sapphire series information pack for license …...4. competition overview the following provides a...

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Sapphire Series

Information Pack for License

Applicants

Sapphire Series Information Pack 2

Table of Contents

1. Background ................................................................................................................................. 4

2. Sapphire Series: Strategic Intent ............................................................................................... 4

Sapphire Series Vision .................................................................................................................... 4

Sapphire Series Purpose ................................................................................................................. 4

Sapphire Series Objectives ............................................................................................................. 4

Sapphire Series Guiding Philosophy .............................................................................................. 5

3. Definitions .................................................................................................................................. 5

4. Competition Overview ............................................................................................................... 7

5. Expressions of Interest ............................................................................................................... 7

6. License Application Timeline ..................................................................................................... 8

7. Intellectual Property .................................................................................................................. 8

8. Club Legal Structure ................................................................................................................... 8

9. Commercial and University Partnerships .................................................................................. 9

10. Media Rights ........................................................................................................................... 9

11. Financial Model .................................................................................................................... 10

12. League and Club Responsibilities ......................................................................................... 11

13. Player Payments ................................................................................................................... 12

14. Competitive Balance Mechanisms ....................................................................................... 12

15. Sapphire Series Documents ................................................................................................. 13

16. Centralised Club Staff Employment ..................................................................................... 13

17. Netball Community Connections ......................................................................................... 14

18. License Application Process and Criteria ............................................................................. 15

19. Annual Benchmarking and Review ...................................................................................... 15


20. Appendices ........................................................................................................................... 17

Appendix 1: Athlete Support Matrix ............................................................................................. 17

Appendix 2: Cost Allocations – League and Club .......................................................................... 18

Appendix 3: Indicative Sapphire Series League Budget ................................................................ 19

Appendix 4: Indicative Sapphire Series Underage Competition Budget ...................................... 22

Appendix 5: Indicative Sapphire Series Team Budget .................................................................. 24

Appendix 6: Indicative Sapphire Series Underage (SSUA) Team Budget ...................................... 25

Appendix 7: Terms and Conditions of the EOI and Application Process ...................................... 26

Appendix 8: Form 1 - Expressions of Interest ............................................................................... 28

Appendix 9: Form 2 - Proposed Club Structure ............................................................................ 29

Appendix 10: Form 3 - License Application Checklist ................................................................... 30

Appendix 11: Form 4 - Declaration ............................................................................................... 32

Appendix 12: Indicative Benefits of a University Partnership ...................................................... 33

Appendix 13: Indicative Commercial Asset Register .................................................................... 34


1. Background

The Queensland State Netball League (QSNL) commenced in 2001 and through a number of iterations has been conducted for 17 years. 2018 will be the final year of this competition and Netball Queensland (NQ) is seeking to build on the strong platform established by this competition.

The rapid growth in women’s sport requires all sports to evaluate their strategies and deliverables to ensure they are providing an attractive, customer focussed experience to further enhance their sport. Netball has enjoyed the position of the premier female sport for decades, but now faces strong competition for the best talent and must raise its game to retain its position as Australia’s favourite female sport. In order to do that, NQ is creating the Sapphire Series, set to become Australia’s premier intra-state netball competition.

2. Sapphire Series: Strategic Intent

Sapphire Series Vision

To transform lives through netball

Sapphire Series Purpose

To be the most professional, competitive and community-connected intra-state competition in Australia.

The purpose of the Sapphire Series is to prepare the next generation of Netball players, coaches and officials for an elite professional netball career and inspire future generations of netball players and fans by creating aspirational, local heroes for all Queenslanders.

Sapphire Series Objectives

Position Netball as the vehicle for transforming the lives of women and girls through sport

Inspire every Queensland girl to play netball by creating local heroes

To create a semi-professional level of support on and off the court for the League and Clubs to deliver the premier intra-state women’s competition

To position the Sapphire Series as the strongest launching pad for elevation into the Suncorp Super Netball competition

To place highly skilled, competitive netball, delivered in a professional manner within reach of a broader cross section of the community, creating a tribal fan base for each Club

Establish a strong commercial platform through an iconic, fresh brand strategy, innovative marketing, strategic partnerships and a broad digital engagement plan.


Sapphire Series Guiding Philosophy

NQ will create highly accessible netball like you have never seen it before, both in terms of on court and off-court performance by:

working collaboratively with Clubs to deliver a professionally run competition which benefits all stakeholders, and

centralised management to reduce the burden on Clubs, while empowering them to seek and create competitive advantage and build their own identity and fan base.

3. Definitions

“Association” – refers to the member organizations of Netball Queensland

“ANL” – Australian Netball League

“Applicant” – refers to an entity that participates in the license application process

“ASCA” – Australian Strength and Conditioning Association

“Club” – refers to the entity who is awarded the Sapphire Series License and is responsible for managing team(s) in the Sapphire Series and Sapphire Series age restricted competition (SSUA)

“Club Participation Agreement (CPA)” – refers to the legally binding agreement between Netball Queensland and the Club which articulates the obligations on all parties

“Netball Club” – refers to a Netball organization who is a member of an Association

“Netball Queensland (NQ)” – the State Sporting Organisation (SSO) responsible for the growth, sustainability and success of Netball within Queensland and the principle sponsor of the Sapphire Series

“League” – will be used to reference the competition as a whole and or the body responsible for managing the competition dependent on context

“License Review Panel” – refers to the panel appointed to review license applications and to make recommendations and it will comprise three relevant NQ Staff members and two external independent personnel

“NQ Board Sub-Committee – Sapphire Series (NQBSC-SS)” will consist of two current NQ Board Members, two current NQ Senior Managers and one external party along with the NQ CEO

“Player Points Cap (PPC)” – refers to the competitive balance mechanism used to ensure the distribution of talent across the competitions leads to a highly competitive Sapphire Series


“Regional” – in the context of this document the term Regional will refer to the area outside of the area defined as South East Queensland

“South East Queensland (SEQ)” – refers to the geographic area stretching from Noosa to Tweed Heads and west to Toowoomba

“SSN” – Suncorp Super Netball

“SS01” – will refer to the 2019 Sapphire Series

“SSUA” – refers to the age restricted underpinning competition to the Sapphire Series

“SSMT” – Sapphire Series Management Team

“State Netball Centre” – New State Home of Netball, corner of Kessels and Mains Roads where Brisbane based games in the Sapphire Series will be hosted


4. Competition Overview

The following provides a summary of the Competition Overview of the Sapphire Series. Further detail pertaining to these points can be found throughout this Information Pack and will be fully detailed in the relevant competition documentation.

