“
To encourage smart decision making, motivate positive behaviours and enhance on-field performance, an investment in player personal development and wellbeing is key.
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Brett Johnson General Manager – Player Development
CONTENTS 01. STRUCTURE ............................ 4 02. RESOURCES............................ 10 03. CULTURE ................................. 48
2
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER PLAYER DEVELOPMENT The AFL Players’ Association’s core objective is to ensure all players work in a ‘first class sporting workplace’ – an environment that promotes sporting excellence, long-term personal growth and wellbeing for all. To achieve this first class sporting workplace for players, the Association focuses on:
In 2014, we will continue to focus on these three key drivers:
01
Structure Working in partnership with the AFL and clubs to provide best practice work / life balance for AFL players.
02
Resources Enhancing and building our program and services to support clubs and players.
03
Culture Influencing best practice culture through the implementation of the annual Workplace Culture Survey research.
ll Securing and enforcing workplace conditions for players that balance productivity with work/life balance ll Collaborating with the AFL and clubs to ensure players work in high performance environments that provide unrivalled facilities, ethical sports science and expert medical support ll Shaping an inclusive industry that values the long-term physical health, diversity, personal growth and wellbeing of players.
To encourage smart decision making, motivate positive behaviours and enhance on-field performance, an investment in player personal development and wellbeing is key. Furthermore, if players are to be held accountable for more than their football performance then we must foster a sporting workplace that is committed to the personal and professional development of players beyond their football years. In order to provide a first class sporting workplace, the development of supportive structures, resources and cultures are integral. The AFL Players’ Association has worked tirelessly throughout the year to bring into effect a number of components that are crucial to being able to deliver these three key drivers.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013 INCLUDE:
I look forward to building on and utilising our first class sporting workplace framework during the year, encouraging the industry to report against these measures and ensuring player development and wellbeing plays a key role in the modern football workplace.
Brett Johnson General Manager – Player Development
ll Implementation of new leave arrangements ll Development of Best Practice Guidelines for supporting Indigenous footballers ll Establishment of the AFL Players’ Trust – a fund designed to support past players in circumstances of hardship due to injury or illness ll First year roll out of the Next Goal Education Pathway, seeing 95 players enrolled in Certificate IV / Diploma partnerships with universities in each state ll Establishment of off-field development action plans for all first year players.
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01. STRUCTURE A supportive structure that prioritises and respects longterm personal growth and wellbeing is paramount to ensuring players get the most out of their AFL careers and transition into meaningful postfootball vocations.
4
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT In 2012, a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was delivered for players after extensive negotiation by the AFL Players’ Association. This comprehensive five-year package of player benefits included improvements in professional development and wellbeing, and enhanced outcomes in a range of terms and conditions. During 2013, the Association worked closely with clubs to ensure players receive the following workplace conditions that foster personal growth and work-life balance:
PLAYER BREAK / ANNUAL LEAVE REVISED MODEL HIGHLIGHTS ll No variations – three return dates ll Limited loading prior to Christmas (one additional day off) ll Extra leave over Christmas (two week break) ll Two x three-day ‘mini-breaks’ to be provided during January and March ll Two x four-day ‘mini-breaks’ to be provided during the two bye rounds ll No monitoring of players during leave period
DAY OFF ARRANGEMENTS ll Between Monday–Friday every week of year ll Not to be scheduled on the day before a game or on the day of travel
FOUR HOURS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ll Four-hour block between Monday–Friday ll Scheduled within times that are regularly in a club’s schedule
PLAYER BREAK / ANNUAL LEAVE REVISED MODEL BENEFITS ll Greater balance with activities and monitoring during the post-season leave period ll A balanced, but flexible approach to preChristmas training
ANNUAL LEAVE
ll Additional days leave over the Christmas break
ll Eight weeks leave post-season ll One week at Christmas, excluding public holidays
ll Periods of balance in the post-Christmas training schedule and during the season
ll Block of no less than six continuous weeks free of any employment obligations
NEW LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS To monitor industry provision of these entitlements, the Association surveyed the playing group at every club during the year and found:
36% 41% 22% of players did not feel supported by their club to use their 4 hour block of time each week for off-field development;
of players were expected to report back to their club during their annual leave period (via GPS, tracking with apps, results of time trials, etc.)
of players said they were sometimes required to come into their club every week on their weekly day off, but more often than not.
A full two-week break for all clubs was introduced across the Christmas period to allow players to refresh after a long season and spend more time with their families. In addition, all players must now be given a minimum four-day break around the bye / split round during the season. The purpose of the revised agreement is to map out a more balanced approach to the compulsory off-season leave period, pre-season training and in-season training. Clubs will be strictly monitored around the break requirements; significant sanctions could be applied for any club that breaches the break provisions.
As a result of these findings, in mid-2013 the AFL and the AFL Players’ Association reached an agreement around a revised structure for the compulsory break / annual leave period for all players in the off-season. 5
01. STRUCTURE
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS The modern football workplace is one of increased pressure and high performance demands that can impact on player personal development and wellbeing – therefore the role of the Player Development Manager is crucial. Under the CBA, it was agreed that players would be provided with access to a full-time, fully qualified Player Development Manager with no competing football responsibilities, who is able to meet the career development and welfare needs of the players. As at the end of 2013, all clubs had met this minimum requirement.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER POSITIONS IN 2013
Adelaide
Hawthorn
Brisbane
Melbourne
Carlton
North Melbourne
Collingwood
Port Adelaide
Essendon
Richmond
Fremantle
St Kilda
Geelong
Sydney
Gold Coast
West Coast
GWS
Western Bulldogs
KEY 6
Full Time
Part Time
Research conducted by the AFL Players’ Association with players at each AFL Club found that:
7/10
players felt the Player Development Manager role was highly valued at their club
8/10
players were comfortable discussing the balance between their on and off-field development with their Player Development Manager
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FORUM This year’s AFL Players’ Association Player Development Forum welcomed representatives from all 18 clubs, along with Player Development Regional Managers and the Manager of Professional Development at the AFL Coaches’ Association.
AFL Elite Education Officer Luke Brennan gave an overview of potential traps for players when using social media. Brennan also reinforced AFL policies such as respect and responsibility, gambling, vilification and the drug codes.
Held in July, the bi-annual forum presents an opportunity to share information and align the goals of those working in player development.
AFL Players’ psychologists Anna Box and Jo Mitchell facilitated the Manage Your Mind wellbeing program, currently being presented to first year players across the competition as a part of the Football Apprenticeship certificate.
Reducing alcohol related risk, the perils of social media and player wellbeing were all key discussion points on the day, reflecting the challenges AFL players face in the modern environment.
Those in attendance were also presented with the AFL Players’ Indigenous Advisory Board’s best practice guidelines, Many Stories, One Goal – Supporting Indigenous Footballers.
Clea Smith from the Australian Drug Foundation presented on how to create a team-based plan to reduce alcohol related risk.
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CASE STUDY 01.
GROWING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLUBS AND THE ‘PA Manny Lynch is one of 18 Player Development Managers working hard to ensure today’s players are equipped to deal with the demanding lifestyle that comes with being an AFL footballer. As part of his role at Brisbane, Lynch organises leadership programs, cultural development programs and welfare systems, along with internal and external education programs. “From a young player’s point of view the biggest ones for us are the welfare programs and our education programs,” Lynch says. “We’ve got 90 percent of our boys who have relocated from interstate. Getting their accommodation to set up for their needs, as well as making them feel comfortable is very important.”
Manny Lynch Player Development Manager, Brisbane
Once players settle into their new surroundings, Lynch encourages players to make the most of their time and pursue interests outside football.
“The Players’ Association is a terrific supporter of all the things we’re doing. We work closely with our local Players’ Association representatives and bring them along in our process so they understand all the things we’re doing. It’s a real partnership.”
“We’ve got an education pathway developed within our club now where every player will be doing something – anything from university to mentoring to work placement.” Lynch was a big supporter of the AFL Players’ Association’s successful push for clubs to set aside four hours per week for players’ personal development. “We think busy people, more organised people and more settled people are more resilient, so that four hours of personal development as a minimum is important to us,” Lynch says. “We think it gives players confidence to pursue a different career when football eventually finishes – but it also gives them the opportunity to spend more time in football, because they’ll be more settled and prepared to ride the highs and lows. It’s a dual effect.” The Players’ Association shares Lynch’s view, and has worked with him and the 17 other Player Development Managers to ensure that message gets across to players.
