The EDFL have submitted a proposal to remove scoring, ladders, playing finals and individual  awards from the under 10s age group with the intent to increase participation. 

Winning and losing is a part of life. We can teach kids to control their emotions and learn that losing gives us the ability to reflect on what we can do better and improve. Also winning gracefully is another important lesson they need to learn. Good sportsmanship is a cornerstone of a good club culture and that needs to be shown and learnt when winning and losing from a young age.

Removing scoring, ladders and the ability to play finals football will actually reduce the engagement our kids have in the game and also impact participation. All other sports our kids play at this level have scoring (basketball, cricket and tennis). They are engaged, focused and are driven to constantly improve.

Additionally, there hasn’t been any engagement by the league to the parents who are the ones that decide what is right for their kids development. A decision like this should have the right level of community engagement and consultation which has not happened to date. This proposal from the league is coming way too late and not leaving parents any time to consider what options they have and limiting the amount of time kids could spend getting used to a new environment.

By signing this petition, we can keep the morale high for our children with Junior Football and continue to improve and foster an amazing culture with good sportsmanship always at the forefront. 

**Update: we require 75% of clubs to object for this proposal to be withdrawn**