[edit - hopefully we can't seem to cromulate the 'team numbers' embiggening problem, so will post it separately another day]
Data drawn quickly from the AFDA Registration Database, with all the limits that entails, but generally the longer a League has used the system, the better the quality as players and administrators become used to it. Up to the reader to judge the value, anyway.
We've left WUFL 2009 Season 3 off as the other Leagues didn't have a season 3 that year, and that data didn't buck the general trend. WUFL Season 2 2010 also had only 15 people registered, so we left that off too (although we know there were four teams).
UQ and Townsville Leagues don't use the registration system (which annoys QUDA and AFDA, as they can't report those player numbers when we seek funding etc - but equally, UQ and Townsville question the need for their players to pay AFDA fees when their Universities provide public liability insurance), and Gold Coast has only recently started, so no trend data there as yet.
Do these graphs tell a story? Maybe that BUML Div 2 is the engine for growth in Brisbane (the mid-table drop is presumably tied to the establishment of Div 1). Its also evident in BUML Div 2 that team size must be growing, as team numbers aren't growing at the rate player numbers are.
Of course, growth isn't everything - most obviously it's worth noting that BPL, in focusing on elite play, doesn't specifically aim for growth.
21 comments:
can you please fix the second graph so you can enlarge it?
UQ league did use it up until at least midway through 2008 (trust me I made a freakload of afda acounts for players that semester), not sure if Gref used it in the 2nd half of 2008. We'll try get them using it again next semester.
Here's an idea for signing up people on afda, an app for android (or iPhone I guess) that has simple fields for entering peoples details and then creates an account for them. Could be linked to google docs and keep a record of all people signed up. Could be used for taking email addresses at come'n'try nights. Hmm possibilities.
I still like the idea of logging onto the field pete. So swiping into the game means AFDA/QUDA can trace whoes playing where on any given night and would make for some interesting stats.
Heck, then we could get better scoring systems and an electronic scoreboard which counts assists and scores.
Alternatively every person gets chipped under the skin behind the neck and we do it that way
The flat line for WUFL is a bit of a problem. What can be done?
DA
Nice post JdR, for those interested check out Growth of the Heroes Club in Brisbane Ultimate
Would there be a spike there in Season 2 2010 for WUFL with the establishment (and subsequent premiership win) of Wonder Women?
WUFL Season 2 2010 only had 18 players regoed - obviously there were more playing so we left that one off, but its a reminder that the data isn't necessarily 100% (although its probably better for Leagues with more experienced players like BPL and BUML Div 1).
RE BPL. Yes, it's not aiming to grow. But you'd think it would. Its disturbing that nearly four years ago it had 70 players, and today it has 72 players. Maybe the change in LD (+ the attention given to Nationals 2011) is a chance for a radical rethink.
Here's a radical idea - with early Nationals and trips to Townsville, why not leave BPL 2011 until April (post Nats) and spend Feb/Mar extending training or having a hat to recruit/mix people. This helps our local players prepare more thoroughly, while setting the scene to try to grow.
DA
PS mention of change of BPL LD is not blaming LD - this is an 'everyone' thing, not an LD thing. The BPL LD does not recruit new people, and has only limited influence in helping new teams get established.
DA
acronym overload.
excuse my ignorance - what is LD, and what is your name DA?
League Director. I too am wondering on who is DA, just out of curiosity
One issue with postponing BPL till post nats is that is imo one of the only opportunities for players in Brisbane to get hard fought open games, where nats players of similar standard can mark up against each other and work hard. Training amongst teams is good but it really lacks competitive edge you gain from a competitive league situation.
DA? Dan Acklock? Don, Al? Just some troll?
Interesting though.
Love the suggestion over on the Heroes blog that the only likely new team to join BPL in the future would be Heroes2. Cheeky.
What the participation numbers don't tell you is growth in the "culture" or standards of a league.
Just on the comment regarding stagnation in BPL player numbers - sure, the league has not grown in size, but the level of play has improved enormously and a genuine culture has now evolved around the various teams and rivalries etc - both of which may not necessarily translate to "growth", but have certainly entrenched the competition in the Brisbane frisbee scene.
Hopefully similar developments will be observed in BUML and WUFL.
As BPL are teams are getting stronger I imagine captains are going to be limiting the number of rookies they bring into their teams each season, this could lead to a widening gap between BUML and BPL.
Something for wetnose to think about!!
rumours of a Gref allstars team are upon us. Bring back the passion baby?
Just a rumour at this stage from what Ive heard. But the widening of BUML to BPL is worrying. Theres a situation now where limited playing numbers within the BPL mean 'lucky enough' players who can get on a team get alot better alot faster. This creates a talent void. Maybe a second div of BPL or another dedication mens league?
Not to say anything against the mixed format but it was only when I joined cobras where I learnt the tough competitive side of ulitmate. Just a thought..
The very long term growth/development/competitive goal of BPL having a First Grade and a Reserve Grade (and maybe one day an under 23 or similar grade)has long been a part of the BUB's manifesto.
Gref Allstars team?
First I've heard about it.
As far as postponing BPL goes:
A hat league/tournament will never provide the standard that teams with established rosters can, and with 6 teams at BPL ... not all them are going to be Nationals bound.
As an aside I used the AFDA site in 2008 for UQ as well, though mainly for insurance reasons, but the next group of execs changed their minds.
These numbers can be misleading.
For example, 10 players made their BPL debut this year in the Heroes team alone, and I imagine a large number from Slamtown did the same.
The significant decrease from 88 to 72 between seasons may seem concerning, but one must consider that a number of men were traveling for worlds. The UQ merger was a little sad, with some guys being retired. This said, Lovers finished first this year and the other teams got some good pickups. It could be said that the league is stronger.
I understand that Cobra's came out of the Buggers second team, which was dedicated to putting new players on the pitch. Who is going to be responsible for the next wave?
It's a very exciting league we have.
I was asked via email, "How long is very long term JdR?"
*shrug* - 7-10 years?
The basic step is is for at least three or four BPL Clubs to *reckon* they could recruit and field a Reserves team with say 3-6 month's notice.
Partly those Clubs would have a network of people who'd be interested (ex-players, weaker players who're still keen, friends and all the usual recruitment routes). Partly those Clubs would want to be willing to do something to encourage these groundbreakers to get involved (potential for individual development and promotion to A Grade within the Club, good Club vibe, leadership from the A grade team).
Post a Comment