The 2019 Sapphire Series will comprise seven (7) Clubs in year one (1) with scope for expansion in future years at the discretion of NQ

Licenses will be for five (5) years and reviewed annually against the obligations and performance indicators in the Club Participation Agreement (CPA)

Matches will be played on either Saturday evenings or Sunday afternoons scheduled to avoiding clashes with Queensland Firebirds home games and to minimise the overlap with local community netball

Season timing may vary slightly depending on Netball Australia Events and UniSport Nationals but will comprise a two round home and away season (14 weeks), a three (3) week finals series and run from May to September

Brisbane-based matches will be played at the new State Netball Centre, however each Club will have home game rights at various times through the season which will allow opportunities to activate and promote sponsors more extensively

NQ will manage the delivery of all Brisbane based matches

Competitive balance mechanisms (Players Points Cap) will be implemented to ensure strong competition and provide opportunities for partners to invest in the sport. The Player Points Cap (PPC) will incentivise the development and retention of local players and discourage high levels of player movement between Clubs

Through the CPA, Clubs will be obligated to form genuine, mutually beneficial relationships with local Associations to create local heroes, role models and to generate a fan base

Clubs will be required to be proactive in developing a engaged fan base, particularly through social media and digital channels

NQ will live stream all matches and make available to Clubs

Mutually beneficial partnerships with Universities are encouraged and NQ will assist in facilitating these partnerships

Clubs based in South East Queensland will be obligated to enter a team in the underpinning age restricted competition

5. Expressions of Interest

Preliminary expressions of interest will open on April 11, 2018. Interested parties must confirm their intent to submit an EOI by May 14, 2018 by completing the EOI Form in Appendix 7 and returning it via email to [email protected]

The License Review Panel (LRP) will then evaluate all EOIs and select a list of candidates (more than seven). This process may involve connecting multiple EOIs from applicants within the same geographical area to facilitate collaboration and possibly a joint license application. From here NQ

mailto:Appendix%207

mailto:[email protected]


will work with selected Applicants to prepare a formal license application by July 15, 2018. It is expected that licenses will be awarded by July 31, 2018.

Licenses are available to any incorporated entity, however it is NQ’s preference that any application includes a strong alignment with a Netball entity. This alignment and written confirmation of the alignment from the relevant netball body should be included in the EOI. Should a Netball Club wish to submit an EOI, they should notify their local Association of their intent and their EOI should include written notification from the Association of their awareness of the Club’s EOI. Equally, should an Association wish to submit an EOI, they must include written notification from their local Regional Branch, confirming they are aware of the Association’s application.

6. License Application Timeline

Date Information Required

April 11, 2018 License information packs available and applications open

May 14, 2018 EOIs close

May 30, 2018 Proposed Club structure due

May 16 - July 15, 2018

NQ working with EOI parties to develop license applications

July 16, 2018 Full License applications close and declaration due

July 31, 2018 Sapphire Series Licenses Awarded

Sept 2018 Competition Public Launch post QSNL Season Finals

May 2019 Sapphire Series commences

Sept 2019 Sapphire Series Finals and UniSport Nationals

7. Intellectual Property

The Sapphire Series will be owned and conducted by NQ. In line with industry best practice, NQ will retain all intellectual property including the competition name, participating Club names, all brands, logos and Club colours, signage rights and other commercial properties associated with the competition. These properties will be licensed by NQ to the Clubs under the conditions of the CPA.

8. Club Legal Structure

NQ will require each license holder have its own legal identity and have the capacity to enter in contracts. The exact structure is to be determined by the Club. If this is not currently the case, the Club must have commenced the application process to meet these requirements prior to submitting the license application.


The Sapphire Series License will be for five (5) years, 2019 to 2023, and will be reviewed annually as outlined in the CPA.

For more information about establishing and managing a Club please refer to the Australian Sports Commission webpage here

9. Commercial and University Partnerships

NQ will retain the right to sponsorship category exclusion for the major partner(s) of the League. Clubs will not be permitted to engage with sponsors in the exclusive category(s) as identified by NQ within the six (6) months prior to the commencement of the competition. If a Club has an existing relationship with a conflicting sponsor this should be discussed with the NQ as a matter of priority.

Clubs will be assigned specific commercial property to sell to sponsors. Please refer to Appendix 13 for a list of League and Club assets for commercialisation.

The Sapphire Series Commercial Manual (in development) will contain all relevant details and be available on the Sapphire Series website here.

Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships with entities that may provide support in terms of cash contributions or value in kind support. NQ will be working with Unisport Australia and the individual Universities to identify tertiary institutions interested in partnering with Clubs. License applicants with existing University partnerships should make that apparent in their EOI and license application.

10. Media Rights

NQ retains the rights to all media broadcast of the Sapphire Series. Only parties authorised by NQ will be permitted to record or make any visual, audio or other recordings of any games on any form of media. Equally any broadcasting on any media, including but not limited to television, radio, internet and mobile communications will be prohibited unless otherwise authorised by NQ.

NQ will centrally coordinate the recording of and coding of matches for purpose of performance analysis and distribute this to each Club after each round.

http://www.ausport.gov.au/supporting/clubs

https://qld.netball.com.au/sapphire-series/


11. Financial Model

Clubs will be required to pay a license fee to NQ in order to participate in the Sapphire Series. Indicative Club budgets are included in Appendix 5. The Club will be responsible for developing and managing its own budget and the information provided here is only to be used as a guide as to the potential level of investment required.

The projected License fees for Sapphire Series Clubs are as follows:

Sapphire Series Team – Open - $55,000 (+ GST) to be paid in eight (8) equal monthly instalments from February to September annually.