Lynch believes “there’s a growing relationship between clubs and the Players’ Association” but is equally encouraged by the strong bonds Player Development Managers from opposition clubs now share with one another. “The Player Development Managers in each club are unique characters and while we’re working pretty much alone within our clubs, we have so many common scenarios that we come across,” Lynch explains. The Player Development forum, run annually by the Players’ Association, has provided Player Development Managers from each club with a chance to learn from each other. “For the Player Development Managers to be able to come together, share those stories, help each other out and build relationships within that group is really important. The Association supporting that meeting is vital for us because at the end of the day, we might be in competition on the field but we’re all about personal growth for our players.”
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02. RESOURCES Providing players with the skills, support and services to optimise their personal wellbeing, both during and after their AFL careers, is a priority of the AFL Players’ Association.
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AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
AFL PLAYERS’/ AFL INDUCTION CAMP 2013 105 of the AFL’s new recruits gathered at Etihad Stadium in January 2013 for the annual AFL Players’ Association/AFL Induction Camp.
Entering its 12th year, the camp is considered a key opportunity to introduce players to the comprehensive support and education programs the Association offers throughout and beyond players’ careers. The Association presented on day one of the two day camp and topics included: ll The Art Of Wellbeing ll Off-Field Career Development ll Social Media And Personal Responsibility ll Setbacks ll Finance ll Driving Safety
Former Richmond and Western Bulldog, Nathan Brown, shared his personal experiences to educate the boys on the inevitable setbacks they will face during their careers. Brown used his broken leg to highlight the impact injuries can have on both physical and psychological health. A panel on “What football means to me” featured local footballer and the founder of anti-homophobia campaign Change.org Jason Ball, decorated footballer and Victorian Women’s Football League President Debbie Lee, Auskick manager and father Paul Gleeson and North Melbourne footballer Majak Daw. The session highlighted the need for AFL Players to be aware of the impact their actions have on others, and the importance of going to work in an inclusive environment that values diversity. The guest speaker for the afternoon was former Geelong captain, and the only Australian to ever play in a Super Bowl, Ben Graham. Graham spoke with passion about how important a strong players’ group is in order to be able to champion the interests of the game and provide the league with a coordinated player voice to work in partnership with. At the Induction Camp, all first year players received an iPad thanks to the AFL Players’ computer grant scheme.
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02. RESOURCES
CAREER SKILLS
PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS ll Facilitation of a more contemporary testing platform tailored to players’ needs
2013 saw all 18 clubs engaged for the first time in the AFL Players’ Association’s Career Skills program – designed to improve the language, literacy and numeracy skills of players.
ll Aligning feedback to player skill level and the requirements of the modern football workplace
109 first year players were screened using the ‘Core Skills Profile for Adults’ tool developed by the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) to assess their literacy, numeracy, abstract reasoning and writing skills.
ll Development of a questionnaire to be used by AFL Players’ Association Player Development Regional Managers to guide the conversation during the feedback debrief ll Development of an information package for the Career Skills Consultant Network
Once tested, AFL Players’ Association Player Development Regional Managers debrief the results with each player individually, referring those players identified as needing extra development to a member of the Career Skills Consultant Network.
ll A Framework Outline for consultants to assist the network to collectively deliver a service to players that is consistent but flexible ll Introduction of a quarterly progress report proforma
The program assists players by enhancing their ability to operate in the football environment, and also fine-tunes these skills for transition to life after football. During the year, a number of improvements were made to the program, particularly around developing resources to better support the debriefing and consultation process – having been identified as the single biggest determinant to a player’s continued engagement in the program.
To further support the program, three new consultants were recruited to the network, bringing the total number of Career Skills Development Consultants to eight. In conjunction with La Trobe University, Literacy and Numeracy education and upskilling was also embedded into the curriculum of the Football Induction Program undertaken by all first year players.
CAREER SKILLS CONSULTANT NETWORK
BRISBANE, GOLD COAST Dr Craig Wright
FREMANTLE, WEST COAST Cathy Godfrey
SYDNEY, GWS Gail Brown ADELAIDE, PORT ADELAIDE Karen Pick
CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE, NORTH MELBOURNE, RICHMOND, WESTERN BULLDOGS Olivia Connelly, Clare Thiele 12
ST KILDA Susan Howard
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
CAREER TRANSITION The Association’s career pathway programs give players the chance to develop skills and gain insights into areas that are critical for life during and post football. Statistics indicate a high level of player engagement in further education across the competition. 2013 saw increased importance placed on individualised pathways based on choice –
moving away from the traditional model of mass engagement. The highest level of player engagement was in undergraduate degrees, with 169 players completing undergraduate units throughout the year. This high level of engagement is in part thanks to the Player Development Managers who help players with a range of education assistance, including balancing the demands of study and football.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT ENGAGEMENT IN 2013 18 POST GRADUATE 169 UNDERGRADUATE 2
ADVANCED DIPLOMA 104 DIPLOMA 110 CERT IV 81 CERTIFICATE III 17
SHORT COURSE / PROF QUALIFICATION 61 WORK PLACEMENT
21 TRADE 24 PAID WORK 87 NOT ENGAGED 28 COACHING PATHWAY 29 OWN BUSINESS
0
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20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
In the modern era players are given more feedback than ever before. The Career Skills program can also assist players in understanding the game-plans, statistics and key messages their coaches are providing, while simultaneously enhancing a range of skills used in day-to-day life.
180
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CASE STUDY 02.
THINGS CAN CHANGE IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE After being delisted by Geelong at the end of 2012, Tom Gillies started to think seriously about life after football. By the start of 2013 he was back on an AFL list – having signed on at Melbourne as a delisted free agent – but knew things could change again in the blink of an eye.
“I’ve got my fitness test in early March and then a final panel interview, which will be a couple of months after that. I’m hoping to start sometime at the back-end of the footy season, but you can be on the waiting list for a year or a month – you just don’t know.”
“Once I got the flick at Geelong, I sort of started planning and it became more real. I was lucky to get the extra year – I was more prepared [for life after footy] coming out of Melbourne than I was coming out of Geelong,” he said.
While the Career Skills program can help players that have low levels of numeracy, literacy and language skills, Gillies’ story is proof those at the higher end of the spectrum can also use the program to their advantage.
Gillies had aspirations of entering the police force. Though he wasn’t in a position to formally begin that process while still at the Demons, he took steps to ensure he would be as prepared as possible for the police entrance exam when the time finally came. In 2013 he enrolled in the AFL Players’ Career Skills program, which helps players build and improve on the personal skills required to further their career opportunities. Rather than assisting players specifically with their chosen career pathways, the program provides players with the basic tools they need to excel in their pursuits outside of football. “For me, it was based around my English skills because I obviously haven’t been to school for about six years and haven’t been in an exam environment for a long time,” Gillies said.
Tom Gillies Career Skills Program
“I used the program to get my head used to exams, tests and pressure. I took tutoring to make sure that I passed the test so I didn’t set myself back another couple of months.” Best of all, the program didn’t interfere with his football. “The lady I worked with was pretty flexible – most of the time she came out to the club and a couple of times I went to her office in Collingwood just down the road, so it was pretty simple.” When Melbourne delisted Gillies at the end of 2013 the time was right to take the police entrance exam. He got the result he wanted, and is on his way to entering the academy.
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02. RESOURCES
FOOTBALL INDUCTION PROGRAM The 2013 Football Induction Program saw 81 players sign up to undertake comprehensive training to assist them in coping with the demands of AFL football and plan their off-field development focus for the year. Sixteen clubs engaged in the program this year - an increase from 13 in 2012 – with North Melbourne, Richmond and Port Adelaide coming on board. Content covered the competencies of the Certificate III in Sport (Career Oriented Participation) and included topics such as Media Training, Finance, Clinic Management and a Wellbeing Program aimed at enhancing players’ personal wellness. A three-hour Career Development session was introduced for the first time this year, encouraging players to explore academic and employment pathways and prepare a career development action plan. As part of the session, players completed an online questionnaire to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses, behavioural profiles and suggested career pathways. At the completion of the session, players walked away with a clear focus and plan for their off-field development in 2014. Since its inception in 2006, the Football Induction Program has been recognised by AFL clubs as the leading induction program, complimenting club football academies and assisting the successful transition of players into the AFL system.
