ASSNFC History

NATIONAL SECRETARIES TO FOOTBALL CARNIVAL

Year	Name	State
1923 - 1956	R. McGregor	Victoria
1956 - 1964	A. E. Brown	South Australia
1964 - 1976	T. E. Leonard	Victoria
1976 - 1979	J. P. Lorenz	Victoria
1979 - 1997	A. S. McLean	Victoria
1997 - 2015	L. Soulos	Victoria
2016 – 2018	P. Della-Vedova	Western Australia
2019 - Present	Geoffrey Hayes	Western Australia

EXTRACTS FROM THE AUSTRALIAN STATE/SECONDARY SCHOOLS’ NATIONAL FOOTBALL COUNCIL MINUTE BOOKS

1923 The Victorian State Schools Amateur Athletic Association conducted a Football Carnival in Melbourne with teams from Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland participating, with Victoria winning the Championship.

1924 The Carnival was conducted in Sydney by the Public Schools Amateur Athletic Association, with the same four states competing.

In the opinion of the Conference “a charge should be made for admission to all matches – a common fund be established and the allocation of profits to be decided by representatives of participating States.”

1925 The South Australian Public Schools Amateur Sports Association conducted the Carnival with six states competing – Tasmania and Western Australia joined the Carnival.

1926 In Melbourne it was moved at the Conference of Delegates by Mr. Oates from Western Australia that an Australian Schools Football Council be formed.

It is also interesting to note that at the same conference a recommendation re injured players was forwarded to the Australian Football Council.

“Mr. Oates moved that if a player be injured during any period of the match up to half time and in the opinion of the opposing managers and central umpire is unable to proceed, a substitute shall he allowed at the beginning of the next term.” Seconded by Mr. Alphen (Qld.) and carried.

Football promotion was also an issue in 1926 as Mr. Oates moved “that it be a recommendation to the Australian Football Council that any money given for propaganda work in the States of Queensland and New South Wales, there shall be a definite portion set aside for the Schools Associations playing Australian Football in those States. Seconded Mr. Alphen (Qld)

1930 A constitution was finally presented to the Conference in Sydney, and so on the 29th August 1930 the Australian State Schools’ Football Council was constituted.

1931 The J.L. Williams Medal, named after Jack Williams, was first awarded in Adelaide, 1931. Jack was a Victorian teacher who fought very hard for the establishment of the Championships and first obtained recognition by the Victorian Football League (V.F.L.) when the sport was established in schools. Tasmania and Western Australia did not compete.

1932 Canberra sent a team to the Carnival in Melbourne, however a lengthy debate took place as to whether they should compete.

Mr. Lynch, Secretary of the New South Wales Association stated that “his Council considered Canberra a part of New South Wales.”

Mr. Astill from New South Wales expressed himself in similar terms and questioned the right of Canberra to take part on constitutional grounds.

Mr. Linehan gave the Canberra side of the story. He said they “recorded themselves as separate from New South Wales and were here solely in the interests of football.” They were not concerned with the winning of the Carnival or cups. They merely wished to take part for the good of the game in Canberra.

After further discussion it was agreed that Canberra be allowed to compete, but not for points, and their boys could not score votes for the J.L. Williams Medal. Canberra did not compete in 1933.

1934 In Melbourne, only three states, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland participated.

1935 The Carnival was held in Canberra with teams from Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Canberra.

1936 The biggest Carnival so far was conducted with seven teams – South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Canberra, Western Australia and Tasmania participating.

1937 There was no carnival because of an outbreak of polio.

1938 Mr. Tipping (Victoria) brought up the question of whether anything could be done to help the game in Canberra. He thought a good deal might be done by the major League’s and the A.N.F.C. to help the game there. The Secretary of the A.S.S.N.F.C. explained that action had been taken by those bodies.

At the 1938 Conference it was decided that the A.S.S.N.F.C. should have a central Secretary and his duties were agreed to.

