following the earlier disbanding of the Australian National Football Council. At the same time, control of the AFL passed from the AFL Board of Directors (effectively the 16 AFL clubs) to the Commission[1], with the abolition of the Board of Directors and adoption of new Memorandum and Articles of Association for the AFL. This was a significant change of power as previously the Commission required explicit approval by the League (teams) for major items, such as further Expansion, Mergers, Relocations, Major Capital Works and similar items.

In 2006 the AFL Commission were called up to investigate the disputed finish to the St. Kilda vs. Fremantle match played at Aurora Stadium on April 30, 2006. The final siren was not loud enough and, as a result, Steven Baker locked up the scores. His first attempt was cancelled after an illegal bump. Baker was given another attempt, but his second shot also went through for a behind. Both points were rejected and Fremantle won the full four points.

[edit] Members

Since commencement 21 people have served on the Commission.

Previous Chairmen of the Commission were Ross Oakley (1986-1993) and John Kennedy Snr (1993-1997). Alan Schwab was Executive Commissoner 1986-1993. The Chief executive officer position has previously been filled by Ross Oakley (1994-1996) and Wayne Jackson (1996-2003).

Current membership of the Commission is:

Chairman: Ron Evans (appointed Commissioner 1993, Chairman 1998)
Chief executive officer: Andrew Demetriou (appointed 2003)
Non Executive Commissioners:
- Colin Carter OAM (appointed 1993)
- Bill Kelty (1998)
- Chris Langford (1999)
- Graeme John AO (2000)
- Bob Hammond AM (2001)
- Mike Fitzpatrick (2003)
- Sam Mostyn (2005)

[edit] Principles

In 1993 the AFL Commission developed a set of 10 principles that they considered should govern their actions[2].

A national view
The AFL takes a national view of football. Football players and supporters throughout Australia are of equal importance.
Keeper of the code
The AFL is keeper of the code as well as manager of the national competition. The AFL is responsible for healthy development of the game at all levels.
Mass market
The AFL pursues the consumer mass market – both in attendances and through television. The AFL won’t allow the game to become a high-priced niche.
An even competition
The AFL views an even competition as a healthy competition. The AFL’s equalisation policies – such as the draft, salary cap and revenue sharing – are important in promoting public interest and AFL club financial stability because they create an environment in which all AFL clubs can compete.
Ownership by football people
The AFL Commission and AFL club boards are not owners but rather stewards of the community interest. The AFL opposes private ownership of clubs because profit maximisation does not sit easily with long-term commitments to build the code.
Partnership with the players
Players are the game’s most important asset and the AFL seeks a responsible partnership with the players in conjunction with the AFL clubs to further their financial, physical and social welfare. The AFL seeks to maximise player earnings subject to requirements to invest in football development and spectator facilities, and maintain appropriate financial reserves.
In the entertainment industry
Consumer support funds the AFL game, rewards the players and builds the stadia. Thus, building and defending the AFL’s consumer brand must influence decisions traditionally viewed as football management issues, such as fixtures, media access to players and the like.
Decentralist in style
While the AFL is ‘keeper of the code’ and the national competition generates most of the revenues associated with the game, others have responsibility for football – notably the 16 AFL clubs and state and local league bodies. As much responsibility as possible will be devolved to these bodies. The AFL will centralise only where there are clear economic or social advantages for doing so.
Appropriate resources
The AFL is committed to cost-effective but well-researched management of the code to ensure that maximum benefit is returned to member clubs, players, the football fraternity and the community at large.
Not a banker
The AFL is a generator of income but not a banker to the clubs. To guarantee club debts would destroy financial disciplines at club level.