Sapphire Series Underage (SSUA) Team - $5000 (+ GST) to be paid in full in March annually

The projected License fee is based on the assumption that the competition will contain at least one (1) regional Club who will play matches at home every second round, requiring one team to travel by air each week. If all Clubs are based within driving distance of the State Netball Centre then the license fee will be reduced accordingly. Equally, if there is more than one (1) regional Club the license fee will increase accordingly. Applicants will be advised of any possible change to the license fee relating to this travel component as early as possible.

All Brisbane based matches will be hosted at the new State Netball Centre, with associated match hosting costs will be incurred by the League. If a regional Club secures a license, the Club will be responsible for all match hosting costs and retain all revenue generated for their home games. This arrangement will be factored into the regional Club’s specific CPA to reflect these conditions. Regionally hosted matches must be hosted in line with the Sapphire Series Match Hosting Guidelines.

While the League is not projected to generate profit, it is the intention of the League that a percentage of certain revenue streams is provided back to the Clubs in recognition of their work in generating a fan base.


12. League and Club Responsibilities

Entity Responsibilities

Netball Queensland

Overall responsibility for League strategy, management and delivery

Employment of Executive and Operational staff to manage the Sapphire Series

Secure and service League commercial partners

Management of the PPC

Management of competition rules

Management of the commercial manual

Management of the CPA

Manage travel and accommodation for all teams and match officials

Marketing and promotion of the Sapphire Series

Support candidates with EOI and application process

Support Clubs with the development of Club brand and identities

Provision of all team uniforms

Provision of standardised contracts for players

Coordination and payment of all League match officials

League marketing, branding and media

Payroll obligations relating to employment of specific Club staff

Initial engagement of the University sector and connection with applicants

Coordinating live stream broadcast from Brisbane

Provision of platform for Club website

Provision of generic information to assist Clubs with securing sponsors

Provision of Fusion Smartabase Athlete Management System to all teams

Game day video; distribution of footage to teams for performance analysis purposes

Management of Sapphire Series match day workforce

Delivery of the pre-season competition and finals series

Delivery of the Sapphire Series awards night

Sapphire Series Club

Club EOI and application process in conjunction with NQ

Club governance, management and operating structure

Create and engage fan base and community support, including connection with underpinning Associations / Competitions

Development of the Club brand and identity in conjunction with partners and NQ

Acquiring and managing the financial resources necessary to support the Club

Club marketing and promotion including managing the Club website, social media content creation and player appearances

Recruitment of players in line with the PPC

Secure and service Club sponsors (with support from NQ in the initial stages)

Working with aligned University to provide appropriate support and service

Additional uniform beyond League allocation (through League supplier)

Additional merchandise and products at Club’s discretion

If SEQ based, to enter and manage a team in the SSUA

Netball community connection (page 13)

Training facility hire

Gym access for players

Access to allied health staff for players


Further information pertaining to association income and expense streams aligned to areas of responsibility can be found in Appendix 2

13. Player Payments

The goal of the Sapphire Series from 2019, is that players do not pay to play. The eventual aim is that all squad members are paid to play. The timeframe to achieve this will be dependent on the level of revenue generated by the League.

Clubs and their partners are permitted to offer additional remuneration or benefits to attract and retain players. This is encouraged, however the competitive balance mechanisms (PPC) will exist to ensure the competition remains strong. It is expected that Clubs and their partners may be in a position to provide additional support such as, but not limited to employment, educational support, housing support, vehicle support or other such items to encourage players to play for their club.

14. Competitive Balance Mechanisms

NQ will utilise a Player Points Cap (PPC) to manage the distribution of talent across the competition. The objectives of this system will be to:

Encourage the development and retention of local players

Encourage players to return to their former Club if they return from higher levels of Netball (SSN, ANL)

Discourage players frequently moving from Club to Club

Maximise the chances of the competition being closely fought as assessed by the average goal difference per match across the season and the points spread from position one to position seven on the ladder each year.

The PPC does not apply to the SSUA.

Full details of the PPC will be contained in the Competition Rules (currently in development).


15. Sapphire Series Documents

The constituent documents of the Sapphire Series will accurately reflect the Sapphire Series Objectives and will be reviewed annually to ensure they are ‘fit for purpose’. Clubs will be engaged in the review process.

Key Documentation for the Sapphire Series

Sapphire Series License Information Pack

Player Points Cap (PPC)

Commercial Manual including Brand Guidelines

Operations Manual

Match Hosting Guidelines

Competition Rules

Club Participation Agreement (CPA)

Standard Player Contract (SPC)

Standard Staff Contracts (Coach, Manager, S & C Coach, Operations Manager)

Commercial Partner Prospectus Template

16. Centralised Club Staff Employment

The following staff roles within each Club will be employed by the League in conjunction with the Club. The Club is encouraged to propose their preferred candidates for each role and the League will then, after reviewing the suitability of the nominees, will formally appoint and contract the staff members. The nominated employees will be paid by the League and all human resource matters will be managed through the League. The nominated employees will have dual reporting lines to the Club and the League and their position descriptions will reflect this. The League will pay a set fee for each position across all Clubs, however Clubs are entitled to supplement this amount with additional benefits or remuneration. The centralised staff roles will be:

Operations Manager

Head Coach

Assistant Coach

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Each Club will be required to provide evidence of their connection with an appropriately qualified physiotherapist and are also encouraged to development relationships with appropriately qualified:

Nutritionists

Podiatrists

Athlete Well Being Specialists

Sports Psychologists

NQ can also recommend specialists in these fields to the Clubs if required.


17. Netball Community Connections

The connection to the Netball community within the catchment area of the Club will be critical to the success of the League and the Club. The formal alignment of Associations to Sapphire Series Clubs can only occur after the licenses are awarded.

Key elements of the community connection between Sapphire Series Clubs and underpinning entities are:

Creating “heroes within reach” for young netballers from within the Club’s catchment area

Creating a tangible next step for players, coaches, umpires and administrators at all levels of the game

Sapphire Series coaches to provide leadership and support to identified coaches in underpinning entities. This may involve creating mentors, coach development programs and opportunities to attend Club training and games

The best players from the underpinning competitions being invited to train with the Club, from time to time during the year to bridge the gap between Association netball and the semi-elite level

Associations form a key element of Sapphire Series fan base, along with University cohort and local communities, so it is imperative the Club does not exist in isolation.