Mr. R. McGregor (Victoria) was elected Central Secretary, although acted as Secretary of the Football body since 1923.

At the same conference the Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory All-Schools Committee notified the Council that his Association no longer embraced the Australian National Game in its operations. It was decided to approach the Canberra National Football League re the position of the game in Canberra.

No Carnivals were held from 1940 because of the outbreak of World War II.

1947 Interstate Football Carnivals resumed when the Carnival was conducted in Perth with Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia competing.

“The Chairman, in welcoming the Delegates to Western Australia, reminded them of the responsibility resting upon their shoulders and exhorted all to make decisions which would be in the best interests of the game and of the Commonwealth of Australia.”

1948 The word ‘Primary’ deleted from the title and replaced with ‘State’ in July.

1952 The Carnival dropped back to four teams – Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia. New South Wales rejoined the series in 1953, South Australia rejoined the series in 1954 and Western Australia did not compete in 1954.

25th A.S.S.N.F.C. CHAMPIONSHIPS – ADELAIDE, S.A. 1955

Winners: Tasmania, 8 pts. Runner-Up: Victoria, 4 pts.,

South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia, 2 pts each.

RESULTS

VIC. 11.4 (70) d. W.A. 6.1 (47)

TAS.	9.12 (66)	d.	N.S.W.	2.3 (15)
VIC.	11.5 (71)	d.	S.A.	8.7 (55)
TAS.	10.18 (78)	d.	W.A.	6.6 (42)
N.S.W.	6.11 (47)	d.	VIC.	7.4 (46)
S.A.	9.15 (69)	d.	W.A.	7.8 (50)
S.A.	5.4 (34)	d.	N.S.W.	3.11 (29)
TAS.	6.11 (74)	d.	VIC.	1.3 (9)
W.A.	5.7 (37)	d.	N.S.W.	5.3 (33)
TAS.	5.10 (40)	d.	S.A.	2.6 (18)

1956 After 33 years as Central Secretary Mr. Rod McGregor retired and Mr. A. E. Brown (South Australia) was elected as Central Secretary.

One of the best known names associated with the A.S.S.N.F.C. in recent years, that of Theo E. Leonard, first appeared in the minute book as a Delegate to the Carnival held in Perth in 1958.

1962 The Preliminary Conference held at Harrison House, Melbourne discussed the questions of runners.

It was agreed, pending a Postal Vote, that an official runner be permitted to act for each state.

1963 Mr. A. E. Brown resigned as Central Secretary due to ill health.

1964 Mr. T. E. Leonard (Victoria) was elected Central Secretary.

At the 1964 Conference, it was decided that each competing state should bring a state banner to the Carnival.

1965 Although no official team from the A.C.T. competed, the Carnival was held in Canberra with the support of the Canberra National Football League and all states agreed to play a Canberra team on their bye day. The bye was created because only five teams – New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia participated.

1967 The first A.S.S.N.F.C. All Australian Football team was selected from participants at the Carnival.

1968 – 1969 Only Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and Victoria participated.

1970 South Australia returned to the Carnival.

1971 – 1972 An invitation was extended to the Northern Territory to compete in the 1971 Carnival. Only Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania competed in Launceston.

1973 South Australia returned to the competition.

At the 1973 conference, a further invitation was extended to the Northern Territory to compete.

1974 Northern Territory made their first appearance in the Carnival with officials, Mr. K. Cassidy and Mr. L. Rauert in charge; other teams were Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland.

Mr. Ron Sands presented a flag to the A.S.S.N.F.C. to be flown at all future Carnivals. Mr. Leonard accepted on behalf of the A.S.S.N.F.C.

1976 The carnival was conducted in Sydney for the first time since 1954.

Theo Leonard retired as Central Secretary and Mr. Jack Lorenz (Victoria) was elected.

1977 The A.C.T. fielded a team making a truly National competition with all States and Territories participating.

1977 The carnival was held during the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and a special Silver Jubilee Cup and medallions were presented.

