STATE OF AFFAIRS
September 26th, 2009

 

Introduction

Rudolph Speid
President

Members of the KSAFA Council, Affiliates, members of the Standing Committees, all., good morning.

When this Council was elected at the biennial voting Congress of KSAFA at the Heart Trust NTA Auditorium in August 30, 2008, we received a mandate to continue to improve the already established number 1 Confederation in Jamaica. This we have made every effort to do based on our achievements since being elected. I am sure you will agree and can attest to the following accomplishments: -

  1. The re-establishment of Women’s Football at the club

    level. KSAFA successfully staged its first Women Under-20 Five-a-side Tournament during the period May to June 2009, of which the 2nd Vice President, Jacqueline Cowan will elaborate on in her report.

  2. The revamping of the Youth Football Programme.

    KSAFA introduced the Confederation Youth Competition for the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-20 players as a compliment to the Confederation Super League. This was done with a view to engaging the youths in more competitions in order for them to gain further experience and exposure. As a result of this, KSAFA now has youth competitions at the parish level which allows the teams to be promoted to play in the Confederation League. This competition has resulted in more games being played, greater participation of clubs, direct financial support to clubs (this year’s expenditure on our youth players was $13.3M) which was more than half our total revenues for the year. In the past the majority of the money was spent on senior competitions and administration. Now the funds are more evenly distributed and we can truly say with pride that KSAFA is investing in the future of the Jamaican youths.

Women Under-20 Five-a-side match between Constant Spring and Santos 2009 Claro/KSAFA U-15 Champions Harbour View

Breakdown of expenditure: Disbursement for: -

  1.  

    $

    SUPER LEAGUE

    1,892,900

    MAJOR LEAGUE

    1,347,200

    SYD BARTLETT

    1,080,000

    JACKIE BELL

    1,100,000

    WOMEN’S LEAGUE

    1,478,000

    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

    $692,000

    UNDER 20

    3,235,000

    UNDER 17

    2,880,000

    UNDER 15

    2,596,000

    UNDER 13

    3,124,000

    TOTAL

    19,425,100

    REFEREE FEES

    3,629,818

    TOTAL DISBURSEMENT

    23,054,918

N.B. Other Refunds - Travel Refund, Under 13 & 15 Registration Fee waived.

  1. Constitution Review.

    New constitutions were written for KSAFA as well as both parishes (Kingston and St. Andrew) which have brought the Associations in line with FIFA guidelines. These constitutions will however have to be vetted by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) after they have rewritten their own Constitution to fall in line with FIFA. This process is ongoing.

  2. Electronic Registration

    Electronic registration has been KSAFA’s dream for over four (4) years. KSAFA finally achieved this dream in the 2008/09 season. There are a few problems that were identified however the administration is working assiduously to have these corrected. It should be noted however that we have taken the important step of establishing this system. In the near future, all players and officials information will be available for viewing via the internet.

  3. Public Relations

    Public Relations has never been higher in KSAFA. The Public Relations Committee (new) has delivered in no uncertain terms as they have made every effort to ensure that KSAFA is always visible in the Media. Here are some of Committee’s achievements: -

    1. Weekly KSAFA matches on television – A first. (Partially sponsored)

    2. KSAFA page in the Tuesday Star. (Colour). (Fully sponsored).

    3. Official results communicated to the Media minutes after the matches are played

    4. A fully maintained scrap book with all KSAFA related information.

    5. Press releases, general updates e.g. disciplinary and appeals findings conveyed to the Clubs and Media in a timely manner

    6. Providing match information and articles for update to the KSAFA Website

  4. Increased Sponsorship

    KSAFA has attracted sponsorship of $28.5M (2008: $8.8M) an increase of $19.27M or 223%. The Clubs have not been left out as they were compensated both directly and indirectly with $22.7M (2008: $6.9M) an increase of 228%. (It should be noted that this Administration had made a promise to share 60% of sponsorship received, among our clubs - see breakdown attached). The clubs’ share of sponsorship this year was 81%.

  5. Sponsorship Considerations For New Administrative Year

    • JUTC (1st Vice President will elaborate on this area)

    • Re-hydration Sponsor

    • Possibility of Free to Air Television Coverage

    • Nutrition Provider

    • Vitamins Provider

    • Gears Sponsor

  6. Other Points of Interest

    1. KSAFA & THE JFF
      There were two (2) interruptions of our competitions due to disputes.

      1. In December 2008 KSAFA’s sovereignty was threatened as it was suggested that our voting rights would be reduced by half. This dispute delayed the commencement of our Major and Syd Bartlett Leagues for over one (1) month (see section on Constitution Review in section 3 above)

      2. There was also a dispute over a directive that referees should wear Digicel branded gears when officiating in CLARO sponsored competitions.

KSAFA fought the directive gallantly and followed the FIFA rules as it relates to Referee Gears and Sponsor Advertising FIFA rules states that:

  1. Article 10 - Sponsor Advertising

10.1. Sponsor advertising is strictly prohibited on the kit worn by match officials at all FIFA competitions. This provision also applies to matches played by national teams under the auspices of the confederations, as well as to friendly matches between national teams.

10.2. In inter-club competitions under the auspices of the confedera¬tions and competitions organised internally by the national member associations, the confederations and national member associations concerned may authorise sponsor advertising on the shirts worn by match officials. All advertising for tobacco-related products, gambling establishments (casinos), and alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited, as are all slogans of a political, racist or religious nature.

10.3. Advertising is permitted only on the shirt sleeves and the total surface area of the advertising shall not exceed 200cm² (two hundred square centimetres). The front of the shirt is reserved for official badges and the emblem of FIFA or the national member association and shall remain free of all types of advertising. Advertising on the collar or back of the shirt is also prohibited.

10.4. Sponsor advertising on the shirts of match officials shall be permitted only if it does not create a conflict of interest with the advertising worn by either of the two teams participating. In the event of such a conflict, the match officials shall not bear any sponsor advertising

Conclusion

The past year has not been without its challenges and they were compounded by the worldwide recession. However despite this, KSAFA has experience positive growth in all areas.

This could not have been accomplished without the efforts of the TEAM. My sincere appreciation is being extended to the Affiliates, members of the Council, Standing Committees and the hardworking staff for their support. To the electronic and print media, thank you for providing unparalleled exposure of our competitions and programmes.

Most of all, thanks to our main sponsor CLARO, associate sponsors Western Union, TVJ Sports Network, Lockerroom Sports and the STAR. Without your support many of the achievements mentioned above would not have been accomplished.

Ladies and Gentlemen, KSAFA is getting stronger! Affiliates, specially invited guests, well wishers, welcome to a better KSAFA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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