In order to achieve these objectives, Clubs will be required to undertake as a minimum, the following activities:

Establish and regularly utilise direct communication channels with Associations within their catchment area

Develop a coaching “community of practice” for the sharing of ideas and discussion related to coaching, which may comprise a combination of online and face to face activities

Develop a volunteer talent scouting network to ensure awareness of all talented players above the age of 15 years within their catchment area

Deliver programs to provide engagement of players and coaches with the Sapphire Series Club

Sapphire Series and SSUA players to build and maintain a physical connection with grassroots netball via player appearances and activities at Association level

Develop and deliver strategies to encourage netball participants in their catchment area to attend live Sapphire Series games or watch games via live stream

Contribute to the selection and preparation of their respectively aligned 16U and 18U teams who will participate in the NQ State Titles each year


18. License Application Process and Criteria

The following parameters are to be addressed in the final license application. Full details can be found in the Applicant Checklist in Appendix 10

Club governance structure

Club operational management structure

Commercial partnerships

Existing or potential University partnerships

Training venues (all) and home game venues (regional only)

Budgets

Fan development strategies

Player and coach development programs

Netball or sport team experience

Creative and innovative ideas to grow or enhance the game.

The shortlisting of Applicants will incorporate the selection criteria above but also take into account other external factors, such as:

Geographic location

Current and predicted netball participant rates

Current and predicted population and growth rates

Historical performance of the netball entity in terms of governance, growth and development of netball and contribution to NQ’s strategic plan.

Licenses will be awarded via the following process.

License applications will be reviewed by the LRP and assessment of all applications will be provided to the NQBSC-SS

The NQBSC-SS will make a recommendation to the NQ Board, based on the evaluation provided by the LRP

The NQ Board will make the final decision in awarding licenses.

19. Annual Benchmarking and Review

As the Sapphire Series is an innovative “greenfield” initiative, information sharing, benchmarking and a thorough review at the end of year one is critical. NQ is committed to a review process after the inaugural year of the competition with the aim of gathering feedback, sharing what has worked and identifying the gaps/issues so that everyone, the League and the Clubs can build and strengthen. We aspire to embedding a culture of continual improvement.

Moving forward, NQ will conduct an annual benchmarking exercise which Clubs will be required to participate in as part of the CPA. A confidentiality agreement will be signed by all parties prior, data will also be anonymised and then shared in a similar way how the Athlete Support Matrix (see


Appendix 1) has been presented. This will allow the Clubs to assess their position and identify areas for further development and their strengths. The following metrics will be assessed:

Commercial revenue per Club and collectively

Development program revenue

Ticket sales per Club and collectively

Digital/social media reach per Club and collectively

Merchandise sales per Club and collectively

An NQ representative(s) will meet with each license holder within two (2) months of the Sapphire Series Grand Final to review the performance of the League and the Club on and off the court. This process is focussed on enhancing the overall competition, looking at what worked well and what areas can be developed both from a Club and League perspective.


20. Appendices

Appendix 1: Athlete Support Matrix

The following table is designed to provide license applicants with a guide to the level of service and support expected in relation to team preparation. While it is not expected that licenses will be Gold standard in every item, applicants should consider the Bronze level as an absolute minimum requirement. This data is representative of the level currently provided across most QSNL license holders.

Item Gold Silver Bronze

Coaching Head Coach – NCAS HP

Assistant Coach – NCAS Elite or above

Team undertakes 2-3 court sessions per week through pre-season and 2 per week in-season

Head Coach – NCAS Elite or above

Assistant Coach – NCAS Advanced or above

Team undertakes 2 court sessions per week through pre-season and in-season

Head Coach – NCAS Advanced or above

Assistant Coach – NCAS – Intermediate or above

Team undertakes at least 2 court sessions per week pre-season and 1 per week in-season.

Strength & Conditioning

Degree and ASCA qualified Strength and Conditioning coach providing supervised sessions to all squad members at least once per week through pre-season and in-season

Testing in line with NQ requirements

Provision of Gym access to all squad members free of charge

Degree qualified Strength and Conditioning coach providing supervised sessions to all squad members at least once per week through pre-season


Provision of Gym access to all squad members at discounted rates

Degree qualified Strength and Conditioning coach providing supervised sessions to all squad members at least six times during pre-season


Players pay for their own gym access

Allied Health Support

Dedicated Club Physiotherapist attends training and games

Players are able to access physio with no gap payment

Dedicated Club Physiotherapist attends games

Players are able to access physio at discounted rates

Club has a link with local Physiotherapy practice for players to attend at their own cost

Facilities Access to sprung wooden floor for training every session

Access to sprung wooden floor for training for most sessions

Irregular access to sprung wooden floor for training


Appendix 2: Cost Allocations – League and Club

Based on the centralised management model the following table lists the income and expense allocation between the League and the Club, across both the Sapphire Series Open and Age Restricted team.

League - Income League - Expense SSUA League - Income SSUA League -Expense

Sponsorship

Food & beverage

Club License fee

League merchandise

Ticket Sales

Broadcast

Cost of sponsors

Match venue hire

League marketing

League merchandise

League operations

Players registration fees

League staff

Team staff

Cost of Ticketing

Air travel

Team uniforms

Umpire uniforms

Match officials

Ticket Sales

Food and beverage

Player fees (50%)

Venue hire

League operations

Team uniforms

Umpire Uniforms

League staff

Match Officials

Cost of Ticketing

SS Club - Income SS Club - Expense SSUA Team - Income SSUA Team - Expense Sponsorship

Revenue from Development programs

Share of ticketing revenue

Team merchandise

License fee

Training venue hire

Team operations

Team uniforms (above League supply)

Team merchandise

Player fees

Training venue hire

License fee

Team operations

Team staff


Appendix 3: Indicative Sapphire Series League Budget

SS01 2019 SS02 2020 SS03 2021

Expense -$723,074 -$726,527 -$758,046

Broadcast -$50,500 -$51,100 -$51,709

SS01 Live Streaming of Brisbane H & A rounds -$28,000 -$28,420 -$28,846

SS01 Live Streaming of Regional Rounds -$12,000 -$12,180 -$12,363

Live Stream of Pre-Season Games (Optional - may decide not to live stream pre-season games - discuss with teams) -$10,500 -$10,500 -$10,500