1978 The Championship was held for the first time outside a mainland Capital city when Geelong was the venue for the Championships.

For the first time, the A.S.S.N.F.C. was fortunate to receive some excellent financial sponsorship. The Commonwealth Bank became the official sponsor of the A.S.S.N.F.C., and teams competed for the Commonwealth Bank Cup.

1979 The Championship was part of the celebrations for Western Australia’s 150th year.

The highest vote scorer from each State/Territory in the JL Williams medal received a commemorative 150th Year Celebration medal.

Mr. Jack Lorenz retired as Central Secretary and Mr. Alan McLean (Victoria) was elected. The interchange rule was first introduced. “That four (4) interchange players be used in the

Carnival a total of 22 players.” Moved Victoria, Seconded Northern Territory

The ‘Order off’ rule was invoked, with the central umpire empowered to order a player from the field for a period of 10 minutes and no replacements were allowed during the 10 minutes.

It was decided that in selecting the All Australian Team, each State or Territory must have at least one representative.

It was agreed that the Northern Territory should host the 1980 Championship. This would be the 50th Championship to be conducted under the auspices of the A.S.S.N.F.C. or its equivalent body. In accepting the Championship, NT advised all States to develop a uniform based on shorts, long socks and an open neck shirt because of weather conditions in Darwin.

1980 This Championship marked the 50th (Golden Anniversary) conducted under the auspices of the Australian State / Secondary Schools’ National Football Council and the first major sporting Championship played in Darwin.

A.C.T. wished to make it known that they could no longer be able to participate in future Carnivals which include any more than 5 school days.

Payment was approved of the General Secretary’s expenses which included the cost of travel, accommodation and a daily allowance of $15.00. In future the ‘daily allowance’ would be decided upon at the Preliminary meeting.

The Carnival was under threat with the introduction of the Shell Cup (Under 15) by the NFL Junior Advisory Council.

There were many innovations introduced at this Championship, such as: Souvenir tee-shirts, posters and stubby holders.

Bathurst Island dancers at the Opening Ceremony and at the Official Dinner. A guest speaker at the Official Dinner, namely Kevin Sheedy.

Special awards for the player of every match.

Use of two Central Umpires in all games. For the first time Interstate umpires were invited to officiate.

50th A.S.S.N.F.C. CHAMPIONSHIPS – DARWIN, N.T. 1980

Winners: Victoria, 12 pts. Runner-Up: South Australia, 10 pts.,

Tasmania, New South Wales, Northern Territory, 8 pts each, Queensland, 6 pts, Western Australia, 4 pts and Australian Capital Territory 0 pts.

FINAL DAY RESULTS

VIC.	16.11 (107)	d.	W.A.	7.7 (49)
TAS.	15.5 (95)	d.	S.A.	12.7 (79)
QLD.	11.7 (73)	d.	N.S.W.	9.6 (60)
N.T.	18.16 (124)	d.	A.C.T.	4.3 (27)

1981 It was moved that the policy of inviting Interstate umpires to officiate at the Championships should continue. Invitations be extended to all major Umpires Associations.

The concept of a Championship Trainer (his attendance at this Championship was paid for by the Geelong FC) was agreed to and should continue next year.

1982 The Championship in Adelaide is shortened to two weekends and five school days due to the ‘five school day’ rule introduced by some States/Territories. Host League Clubs had arranged Trainers for each team.

The Council agreed to be named the “Australian Secondary Schools National Football Council” and the Central Secretary renamed the National Secretary.

1983 The Council first operated as the ‘Australian Secondary Schools’ National Football Council (A.S.S.N.F.C)’. NT in their 10th year of competition tied with Victoria for the Commonwealth Cup.

1985 The Championship was part of the celebrations for Victoria’s 150th year. With a parade of all teams before the Geelong vs. Essendon match at VFL Park, Waverley and joint competition day with the Primary schools competition.

