Affiliation Benefits

Member Services and Benefits - 2008

As an affiliated association of Touch Football Australia there are numerous and varied opportunities for you.

Wherever your interests lay - participation, coaching, refereeing, junior
development, event management or player development- there is a choice for you.

Touch Football Australia is funded by membership fees, sponsorships, government funding, merchandising and other forms of income. TFA supplies the opportunity for members to participate from the grass roots right through to the international level.

* Personal Accident Insurance
* Public Liability Insurance
* Directors and Officers Insurance
* Professional Indemnity Insurance
* Death and Disability Insurance
* Online competition and database management program

Management:

*Advice and Advocacy
* Policy, Bylaws, Rules of Incorporation
* Association, Club Management Issues
* Risk Management

Events:

* Participation in Regional, State, National and International events

Conduct of Championships:

TFA conducts several National events each year and sanctions many others. The major national events are:

* National Touch League (NTL)
* National Youth Championships (National 18s)

TFA also assists Affiliates with the staging of their championships when requested and also supports the Australian Universities Championships and Australian Masters Games.

For each Championship the following is provided:

* Coordination with host affiliate
* Scheduling the events
* Venue
* Team, Referee & Selection Nominations
* Merchandising
* Draw
* Medical Support & First Aid
* Accommodation and Travel arrangement for officials
* Supply of required equipment
* Associated functions
* Trophy Presentation
* Photographs
* Advertising/Promotions

Key Roles of the Peak Body:

  • Provide National leadership for the sport of Touch
  • Lobbying federal government for the betterment of the sport
  • Securing Australian Sports Commission funding
  • Dispute resolution
  • Managing / coordinating national and international events staged in Australia
  • Develop an Elite player and official environment and opportunities to compete at the highest level of an individual's ability whilst maintaining World Number One Nation Status
  • Developing standard administrative, marketing and technical development and  reporting processes
  • Ensure ongoing best practice communication process and technology excellence is maintained and constantly evaluated
  • Increase the profile of the sport externally to the general public and internally to the sports existing members
  • Ensure ongoing best practice management, incorporating embracing information  technology excellence and efficient and expedient decision making processes.
  • Develop and maintain an efficient technical infrastructure, which enhances the  development and growth programs of the Constituent Bodies, and their affiliates.
  • Representing Australia's interests internationally
  • Effectively service the needs of the affiliates

Talent Identification Program:

TFA implements and funds a Talent Identification Program throughout the nation. The TI Panel is responsible for the continued Talent Identification of players at Regional, State and National Championships, and maintaining an accurate database to utilise during the selection process. The Panel in conjunction with the TFA office, also offer advice in regard to the Talent Identification process, national training squad programs and works with the National Coaches to improve the ability of the players through implementation of modern training and motivational trends.

Appointment of National Officials:

TFA conducts the nomination and election process of National officials and office bearers, including the TFA Board. The positions are advertised nationally and the General Committee elects the Board members and the Board appoints officials.

Government Funding:

There are several programs through which the Federal Government provides funding for sports in Australia. To be eligible for funding under these programs applicants need to be affiliated with the State and National peak bodies for Touch. These programs may include:

* High Performance Program
* Development Program
* Indigenous Sport Program
* Project Funding


Additional Funding:

TFA also provides letters of support to all affiliates to access funding via:

* Relevant State Funding Projects
* Relevant Regional Funding Projects
* Other Community Based programs


Technical Advancements:

TFA strives to keep up with the changing demands of management by utilising up-to-date and efficient methods of communication. Information dissemination is an important role of the National Office, and QTA provides the option to receive information via e-mail and the web as its number one communication option. TFA maintains a website www.austouch.com.au containing detailed information about all areas of the sport. All information is maintained and kept current to ensure information transfer is effective and timely.

National Technical Panel:

The National Technical Panel consists of 4 members covering all Technical Arms of the sport.

* Director of Referees
* Director of Selectors
* Director of Elite Programs
* Technical Director

Each director is responsible for the continued development of his or her particular technical area.

Through frequent liaisons with all Constituent Bodies and their Regions this would include the development of Policies and support of organised courses and workshops.