“The 2013 Football Induction Program was a great way to learn about keeping a balance between my football training and everyday life. After completing the program, I believe what I have learned will enable me to have the best possible career both on and off the field. I have gained a variety of skills and confidence from sessions such as public speaking, managing my money and wellbeing. Completing this program with the other new players at the club has enabled me to get to know my teammates better which has also helped with our on field success. I would recommend this program to any new player
A major strength of the Football Induction Program is the content is delivered by former AFL players and industry experts who understand first-hand the demands and requirements of being an elite athlete.
coming into the AFL system as it teaches you important things to ensure you have a long and successful football career.” Chad Wingard - Port Adelaide
Football Induction Program 2013 Participating Clubs
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AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
NEXT GOAL WORK PLACEMENTS Now in its 12th year, the Next Goal program has seen more than 500 players undertake placements since 2002 and inducted 30 new applicants during the year. The program offers players practical work and real life experience in an industry of personal interest. Players are currently undertaking placements across fields as diverse as farming to property and the police force.
Player name
Club
Industry
Nick Joyce
Adelaide
Farming
Shaun McKernan
Adelaide
Marketing
Eddie Betts
Carlton
Trades / Electrician
Jaryd Cachia
Carlton
Police Force
Edward Curnow
Carlton
Trades/Landscaping
Aaron Joseph
Carlton
Trades / Construction
Heath Hocking
Essendon
Trades / Electrician
Jonathon Griffin
Fremantle
Property Management and planning
Tendai Mzungu
Fremantle
Education
Clancee Pearce
Fremantle
Animal Welfare
Luke Lowden
Hawthorn
Police Force
Troy Davis
Melbourne
Police Force
Thomas Gillies
Melbourne
Police Force
Neville Jetta
Melbourne
Indigenous Mentoring
James Sellar
Melbourne
Property / Real Estate
Jasper Pittard
Port Adelaide
Advertising / Media
Jackson Ferguson
St Kilda
Police Force
Justin Koschitzke
St Kilda
Sales
Beau Maister
St Kilda
Trades / Construction
Ryan Neates
West Coast
Banking / Finance
Nick Lower
Western Bulldogs
Property & Real Estate 17
CASE STUDY 03.
INFLUENCING THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE In 2013 Melbourne’s Neville Jetta spent more than 160 hours mentoring young Indigenous people, as part of the AFL Players’ Association’s Next Goal program. Inspired by his own mentor, now-retired teammate Aaron Davey, Jetta is passionate about influencing the lives of young people. Speaking with Indigenous people aged 13-17 at the Koran Gamadji Institute (KGI) in Richmond once or twice a week, Jetta had an important message to share.
While Jetta will be hoping to spend more time on the football field in 2014, having been delisted and then given a second chance at Melbourne via the rookie list, he is well-prepared to continue working as a mentor. It’s something he’s likely to pursue when his football career comes to an end – whenever that may be.
“I just tried to get across to them how important school and their education is, and also [the value of] making sacrifices along the way to get where you want to get,” Jetta says. “In my younger days it was not going out, and concentrating on my footy – it has got me where I am today.” While Jetta made an impression on each of the young people he spoke with, he also found working at the KGI to be a valuable and rewarding experience from a personal perspective. Being part of the Laguntas Program – which focuses on supporting talented young Indigenous footballers who are looking for pathways into the AIS, VFL or AFL – was a particularly personal experience for Jetta. “The thing that impacted me the most was working with the Laguntas Program. Sitting down and speaking with them and watching how they go about it, I could see myself in them as they come through the ranks and try to get the best out of themselves.”
Neville Jetta Next Goal Program
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AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
NEXT GOAL TRADE APPRENTICESHIPS Nine players took part in the Sporting Trade Skills program this year, undertaking carpentry, electrical and plumbing apprenticeships. The Sporting Trade Skills program was developed to respond to the needs of those players interested in learning a trade for their working life post football. Delivered in a timeframe to accommodate playing commitments, the Sporting Trade Skills program provides a mix of both onsite experience and theory.
Participant
Club
Apprenticeship
Trent West
Brisbane Lions
Carpentry
David Ellard
Carlton
Carpentry
Kyle Hardingham
Essendon
Carpentry
Paul Chapman
Geelong
Carpentry
Dawson Simpson
Geelong
Carpentry
Jordan Lewis
Hawthorn
Plumbing
Brendan Whitecross
Hawthorn
Carpentry
Taylor Hine
North Melbourne
Carpentry
James Gwilt
St Kilda
Electrical
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CASE STUDY 04.
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE Essendon’s Kyle Hardingham was one of nine AFL players involved in the Sporting Trades Skills program in 2013, gaining skills for a post-football career in carpentry.
“For me personally, I look forward to going to work on that Wednesday or Thursday. It just breaks up the week and gives me something else to talk about other than football.”
Hardingham believes it’s important to prepare for the future, but is also finding his carpentry apprenticeship to be a valuable experience while still in the game.
In the past it has been difficult for players to complete apprenticeships while simultaneously managing an AFL career, but Hardingham says that’s changing.
“It gives me an out from footy, so I get up and go to work instead of just sitting at home doing nothing for my day off,” he says.
“I don’t find it difficult to juggle with my footy career, as long as I know what day I have off in advance,” he noted.
Kyle Hardingham Sporting Trade Skills
“I think the hardest thing is trying to get the TAFE as well as the on-site training. You’ve only got that one day off a week and you’re trying to juggle TAFE as well. The best thing is that in 2014 all my TAFE will be on-site, so I’ll be completing the TAFE requirements as well. That’ll make it a lot easier.” Hardingham already has an apprenticeship under his belt – in vehicle body building, a qualification he completed before being drafted by the Bombers in 2009 – but knows that pathway isn’t for him. “I completed that apprenticeship before I got drafted but pretty much never wanted to touch it again. It wasn’t until two years ago that I thought I wouldn’t mind starting carpentry, because it was something I always liked doing,” he explains. At just 25 years of age it might be a few years until Hardingham hangs up the boots, but he’s well-prepared for his next career move. “It’s something I aspire to when I finish footy – to have something there waiting for me to start up.”
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AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
AFL PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION AND AFL SPORTSREADY NEXT GOAL EDUCATION PATHWAY The first year roll-out of the Next Goal Education Pathway saw 187 players undertaking studies with SportsReady Education, gaining a range of academic and vocational skills and knowledge.
All training provided is tailored to suit the unique needs of AFL players both on and off the field, building on their personal knowledge and skills base.
The Next Goal Education Pathway is a comprehensive education offering aimed at developing careers outside of football.
At the completion of the Diploma, a career advice and planning session is provided to help players plan for their career post football.
Players follow a vocational pathway, commencing with the Certificate III - Football Induction Program. They then have the option to progress to a Certificate IV in Sport Development, Fitness or Business, following onto a Diploma of Sport Development or a Diploma of Management.
For players that decide to follow a pathway into university, a Tertiary Transitions program is offered, arranging direct entry with credit into a range of courses – including business, social sciences, communication, psychology, sports management, teaching and sports science.
UNI
CERT IV SPORT DEV CERT III COP
DIRECT ENTRY WITH CREDIT INTO:
DIPLOMA SPORT DEVELOPMENT
CERT IV FITNESS
TERTIARY TRANSITION PROGRAM
WHAT’S NEXT? DIPLOMA MANAGEMENT
CERT IV BUSINESS
Business Communication Social Sciences Psychology Sports Mgmt Teaching Sports Science Others
WORK CERT III COP (ALL PLAYERS) General induction program. Classes conducted at players’ Club Min. 9 months
CERTIFICATE IV (3 TO CHOOSE FROM)
DIPLOMA OF SPORT MANAGEMENT OR MANAGEMENT
Recommended pathway is Sport Development. Players with an interest in Fitness or Business may choose this in addition to or instead of the Sport Development course
A comprehensive program that uses project based learning to build players knowledge and skills across a range of sport & management areas. Classes conducted off site
WHAT’S NEXT Covers career planning, resume writing, VTAC advice. Conducted off site
TERTIARY TRANSITIONS PROGRAM Designed to assist Diploma students going to University 1–2 days
1–2 days
Min. 9 months
Min. 9 months
EXCLUSIVE UNIVERSITY PARTNERS/COLLABORATORS: La Trobe University – Victoria
Curtin University –Western Australia
Griffith University – Queensland
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02. RESOURCES
PLAYER EDUCATION ENGAGEMENT 2013 82 FOOTBALL INDUCTION 19 CERTIFICATE IV IN SPORT DEVELOPMENT 38 CERTIFICATE IV IN BUSINESS 27 CERTIFICATE IV IN FITNESS 21 DIPLOMA OF MANAGEMENT
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
PLAYER EDUCATION PARTICIPATION BY STATE
QUEENSLAND Certificate IV in Fitness Football Induction
NEW SOUTH WALES Certificate IV in Sport Development
Certificate IV in Fitness Diploma of Management Football Induction Certificate IV in Business
SOUTH AUSTRALIA Certificate IV in Business Football Induction
WESTERN AUSTRALIA Certificate IV in Sport Development Football Induction
VICTORIA
Certificate IV in Fitness
Certificate IV in Sport Development Certificate IV in Business
Diploma of Management Football Induction
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AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
NEXT COACH Next Coach saw six current and past players sign on this year to the elite program and welcomed its first senior coach appointment with Adam Simpson joining the West Coast Eagles.
