THE AFL Coaches Association will review its structure, priorities and funding model as it deals with increasing demands for its services. 

 

The proposal to undertake a review was made at the annual general meeting of the AFLCA, held in Adelaide on March 5.

 

At that meeting CEO Danny Frawley identified the need for the association to reassess its direction as industry growth increasingly tested the organisation's ability to meet its objectives.

 

The move was supported by senior coaches. The association's objectives include career development and transition, creating coaching pathways and promoting the role of coaches.

 

In 2013, the AFLCA had to address the fall-out from the Essendon supplements saga that led to the suspension of coach James Hird, as well as supporting the three coaches - Brisbane Lions' Michael Voss, Melbourne's Mark Neeld and St Kilda's Scott Watters - who were sacked during 2014.

 

With membership numbers increasing from 106 in 2009 to 180 in 2014 and the environment for obtaining sponsorship difficult, the association conceded to members it had struggled to adequately meet its objectives.

 

The AFLCA has also recognised the increasing demands it places on senior coaches' time as it promotes the industry and attempts to develop a collective voice on issues ranging from coaching accreditation to the laws of the game.

 

The AFL has indicated its willingness to support the coaches' initiative to develop a form of coaching accreditation, with CEO Andrew Demetriou saying last week that the concept had merit.

 

"That's something we agreed we'd pursue further with the (AFL) Coaches Association. That's a work in progress, but I think it's very encouraging," Demetriou said.

"I think there's enough ideas and goodwill for that to be fast-tracked."

 

The AFLCA was formed in 2002.