One of the recommendations of the Crawford Report into Football was that standing committees for the various facets of the game be created, so that those areas of the game had a voice.
There is much debate as to the power of these committees, and the composition of some has been brought into question since Football West’s inception. It has also appeared over time that those running the game see them as more of a hindrance than a help, and in some cases that accusation may well be true, as some representatives on these committees have forgotten that they are there to represent the game not just one club and its interests.
It appears though that one such committee is beginning to get a little frustrated as it feels its openness is being stifled. Soon after his appointment as CEO of Football West Peter Hugg was invited to attend a meeting as an observer. He has according to one member of the committee now made a habit of attending their meetings.
The Chair of this particular Standing Committee so we are told seems happy to ignore the wishes of some of his fellow members and is not prepared to ask the CEO to leave them to their own devices, which seems a little strange.
It is understood that many now feel that their ability to speak openly and honestly about issues has been compromised, and they would like to see the CEO withdraw from such meetings. His presence is believed to silence some members and concerns that they have are not being given the necessary airing that they require.
Someone needs to speak up, or they need to appoint a new Chair, who listens to their concerns and acts upon them; After all they are the game’s representatives and are expected to do what is best for the game. We have no doubt that if asked the CEO will understand and withdraw.
Hugg is probably there for that very reason, to ensure that no one goes against his or the board’s wishes. As you state though the members need to be stronger with the Chairperson. If this is who I think it is they should remove him.
Struth, the marketing of the league is undoubtedly poor, but then again so is the product. That is why we have advocated improving the playing surfaces and the football before grounds. drive people through the gate and generate income that must be accounted for, so that the clubs have funds to spend on upgrades.
It is a worry that we do not have official gate figures especially at cup finals.
Instead of spending time at a Standing Committee Meeting and possibly influencing Free Speach – The CEO should be using this time to come up with a positive plan to incresae bums on seats at our game .
Furthermore Official Numbers of Paying supporters at All matches in the Prem and 1st Division (and 2nd ) should be mandatory from clubs and supplied as part of the Annual Report each year . Otherwise how can we ascertain the health of our game ..
We certainly have had a large percentage increase of bums on seats at FW head office & with it the escalating cost of running the game ( : >{
Sad but true ..
The game needs people like you! It is so sad that we still have people with their own interests being the most important.
So…..imagine my frustrations: I am trying to keep them honest but am a single voice. I remember why I was elected and will keep reminding others. Heaven help me I must be mad