1986 The Championship was part of the celebrations for South Australia’s 150th Jubilee year. An auditor was appointed to audit the Council’s accounts.

1989 Hosted in Darwin N.T, there were several events that made this Championship unique:

S.W. Players and Officials arrived a day late due to the Air Pilots strike.
Round 1 was played at the Darwin Showgrounds, and the Opening Ceremony and S.W. vs. TAS match was played under lights. Around the Showgrounds we saw military vehicles and tents along with aircraft which regularly flew over the ground as part of ‘Operation Kangaroo’.
The National Secretary officiated as a field umpire in the match, S.W. vs. W.A., with a record 6 visiting umpires officiating at the Championships.
Kerrie Hardie, the Coach of S.W., coached his 100th match of Schoolboys Football in the

N.S.W. vs. W.A. match

Richie Mann (Vic) was made a Life Member, being the first non-teacher to be elected to Life Membership.
The Air Pilots strike worsened during the week and it was decided to bus all players and officials back to their home State or

1990 Hosted in Brisbane, Queensland, our Championship Umpires were evaluated by the AFL Development Officer and the Championship has been included in the National Umpires Development program.

The first time that a full-time Secondary School student David Ackland, from Shepparton, Victoria officiated as a field umpire for the Championships.

All recommendations for Rules, Guidelines or future Championships were taken to the Australian Schools Sports Council November Conference for endorsement.

1993 A new format limiting the number of games to 5 that each team participates in was implemented. The revised format included dividing teams into two pools of four followed by two cross-over final matches and a Grand Final to determine the final placings. The final placings would determine the two round robin pools for the following year’s competition. Due to Tasmania not participating in the past two Championships and to maintain eight teams required for the new competition format,

Victoria fielded a second (Guest) team in this year’s series.

Victoria provided silver medals for the Grand Final runner-up team which was commended by all participating States/Territories.

1995 The Australian Football Foundation addressed the Annual General Meeting with regard to the future for Football Development. Key proposals included:

raising the National Draft age to 18 yrs,
raise the Under 17 Teal Cup Championship to Under 18 and play the National Championships in Melbourne each year,

review what will underpin the U18 Championship – and this could affect the National Schoolboys Championships as U16 maybe the optional age in the new
A view that the National Schoolboys Championships must be fully funded by the Foundation or the

1996 The first Joint Championship between the Australian Football Federation (AFF/AFL) and the Australian Schools Sports Council (ASSC) for the conduct of the Australian Under 16 Schoolboys Football Championship under revised age, rules and guidelines including dividing the competing teams into two divisions, with the ability for promotion / relegation in future Championships. The Commonwealth Bank sponsorship which commenced in 1978 concluded this year.

1997 The second Joint Championship with the AFF, with this year’s All Australian Team becoming part of the Australian Football Academy at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the opportunity to tour Ireland next year.

Mr. Luke Soulos (Victoria) was elected as National Secretary replacing Mr. A. S. McLean after 18 years as Central / National Secretary.

1998 School Sport Australia (formerly ASSC) decided not to continue the Joint Championship arrangement with the AFF after differing philosophical views and reverted back to its National Under 15 Schoolboys Championship. Five States/Territories (A.C.T., N.S.W., N.T., QLD, and VIC.) competed in Cairns, Queensland under the revised Rules and Guidelines in the 68th Championships. The AFL sponsored the Championships for $5,000 (mainly in support of the National Secretary’s travel & accommodation and the ASSNFC All Australian Jumper Award & Team photo)

The National Secretary recommended that the meeting consider the use of qualified Secondary students as Field Umpires in future Championships. This was agreed to and a motion passed that each participating State/Territory bring along a field umpire (with a preferred level 2 accreditation) who is a Secondary student as part of their ‘team’.

In future the SSA ‘Multiple Teams Participation Policy’ be implemented should a bye occur in the draw and the age group become ‘15 years and under’.