Commercial -$47,350 -$38,450 -$41,860

IP Trademarking for League and Club Logos -$12,000 $0 $0

End of Season Awards night to be part of Firebirds Awards night -$4,350 -$4,350 -$4,350

Cost of servicing Sponsorship (20% of Gross Value of Sponsorship) -$31,000 -$34,100 -$37,510

Equipment -$938 -$952 -$966

Netballs for SS01 games -$638 -$647 -$657

SS01 Post Pads - Branded for Major Partner -$300 -$305 -$309

Facility Hire -$12,150 -$12,332 -$12,517

SS01 Venue hire for Finals – State Netball Centre -$2,700 -$2,741 -$2,782

SS01 Venue hire for H & A rounds – State Netball Centre -$9,450 -$9,592 -$9,736

Venue hire – Regional Matches $0 $0 $0

Marketing -$50,000 -$10,075 -$10,151

SS01 League Website -$5,000 -$5,075 -$5,151

SS01 Marketing Collateral to promote H & A season at SHON -$5,000 -$5,000 -$5,000

SS01 Club Brand Development / Logo Development -$40,000 $0 $0

Operations -$62,606 -$58,329 -$59,063

Miscellaneous Expenses (more unknowns in SS01) -$10,000 -$5,000 -$5,000

SS01 - Training Balls provided to Clubs -$1,400 -$1,400 -$1,400

SS01 - Match / Event Host - Regional centre $0 $0 $0

SS01 - Match / Event Host - 14 rounds in Brisbane -$28,000 -$28,420 -$28,846

SS01 - MC for home and away rounds -$2,800 -$2,842 -$2,885

SS01 - Meals for Staff on Finals Day -$300 -$305 -$309

SS01 - Photographer - Finals -$450 -$457 -$464

SS01 - Prizemoney - Runners up (Option) $0 $0 $0

SS01 - Prizemoney - Winner (Option) $0 $0 $0

SS01 - Stationary - Substitution Books & Team Lists -$800 -$812 -$824

SS01 - Club Owner Meeting - Dinner -$2,000 -$2,030 -$2,060

SS01 - Club Owner Meetings - Accom -$800 -$812 -$824

SS01 - Club Owner Meetings - Catering -$1,200 -$1,218 -$1,236

SS01 - Club Owner Meetings - Travel -$2,000 -$2,030 -$2,060


SS01 - Player registration fee to NQ -$9,856 -$10,004 -$10,154

Pre-Season Event - Court Hire -$3,000 -$3,000 -$3,000

Players $0 -$49,000 -$70,000

SS01 - Allocation to be paid to player or players at the discretion and direction of the club. Fee paid by the League $0 -$49,000 -$70,000

Staff -$312,370 -$314,622 -$316,907

SS01 - Assistant Coach -$35,000 -$35,000 -$35,000

SS01 - Bench Official Payment - Home and Away rounds -$2,520 -$2,520 -$2,520

SS01 - Bench Official Payment - Finals -$180 -$180 -$180

SS01 - Finals Commentary -$600 -$600 -$600

SS01 - Head Coach Payment -$52,500 -$52,500 -$52,500

SS01 - NQ Staff Costs - Events, Sponsors, Commercial, Competitions, Marketing -$35,000 -$35,525 -$36,058

SS01 - Primary Care - Brisbane Finals -$320 -$325 -$330

SS01 - Primary Care - Brisbane H & A -$2,800 -$2,842 -$2,885

SS01 - S & C Coach -$35,000 -$35,000 -$35,000

SS01 - State Events Committee -$1,000 -$1,000 -$1,000

SS01 – Club Operations Manager -$112,000 -$113,680 -$115,385

SS01 - Primary Care - Regional Venue - Cost to Host Club $0 $0 $0

SS01 - Umpire Coaches -$1,680 -$1,680 -$1,680

SS01 - Umpire Payment -$4,200 -$4,200 -$4,200

SS01 - Umpire Payment Finals -$450 -$450 -$450

SS01 - Team Manager -$24,500 -$24,500 -$24,500

Umpires for Pre-Season Games -$2,100 -$2,100 -$2,100

Umpire coach for Pre-season Games -$1,260 -$1,260 -$1,260

Bench Officials for Pre-Season Games -$1,260 -$1,260 -$1,260

Ticketing -$20,000 -$22,000 -$22,660

SS01 -Ticket Sales Distribution for Semi Finals -$4,000 -$4,400 -$4,840

SS01 - Ticket Sales Distribution for Semi Finals -$2,000 -$2,200 -$2,420

SS01 - Ticket Sales - Distribution to Clubs (20% of Ticket Revenue) -$14,000 -$15,400 -$15,400

Travel -$109,800 -$111,447 -$113,119

SS01 – Accommodation – Fly in and out on same day $0 $0 $0

SS01- Air Travel - 18 pp including officials - 12 times. -$96,000 -$97,440 -$98,902

