NZAFF's version of flag will be known as ENDZONE, with the rules very similar to Flag however simplified to make it easier to deliver (e,g. – only one official) and will be delivered in a similar manner to Touch Football modules. The exact rules will be evaluated and evolved if needed as the concept goes to market.
ENDZONE will provide an easy opportunity for the community to play a version of American Football so that the sport in New Zealand can build numbers. These players will then have the opportunity to join clubs and continue through on various pathways, whether this be transitioning into Contact football or continuing to play Flag only.
The reason it has a different name is to differentiate it from other “footballs” in the crowded oval ball sports market including contact American Football or “International Rules” Flag which may also be played via Clubs or at a National level.
ENDZONE will be a brand that NZAFF owns (trademarked) and can control and manage as a distinct entity.
We are seeking expressions of interest from potential Administrators interested in managing an ENDZONE league in their community. These may well be people from existing American Football Clubs but don’t have to be.
NZAFF will be supporting the ENDZONE Administrators with a full toolkit to help support implementation programs including:
- A Smartphone App to help manage Team Registration, Draws etc
- Promotional material to help generate interest and registrations in their community
- Skills and Drills Training Content to help run training sessions
- Balls, cones, flag, belts and referee tees
- Back office accounting support from the NZAFF Office.
The Administrators job will be to encourage teams to enter, and to deliver the League with NZAFF providing all the support as detailed above. We expect that a good Administrator will have very good contacts in the local primary and intermediate schools or community, has strong organisational and communication skills, and is passionate about introducing children to a new Sport. Specific knowledge of American Football, whilst useful, is not mandatory as they will be supported with ENDZONE resources.
In return the Administrators will receive a level of remuneration for the job that will be tied to the size of the league, i.e. the bigger the league the greater the remuneration.
We have some specific opportunities in South and West Auckland to participate in primary school “Have a go” Sports days during the first school term which could act as a fantastic launch pad for an ENDZONE league, so are particularly interested in potential Administrators in this area to launch pilot leagues in Term 1.
NZAFF are interested in talking with interested parties on how they can best use this opportunity and further detail on the requirements and the delivery. Please contact Russell (gm@nzaff.co.nz, ph 09 9734058) if you are interested and/or want more information.