GUILDFORD AND SOUTHS JUNIORS GOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEE

[metroman]

I have just my hands on the Concise Annual Report of the Guildford Leagues Club for the year ended 31 December 2003.

Things dont look too good. Revenue fell by more than $600,000 in 2003 but poker machine takings were steady. On the payments side of things rent to Holroyd Council doubled from $450,000 to $900,000.

There was no increase in poker machine taxes. So the real reason Guildford dropped out of Jim Beam was (a) building extensions disrupting bar and food operations and (b) council rents.

I cant understand why the Directors tried to blame it on taxes.

 

[Jeffles]

The directors tried to blame it on taxes because it was

a) A safe bet with the public
b) It masks their own "not caring about RL as much as you could" attitude

The Fitz Files column of the SMH ran a piece about Guildford when they withdrew. It was something along the lines of "Boo Hoo. Guildford hav withdrawn from the JBC citing the pokie tax. It meant they couldn't afford the $300K to run a football team. What they neglected to tell you was that last year they spent $5.5m on Capital works"

Now, as much as the man is a rah rah, he is on the money here. Leagues Club priorities have changed. RL is not necessarily the top priority.

Metroman, these new figures are interesting. They give good reason to explain cost cuts at Guildford. BUT a high capital works bill in the past at the expense of RL indicates a change of priority and a lack of concern for RL. The first thing the club cut was the JBC, which suggest RL is not a top priority

 

[mono_mal]

The dissapointing thing is all but one of the directors have come from Rugby League backgrounds, being involved with the Junior League Committee or playing A-Grade for the club.
It's simply not acceptable for a club of such a stature to field there premier team in an A-Grade competition.
Unless we see changes in the boardroom I fear we will never see the Owls return to Jim Beam Cup football.

 

[Jeffles]

Mono Mal I am so proud of you.

I honestly thought you were going to say "look - the revenue is down. They genuinely had to cut the JBC team." I am pleased you didn't. and even if the fall in revenue was forecast, the directors have effectively said "rather than delay renovations, we will cut Rugby League".

The points you raise are incredibly true. Perhaps Guildford eagues directors have forgotten their roots.

Mono mal, if you are not already a member, I suggest you join the Leagues club and voice your concerns to the directors.

 

[mono_mal]

Jeffles,
Not yet a member but 18 this Friday and will become one immediately.
The problem is theres only so much one can do. Especially when your seen as a 'kid'.
These concerns have already been raised by others to the directors but to no prevail. They seem happy to continue playing in the A-Grade competition.
It is also unknown how exactly the vote was split and who voted for and against the JBC team so it makes it even harder to further the concerns.
There was much uproar though last year when the decision was made but it now seems to have been accepted by the majority.
And about the renovations Jeffles, they have already been completed, the problem lies that they were forecasted before the tax implemented and Guildford had not forecasted for the tax.
All the same this does not excuse Guildford from not fielding a team in the comp. They have simply taken the easy option and used it as an excuse. There is no chance Guildford cannot spare the money required for a Jim Beam Cup team.
Again I wish I could do something but when your seen as only a 'kid' by narrow minded directors theres not much you can do.

 

[Jeffles]

No reason for you to give up MM.

If they won't listen to a kid, find adults that will take up your cause. There have to be some older blokes (members) around who want Guildford to go back to JBC.

All the best.

 

[bazza]

Good luck mono mal

The thing to remember about most clubs is that the number of voters is relatively small - so it isn't too hard to get someone voted to the board if you know a few members. You might have to wait a few more years to vote though.

I suggest you get as many mates as you can to sign up as well and make sure you become a member who is entitled to vote for the directors.

 

[Nfed]

The clubs are planning a big rally tomorrow to coincide with the commencement of the increases in the poker machine tax.

The increases in the latter years of the 6 year phase in might kill the goose that laid the golden egg but it doesnt help the clubs cring poor when last week Revesby Workers announced its plan for a $90 million extension ($15 million for stage 1). No misprint - $90 million!

 

[Jeffles]

Exactly NFed. These are the announcements that weaken the credibility of club's when they argue that they cannot afford th new tax.

Nonetheless BECAUSE we are faced with the 21st Century type of club director that cares more about bottom lines, artifical waterfalls and neon lights than it does about the principles on which their clubs were founded upon, Rugby League will suffer.

For me the protest will be as much about protesting cuts to sport as it wil lbe a protest against the attitude of the modern club director. I don't think we can change Carr's mind. But as football fans and officials we have to convince clubs of the importance of our sport in the scheme of society and in the context of the club's principles.