SS01 - Air travel - Match officials to Regional Games -$9,000 -$9,135 -$9,272

SS01 - Vehicle hire for travelling teams -$4,800 -$4,872 -$4,945

SS01 - Match officials’ accommodation. Fly in and out on same day $0 $0 $0

Uniforms -$57,360 -$58,220 -$59,094

Uniforms – Uniforms -$5,000 -$5,075 -$5,151

Uniforms – Bike Pants (1) -$5,600 -$5,684 -$5,769

Uniforms – Dresses (1) -$8,960 -$9,094 -$9,231


Uniforms – Polo Shirts (1) -$5,600 -$5,684 -$5,769

Uniforms – Socks (1) -$4,480 -$4,547 -$4,615

Uniforms – Tracksuits (1) -$21,000 -$21,315 -$21,635

Uniforms – Training Tops (1) -$6,720 -$6,821 -$6,923

Income $653,500 $680,350 $709,885

Commercial $155,000 $170,500 $187,550

Minor League Partners (Multiple) $80,000 $88,000 $96,800

Major League Partner $75,000 $82,500 $90,750

Food & Bev $13,500 $14,850 $16,335

F & B Margin - $1.50 pp Brisbane – Finals $3,000 $3,300 $3,630

F & B Margin - $1.50 pp Brisbane – Rounds $10,500 $11,550 $12,705

License Fee $385,000 $385,000 $385,000

SS01 Team License Fees received $385,000 $385,000 $385,000

Ticketing $100,000 $110,000 $121,000

SS01 - Ticket Sales – Regional matches $0 $0 $0

SS01 - Ticket Sales - Finals $30,000 $33,000 $36,300

SS01 - Ticket Sales - Home and Away Rounds $70,000 $77,000 $84,700

Grand Total -$69,574 -$46,177 -$48,161


Appendix 4: Indicative Sapphire Series Underage Competition Budget

2019 2020 2021

Expense -$113,222 -$113,285 -$113,349

Broadcast $0 $0 $0

Age Restrict. - Live Streaming of Brisbane H & A rounds $0 $0 $0

Equipment

Age Restrict. - Netballs for games

Facility Hire -$9,450 -$9,450 -$9,450

Age Restrict. - Venue Hire for H & A rounds -$9,450 -$9,450 -$9,450

Operations -$15,792 -$15,792 -$15,792

Age Restrict. - Training Balls provided to Age Restrict. teams -$1,400 -$1,400 -$1,400

Age Restrict. - Match hosting costs in Brisbane -$7,000 -$7,000 -$7,000

Age Restrict. - Player Registration fee to NQ -$7,392 -$7,392 -$7,392

Staff -$36,460 -$36,460 -$36,460

Age Restrict. - Bench Official Payment - Home and Away rounds -$2,520 -$2,520 -$2,520

Age Restrict. - Bench Official Payment - Finals -$540 -$540 -$540

Age Restrict. - Team General Manager - Age Restrict. team duties -$28,000 -$28,000 -$28,000

Age Restrict. - Umpire Coaches -$1,680 -$1,680 -$1,680

Age Restrict. - Umpire payment -$3,360 -$3,360 -$3,360

Age Restrict. - Umpire Payment Finals - 3 games per Division -$360 -$360 -$360

Ticketing -$2,800 -$2,800 -$2,800

19 U - Ticket Sales - Distribution to teams (10% of Ticket Rev) -$2,800 -$2,800 -$2,800

Uniforms -$48,720 -$48,783 -$48,847

Age Restrict. - Uniforms - Dresses -$6,720 -$6,720 -$6,720

Age Restrict. - Uniforms - Polo Shirts -$5,600 -$5,600 -$5,600

Age Restrict. - Uniforms - Socks -$4,480 -$4,480 -$4,480

Age Restrict. - Uniforms - Tracksuits -$21,000 -$21,000 -$21,000

Age Restrict. - Uniforms - training tops -$6,720 -$6,720 -$6,720

Age Rest. - Uniforms - Bike Pants -$4,200 -$4,263 -$4,327

Income $86,470 $86,470 $86,470

Food & Bev $3,870 $3,870 $3,870

Age Restrict. - F & B Margin - $3.50 per patron per night in Brisbane - Rounds $3,150 $3,150 $3,150

Age Restrict. - F & B Margin - $3.50 per patron per night for Finals $720 $720 $720

License Fee $35,000 $35,000 $35,000

Age Restrict. - Team license fees received $35,000 $35,000 $35,000

Players $33,600 $33,600 $33,600


Age Restrict. - Player Fee Paid to League $33,600 $33,600 $33,600

Ticketing $14,000 $14,000 $14,000

Age Restrict. - Ticket Sales - Home and Away Rounds - Brisbane - 200 people per round $14,000 $14,000 $14,000

Grand Total -$26,752 -$26,815 -$26,879


Appendix 5: Indicative Sapphire Series Team Budget

Please note these are indicative budgets only and may include some line items that the Club is able to access at no cost.

2019 2020 2021

Expense -$99,529 -$102,105 -$105,322

Commercial -$14,000 -$15,400 -$16,940

Cost of servicing Major Sponsorship (20%

of Gross Value of Sponsorship) -$6,000 -$6,600 -$7,260

Cost of servicing Minor Sponsorship (20%

of Gross Value of Sponsorship) -$8,000 -$8,800 -$9,680

Facility Hire -$10,560 -$11,275 -$12,009

SS Team Court hire for training -$10,560 -$10,718 -$10,879

SS01 Team Gym Fees for players (if not

covered by partner) $0 -$557 -$1,130

License Fee -$55,000 -$55,000 -$55,000

SS01 License Fee paid to League -$55,000 -$55,000 -$55,000

Marketing -$2,786 -$2,823 -$2,861

SS01 Fan Generation Strategies - player

appearances - 75 hours per team $0 $0 $0

SS01 Team Website - managed by team on

platform supplied by League -$2,500 -$2,538 -$2,576

SS01 Marketing Collateral for Regional

Teams to promote their home games for

the year -$286 -$286 -$286

Merchandise -$4,000 -$4,400 -$5,280

Team merchandise range - cost of good

sold -$4,000 -$4,400 -$5,280

Operations -$10,160 -$10,184 -$10,208

SS01 - Strapping Tape -$2,560 -$2,560 -$2,560

General Equipment -$1,000 -$1,000 -$1,000

SS01 - Recovery Food for Teams -$1,600 -$1,624 -$1,648

Team IT - Hardware, Software, Stationary

and Miscellaneous Expenses -$5,000 -$5,000 -$5,000

Staff -$3,023 -$3,023 -$3,023

SS01 - Specialist Coaches -$143 -$143 -$143

SS01 - Physiotherapist Fee to attend

games -$2,880 -$2,880 -$2,880

Income $97,000 $106,700 $117,920

Commercial $70,000 $77,000 $84,700

Team Sponsors - Multiple Minor $40,000 $44,000 $48,400

Team Sponsors - Major $30,000 $33,000 $36,300

Development $20,000 $22,000 $24,200

Licensee Development Program Income

(Coaching and Development Programs

within catchment area) $20,000 $22,000 $24,200

Merchandise $5,000 $5,500 $6,600

Team merchandise range - income from

goods sold (25% profit) $5,000 $5,500 $6,600

Ticketing $2,000 $2,200 $2,420

SS01 - Ticket Sales - Income from shared

model (Home and Away Rounds) - 500

people per round (3 games) $2,000 $2,200 $2,420

Grand Total -$2,529 $4,595 $12,598

Individual Team Budget SS Team - Itemised


Appendix 6: Indicative Sapphire Series Underage (SSUA) Team Budget

Please note that this budget indicates a loss to the Club, however it assumes full price for training venue hire, fixed rates for payment of team staff and provision of strapping tape to players. It also does not align any sponsorship revenue of the club to this team.