1999 This year’s event in Canberra saw significant progressive initiatives introduced. They included:

The first joint hosting of the 26th Primary Exchange and the 69th Secondary
Inclusion of a Professional development session for all Team Officials conducted by Brownlow Medalist and St Kilda Champion, Ross Smith from the
States/Territories provided accredited student umpires who officiated at the An Umpires Coordinator was appointed as an Event Official to evaluate and coordinate the student umpires. It was seen that the Event was important in the development of students in various officials’ roles other than as footballers. Such was the success of this initiative that it was decided to include boundary and goal umpires for future Events.
Victoria Country participated for the first time under the Multiple Teams participation policy and won the Secondary

The meeting voted that all future events be conducted in the last week of July or as soon as practicable after that date and that an All Australian commemorative playing jumper be awarded to each selected member of the All Australian team.

School Sport Australia introduced Sport Service Awards which replaced the A.S.S.N.F.C. (Secondary) Life Memberships. The School Sport Australia Executive agreed to continue awarding the A.S.S.N.F.C. Life Members badges to the Secondary recipients.

2001 Western Australia rejoined the Secondary Championships after last competing in 1997.

It was agreed that the umpire voted the most outstanding umpire for the Championships be named the All Australian Umpire, awarded an engraved medal and have his photo taken with the All Australian Team.

2002 The All Australian Umpire’s medal was named the A.S. McLean Medal in honour of Alan S. McLean, a Life Member and former National Secretary of the ASSNFC for 18 years.

Transfield Transport Services sponsored the Combined Event for $10,000 on the Mornington Peninsula as well as sponsorship from the AFL.

2003 Agreed that all student umpires in future Championships wear a neutral umpires uniform designed and sourced by the National Secretary. This was the last year of AFL sponsorship.

With seven States/Territories participating, Western Australia as the Host State fielded two teams under the SSA Invitation policy.

2004 This Championship marked the 75th (Diamond Anniversary) conducted under the auspices of the Australian State / Secondary Schools’ National Football Council and Australian Schools Sports Council / School Sport Australia.

After the hosting of the fifth Joint Hosting the meeting agreed to adopt the Combined Rules and Guidelines and officially rename the Combined 12 & Under Exchange and 15 & Under Championship as “The School Sport Australia Australian Rules Football Carnival”.

75th A.S.S.N.F.C. CHAMPIONSHIPS – CANBERRA, A.C.T. 2005

Winners: Victoria Metropolitan, Runner-Up: Western Australia 1,

3rd – Vic Country, 4th – New South Wales, 5th – Western Australia 2,

6th – Australian Capital Territory, 7th – Queensland, 8th – Northern Territory.

FINAL DAY RESULTS

VIC M.	8.9 (57)	d.	W.A. 1	4.8 (32)	determined 1st and 2nd
VIC C.	11.11 (77)	d.	N.S.W.	3.6 (24)	determined 3rd and 4th
W.A. 2.	13.16 (94)	d.	A.C.T.	10.1 (61)	determined 5th and 6th
QLD	11.6 (72)	d.	N.T.	5.11 (41)	determined 7th and 8th

2008 Hosted in Melbourne, this year’s Carnival marked the 150 Years Celebration of the commencement of Australian Football. South Australia who had not participated since 1997 rejoined the 15 and Under Championship.

For the first time in the Carnival’s history, four female student umpires officiated and every game was fully officiated (field, boundary and goal) by student umpires.

2009 An invitational 16 Years and under Girls Football competition was played between Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

2010 The Richard G. Newman Shield was inaugurated this year which recognises one 12 & Under Team, which extols the virtues of sportsmanship, outstanding ambassadorial aptitudes and commitment which Richard upheld throughout his long association with the School Sport Australia Australian Football 12 & Under Championship. The Shield is named in honour of Richard Newman, a SSA Service & Honour Award recipient and former Manager and Coach of SAPSASA for 17 years.

This Championship marked the 80th conducted under the auspices of the Australian State / Secondary Schools’ National Football Council and Australian Schools Spirts Council / School Sport Australia.

