The following communication was delivered to AFF & NFF member clubs:

This year has been a challenging and stressful time for everyone. There has been a collective effort to ensuring we played as much football as possible given the circumstances and restrictions that have been in place.

As a Community we have faced these challenges head on and thanks to the hard work of all our Club Volunteers we were able to deliver approximately 50% of a “normal” season across Auckland and 100% across Northland and the Far North. Like all Clubs NRF has faced financial challenges this year and the costs of preparing for this season had to be, and were committed, well before the impact of COVID-19.

Due to the impact of Covid-19 on the 2020 season and the potential impact on Clubs we took a decision in early April to reduce fees by 25% for this season, NZF similarly reduced their fees by 25%. Overall, this reduction (Ex GST) represents approximately $269K (Federation Fees) and $136K (NZF Fees) which remained with Clubs to support the delivery of Community Football.
 

This means Clubs have paid 75% of Fees with the majority playing approximately 50% of the normal scheduled matches. To manage the impact of COVID-19 on NRF, ensure the organisations financial viability into 2021 and to encourage players and teams to register for the 2021 season we are making the following adjustments to the Fees Paid to NRF in 2020, in addition to the existing 25% reduction:
            • 50%, (approximately $538K Ex GST) is retained by NRF and accounted for in 2020 based on the quantum                   of  football played during the season; and
            • 25% (Approximately $269K Ex GST) is retained by NRF and accounted for as Income in Advance to be                          applied to the 2021 season as a reduction in Individual Membership/Competition Entry Fees as well as End                   of Season Rebates/Incentives for Clubs.

With this approach approximately $538K (Ex GST) of NRF Fees will be discounted or returned to Clubs over the 2020/2021 seasons which we hope will see more Players and Teams return to the game next season. Further details of the 2021 Fees Reduction and End of Season Rebates/Incentives will follow in October along with the proposed alignment of the existing AFF/NFF Fees Structures.

Note: At the time of writing NZF has not confirmed whether a further reduction will be applied to its Fees for 2020.

We do recognise that some Clubs may have suffered a greater impact from COVID-19 than others and we are keen to understand the individual circumstances of these Clubs and in exceptional circumstances we can explore a refund option. If your Club is experiencing financial constraints due to the impact of Covid-19 please advise your Area Manager by Friday 2nd October so that we can begin to explore options with you.

Our ability to continue to provide an affordable community football experience is dependent on us all standing together as a community. We recognise that a number of Clubs have already communicated a similar approach to their wider membership. Now that NRF has confirmed our position for 2020, we encourage all clubs to communicate your position to all your Members as quickly as possible.

This year has been challenging for all of us, we now turn our attention to the future. We are continuing the alignment of AFF & NFF systems and already preparing for the 2021 season. We thank you all for your hard work and patience over this.

Kia Kaha NRF

John Limna
General Manager-Operations
NFF Chief Executive Officer

Steven Upfold
General Manager-Football
AFF Chief Executive Officer

Article added: Wednesday 23 September 2020