24 August 2023
OFFICIAL CLUB STATEMENT – POINTS INVESTIGATION FINAL APPEAL
On Monday 21st August 2023 the Beaumaris Football Club had their appeal against the findings of the Independent Integrity Hearing Panel regarding player points breaches for Rounds 11 and 12 heard by the VAFA Board.
Following the appeal hearing the BFC were notified that the VAFA Board would not overturn the decision of the Independent Integrity Hearing Panel.
The sanctions that were applied to the BFC including a fine and loss of points were maintained following the Board appeal.
The BFC acknowledge and fully support the importance of integrity to the amateur competition and have been, and remain, committed to adhering to the VAFA rules and Player Points System and working with the VAFA and all interested parties so that it continues to reflect the true nature of amateur football.
The BFC have maintained throughout the investigation that there was no intentional conduct relating to the player points breach.
The VAFA did not allege, and there has been no finding by the Independent Integrity Hearing Panel or the VAFA Board, that the conduct of Beaumaris was intentional or deliberately misleading.
Administrative errors that were made have highlighted vulnerabilities within the competition management system (Gameday) which did not prevent the errors from occurring.
Following notification by the BFC to VAFA on 20 July 2023 that these vulnerabilities existed the VAFA sent a memo to all clubs later on 20 July 2023 detailing the failings within the system and providing procedural guidance about how to avoid the vulnerabilities.
The BFC is now moving forward and looking forward to supporting all of its senior teams in the finals.
Yours sincerely
Nicholas Heath
Nick Heath President
Beaumaris Football Club
