Football Victoria (FV) agreed by an overwhelming majority to approve constitutional reform at a Special General Meeting (SGM) on November 19 at The Home of The Matildas.
The meeting was the culmination of extensive consultation and review as part of the Constitution Reform Project, commenced in 2021, with the purpose to:
- Incorporate feedback from the Community on our Constitution.
- Collaborate to provide updates to our Constitution based on the feedback received and best practice principles.
- Reflect updated policy requirements & bring the Constitution in line with the Australian Sports Commission's (ASC) Sports Governance Principles
- Provide key Football stakeholders with the Constitution that represents them and is in the best interests of the game going forward.
Members voted at the SGM and approved all of the following motions, which now await final approval by Football Australia, Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
40:40:20 Member Representation
It was passed that ‘Chairman’ be changed to ‘Chairperson’ throughout the document; and FV adopt a 40:40:20 requirement in its Constitution as an objective for all Members. This proposal reinforces the objective of 40% male, 40% female and 20% of any gender identity for our members, committees, and Board.
Transition FV from Incorporated Association to Company Limited by Guarantee
That FV transition from an Incorporated Association to Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) in light of FV’s size, scope, turnover and plans for future growth.
Updates to the FV Objects
Objects of Association in the Constitution altered to ensure inclusivity in football.
Section 1.1 (d) amended as follows:
“To prevent racial, religious, gender or political discrimination or distinction among Football players in the State” to
“To promote the diversity of the game and encourage inclusion of all people to participate in the sport”.
Adding 1.1(i) - “to provide individuals with opportunity to maximize their potential by competing in the highest level of football possible to them”.
Adding 1.1(j) - “to use and protect the Intellectual Property”.
Adding 1.1(k) - “to promote the health and safety of all individuals participating in Football”.
Adding 1.1(l) - “to establish and conduct education and training programs for players, coaches, match officials, and club officials in the implementation and upholding of football rules and standards.”
FV Membership Structure
FV Membership structure from Zone Representatives & Standing Committee Chairs was amended to one delegate per club.
Clubs with the right to vote will be those Clubs that meet the minimum criteria for voting rights as set out in the Constitution and the By-laws.
Where a Club fails to meet any criteria, they will be considered an associate Club, a member without voting rights.
Zone Representatives & Standing Committee Chairs
Upon final approval by Football Australia and ASIC/CAV, Zone Representatives and Standing Committee Chairs will cease to be members, and Clubs will become FV members via nominated delegates under an annual process.
Structure of Board of Directors
A revised Board Structure of:
- President (Director appointed from and by the Board).
- Up to 5 elected Directors.
- Up to 3 appointed Directors, but maintaining gender equity among directors.
3-year directors’ terms with a 1/3 of directors retiring each year.
- An independent nominations committee structure.
Flexibility for FV Board to Create Committees
The amendment was passed to allow the Directors from time to time to establish Committees as they consider necessary under clear Terms of Reference to meet targeted issues and the Objects of the organisation.
FV President, Antonella Care, celebrated a landmark moment for Football Victoria.
"The Board is immensely proud of Sunday's outcome, with a united Membership focused on improving the framework that supports and drives football in our state," she said.
“The journey to Sunday's historic meeting was long, with feedback from our football community directly shaping Constitutional reform”.
“The Board looks forward to serving the football community through this exciting time of change, with a unanimous vote to extend the tenure of elected Board members by 12 months, working with the Clubs and stakeholders to ensure the growth of the game in Victoria moving forward."
Following the SGM, FV will host its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 11 at The State Football Centre.