Four of the West Coast Eagles’ six new coaching appointments in 2013 have completed the elite course, with senior coach Adam Simpson, assistant Brady Rawlings and development coaches Daniel Pratt and Jaymie Graham all graduates.
The Next Coach program was established in partnership with AFL SportsReady and the AFL Coaches Association to provide AFL players with a streamlined pathway into coaching. Under the tutelage of coaching guru David Wheadon, players receive mentoring, industry experience and valuable insight into the concepts and ideas behind ‘the art of coaching’.
Next Coach graduates currently employed in the AFL system as assistant and development coaches also include Brad Miller, Cameron Bruce, Brad Green, Simon Goodwin and Josh Fraser.
Next Coach 2013 Participants Next Coach Participant
Club
Current Status
Ben Rutten
Adelaide
Current
Mark McVeigh
Essendon
Past
Aaron Davey
Melbourne
Current
Jacob Surjan
Port Adelaide
Past
Adam Schneider
St Kilda
Current
Jarrad McVeigh
Sydney
Current
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CASE STUDY 05.
FROM CAPTAIN TO COACH Brad Green played 254 games of AFL in an outstanding 13-year career with Melbourne, but hung up the boots at the end of 2012 knowing he still had more to offer the game. The AFL Players’ Association’s Next Coach Program helped the former Demons captain transition smoothly into an assistant coaching role at Carlton.
“I was fortunate enough to play 13 great years for the Melbourne Football Club, but when that time comes and you need to think about the transition away from the game, my passion was always about AFL footy,” Green said. “The closest thing to playing is coaching, so [I’m going down] that phase in my life.” Having completed the Next Coach Program during 2012, Green was able to start his coaching career – as a midfield coach at Carlton – just two months after retiring. “Coaching had always been a passion of mine and through the AFL Players’ Association and AFL Sportsready the Next Coach Program was the one for me.” The program provided Green with a mentor, Dave Wheadon, to help establish a set of personal coaching philosophies. “If you look at the great coaches and the great assistant coaches, they really do believe in certain principles and methods they fall back on and that’s the basis of the program,” Wheadon said.
Brad Green Next Coach Program
The Next Coach Program also educated Green on the various challenges of being an AFL coach, from how to watch and analyse the game through to dealing with the stresses that come with coaching at an elite level. Green will have a chance to develop further as an assistant coach with the Blues in 2014 – moving from the midfield to the forward line, where he played many of his 254 games as a Demon.
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AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
197
EDUCATION AND TRAINING GRANTS Over $500,000 in Education and Training grant assistance was provided to 276 current and past players this year to encourage them to explore and pursue formal education opportunities. Approximately half of those players applied the grant towards the completion of a Bachelor degree. The Association continues to fund player education needs up to three years after the completion of their football career in recognition of player time constraints and to give them time to finalise their studies.
PLAYER EDUCATION AND TRAINING GRANTS BY QUALIFICATION Qualification
Total
Advance Diploma
3
Bachelor
133
Certificate 2
1
Certificate 3
16
Certificate 4
55
Diploma
38
Graduate Certificate
5
Graduate Diploma
1
Masters
18
Professional Qualifications
17
Short Course
12
Single Unit
4
TOTAL
276
CURRENT PLAYERS
Applications
79
Applications
$384,495.55
PAST PLAYERS
$115,602.84
RETIRED AND DELISTED PLAYERS A key priority of the AFL Players’ Association is to provide support and assistance to retired and delisted players as they transition into life post AFL football. In 2013, 134 players transitioned out of the system, consisting of 31 retirements, 73 delisted senior players and 31 delisted rookies. Of these players, 21 were reinstated either via the national or the rookie draft. Player support meetings have been conducted with 90% of players, overviewing their entitlements, possible opportunities and future directions, with a follow up phone call or meeting at the six month mark. The Association provided career counselling and planning sessions to all members wishing to continue to develop their career post football. Assistance included resume preparation, job search skills, interview skills, application review and assistance with study requirements. Education and Training Grants are also available to past players for us to three years post retirement or delistment. In 2013, more than $115,000 in grant money was allocated to past players.
RETIRED AND DELISTED PLAYERS
COMPUTER GRANTS Approximately $60,000 in technology was allocated to all first year players by the AFL Players’ Association this year – a record level of computer grant assistance.
25
02. RESOURCES
RETIRED AND DELISTED PLAYER QUALIFICATIONS Eleven retired and delisted players graduated with a degree during the year, showing a marked increase on 2012 degree graduate figures. A review of the highest qualification gained by retired and delisted players during their football career highlights the importance of the Football Induction Program, with 31 players having completed a Certificate III upon exiting the game, and 72 continuing on to complete a higher qualification.
The statistics also highlight just how vital programs like the Football Induction Program and the Next Goal Education Pathway will be in raising the qualification levels of retired and delisted players going forward.
5 OTHER 6 YEAR 12 5 SHORT COURSE 3 LEVEL 2 NEXT COACH 31 CERT III 33 CERT IV 22 DIPLOMA 2 ADVANCED DIPLOMA 11 DEGREE 4 COMPLETING UNIVERSITY 0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
RETIRED AND DELISTED CAREER PATH In 2013, nearly half (42%) of all delisted and retired players chose a combination of work and football (31%) or work, study and football (11%) as their career path. Study played a key role in career paths with nearly a quarter (23%) of footballers completing it in some combination post football (study – 3%; work and study – 4%; study and football 5%; work, study and football – 11%).
24
REDRAFTED 8%
26
28
30
32
34
REROOKIED 8% WORK 6%
NO CONTACT 12%
STUDY 3% WORK & STUDY 4%
UNSURE 5%
RETIRED AND DELISTED CAREER PATH COACHING 6% OWN BUSINESS & FOOTBALL 1% WORK, STUDY & FOOTBALL 11% STUDY & FOOTBALL 5% 26
WORK & FOOTBALL 31% PRESEASON 0% OWN BUSINESS 0%
CASE STUDY 06.
MAKING AN IMPACT For many players leaving the AFL system, figuring out what comes next isn’t always easy. After being delisted by Essendon at the end of 2012, having played 114 games in nine seasons, Ricky Dyson is supporting people facing the prospect of leaving a very different system.
“The clubs and the AFL Players’ Association are fantastic with that too. They work really closely with the clubs to get everyone ready for when they get into their life after footy.”
Dyson works full-time at the Parkville Juvenile Justice Centre, where he takes physical education classes. He enjoys having a positive impact on the lives of young men who have made mistakes but are trying to make amends. “It’s great seeing them progress, and being able to have an influence on the lives of these kids, and hopefully [help in] setting them up for when they leave the system,” Dyson said. Like many AFL players, Dyson is passionate about fitness and wellbeing; his job at Parkville allows him to share some of the knowledge he acquired during his nine-year career in an elite sporting environment.
Ricky Dyson Retired and Delisted Players
Dyson completing a Certificate III and IV in Fitness as well as a short course in Small Business Management meant that, by the time his AFL career was over, he was well-equipped to venture down his next career path when the time came. Aside from working at Parkville, Dyson also co-owns Step into Life Thornbury – a group personal training business he runs with his brother in law. “We cater for all ages and fitness levels. The beauty of it is we always do it outdoors. Nothing is inside and everyone can participate,” Dyson said. Dyson had previously worked as an ambassador for Essendon’s On The Ball program; hosting and visiting schoolkids to educate them on the importance of making good lifestyle choices. That experience helped shape the pathway he took when football came to an end. Dyson believes it’s important for all footballers to have some idea of what to pursue after football.
27
02. RESOURCES
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL MANAGERS The Association’s Player Development Regional Managers’ role is to provide counselling and support to players to help them identify their passions, interests, skills and values, aligning them to vocational decisions. The Player Development Regional Managers implemented a range of initiatives during the year with the objectives of: ll Monitoring and enforcing CBA compliance to protect entitlements that allow players to achieve work life balance ll Developing and implementing Career Transition Programs for first year players (Transition In) ll Developing and implementing Career Transition Programs for Retired and Delisted players (Transition Out)
Program development has been informed by feedback from players, club staff and industry professionals, with a strong evidence base being at the core of all program delivery.