80th A.S.S.N.F.C. CHAMPIONSHIPS – PERTH, W.A. 2010

Winners: Western Australia 1, Runner-Up: Victoria Metropolitan,

3rd – Vic Country, 4th – Australian Capital Territory, 5th – Western Australia 2, 6th – New South Wales, 7th – Queensland, 8th – Northern Territory.

FINAL DAY RESULTS

WA 1.	9.3 (57)	d.	VIC M	5.6 (36)	determined 1st and 2nd
VIC C.	11.10 (76)	d.	A.C.T.	1.0 (6)	determined 3rd and 4th
W.A. 2.	11.9 (75)	d.	N.S.W.	6.12 (48)	determined 5th and 6th
QLD	10.10 (70)	d.	N.T.	3.3 (21)	determined 7th and 8th

2011 The inaugural School Sport Australia Girls 16 years and under Championship held with five member bodies represented and an invitational team from AFL NSW/ACT. The Girls Championship was won by Victoria.

2012 The 2012 Championships were hosted by South Australia. This coincided with the SAPSASA Centenary Celebrations which recognised their commencement with Australian Football in 1912. This was South Australia’s first hosting since 2004 and they had representation in all competitions.

2013 In 2013 the Schoolgirl’s Player of the Championship Medal was awarded to the player adjudged to be the fairest and best in the Championship in Darwin, Northern Territory. The first A.S.S.N.F.C. All Australian Girls Football team was selected from participants at the Championships.

2014 The 2014 Championships were hosted by New South Wales. They coincided with the NSWCHSA & NSWPSSA 125 Year Anniversary celebrations which recognised their service to the State of NSW.

2015 This Championship marked the 85th conducted under the auspices of the Australian State / Secondary Schools’ National Football Council Australian and Schools Sports Council / School Sport Australia

85th A.S.S.N.F.C. CHAMPIONSHIPS – GEELONG, VICTORIA. 2015

Winners: Victoria 1, Runner-Up: Western Australia,

3rd – New South Wales, 4th – Queensland, 5th – South Australia,

6th – Tasmania, 7th – Australian Capital Territory, 8th – Northern Territory.

FINAL DAY RESULTS

VIC.	13.4 (82)	d.	W.A.	2.5 (17)	determined 1st and 2nd
N.S.W.	8.4. (52)	d.	QLD.	4.6 (30)	determined 3rd and 4th
S.A.	9.11 (65)	d.	TAS.	4.5 (29)	determined 5th and 6th
A.C.T.	6.10 (46)	d.	N.T.	4.5 (29)	determined 7th and 8th

2016 This Championship was held at Maroochydore in Queensland. This would be the last where the 12 Years & Under Australian Football would be part of the 15 Years & Under Championship. Victoria proved dominant in winning all three grand finals.

Places in the 15 and under boys. Vic 1st, SA 2nd, W A 3rd, Qld 4th, NSW 5th, Tas 6th, ACT 7th and NT 8th.

2017 This 15 Years & Under Championship was held in Perth. Western Australia provided two girls teams.

Once again Victoria proved dominant in both the boys and girls’ events.

Boys places were; Vic 1st, SA 2nd, NSW 3rd, Qld 4th, WA 5th, Tas 6th, ACT 7th and NT 8th. Girls places were; Vic 1st, NSW 2nd, WA 3rd, SA 4th, Qld 6th, WA2 6th, NT 7th and ACT 8th.

2018 The 15 Years & Under Championship was held in Adelaide, South Australia. Victoria provided two teams to enable the playing in two pools.

Boys places were; Vic 1st, SA 2nd, WA 3rd, Qld 4th, Tas 5th, NSW 6th, NT 7th and ACT 8th. In the girls Vic 1st, NSW 2nd, Qld 3rd, WA 4th, Qld 5th, NT 6th, Vic2 7th and ACT 8th.