2019 2020 2021

Expense -$20,860 -$20,860 -$20,860

Facility Hire -$8,800 -$8,800 -$8,800

Age Restrict. - Court hire for

training -$8,800 -$8,800 -$8,800

Age Restrict. - Gym Access for 19 U

players $0 $0 $0

License Fee -$5,000 -$5,000 -$5,000

Age Restrict. - License Fee to be

paid -$5,000 -$5,000 -$5,000

Operations -$2,560 -$2,560 -$2,560

Age Restrict. - Strapping Tape -$2,560 -$2,560 -$2,560

Age Restrict. - Recovery Food $0 $0 $0

Staff -$4,500 -$4,500 -$4,500

Age Restrict. - Head Coach

Payment -$2,500 -$2,500 -$2,500

Age Restrict. - Team Manager -$1,000 -$1,000 -$1,000

Age Restrict. - Assistant Coach -$1,000 -$1,000 -$1,000

Income $4,800 $5,200 $5,200

Players $4,800 $4,800 $4,800

Age Restrict. - Player Fee Paid to

Licensee $4,800 $4,800 $4,800

Ticketing $0 $400 $400

Age Restrict. - Ticket Sales - Income

from shared model (Home and

Away Rounds) $0 $400 $400

Grand Total -$16,060 -$15,660 -$15,660

Individual Team Budget for SSUA - Itemised


Appendix 7: Terms and Conditions of the EOI and Application Process

The following Terms and Conditions will apply to any Applicant who lodges an expression of interest to hold a license in the NQ Sapphire Series from 2019 onward.

This document and the information contained within it, along with any other information provided to the applicant as part of the EOI and Application process, is not intended to create any legally binding obligation on behalf of NQ to operate or administer the League in the manner set out in the EOI information pack, nor does it represent an offer to the Applicant

NQ reserves its right, at its absolute discretion to: o Suspend or cancel this EOI and Application process, or parts thereof and if cancelled,

to initiate a new EOI and Application process o Proceed or not proceed with the proposed Sapphire Series o To consider, not consider or reject any or all of the EOIs received, or not to negotiate

or engage with any or all of the Applicants o To change elements of the proposed Sapphire Series, the information pack or the

EOI process as it sees fit to deliver the best outcomes for the sport of netball in Queensland

o Waive any irregularities or informalities in the EOI and Application process o Change any dates set out in this document o Exclude any applicant from this process at any time and for any reasonable reason

NQ will endeavour to provide feedback to all Applicants on their EOI and Application, regardless of their progression to the next stage or otherwise

The information contained in this document is designed to provide interested parties with information pertaining to the NQ Sapphire Series

This document contains a broad range of information relating to the competition. There are some elements with limited scope for change while other more operational features are open to discussion to achieve the optimal operating model for the Sapphire Series. Applicants are encouraged to ask questions and maximise opportunities they may have to achieve the objectives of the Sapphire Series. It has been prepared in good faith by the staff at NQ

There are may be some changes during the application process and prior to the competition beginning in 2019 and NQ commit to working closely with interested parties during this process, keeping all parties equally informed of any changes

Each applicant undertakes the EOI and Application process at their own cost

Applicants are not permitted to make public comment in relation to the EOI or Application process without prior written consent of NQ

The applicant’s EOI, Application and all supporting documents, once submitted will become the property of NQ and will not be returned to the applicant

Each Applicant should undertake their own risk assessment, relating to the financial implications of securing a license in the Sapphire Series

The Applicant warrants that all information provided as part of the EOI and application process is complete and accurate and that provision of such information to NQ, does not breach any third party intellectual property rights. Information contained in the EOI or


License Application documents will not be treated as commercially sensitive or confidential unless explicitly indicated as such in writing by the Applicant.

The Applicant may vary or alter their EOI or application after submission, with the written consent of NQ on or before final closing date for license applications

NQ will not be liable (in contract or in tort, including negligence) for any direct or indirect damages, losses, costs or expenses (including loss of profits or business opportunity) incurred by the Applicant or any other person and arising in any way from the preparation, submission, consideration or failure to consider the EOI, Application or the acceptance or rejection of the EOI or Application

The Law of Queensland, Australia governs these terms and conditions, and this EOI and Application Process. Both parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of Queensland, Australia.


Appendix 8: Form 1 - Expressions of Interest

Complete and submit this page by midnight on May 14, 2018

By submitting this EOI, __________________________ (name of Entity or Representative), approves the submission of the EOI and the applicant agrees to be bound by the Terms and Conditions as outlined in Appendix 6.

ITEM APPLICANT INFORMATION FOR EOI

Central Location of the Applicant

Working name for the Applicant

(Example: Proposed club name)

Primary Contact Person

Primary Contact Email

Primary Contact Mobile

Postal Address

Supporting Associations/Entities

(Please list all Associations or other entities that will form part of or support this application)

Association(s) or Entity Representative

(Role, name and mobile number for one person from each)


Appendix 9: Form 2 - Proposed Club Structure

The following information is due on May 30, 2018

ITEM APPLICANT INFORMATION

Proposed entity structure / governance model

Proposed Club name

Proposed Club colours

Proposed Club training venue (with supporting documents)

Proposed home game venue (if regional license application)

Name of existing University partner (if applicable)

Proposed Management Executive – Skill Matrix

NAME PROPOSED ROLE RELEVANT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE


Appendix 10: Form 3 - License Application Checklist

Parameter Required Information Yes/No

EOI Form Submit Expression of Interest by May 14, 2018

License Management Proposal

Submit proposed management structure by May 30, 2018

Club Governance Structure

Club must be incorporated (Incorporations Act 1981) and a club constitution developed. Certificate of incorporation and club constitution to be provided with application

