THE Ballarat Football League rule that specifically restricted North Ballarat City’s recruiting has been lifted as AFL Goldfields moves to make leagues more even.
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While the struggling Sebastopol has been given a special exemption to recruit six North Ballarat Roosters players this year, North City for the first time falls under the same rules as every other club in terms of Roosters players who can be recruited.
North City was given specific rules when it entered the league in 2008, in which it was only allowed to recruit two North Ballarat Roosters/Rebels players each season.
That rule has now been lifted.
The rule will also cover the Central Highlands and Maryborough Castlemaine District leagues.
It was introduced last year when the Roosters axed their development league, but this year has different conditions.
The VFL players fall into three categories: currently listed VFL players, exiting VFL-listed players and those just training with Roosters.
The new rules include:
• A side that wins 75 per cent or more, or 12, of its home and away games will be allowed two VFL recruits for the following season.
• A side that wins less than 75 per cent of its games will be allowed three VFL recruits for the following season.
• A side that wins less than 25 per cent, or less than four, of its games will be allowed four VFL recruits for the following season.
• The number of games played to be exempt from all restrictions has been lowered from 40 games to 30 games.
There will also be a new rule from 2016 onwards that will mean a team that wins more than 90 per cent of its matches will only be allowed one VFL recruit.
The changes are designed to benefit the struggling sides, as well as those that only just sneak into the finals.
AFL Goldfields regional general manager Rod Ward said he was pleased with the rule changes.
“Everybody had the opportunity to have input into it and we’re really happy with how it was finalised,” he said.
pattrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au
AT A GLANCE
How each club fares for 2015:
BACCHUS MARSH: Three recruits, seven wins
BALLARAT: Two recruits, 12 wins
DARLEY: Three recruits, nine wins
EAST POINT: Three recruits, eight wins
LAKE WENDOUREE: Three recruits, eight wins
MELTON: Three recruits, five wins
MELTON SOUTH: Four recruits, two wins
NORTH BALLARAT CITY: Two recruits, 15 wins (would be one recruit as of 2016)
REDAN: Two recruits, 13 wins
SEBASTOPOL: Six recruits, zero wins (exemption for additional two recruits)
SUNBURY: Three recruits, eight wins