CAREER WORKS PRO CAREER PROFILING TOOL During the year, all Player Development Regional Managers trained in the implementation of the Career Works Pro Career Profiling tool, adding it to their toolkit of support options for players. The tool provides a conversation platform for Player Development Regional Managers to assist players in identifying their preferences, preferred work style, values and passions when considering career choices outside of football. Players complete an online questionnaire and the report is used by the Regional Managers to support the dialogue with players.
ll Developing and implementing programs designed to enhance the literacy, numeracy and language skills of AFL players
FOOTBALL INDUCTION PROGRAM CAREER DEVELOPMENT SESSION
ll Providing a variety of contemporary ‘in career’ vocational development programs and opportunities for all players
A three-hour Career Development session was introduced into the 2013 Football Induction Program for the first time this year, encouraging players to explore academic and employment pathways and prepare a career development action plan.
ll Establishing strong relationships with all clubs and senior players to maximise player engagement and development ll Providing targeted professional and personal development opportunities, designed to increase the brand of AFL Players.
As part of the session, 81 players completed an online questionnaire to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses, behavioural profiles and suggested career pathways. At the completion of the session, players walked away with a clear focus and plan for their off-field development in 2014.
ELITE PLAYERS, ELITE CAREERS, ELITE PEOPLE Two new player development workshops under the banner of ‘Elite Players, Elite Careers, Elite People’ were developed during the year, assisting players with CV preparation and networking skills. The CV Masterclass introduces the key elements of a modern and contemporary CV and outlines how players can maintain a comprehensive career management document. The Activating Your Networks workshop aims to demystify the art of networking and equip players with the skills to use the relevance gained through their playing career to help create postfootball career opportunities.
28
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL MANAGERS
RICHARD CHAMPION ll
Brisbane
ll
Gold Coast
ll
GWS
ll
Sydney
2014 FOCUS
MARISSA FILLIPOU ll
Carlton
ll
Geelong
ll
Melbourne
ll
North Melbourne
ll
Richmond
ll
Western Bulldogs
JOHN HINGE ll
Adelaide
ll
Essendon
ll
Fremantle
ll
Port Adelaide
ll
West Coast
CLAIRE MITCHELL-TAVERNER ll
Collingwood
ll
Hawthorn
ll
St Kilda
ll Introduction of a collective model of player development initiative – producing a personalised Off-Field Development Action Plan for every player. ll Roll-out of the ‘Elite Players, Elite Careers, Elite People’ Player Development Workshop Series in 2014, assisting players with CV preparation and networking skills. ll Expand university partners in Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales and the ACT - guaranteeing direct entry / credit into degree programs (exclusions apply) for graduates who complete SportsReady qualifications. ll Increase the level of player qualifications upon exiting the game through the establishment of off-field player development action plans and the Next Goal Education Pathway.
29
02. RESOURCES
FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND LITERACY The AFL Players’ Association provides world class financial education and literacy programs, services and resources to equip players with a solid understanding of financial strategies and help them manage their money now and into the future.
AMP PARTNERSHIP In continuing to work towards achieving the AFL Players’ Association’s vision of establishing the world’s best Financial Education and Literacy Program for professional athletes, the Association incorporated a request for assistance to expand
our existing literacy programs into the market evaluation of prospective superannuation providers that was conducted during the year. The Association successfully renegotiated its superannuation contract with AMP and, as part of the partnership, AMP offered to provide significant resourcing for the program expansion. Thanks to this generous support, a range of practical financial resources have been developed for players including: ll The AFL Players’ App to assist players in managing their finances ll Educational DVD on the AFL Players’ Association’s financial services offering ll A series of financial interviews with players to encourage engagement in educational workshops.
AFL PLAYERS’ APP The AFL Players’ App has been developed together with AMP to help players monitor their finances and plan for their financial future. The finance app includes a: ll Budget planner ll Risk profiler ll Superannuation simulator ll Home loan and insurance information ll Asset and liability tracker
30
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
EDUCATION WORKSHOPS The AFL Players’ Association has two key financial education workshops – Managing My Money 1 and Managing My Money 2.
Program
About
2013 Participants
2013 Clubs
86 Players
17 Clubs
40 Players
5 Clubs
• The course helps players develop vital financial literacy skills to use during and beyond their football careers.
Managing My Money 1
• Topics include understanding cash flows, goal setting, debt management, tax and an introduction to investment. • One-on-one meetings are conducted following the workshops to help players with financial plans. • Suitable for first and second year players.
• The course builds on Managing My Money 1. • The focus is on investment options and investment strategies, during and post football. Managing My Money 2
• Assists players with examples of exit strategies used to optimise finances when transitioning from the game. • One-on-one meetings to refine financial plans are encouraged. • Suitable for third – six year players.
During the year, player feedback was analysed and workshops were reviewed and revamped with a view to increasing player engagement. As a result, the program will be restructured into a three-stage delivery model in 2014. The format of Managing My Money 2 will evolve into a new information session to help players understand the benefits and workings of the new Player Retirement Scheme. The workshop will also include an introduction to investing and superannuation and will be suitable for 4+ year players. Managing My Money 3 will be introduced and will focus on investment tips, traps and exit strategies. This workshop will target 5+ year players.
31
02. RESOURCES
ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS
FINANCIAL ADVISERS’ ACCREDITATION PROGRAM
ADVANCED MEMBER ONE-ON-ONE SERVICE
The Association recently commenced developing the first Financial Adviser Accreditation Program in Australian sport.
At any point in their careers, players can access the Advanced Member One-on-one Service to review their investment strategy. The service can range from gaining a general education about investing through to a second opinion on a financial plan or business opportunity. Thirty-five hours of one-on-on advice was given last year.
ll Meet minimum standards of qualifications and experience ll Be required to participate in the Financial Literacy and Education Program
FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECKS
ll Be bound by a tailored code of practice
All retired and delisted players are encouraged to get a Financial Health Check from one of the Association’s financial education consultants to help with their financial transitions out of the AFL.
ll Contribute to an annual benchmarking data collation
The review is tailored to meet each individual’s personal financial needs, with common topics including debt management, financial goal setting and superannuation. Fifty-five financial health checks were completed in 2013. INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE The AFL Players’ Association provides independent financial advice to members who require additional financial assistance and education. Advice depends on individual circumstances but can include information on strategies to improve spending habits, right through to gaining an understanding of net earnings after tax.
The program will be launched in 2014
2014 FOCUS ll
Roll-out of revamped education workshops – Managing My Money 1, 2 and 3.
FINANCIAL BENCHMARKING
ll
Increase club and player engagement and uptake of education programs and oneon-one financial adviser sessions.
To enable the financial milestones of AFL players to be benchmarked throughout their careers, the AFL Players’ Association has developed and implemented a Financial Health Audit Framework and measurement tool.
ll
Launch and implement the Financial Adviser Accreditation Program.
The financial health tool collects yearly updates from players on their overall financial statuses across key indicators. The tool also assists in benchmarking financial literacy across varying player demographics. The results will be used to monitor key indicators, identify any shifts in knowledge and behaviour and inform and develop an enhanced financial education program. The data will also guide the provision of financial guidance and health checks to ensure they are occurring at key milestones during a player’s career and while they are preparing to transition out of the game. The Association is hoping to see an improvement over time as players progress through the program and areas of interest and improvement are identified.
32
Under the program, accredited financial advisors will:
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
THE FINANCIAL EDUCATION TEAM
NICOLE SENZ
BRAD WIRA
MARK PORTER
Nicole Senz has recently joined the Financial Education team as a dedicated resource to manage the transformation of the Financial Literacy Program and improve player engagement.
Brad Wira has been a joint adviser for the AFL Players’ Association & AFL Industry Superannuation Fund since 2006 and has been instrumental in the continuing design and long-term growth of the group plan.
Mark Porter is a Private Client Adviser at Shadforth Financial Group’s Melbourne office and has worked with the AFL Players’ Association in the delivery of its Financial Literacy Program since 2010.
Nicole is a passionate Financial Education Consultant and qualified Financial Planner with over 15 years’ experience in the financial services sector.
Before joining Shadforth Financial Group’s Perth office in 2001, Brad played for the Fremantle Dockers and Western Bulldogs. During this time he completed a Bachelor of Business at Edith Cowan University, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning after he retired.
He is a former AFL footballer, having played with Carlton and North Melbourne, and has had a long standing connection with elite sportspeople. He draws on his professional expertise as an adviser and an investor, his life experience as a professional athlete and his years of interaction with the players in the delivery of education and relevant advice.
In her previous role with Mercer Super Trust, she specialised in creating and delivering member education and advice strategies for corporate superannuation employers, all with a focus on improving employee engagement and retirement outcomes. Nicole has a particular passion in motivating people to take control of their finances in order to improve their financial situations.