Club must have or adopt club policies aligned with NQ, Netball Australia and or the Australian Sports Commission

Alignment with NQ Strategic Plan, particularly the High Performance Pillar

Club Management Structure

Provide a skill matrix of the Club’s Board or Management Committee and relevant sub committees, highlighting the capacity of personnel to deliver a semi-professional club

Provide details of club’s 3 year Strategic Plan

Commercial Partnerships

Details of existing and future partnerships to support the objectives of the League and the Club

Existing or Potential University Partnerships

Provide details of any existing or preferred University Partnerships

Provide details of how the Club currently intends to utilise interns or practicum students to support the Club’s obligations and any relevant experience in this area

Training Venues For EOI, Written confirmation of access to training venues

For EOI, Written confirmation of access to gym facilities

For application, detailed audit of training and gym facilities to ensure they meet required standards

Budgets Provide details of 2019 operating budget and three year budget projections

Fan Development Strategies

Provide plan relating to strategies to create and engage a tribal fan base to support the club, with particular focus on the use of digital channels

History of experience in using social media platforms to support team and sponsors will be advantageous

Netball Community Development

Provide detailed plan of how the Club will engage with the aligned netball community

Player and coach development

Provide details of plans relating to conducting player and coach development programs, providing details of


promotion, marketing, costs, frequency, duration, attendee numbers and desired outcomes

Netball or Sport Team Experience

Applicants should outline their Club’s netball/sport experience in relation to developing a team/club, high performance culture, on and off court success with players, coaches and supporters

Creativity and Innovation

Clubs are encouraged to demonstrate innovative and creative ways to grow the game of netball or to enhance the performance on or off the court

License Application Close and Declaration Due

5pm July 16, 2018


Appendix 11: Form 4 - Declaration

I state that the information in this application and attachments is to the best of my knowledge true and correct. I will notify NQ of any material changes to this information and any circumstances that affect this application. I acknowledge that NQ may refer this application to external experts or other NQ staff for assessment, reporting, advice, comment or for discussion and that NQ is under no obligation to accept this application. I understand that this is an application only and may not necessarily result in the granting of a Sapphire Series License. I acknowledge and accept that NQ may ask further questions about any element of this application and may require further information or supplementary documentation to be provided, which I undertake to so provide if requested.

If NQ accepts this application, I undertake to execute and abide by the NQ CPA, the terms of which are not negotiable.

Signature

Printed Name

Position

Date


Appendix 12: Indicative Benefits of a University Partnership

A Sapphire Series team partnership will provide Universities with:

Opportunities for students from a range of faculties, to work with a Club during the preparation, delivery and review phase. This will include areas such as sport and business management, marketing, media, digital communications and sports science

Year on year opportunities for students, allowing this program to become a consistent part of University programs

Potential for a University campus to be the home base for Club – training, gym, events, promotion and community engagement initiatives

A shared cause, via a Club that students & staff can connect with to build a shared sense of community within the University

Scheduling and support from peak body to allow best netballers to represent the respective University at UniSport Nationals

Increased opportunity to become a University of choice for aspiring netballers from around Australia

Potential to create a Club logo aligned with University branding, colours and emblems

Strong alignment with Australia’s number one female sport providing access to the netball community through social media, live streaming and engagement through Club’s connection to the community

Accessibility to great role models and the future elite stars of Netball – potential University Ambassadors now and into future

Opportunity to access elite sport expertise to provide experiences for University staff and students – professional development, guest speakers and behind the scenes access

Opportunity to transform lives through scholarships to appropriately qualified student netballers

A University partnership will provide the Sapphire Series Club with:

Opportunity for students to provide new thinking through non-netball expertise across a range of areas to support each Club

Students will offer innovation and a broaden the range of experiences around the Club to add value to the Club’s off court operations

The University may create a potential “home base” for Club for training, gym, functions, education, events and promotions.

A large, connected fan base and opportunity to take netball to new audiences via diversity and inclusion programs beyond the existing netball community

Opportunity to transform lives through scholarships with partner Universities

Opportunity for Club staff to connect with relevant expertise within the University for Professional Development.


Appendix 13: Indicative Commercial Asset Register

SAPPHIRE SERIES - COMMERCIAL ASSET BREAKDOWN IP / BRAND

Asset League / NQ Team Comments

League Logo X

Team logo X NQ will produce team logos

Team names X Team names and colours to be approved by NQ

Player IP X

SPONSORSHIP


Exclusive Sponsor categories X

League Naming Rights Sponsor X

League Support Sponsors X

League Suppliers X

League Broadcast Partner X

Team Naming Rights Sponsor X

Team Support Sponsors X

Team Suppliers X


MATCH & TEAM KIT


League logo X

Supplier logo X

Team logo X

Front chest above bib X

Front of dress - hem X

Back of dress - top X

Side panels (2) X

Bibs - front & back X

Front of dress - under bib X

Back of dress - below bib X

Back of dress - hem X

LICENSING & MERCHANDISE


League merchandise X

Team supporters’ merchandise X


OTHER MATCH DAY ASSETS


Balls X

Post pads X

Umpires X

Score bench officials X

Ball kids X

League Media backdrop X

Courtside A-frame signage in live-stream arc

50% 50% Can be used for sponsors or team logo

Hydration stations X

Water bottles / drink bottles X

Player towels X

Team bags / luggage X

Team Media Backdrop X

Match day merchandise sales rights

X X Shared between League & Home Team

Activation rights (ie giveaways, foyer sponsor activations, half-time activity, coin toss etc)

X X To be mutually agreed - shared between League &

Home Team

PA announcements 50% 50% Shared between League & Home Team

Promotion on big screens (if operating)

50% 50% Shared between League & Home Team


TICKETING


Gate income - matches played at State Home of Netball

X X Teams to receive a rebate on tickets purchased to their

games. Mechanism to determine this is yet to be

defined

Gate income - matches played at other venues

X Host teams to receive all ticket income

DIGITAL & SOCIAL CHANNELS


League website X

League Facebook X

League Instagram X

Team Website X

Team Facebook X

Team Instagram X