These positions are also supported throughout the nation by the National Technical Manager -

  • The role of the Technical Panel and the Technical Manager is to support the TFA Board through the establishment and implementation of education and training programs, which will enhance the technical development and participation of  Touch  from a National perspective.
  • Develop and implement quality technical education and training programs and resources which establish a clear pathway for professional development
  • Develop and implement a system for improved communication and information dissemination to technical personnel and volunteers at all levels
  • Establish and implement quality coaching, refereeing, and selecting structures,  programs and policies focusing on increased participation and improved performance at the National level
  • Enhance liaison with the school education system Touch committees to improve the delivery and co-ordination of events and policy development to suit current trends
  • Assist in the planning and co-ordination of National events, tours and programs to  maximize participation, performance and enjoyment of players and officials

The Technical Panel meets on a regular basis to manage and develop TFA Technical Policies. Decisions are also made through these meetings as to which direction the technical aspect of the game should follow, these decisions are then recommended to the TFA Board of Management for ratification.

Schools Events:

TFA provides financial assistance to the sport of Touch in both secondary and primary schools of National bodies and assists in the preparation and administration of the major schools events at the request of Schools Touch.

TFA Office Services:

The TFA National Office provides the following services in support of TFA Board policies:

  • Financial management; record keeping, invoicing
  • Financial support for Affiliates
  • Insurance and Registration advice
  • Budgeting
  • Sanction of appropriate Touch events conducted by other organisations
  • Preparation of media releases and advertising
  • Organisation of meetings; AGM, Board, Technical Panel and Sub-Committees
  • Liaison with National School Sport peak bodies for Junior Development
  • Liaison with affiliates
  • Sponsorship proposals, negotiation and servicing
  • Maintenance of Referee, Coaches, Selectors and player national databases
  • Implementation of development programs
  • Mail outs to all Affiliates
  • Information dissemination to Officials
  • Distribution of helpful/useful brochures received by ATA
  • Sale of merchandise and official clothing by phone, mail, website or at events
  • Manage statutory obligations of reporting to Government as the sport peak body in Australia
  • Maintain records of Touch in Australia; including history, By-laws, Life Members, Patron, and dealings with the Australian Sports Commission
  • Response to telephone queries and requests
  • Actioning and recording all correspondence
  • Toll free telephone number for : 1800 654951
  • Maintenance and regularly updating of TFA website
  • Supply of and education in the Sportsware Data and competition management  program.
  • Maintenance and management of the TFA $1.1 M building asset.

Representative Opportunities:

Due to the National affiliation system, affiliated players, coaches, referees and team managers can all aspire to State and National Representative honours through a recognised and transparent pathway.

Support for Volunteers:
TFA recognises the contribution of volunteers working within Touch by allocating funds to cover most costs, and the provision of TFA clothing, equipment, accommodation and travel where possible.

Meetings:

  • TFA AGM - Provide travel, accommodation and meals for all constituent Body and Board Representatives to the TFA AGM, to ensure a democratic representation in national matters.
  • TFA SGM - Provide travel, accommodation and meals for all constituent Body and Board Representatives to the TFA AGM, to ensure a democratic  representation in national matters.
  • Board Meetings - provide face to face meetings on a regular basis for TFA Board  members to determine policy and direction for Touch Nationally.
  • Technical Panel Meetings - Supply the necessary accommodation and meals to facilitate meetings to set technical policy direction for Australia.
  • Seminars and workshops - Conducted whenever possible to enhance the expertise of people involved in the sport at a variety of levels, and to provide the opportunity  for participants in the sport to be involved in planning the development of Touch.

National Tours:

TFA organises all national teams for tours and coordinates the provision and administration of officials. For tours the following functions are preformed by TFA:

* Team selection & Tour management
* Provision of team clothing
* Accommodation & Travel arrangements for players and officials
* Photography / Medical support / Training Venues


Alliances with National Sporting Organisations

As the National Peak body, TFA represents the sport of Touch through Sports Industry Australia lobby organisation. Memberships such as this are highly important for lobbying community groups and government for the needs of Touch. TFA, through its association with leading agencies such as the Sports Industry Australia, is provided with information which is then passed on to affiliates when applicable, and continual access to supportive networks. TFA maintains membership with the Australian Sports Commission's advisory groups such as the Sports Management Advisory Group to keep at the cutting edge of programs and developments at the Sports Commission.

National Judiciary:

TFA provides a National Judiciary Guidelines book to all parties who may require reference to a judiciary process.

Merchandising:

TFA Provides:

  • EFTPOS - Credit and Debit Cards
  • Website merchandise sales (www.austouch.com.au)
  • Stock holdings to ensure quick access to merchandise, decreasing the waiting time for receipt of purchases
  • Mail order and delivery for Affiliates
  • Sales facilities at events around the state
  • Alternate ideas for Club Awards/Presentations
  • Freecall number for orders/enquiries - 1800 654 951

Access to Professional Advice:

TFA provides affiliated constituent Bodies with access to Professional advice, for example an Honorary Solicitor, as well as advice on Touch issues and Technical matters. TFA will also assist with accessing information sought by persons connected with the sport of Touch.