Brad’s financial knowledge, combined with his time as a player, has provided him with the understanding and empathy needed to ensure all players are provided with the education and tools they require in order to leave the game financially successful.
Mark has completed an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services, a Master of Business (Sport Management), a teaching degree and certificate IV in workplace training and assessment. He is committed to continued professional development and is about to embark on the Certified Financial Planner® practitioner designation.
33
02. RESOURCES
WELLBEING The Association provides past and present players with the skills, support and services to optimise their personal wellbeing both during and post their AFL careers. This season the Wellbeing Services team focused on three key areas: ll Individual psychology and wellbeing services for current and past players via our National network of psychologists and mental health specialists ll Wellbeing programs for player wellbeing, resilience and performance in life ll Wellbeing campaigns and events.
During the year players were invited to access the free independent and confidential psychology service to discuss their health and wellbeing needs. As a result, there was a 10% increase in the use of this service and a threefold increase in past player use.
WELLBEING PROGRAMS All of the Association’s mental health and wellbeing programs are evidence based and draw on best practice mental health and wellbeing science – including mindfulness and acceptancebased approaches such as positive psychology, acceptance and commitment therapy and adult learning principles. Programs aim to be engaging, practical and encourage ongoing commitment to personal development. Player feedback and ratings were captured during the year (1=poor to 5=excellent), with players providing an average score of 4 as to how engaging and helpful they found the programs.
NATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY NETWORK The National Psychology network provides a range of mental health services to help players deal with critical incidents, stress or mental illness, in addition to offering proactive services to help enhance resilience and build flourishing lives. The Network encourages players to consider the services on offer as an opportunity to grow and develop their mental fitness at any stage of their career – not just when things go wrong.
“
Like physical fitness, mental fitness requires a tailored plan, clear goals and consistent effort to be effective.
”
- Dr Jo Mitchell Clinical Psychologist and Wellbeing Services Manager
34
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
2013 WELLBEING PROGRAM - CLUB PARTICIPATION
WELLBEING PROGRAMS Program
About
Manage Your Mind is designed to develop psychological skills to manage stress, build resilience and improve mental wellbeing. Manage Your Mind The program sets a framework for vocational, social, emotional, physical and psychological health and is tailored for first and second year.
Practical Mindfulness helps players develop mindfulness skills – the ability to tune-in and unhook from distraction. Practical Mindfulness The aim of this highly practical module is to learn how to develop mental focus, clarity and calm when players need it.
Team Wise
With one in four Australians experiencing a mental illness at some stage in their lives, and most mental illness emerging between the ages of 15 and 25, Team Wise focuses on supporting mates, noticing stress and illness and starting conversations that save lives. The program looks at the signs that may indicate your mate is struggling, how to start a conversation with them and how to encourage the right actions.
35
02. RESOURCES
WELLBEING CAMPAIGNS AND EVENTS During the year, the Association embraced a number of wellbeing related campaigns and events to help spread the wellbeing message to players and the community.
BAND 4 HOPE The Band4Hope Project empowers people to spread hope through trackable wristbands passed on to inspire acts of kindness and raise money for charity. The bands are intended to be worn for a month before being passed on to another person who displays an act of kindness or inspires hope. The bands are inscribed with a unique ID allowing the band to be tracked around the world as it is passed on. A collaboration between the AFL Players’ Association and Band4Hope has resulted in 200 customised ‘AFL Players’ bands – designed and manufactured in Africa, and now being shared throughout the broader football community here in Australia. Each of these trackable wristbands is linked to the players’ charity – Ladder. The AFL Players’ Association joined the hope movement due to its relevance to football, performance and community. Player Development Manager, Craig Lambert, approached the AFL Players’ Association to bring the initiative to Blacktown and every GWS Giant within the Leadership Group was given a band to pass on.
36
“
Hope is a unique human quality that allows us to envisage the future, plan for it, create goals, and strive toward them. It is an essential component of mental fitness, and necessary for mental health and flourishing.
”
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
THE WELLBEING SERVICES TEAM
DR JO MITCHELL
ANNA BOX
JEN ASHTON
Wellbeing Services Manager
Wellbeing Consultant
Wellbeing Coordinator
FIVE WAYS TO WELLBEING New recruits were all introduced to the Five Ways to Wellbeing campaign at the AFL Players’/AFL Induction Camp 2013. The Five Ways to Wellbeing are a set of evidence-based actions that promote player wellbeing - Connect, Move, Tune-in, Learn and Give. These activities are simple things that players can do in their everyday lives to build resilience, happiness and meaning.
MEANING @ WORK BREAKFAST In recognition of National Psychology Week, the Association hosted a Meaning @ Work breakfast seminar featuring Associate Professor Michael F Steger, an international authority in the study of meaning and the quality of life from Colorado State University. Associate Professor Steger has spent more than a decade researching people’s ability to find meaning in their lives and the benefits of living a meaningful life and he shared some of these findings with players.
2014 FOCUS ll Develop a digital course design with content available in iBooks format for facilitated and selfdirected learning. ll Develop a flexible, module-based delivery, tailored to meet individual club and player needs and complement existing club programs. ll Expand campaign collaboration with health and wellbeing programs/campaigns to continue to spread the wellbeing message to players and the community.
Western Bulldogs player Bob Murphy also shared his insights in to what makes his life meaningful as part of a panel discussion with professionals from education, business and media. The breakfast was held in combination with wellbeing services The Mind Room and Mind 360 where the dialogue of the morning surrounded the concept of ikigai. Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is a Japanese word meaning “a reason for being” or “a reason to get up in the morning”. 37
CASE STUDY 07.
CONNECTION BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL HEALTH In 2013 the AFL Players’ Association ran a program to address some of the ongoing psychological challenges elite athletes are faced with. Fremantle ruckman Jack Hannath attended the Manage Your Mind program – developed by Dr Jo Mitchell, Clinical Psychologist and Wellbeing Manager at the Players’ Association – where he was reminded about the value of monitoring his mental health and recognising what makes him happy. “Managing your wellbeing is good to give you perspective, because you might be blurred at times with the excitement of being inside an AFL environment,” Hannath told Inside Football last year. The life of an AFL footballer is nothing if not busy; often players find they don’t have time to reflect on whether they’re putting enough time into the areas of life they value most. “In the full-time environment of AFL footy, the footy is so full on that initially values are not something you pay much attention to,” Hannath admitted. “When I undertook the program, it really got me thinking and when we had to preference our values, at the top of my list were
Jack Hannath Manage Your Mind Program 38
relationships with my friends and family. It was a very beneficial exercise because with footy being full time and Adelaide being an hour and a half ahead of WA, you can lose contact with friends and family sometimes.” While moving back to Adelaide wasn’t a viable option given his career at the Dockers, Hannath realised he could do more to keep in touch with those important to him. “It really made me think – it’s something I value highly but hadn’t given enough attention to. Trips back home are really limited, so now I make the most of opportunities I have to get in touch with friends and family back home and keep that link.” For Hannath, making a conscious effort to recognise what’s important to him outside of football has become an extremely valuable exercise. “It helps you to reflect on other aspects of your life that are really important to keep balanced,” Hannath said. “In a way it can be detrimental to your football if that’s all you are focused on and don’t have outside releases or know how to manage yourself outside of a football environment.”
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
The Indigenous Players’ Advisory Board is the first of its kind in Australian sport and was established by players with the aim of continuing to improve the AFL landscape for Indigenous players. The Board consists of a minimum of one Indigenous player representative from Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales and four representatives from Victoria.
The AFL Players’ Association is committed to ensuring every player in the AFL – regardless of cultural background – receives the same opportunity to develop the skills needed to manage the demands of the game and transitions into a meaningful post-football vocation.
Board members met in Alice Springs during the Indigenous Camp held in February 2013, establishing the Board’s mission of “Leaders of today for our brothers tomorrow”, and key priorities for 2014.
INDIGENOUS PLAYERS’ ADVISORY BOARD
Following the completion of the AFL season, three Board members retired from the game - Aaron Davey, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Graham Johncock. Elections for these Board positions will take place in March 2014.
2013 saw the appointment of Lance Franklin, Patrick Ryder and Michael Johnson to the Indigenous Players’ Advisory Board, following the retirements of Chance Bateman and Roger Hayden.
