NRL Touch Football is going through a period of tremendous change, with the introduction of the NRL Touch Premiership in 2018, continued growth in junior and school participation, and social competition numbers at an all-time high.
We need to continue to Unite, Inspire and Grow our touch football community, and to do this we need your input to help us achieve our strategic goals.
Later this year, the Department of Sport and Recreation will release the state’s first 10-year strategic plan, dedicated entirely to sport. It will change the way we currently administer the sport and any funding we receive.
Queensland Touch Football (QTF), together with the membership, agree that now is the right time to examine the governance, constitution and operational structures of our business.
Subsequently, QTF made application to the Department for assistance in delivering an in-depth governance review – the first one in more than a decade.
This application was successful, with the Department providing significant funding and resources to carry out the review. In doing so, McLaughlin Sports Consultancy were put forward by the Department as a preferred supplier to complete this scope of works.
Assisting the Department and McLaughlin Sports Consultancy will be Mullins Lawyers, who will provide legal advice as part of the review, as required.
The most critical part of this process will be input from stakeholders in every area of the game – measured feedback gathered across a number of platforms.
These will include e-surveys, face-to-face meetings and focus group sessions across the state.
Information Timeline
| Online e-surveys | Late April - May 2019 |
| 40-50 face-to-face/telconference meetings with key stakeholders | 4 - 24 June 2019 |
| 5-6 focus group sessions - players/coaches/referees/affiliates | 4 - 24 June 2019 |
| Final recommendation report provided to QTF | August 2019 |
Recently, with the help of McLaughlin Sports Consultancy, QTF implemented a Project Reference Group (PRG) to offer strategic and contextual value, and to provide advice during the term of the review.
The PRG includes representatives from key areas – QTF Board Directors, QTF staff, regions, referees and affiliates. Additionally, Sport & Rec representatives, and Mullins Lawyers, will observe and add input at key milestones.
Project Reference Group
Peter Tong
Dave Field
Troy Morgan
Renee Marsh
Mark Henricksen
Ben Mannion
Jo O’Neill (observer, Sport & Rec)
Paula Devenny (observer, Sport & Rec)
John Mullins (observer, Mullins Lawyers)
Greg Denny (secretary)
Throughout the review process, QTF will provide regular updates to all stakeholders, particularly where there are opportunities to have your say, and when key milestones are reached.
We are all excited by the opportunities that are before us, and with a thorough and in-depth review process, look forward to closer collaboration and greater outcomes across the sport.
If you have any questions or feedback, please send to governance@qldtouch.com.au.
Ben Mannion
Chief Executive Officer
Queensland Touch Football
