For most grassroots AFL clubs the grind of pre-season training is giving way to practice matches and pre-season competitions, with most leagues commencing in the first couple of weeks of April.

SportingPulse is proud to announce that in 2009 more than 90% of grassroots AFL fixtures, results, ladders and player statistics will be generated through its competition management, results and website technology.

The software has been rolled out through Footyweb, the joint initiative by SportingPulse and the AFL to provide all affiliated associations, leagues and clubs with a fully integrated technology package that enables them to operate more effectively and create a national participation system - FREE of charge!

For this season, there have been a few new developments and enhancements to the system.

Sportzware Membership now includes Online Clearances, which went live on 2 February. With the vast majority of leagues now on Footyweb nearly all clearances/transfers can be conducted through this system, which has been brought entirely into line with the rules as they currently stand.

The clearances/transfers function can be set up in a leagues online membership database upon request. This request generally comes from the national or state governing body, and is configured according to that governing bodies policies and procedures in regards to processing player movements between clubs and leagues.

Another new feature is the introduction of seasons and the display of tribunal information in Sportzware Membership databases along with clearances/transfers, and a new Sportzware Membership Communicator function that will enable administrators to send email and SMS communications to members through Sportzware Membership.

The Footyweb system also enables leagues and clubs to:
•    Take online registration payments
•    Communicate easily with players and supporters
•    Publish fixtures, results, ladders and player stats
•    Provide professional websites with forums, polls and photo galleries
•    Integrate with the myFootyweb social network
•    Access demographic information

The online administration tools are available at no cost and will save community leagues and clubs across Australia more than $1 million per annum while improving the online experience and communications for participants and supporters of the game.

Other benefits of having one central online administrative system will also assist with planning for future growth and development of Australian Football at all levels of the game.

Information on using the new features can be found on the new SportingPulse Support website.

To find out how your league or club can be part of Footyweb, contact Brendan Ricci at SportingPulse (b.ricci@sportingpulse.com) or Tony Abate at the AFL (tony.abate@afl.com.au) or visit www.footyweb.com.au