2013 INDIGENOUS PLAYERS’ ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Member
Role
State
Adam Goodes
Chairman
NSW
Shaun Burgoyne
Board Member
VIC
Aaron Davey
Board Member
VIC
Lance Franklin
Board Member
VIC
Jarrod Harbrow
Board Member
QLD
Graham Johncock
Board Member
SA
Michael Johnson
Board Member
WA
Nathan Lovett-Murray
Board Member
VIC
Patrick Ryder
Board Member
VIC 39
02. RESOURCES
MANY STORIES, ONE GOAL – SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS In recognition of NAIDOC Week, The AFL Players’ Indigenous Advisory Board launched its best practice guidelines for supporting Indigenous footballers. The document titled Many Stories, One Goal was developed in response to Indigenous player experiences, stakeholder consultation and academic research. The inspiration for the guidelines came from the AFL Players’ Indigenous Camp held in Alice Springs earlier this year and a desire to achieve consistency in conditions across the competition for Indigenous players. Since the launch of the guidelines, the AFL Players’ Association has been working with clubs to strengthen the programs on offer to Indigenous players.
Four key areas were identified as crucial points of support for Indigenous players, both upon their arrival into the AFL and during their football careers:
40
01
Induction – Supporting Indigenous players’ to transition into the game.
02
Personal Support – Individual development and off-field support for players.
03
Professional Development – Career transition, education and vocational skills for players.
04
Our Culture – Cultural education and awareness guidance for industry stakeholders.
The aim of the guidelines is to: ll Ensure all Indigenous players are supported consistently, regardless of the club to which they are drafted ll Assist clubs to gain an understanding of the Aboriginal culture through the eyes of players and Indigenous Australians ll Provide the support required to retain Indigenous players in the AFL system and maximise their careers in the game.
“
The Indigenous best practice guidelines are a wonderful point of reference for our club in supporting and holistically serving our Indigenous players. The AFL Players’ Association, through the leadership of the Indigenous Advisory Board, have developed a positive and highly workable tool that ensures we as an AFL club are maintaining a quality standard of delivery for all Indigenous players entering into, playing or exiting our great game. Liam Casson Fremantle Player Development Manager
”
41
02. RESOURCES
EDUCATION PATHWAY Fourteen Indigenous players completed either a Certificate IV in Education Support or a Diploma of Education Support with RMIT during the year. The courses were developed by RMIT University on behalf of the Association to assist Indigenous players in achieving the qualifications required to gain employment in a range of Indigenous community and education settings, or in organisations that run Indigenous community projects.
Education engagement is a key priority for both the AFL Players’ Association and the Indigenous Players’ Advisory Board as it plays a vital role in assisting players to transition into and out of the game. To aid professional development conversations with Indigenous players, a Development Pathway for Indigenous footballers was developed to visually portray to players the education options on offer for them.
development pathway for indigenous footballers FOOTBALL INDUCTION PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE III IN SPORT)
STUDY
CERTIFICATE IV • Sports Development • Fitness
WORK
INTRODUCTORY WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM – 4 days
• Business
WORK PLACEMENT PROGRAM – 20 days
DIPLOMA
TRADE APPRENTICESHIPS
• Sports Development • Management
DIRECT ENTRY INTO UNIVERSITY OR EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
INDIGENOUS MARKETING
COACHING
CERTIFICATE IV • Education Support
AFL/AFLPA LEVEL TWO COACHING COURSE
DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION SUPPORT
COACHING WORK PLACEMENT
EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE
COACHING PATHWAY
DESTINATION==LIFE LIFE AFTER DESTINATION AFTERFOOTBALL FOOTBALL
INDIGENOUS CAMP
INDIGENOUS PAST PLAYERS DREAMTIME AT THE ‘G’ EVENT
More than 60 of the AFL’s Indigenous players gathered in Alice Springs in February 2013 for the 7th AFL Players’ Association/ AFL Indigenous Camp.
In celebration of Indigenous Round, the AFL Players’ Association hosted a pre-game get together with Indigenous past players.
Held every second year, the camp provides a vital opportunity for the league’s Indigenous footballers to get together in one place and voice their opinions on the major issues impacting them.
The event was the first of its kind and brought together both past and present Indigenous players to encourage connection, engagement and mentoring.
The camp is held over four days and included a range of education sessions, personal development, cultural education and community visits. 42
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
2014 FOCUS ll Maintain and increase Indigenous player numbers in the game. ll Increase player engagement in off-field development. ll Develop a mentor program to assist players in transitioning into and out of the game. ll Develop new partnerships to strengthen and grow programs that support Indigenous players. ll Promote and introduce action plans within each club to support Indigenous players. ll Develop multicultural guidelines. ll Promote and encourage all clubs to develop an Indigenous round football jumper. ll Educate non-Indigenous players through player stories/activities..
SPOTLIGHT ON KELLY APPLEBEE Kelly Applebee joined the AFL Players’ Association in 2012 as Indigenous and Multicultural Manager. Having worked previously as Senior Officer of Indigenous Cricket at Cricket Australia, Kelly is passionate about developing a range of programs that support Indigenous players and ensure they are well-equipped to make the most of their AFL careers. In 2013 Kelly played a critical role in the production of the Indigenous Advisory Board’s best practice guidelines for supporting Indigenous players. This year Kelly hopes to create a multicultural working group to ensure the AFL Players’ Association – in partnership with the AFL – continues to develop new programs that support footballers from diverse backgrounds. 43
02. RESOURCES
ALUMNI To recognise the contribution that the AFL’s past players make to the game, the AFL Players’ Association’s Alumni provides a range of health and wellbeing benefits.
AFL PLAYERS’ TRUST 2013 saw the launch of the AFL Players’ Trust, a new initiative to provide valuable assistance to former players who are facing hardship due to football related injury or illness. Research found 64% of past players remain affected in their current daily lives from previous AFL injuries, with 60% requiring ongoing medical treatment. In response, the Players’ Trust will build upon the existing mechanisms of support the AFL has extended to past players and will specifically include:
01
The Geoff Pryor Hardship Grants of assistance of up to $5000 for player hardship cases.
The Players’ Trust Committee will have the discretion to determine whether or not the application is approved, what level of support would be appropriate in the circumstances and whether or not conditions, if any, apply to the grant of assistance.
THE PLAYERS’ TRUST COMMITTEE ll Peter Bell (Chairman) – Former Player and AFL Players’ Association President ll Gareth Andrews – Former Player, Vice President Richmond FC ll Dr Andrew Daff – Executive Member AFL Medical Officers Association ll Ian Dicker – Former Hawthorn President, Owner and Chairman of Steritech PTY LTD ll Gerard Healy – Former Player, Physiotherapist and Media Personality ll Paul Henderson – Medical Negligence Lawyer
02
44
A more extensive benefit (which may be in the nature of a grant of financial assistance or the provision of or access to additional services or benefits) for those past players who suffer significant temporary or long term hardship.
ll Bill Kelty – AFL Commissioner ll Mike Sheahan – Sports Journalist and Media Personality
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
76%
of past players experienced serious injuries in elite football.
2014 FOCUS
Of those who reported serious injuries
64%
are still affected in daily life by their previous VFL/AFL ailments.
ll Continue to grow Alumni membership, ensuring all past players are aware of services and benefits available by joining the Alumni Program.
Of those who reported serious injuries
60% 6%
require on-going treatment for old football injuries.
have treatment costs covered by their old VFL/AFL club or the AFL Players Association.
ll Build upon existing benefits to ensure the Alumni program continues to set the benchmark for the way in which our game demonstrates its support and value of its former players. ll Develop strong communication and engagement with Alumni through fellowship activities. ll Promote and facilitate the newly formed AFL Players’ Trust , which supports past players in times of hardship due to football related ill health or injury.
Ref: Past Australian Rules Footballers: Reported injuries and concussions. The University of Western Australia, 2013
SPOTLIGHT ON BRAD FISHER Brad Fisher joined the AFL Players’ Association in 2013 as Manager of the Alumni Program. Fisher is well-equipped to relate to players leaving the game, having played 99 games for Carlton in a career that ended in 2010. He hopes to strengthen the AFL Players’ Alumni Program by engaging as many past players as possible, making sure to recognise the contribution each player has made to the game – regardless of whether they’ve played one game or 300. Fisher also believes it’s important to understand that each individual player’s journey is different and recognise the collective spirit amongst past players. Some will make use of the Alumni Program as soon as they leave the game, while others may wait longer before utilising the Players’ Association’s resources. Fisher knows leaving the game can be one of the most difficult parts of an AFL career, and hopes to assist others in their transitions into life after football. 45
4 ALUMNI PILLARS
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING BULK BILLING FOR MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS Through the Players’ Association’s partnership with the AFL Medical Officers Association, Alumni members are able to receive bulk billed consultations, treatment, referral and support on muscular skeletal issues and any ongoing injuries or illnesses related to their football career - regardless of their financial situation. The AFL Players’ Association Medical Officers Network has 39 participating doctors operating in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Geelong, providing significant geographic coverage across the country. REIMBURSEMENT OF HEATH INSURANCE EXCESS FEE Alumni members are able to obtain a refund of any excess fee paid (up to $500) relating to hospital stays or procedures, regardless of their health fund. During the year, $32,000 in reimbursements was provided to Alumni members, taking the total reimbursement figure since the program was introduced in 2007 to $285,000. GEOFF PRYOR HARDSHIP FUND Financial support for medical services is offered through the Geoff Pryor Hardship Fund. $37,786 in financial assistance was provided to members in 2013, bringing the total assistance figure since launching in 2007 to $260,581.