Servicing Sponsorships:

TFA strive to create a win/win situation with all sponsors. In doing so TFA maximises the exposure the sponsors receive with each opportunity/event.

TFA ensures that there are no conflicts of interest with respect to exclusivity and therefore increases the overall sponsorship benefits.
Through strong sponsor relationships TFA is able to provide a high standard of organisation at National events. TFA engages the services of a Marketing and Sponsorship Consultant who is working with the National and State Bodies to attract sponsorships in the following categories:

* Partner Sponsors
* Supporter Sponsors
* Provider Sponsors
* Supplier Sponsors
* Media Sponsors

Online Competition and Database Management Program:

TFA recognises the important role Touch clubs and associations play within the larger sporting community. Clubs or associations are usually the heartbeat of a sporting organisation and provide the community environment that draws players into a particular sporting arena.

Communication is vital at this level and is often achieved through the dedication of volunteers who have an active passion for the club or association. TFA has identified ways to better deliver efficient services to club and association administrators in the context of the Internet. We have available proven and innovative Internet tools for club and association administrator's use in order to enhance the experience for your participants and reduce the overall workload.

TFA provides the "Total Internet Solution" for your Touch organisation. We know:

* How time consuming it is running sport competitions
* How difficult constant communication with your members can be
* How to lift the profile of your sport and players
* TFA understands that your sport is important, it recognises these needs and has successfully combined the right mix of talent from both the IT world and the sporting arena to produce an integrated solution that is tailored to your sport. Software that will provide efficient and easy administration of your competitions, venues, clubs, teams, results, ladders and statistics.

The SportingPulse and the TFA package will allow your sporting organisation to:

  • Administer all your competitions with our state of the art Competition Management Software
  • Place your competitions ladders, fixtures and results on the Internet
  • Easily administer your organisation's web site
  • Reach your members through our centralised communication platform
  • Take advantage of our "top tier" Internet access deals for your sporting organisation and your members
  • Manage your membership registration via our secure Member Database Solution
  • Receive training and support in competition management and web design
  • Generate revenue through our partnership fund-raising opportunities
  • TFA exists to serve Touch participants. As players strive to reach their individual and team goals, TFA provides Internet facilities to enhance that buzz and energy that comes from playing sport for the love of it. TFA program has features that enhance the life of every sporting participant. From a publishing forum to report the dizzying heights and the terrible defeats of the games, to automated game reminder emails. You are the focus. It's your site!


What TFA can offer Clubs, Teams & Players

* Web Site for Clubs and Teams
* Access to the latest Competition Ladders, Fixtures and Results
* Previews, Reviews and Club Match Reports
* Publishing of Newsletters and Messages
* Internet Access
* Publishing of Player Profiles (photos, statistics)
* Weekly Email Game Reminders
* Frequently Asked Questions

The package is worth $495 and a monthly access fee of $60 per month, a total benefit of $1215.

However due to the negotiations undertaken between TFA and Sporting Pulse combined with our willingness to develop this package in conjunction with SportingPulse, affiliates of TFA receive the program and training Free of Charge.

TFA Clubhouse Website Affiliate Resources:

TFA has developed an on-line club and association management guide to assist in the development and efficient operation of Touch organisations.

The "Clubhouse" has been designed to assist all people involved in the sport of Touch. It will provide avenues that are relevant not only to the newly elected President but equally for the long serving Secretary.

It is is an interactive web based tool to assist with the development of Your Club, the simple navigation tools let you search for information that will assist in club and association development. The Great Ideas areas within each section have been produced from research and existing examples of Touch associations and clubs across Australia. This service is free to TFA affiliates.

TFA provides (through the assistance of the Affiliates) the opportunity for individuals to be accredited as Referees, Coaches or Selectors through recognised accreditation courses approved by the Australian Coaching Council and the National Officiating program. These courses are organised by qualified course presenters. Once accredited through this process an individual is able to Referee, Coach or Select in any Touch competitions Australia-wide or Internationally.

There are 330 affiliated associations in Australia and they are serviced by Regional, State, and National volunteers and professional staff working to make sure you enjoy your involvement in Touch. You are an integral part of Touch's 150,000 membership and as a service based organisation, we are committed to provide excellent service to you - our member. We invite you to share in our exciting future.

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