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CONTINUING EDUCATION EDUCATION AND TRAINING GRANTS Players who finished playing within the last three years are able to access Education and Training Grants to assist with their study fees. The total amount of Education and Training funding approved for past players in 2013 was over $115,000. CAREER COUNSELLING Alumni members all have access to a Career Counselling tool which includes a one-on-one career counselling session to help guide them to the appropriate career path.
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FINANCIAL PROSPERITY
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FINANCIAL SERVICES Alumni members receive access to the services of qualified financial advisors who have extensive experience in both the football and business worlds. THE AFL PLAYERS’ AND AFL INDUSTRY SUPERANNUATION FUND The AFL Players’ and AFL Industry Superannuation Fund is open to all Alumni members to join. The group’s associated buying power enables members access to a range of discounts.
FELLOWSHIP
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MCG MATCH DAY FUNCTIONS In conjunction with the Combined Past Players and Officials Association, the AFL Players’ Association holds past player events in the Tom Wills Room at the MCG on Match Days. Three events were held during the year and were a great success, with many former players from different eras enjoying the match while catching up with familiar faces from years gone by. FUNCTIONS Alumni members are encouraged to attend a range of AFL Players’ Association functions throughout the year to network and stay connected with the ever evolving football world. 2013 saw fantastic attendance from the Association’s Alumni at a number of events, including the MVP, Madden Medal and the AFL Players’ Trust Launch. LINKEDIN An Alumni LinkedIn Group was launched by the Association in 2013. We now have over 150 Alumni Members connecting and networking together on LinkedIn. ALUMNI ENEWSLETTER Monthly Alumni eNewsletters are sent to Alumni Members, updating them on everything that has happened and is coming up in the Alumni Space.
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03. CULTURE Culture is a key driver of best practice AFL work/life balance. The cultural environment of a club can also have a significant impact on the way that players assess risk, consequences and make choices about their off-field behaviour.
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AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
ACADEMIC RESEARCH THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLAYER OFF-FIELD ENGAGEMENT AND ON-FIELD PERFORMANCE There has been much anecdotal support from athletes and coaches in various sports indicating that engaging in interests outside of professional sport and preparing for a post-athletic career are beneficial for performance. There have also been conflicting opinions from both athletes and coaches suggesting that engaging in activities that prepare for life after sport can be a negative distraction from the immediate focus necessary to achieve success in sport.
Australian Catholic University, in conjunction with the AFL Players’ Association, investigated how engagement in off-field activities, perceptions of club support for off-field life, and the adequacy/ quality of time spent away from the football environment was associated with players’ engagement in their football during season 2013. Fourteen clubs and 430 AFL players took part in the study and completed a detailed survey investigating off-field activities and club support.
Yet despite an abundance of anecdotally based comment, there has been little quantitative evidence to either support or reject these links. Associate Professor John Saunders and Matthew Pink from
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03. CULTURE
KEY FINDINGS
RESEARCH NOTES
PREDICTING PLAYERS’ QUALITY OF ENGAGEMENT ON THE FIELD
The researchers confirmed that results were statistically significant and, although the associations were small to moderate in size, they are meaningful in the context of high performance environments looking to maximise player output.
Players’ perceptions of club support for off-field life, the quality of their free time, and time spent engaging in a social life/going out were meaningfully associated with the way they engaged in their football (i.e., their confidence, dedication, enthusiasm, and energy for football). When these variables were taken together they predicted 13% of the variance in on-field engagement after controlling for confounding variables such as team success that season. With respect to predicting positive on-field engagement, it was players’ feelings around being supported in off-field life and the quality of free time that were the strongest predictors – rather than simply the amount of time spent in social, recreational, and familybased activities. These variables were particularly important for early career players (0-4 years) where they were able to predict 21% of the variance in the way in which early career players engaged with their football.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL: BENEFICIAL OR DETRIMENTAL TO ON-FIELD ENGAGEMENT? Participating in alternative career development (ACD) activities (i.e., preparing for life after football) appeared to be unrelated to levels of on-field engagement, when comparing engagers and non-engagers. Similarly, the amount of time invested in ACD activities did not show any meaningful positive or negative association with the way players engaged in their on-field responsibilities. For those who were involved with ACD, the perceived value of their experiences in these activities had a very small but significant positive association with their engagement in their football. These results suggest that players can engage in ACD without any fear it will jeopardise their football and that clubs can support these activities without compromising their core business. The benefits to the player and, by association, the clubs themselves in terms of a successful retirement transition could not be measured but undoubtedly present as a powerful future benefit still to be realised. These results clearly cast doubt on the idea that avoiding preparations for life after football to achieve more in the present is an effective performance strategy. 50
They were also quick to note that, although cross-sectional research does not show cause and effect, the relationships between the measures of club support for off-field life, the quality of players’ free time and enhanced levels of on-field engagement are intuitively logical. The encouraging results will be used during the year to strengthen club support of player work life balance and off-field development as part of a prudent and holistic high performance strategy.
CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTS AND RISK BEHAVIOURS FOR PLAYERS In 2011, the AFL Research Board commissioned a study investigating AFL club culture, environments and risk behaviours for players. Dr Colin McLeod from the University of Melbourne interviewed 36 players from AFL clubs in every state, to explore how socio-cultural environments impact upon risk factors in AFL players. The aims of the study were to identify which aspects of workplace and social culture may increase an AFL player’s vulnerability to engaging in risky behaviours, and to describe what players think would help them identify and manage the potential risks. All players were anonymous participants in the project. The research was released in October 2013 and a set of detailed recommendations for future club management practices were issued to clubs. Principal recommendations to enhance club culture: 1.
Develop the person, not just the footballer.
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Player satisfaction is an important goal of player management.
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Effective communication is paramount.
AFLPLAYERS DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING REPORT
Playing group insights into workplace culture In August 2013, the Association visited all clubs and conducted research with the playing group to gain insights into their views on workplace culture. Based on the responses of 680 players:
87% 77% 76% 71% 55% 52% 41% 39%
of players felt it was their club’s responsibility to provide them with the opportunity to develop both on and off-field
of players felt their club cared for them as a person and a player
of players felt their club expected them to engage in off-field development
A VOLUNTEERING CULTURE A culture that encourages and supports players in undertaking volunteer work can lead to health benefits for both players and the wider community. To further explore these benefits, Laura Petridis from La Trobe University’s Faculty of Health Science conducted a range of semi-structured and in-depth interviews with AFL players and representatives from volunteer agencies during the 2013 AFL season. The interviews examined the experiences and perceptions of a group of AFL players with the aim of: identifying the personal impact of volunteerism; the motivations for volunteering; and the perceptions of volunteer agency representatives regarding the health impact of the AFL player’s volunteer work. From a personal impact perspective, the analysis revealed players: ll Gained perspective through volunteering experiences
of players felt off-field development was taken seriously at their club
of players felt work allowed adequate time for study, family and relationships
ll Gained personal fulfillment/enjoyment through volunteering experiences ll Explained they experienced considerably more enjoyment from volunteering compared to mandated community involvement ll Valued seeing others benefit from their volunteer work. To further this research, a player-wide volunteer survey is planned for 2014. This survey will examine both the volunteer work and the mandated community involvement players are involved in.
of players felt work allowed adequate time for leisure
of players felt when changes to schedule occur they were given time to plan off-field activities
of players felt work allowed them to have a ‘mental break’ between matches
Results were broken down by club and shared and discussed with all clubs - allowing them to see how they fared against the rest of the competition, highlighting any areas in need of improvement and influencing the creation of a best practice culture. The Workplace Culture Survey will be conducted annually to monitor trends in player insights and improve workplace culture. 51
Australian Football League Players’ Association Level 2, 170 Bridport Street, Albert Park, Victoria 3206 T: 03 8651 4300 F: 03 8651 4305 www. aflplayers.com.au Twitter: @AFLPlayers Facebook: facebook.com/AFLPlayers Instagram: afl_players